Need help deciding: AP1 Supercharged or AP2
 

Long Story short,
used to own a miata but sold it (7 years ago) ,regretted and ever since I sold it I wanted it back. Now, I have about $15k and looking at CL found me some higher mileage s2k.

With the budget I have test drove two s2k:
2001 AP1 selling at $15,000
- with kraftwerk supercharger installed in 2010 now with 180,000 miles. Stock boost.
- Clean carfax with two owners only and have maintenance receipts shown to me like a brag book
- car is very clean inside out

2007 AP2 selling at $12,000
- stock 150,000 miles with three owners
- minor rear accident repaired by Honda.
- no maintenance receipts
- car has ripped seat on both drive and passenger
​​​​​​- soft top needs a patch

The supercharged AP1 feels very same with the stock AP2 below 5k rpm but it changed to a monster after that. It is going to be my weekend car.

I do feel the supercharged AP1 is slightly over priced being the age and mileage but it is very tempting to own a supercharged s2k.

thoughts?? opinions...

You should be able to find a lower mileage AP1 or AP2 for 15K and if you up your budget a few thousand dollars you can find an awesome low mileage S2000. I purchased a cheap 2001 from a Honda dealership and could have purchased a low mileage 2006+ with the money I've put into the car (luckily the car is great now).

I recenlty saw a 2004 with only 47k or so miles on it for 18500 obo. I think it may have been on this site. Thta's a HUGE difference compared to the 150k miles one. If you can mange 17-18k that's where these cars really start to get nice.

where do you live that s2000 prices are so high? I picked up an 06 with 175k miles for 8k in good condition.

For reference I paid $11K for an '06 with ripped seats, 92K miles, brand new top, painted door and fender, with little historical documentation...so the '07 is overpriced.

On buying supercharged are you handy working on cars? If not probably best to stay away. You need to really consider that most people will not pay the premium for aftermarket enhancements such as a supercharger and many consider it a negative. Ask yourself what the 2001 with 180K on the clock is worth stock and it quickly looks very overpriced.

I live in Dallas, Tx

Good point.

I agree, If anything the Supercharged cars should be cheaper than Stock IMO. Sounds like the sellers live in a dream world.

It appears that you're open to a variety of year models. A quick glance at your local craigslist reveals a number of options that seemingly fit your budget and appear to be much better buys than the two you've already mentioned. (As a side note, it also appears that S2000s in your area are selling for cheaper than they are here in the Pacific Northwest.)

Is there a specific color you are wanting or some other factor not previously mentioned?

yes, I'm pretty open to year models. I'll definitely look up Craigslist again. Thank you.