I have asked for the code. I have a feeling it will be for something small considering how it ran and drove but who knows. Pretty sure the dealer is not planning to call me back as they dont want to consider my offer which I do not know if its a reasonable one or not. If nothing else, I think they are in no hurry since I have pointed out the cars flaws and such and that Im not just going to pay what they ask cause it is a "cool" car as he put it. Perhaps they are reasonable and Im lowballing but the fact it needs a top and also all major service items from around 100K service performed (neither of which the dealer will do) forced me to offer less than obviously I would if these things were ok.

 

I would pass on this car. As an AP1 with 100k miles, an accident history, a torn top and a CEL $11k is just too much. If the CEL is an easy fix, why didn't they fix it before putting the car up for sale? They may plan on just resetting the light right before you buy it and counting on the fact that it will likely take 20-40 miles before the CEL pops up again. Considering you can still see damage from the previous accident (even if you can only barely see it) who knows what may have been half-ass repaired underneath? If you pay a shop to install a new top, you are talking about spending thousands of dollars. Just be patient and you'll find one with no accident history or any of these other problems for $12k or less.
On a side note, I previously owned a 99 Miata (several cars ago) and my 05 s2k is an upgrade from that car in every way. I just wish hardtops were as cheap and plentiful for the s2k as the miata. I paid $700 for a used hardtop for the miata and recently paid $2,200 (which is actually well below the average $2,500-3,000) for a hardtop for my s2k.

 

He called back and gave me codes of p0300 and p1607. The P0300 I think is misfires and the p1607 is ecm failure. He said its about a 600 repair (200 if I do it myself he said) for 1607 and didnt know about 0300 code. He accepted my offer of 9.5K but I have to do that repair....no warranty. So to sum it up....9.5K for a 2002 with 99K, 1 accident repaired pretty well, glossy paint, 1" tear in the original top, good tires, normal wear interior, needs all service around 100K, bad ECM...oh and fast as hell.

I can do almost all of the 100K service but would not attempt the valves. I could do the ecm replacement. I MAY could do the top, if not I can get it done for 1320 with a robbines locally. I just wonder whats next on a 100K car....maybe nothing.

 

P0300 can be caused by MANY things ranging from something simple like spark plugs/coils to something major like poor compression. The dealer is going to make the problem sound more trivial and cheaper to fix than it truly is. I would still pass on this car if I were you. If you do insist on buying it, I would tell the dealer that you will give them $9,500 + $600 if they will fix all of the errors and give you a 30 day warranty against the same codes reoccuring. I don't know how they think you will fix both of those codes (including a new ECM) for only $200...

 

2007 silverstone with 28k miles. bone stock. dealer wants 22,900 for it. carfax checks out and pictures look clean (but by now i've learned to never trust pictures)

this car is about a 6hr drive or 1hr flight away from me, but i'm willing to make the trek if it's worth it.

is there anything else i should check? or is anyone willing to check it out for me? it's near phoenix az.


if i should bargain, what's a realistic goal for final price?

 

I bought a 2007 silverstone with 26300 miles for $20,990 about 2 weeks ago. clean car fax. one door ding on driverside that will get fixed because I purchased the "dent wizard" insurance and its missing the floor mats. other than that its in great condition. when i was looking there were several with more mile for more money. So that price doesn't too far out. Probably room to bargain though.

 

Would like advice on another car. I am looking at a 2001 with 17" AP2 wheels, good tires, upgraded top to glass window. It is in very good shape in and out with 60K miles. I believe it has a couple of minor chips on one side for some reason. Have not ran a carfax yet, was waiting to see if we can negotiate a proper price. Asking 13K, what would be a good price on the car? Any advice would be appreciated.

 

Going to take a look at this AP1 this coming saturday. 2002 S2000 I had him send me some higher res pics and as far as appearances go it looks immaculate. Im assuming maintenance was taken just as good as the appearance but assumptions only get you so far so im going to have an independent inspection done as well. Just wanted to post on here to check if the price is reasonable.

 

the 07 silverstone was sold

found an 08 silverstone with 10k miles on a dealer lot. seems clean and is listed at 26999. i really like the mileage, but is the price increase worth it? price is in line with KBB, is there a chance i negotiate i can get a better price?

 

I'm starting my search and will of course look here too. I did read about the common issues and things to look for when evaluating an S2000 (clutch buzz, oil banjo bolts). To give you some background, I just sold my 2002 911, bought a 2012 GTI for daily use. I had planned on buying an air cooled 911, but am really starting to think hard about the value of used S2000s. Plus I like to do 2-3 DEs per year at Mid-Ohio and the S2000 will be more fun for that in my opinion.

Here are a few S2000s that peak my interest. I want to stay away from a black exterior. What do you say?

Cool red interior: http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false

Thanks,
James