I've been reading the forum for a few days now, just joined, so I thought I'd do an initial post. Brief background - my SO has a 3000GT that has the lease ending in a few months, so we're getting ready for her next car. We went to look at an S2000 Saturday and, you guessed it, it will be her next car. I've been a car nut my whole life (hint, I have some gray hair!) and, while I haven't driven one yet, the S2000 seems like an amazing car. We're looking for a black/black w/ factory hardtop. The Phoenix dealer we went to said they hadn't been able to get any hardtops shipped to them yet, but people on the forum have them. Are the hardtops hard to get? Does any one know when the 2003's will be out? We need to have the car purchased by the end of August, so I'm not sure if it would even be possible to get a 2003. One last thing - the dealer had one, it had $6K added to the price and w/o much talking, the salesman said they'd sell for somewhere around $2/3K above MSRP. I saw the list of MSRP dealers, but there aren't any in AZ. Any and all advice would be most appreciated.

Roger

 

Here in Fresno/ Clovis they are 4 grand from the dealer. There was a black one but it was for a 2002 and that was 2 months ago. I would definitely get one for AZ. Having spent some time in your great town (I love Phoenix!!!) you will need to keep the top up from time to time due to the heat. A hard top will be useful. I would get the cool holder for it when it off of the car. I am not sure how heavy it is/ ease of instillation/ etc. Good luck with the purchase!!

 

There is no reason to pay above and beyond MSRP. Lots of dealers, especially in the Chicago area, are willing to sell for MSRP or less, and then it's just a matter of getting it delivered or flying up here and driving it back yourself.

I just stopped at Honda of Lisle (you guessed it, in Lisle, IL) over the weekend, and they had five cars sitting in the parking lot, still wraped in plastic. They were willing to sell at MSRP, and shipping out to California was estimated at $900 (so deduct a few percent since you'd only be going to AZ). So even at full MSRP you're still saving money.

My parents live in Phoenix, so I went to a local Honda dealer in Scottsdale a few months ago. I would not expect any discounts from those guys...

 

Thanks for the info! I'd have no problem flying/driving to get a car back to Phoenix. I read a comment about the break-in period being critical and I also saw something about not exceeding 5500 RPM, but that's all I know so far. I wouldn't want to not do a proper break-in, so shipping would also be an option if the cost was at or close to MSRP.

Roger

 

If you don't mind having the hardtop shipped, then check out HandA(sponsor) website....they're cheaper than anywhere I've seen.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by rsl
[B]I'd have no problem flying/driving to get a car back to Phoenix.

 

You got it. The dealers are marking up the s2000 because of demand. I paid cash for mine and still got gouged for an extra $1500 "market adjustment", with taxes, fees and registration, and lojack installed the price was up to $39000. I got Polk component speakers installed to replace the factory crap and found out if you install an aftermarket receiver you'll lose the left hand radio controls. So now I have to get the subwoofer and CD changer from Honda. I just ordered a set of 18" SSR competition wheels and BF Goodrich g-force tires to the tune of $3000. Also, I've got a K&N air filter($50) and I'm trying to get a high performance exhaust system locally($1000), the only one I've found is in Germany.
So you can see a s2000 isn't cheap at all. BUT it's the best toy I've ever had. It may be more car than your SO would want. I passed on the hardtop because part of the fun of the s2000 is the convertible top, I know it gets hot out there.
I love my s2000, it's an easy car to fall in love with, and it'll never let you down. Drive safely........yeah right!

Steve

 

That's what 6th gear is for. 5,500 rpm in 6th is 82 mph!.

Our dealer has one coming this month. I don't know what color. He sells for MSRP. Your Phoenix dealer will probably sell one to you for MSRP also.

 

If you're not trading in a car, you could try purchasing directly from Honda via their website. Dunno all the details about the financing, but you should get it at MSRP w/o haggling.

 

Kinda a repost from S2kTalk Forum, but my local dealer (Fayetteville NC) has a brand new yellow/black 02 that just came off the truck last night. Still had white plastic protectant on it when I saw it this morn. Asking 32,000. They're # is (910) 483-1234. Don't know if you want to make a cross country run for it, but if you do, please ask for LEAH ROGERS and tell her Butler sent you. She is who I bought mine from, a great sales person. Probably not going to be able to come off the MSRP though, but did get a decent deal on my trade in(better than any other dealer would give me).