Hey guys, what do you think of the following in the socal area...

-2003 GPW with tan interior
-85K miles
-completely stock
-ad says its in "pristine condition". Doesn't have the greatest pics posted but it does look clean from what I can tell.
-clean carfax and title
-asking $15K

 

Overpriced

 

Maybe I should try to get it for 13.5K?

 

If it's truly an issue free car, then $13,000-$14,000 would be a fair price I think. I'd be very picky, however, if it has any flaws.

 

I just bought a GPW/Tan 2003 with 103k for $10k, but it has quite a few cosmetic issues. Damaged rockers from bottoming out on speed bumps, received hail damage and was poorly repaired in some spots, front bumper has been repainted, rip in the top, etc.

If the same car was in "pristine" condition, I may have paid another 2,000.

 

^Still a good purchase for $10,000. Especially considering I take it there are no mechanical issues with the car? How are you liking it btw?

I'd revise and say try to get it for $13-13,500 absolute *tops* assuming it has 0 flaws. I purchased my car for $14,000 with 32,000 miles on the clock, but mine is the most common color combination in the second most common year and the market seems to have picked up a bit since. I wouldn't expect to find the same deal again on an S2000 in very good shape with similar mileage--I'd likely have to spend $16,000 and do a few months of searching and be willing to travel out of area.

If this car checks out fully, I don't think $13,500 is overpaying, but anything more might be. Just make sure to have a PPI done if serious about purchasing, compression test recommended, have *all* vins checked, including the one on engine/transmission.

 

I'm liking it a lot. So far no major mechanical issues. Started hearing a ticking under the hood. Not sure if TCT or if it needs a valve adjustment, but it runs and shifts smooth. Not a fan of the N1 exhaust, too loud for my taste. It also rides like a rock. I know that its a sports car meant for cornering, but still seems like it rides rougher than it should. Has BuddyClub N+ coilovers.

Other than that, just has a lot of little clean up. I really love driving it.

Weather is really nice right now too.

 

The ticking could very well be either TCT or just in need of a valve adjustment--hopefully that's what it is. Make sure to check oil level frequently as well as AP1's are known for consuming it. My car ended up being lower than I thought on my last oil change as I should have been checking the oil level more frequently.

As for the harsh ride, I suspect it is partly due to the coil overs, but something you will generally have to get used to in a lowered sports car. I feel like my car rides rough when it comes to little bumps in the road on swift sport springs and OEM struts, but it still rides smoother than my brother's 95 Miata on aftermarket suspension.

 

I came across a s2000 that I really like and the owner informed me that the car has a rebuilt title. The owner said that the car was near a fire but the car was not actually involved in the fire. It has a new paint job. He is asking 12.5 k for the car and I thought that was a little expensive for the car. I have not seen it but I was told that it is in near perfect condition and drives amazing. It’s a 2003 with really low miles. He seems like a very honest guy and I don’t doubt what he has told me.

What do you think is a fair price to pay for that car? Can anyone tell me what % the insurance will cover if anything ever happens? I also know that not all insurance companies cover rebuilt title cars. I will make some phone calls to see who will cover the car.

I’m looking around right now to see what salvage ones go for and the price is anywhere from $6000-9000.

Thanks

 

I'd agree with this...I'm going to check out the car tomorrow. If everything looks good, I'll probably offer 13k, max would be 13.5k.