Given the low mileage and the apparent great condition of the vehicle from the pictures (particularly the intierior, the soft top and the one wheel) I would think you could still be happy paying anywhere up to $18000 assuming it is in good mechanical condition with records. It is after all a low mileage 10 year old vehicle and seals and rubbers do deteriorate and dry out over time with lack of use unless meticulously and assiduously cared for. What kind of evironment it has come from will give you some ideas about things to look out for - age of previous owners, south(hot/humid), south east(hot/humid), south west (age related driver issues), north (paint damage from road conditions - it looks like it might fall into this category given its history), garaged or not (given its location and apparent condition it probably has been garaged in the winter months - this is good!) etc etc. Good luck on this - love the yellow.

 

The KBB $21k is unrealistic IMO. Edmonds may be a little too low so that leaves NADA as the most reasonable of the three.
I'd suggest you set your own limit and shop for cars within that limit. The best deal will be the best car you can find for the price you are willing to pay.

 

No vin sticker on the rear bumper, does the paint match ok?

 

Thanks for the feedback HS2K. Good points

 

S2ka, was that question for my post? There should be a Vin on the bumper?

 

So I'm looking into purchasing my first s2k. I came here to get some opinions on it. I've searched KBB, Edmunds, and Nadaguides for prices. For Nada and Edmunds they gave me a price ratio of 12-14k, while KBB gave me a 18.5k.

s2k info:
03
60,010 on the odometer
clean car fax and autocheck
comes with oem hardtop
the exterior and interior are rated as excellent.
all stock

there was an event record for "loan/lien." I'm assuming it was repo'd?
the car is very clean.

Aside from still having to test drive it and checking out the car for any mechanical issues. Does this sound like a good deal or over priced? What kind of angle should I take on this to the dealer? Any advice is greatly appreciated..

 

Centurion, I'm in the market and I've been checking listings and prices daily. From my research and knowledge of the business (and having wholesale and auction value information)....NADA has the best estimated values in the business for clean retail. Plus, most banks will base their maximum auto loan amounts based on NADA value.

I don't even look at KBB because their values are so extremely inflated. (It irks me when there are listings based on KBB values, as they are completely unrealistic.) And on the opposite end, Edmunds seems to always be undervaluing cars.

Be aware that NADA values do not take into account things like low mileage, extra clean, one owner, etc. So you can add value to a car in that condition.

Based on the NADA estimate for a 2001 Honda S2k with 20,000 miles at $13,300 for clean retail (in my zip code) I would say the asking price of $16000 is high. For the low mileage and being a clean car I would add approximately $1500ish to NADA's value.

That being said, I think $14800 is a good compromise. That price is fair to both you and the dealer (or seller). This is assuming the vehicle is worthy of a "clean retail" label. That means there has been NO body/paint work....EVERYTHING works flawlessly on the car, and everything is in excellent condition. If there are any flaws, deduct from the $14,800 price.

Good luck!

 

So I've been asking constantly about various cars I've seen for sale. Saw one for about 10,500 but originally was close to 12k. Car itself has 93k on the engine. The seller when I spoke to him was convinced he could get 12k for it. Less of the price talk. The car needs news trans mounts & rear shocks. I had originally offered 10k to the guy & he turned it down but now he is actually taking it into consideration. Would this car really be worth the while? Are those 2 problems signs of problems on the car? Thanks.

 

Yes, all S2000's have a vin sticker on every body panel including the bumpers. The rear bumper should have one between the two tail lights. If it doesn't it's been replaced or repainted. Could be fine, could be damage repair lurking under there.

 

DirtyJack- your post is excellent & great advice .You gave a good starting point. you very much! Curious, why do you think KBB is so inflated?