Hi all,

I'm on the verge of buying a 2000 or 2001 plate S and just had a few queries;

1 - Are there any differences in the front and rear light shapes from older to newer models? (apart from the rings around the rear lights)
2 - The models I am looking at have around 40-50k on them, is this a sensible mileage to buy at for this car (I'm guessing yes given that its a Honda!)
3 - whats the highest mileage witnessed on an S?
4 - I keep reading about common problems on the earlier models but can't find specific mentions (apart from a scary post about 5 diffs?!) should I be concerned?
5 - Am I able to buy a warranty from Honda and how much is it likely to cost?

I'd also like to say thanks to whoever put up the huge thread around buying/maintaining an S - great idea and learnt a hell of a lot (apart from the above of course!)

Thanks

 

2000 plate model S will have a plastic rear window.

Lights are the same.

You usually pay more for lower mileage. Higher mileage should not be a problem, just check the car has been regularly serviced. You may also like to check how close it is to the next scheduled service and what is involved in that particular service (eg a major service costs more to perform).

No recalls on the car. Problems with earlier models are usually:
- rear window not folding correctly without help
- 2nd gear grind
- clutch buzz
None of these are major problems.

Check there is no wind noise with the roof up, and no leaks. Check the latches don't rattle.

Broken diffs are usually the results of driver abuse (clutch dumps). The diff in this car is not bulletproof.

 

if you plan on putting a SINGLE mod on the car, even a hood or different rims, then don't even bother with the hondacare warranty. they will void any and all claims if your car has even one single mod on it.