Yeah, I recognize the premium you pay with dealers, but I guess my question would be is it grossly overpriced? Right now I'm basically carless, so I can't wait months and I figure I'd get better prices in the winter anyway.

 

To a prospective S2000 owner, it does seem like all of the S2000's are on dealer lots. I know that some are just generally opposed to "stealerships" for used cars. Frankly, some of the private sellers aren't exactly listing at lower prices either. It wouldn't matter if people were still buying them, but they aren't and they sit.

I know pricing is a grey area, but when you're buying with a loan or insuring the vehicle it's black and white. Banks won't finance over book value and insurers definitely aren't going to give you a premium over book value without a fight when you file a claim. Stay patient if you can, or maybe consider a different car for the time being. There are a lot more S2000's out there then sellers/dealers make it seem. They are not rare at all (especially if you're willing to fly to pick it up). Since you are car-less, you might just have to cast a wider net (more mileage, ap1, colors, etc.).

Some owners think their S2000 is a Supra or a 993 Porsche, when that just isn't the case. S2000's are worth nowhere near those cars.

 

Yeah, I'm in an unfortunate situation where my Miata was totaled 4 months too early. I'm going to graduate from college this spring and I have a good paying job already lined up. The question is just what should I do now.

 

Since you need one quicker than the average buyer (these are "fun" cars after all), I'd recommend getting an older model with more miles 60-90k should be more than alright. I'm assuming you drove NA/NB Miata and know generally how to care for your car.

Owners with AP1's seem to list their cars at more realistic prices and more private owners are selling those than the newer AP2's. Comprehensive maintenance records should be what you're mainly after and new tires can save your life. I'd only pay a premium at a dealership for a low mileage car. Then their premiums are actually worth something.

 

I also came across a white '02 AP1 with 150k miles selling for $9k. But basically my thinking is if I'd get one of these older, higher mileage cars, I'd put back up for sale pretty quick. I'll be starting my job this June and by the end of the summer I'd try to sell and either get a nicer s2000 or a new BR-Z.

I guess my decision is do I want to buy a car now that I'll keep for many years, or just a temporary car for now.

 

I think you can find some less mileage ones for your money. White is a great color. There is a local listing by me for GPW/tan with 90k miles and $10K. My budget is higher so I'm passing on it, but absolutely nothing wrong with 90k miles.

Nothing wrong with something temporary. All of the people on here are enthusiasts on some level. Although there's a lot of "I'll never sell this car," even they know that there are bigger cars out there and looking to "upgrade" (into NSX's/Caymans) in the future eventually.

 

What do you all think of purchase price of 17500 for a 58000 mile 2006 GPW? It seems that it has been well maintained but both seat bottoms have major cracks in them. Owner said that they just appeared and grew after he purchased the car. He garaged it but doesn't know about the previous owners. He is the third. It was also involved in a front end collision, in Nov of 2006, involving "right side impact" "it hit a motor vehicle". He says it doesn't pull to a side and he cant tell its been hit. This is my main concern. Also it was registered as a commercial vehicle. I figure someone used a business to claim this car as a tax write off or something similar. Other than these things I am ready to jump head first into this thing. What do you all think?

 

I paid 19k for an 06 with 24k miles on it in 2011. Had some after market mods in it (exhaust, clear side markers, etc.). I'm not sure if it helps.

 

Thanks man

 

If you're concerned about the damage then get the car inspected. It's impossible to say based solely on your OP whether there are any concerns with the repairs that were done.