Zogster

What's the better buy?
- 2002 with 95k miles, $13k. Looks to be in very good condition and well maintained with records. New tires and brakes.Think I could talk them down to $12k.
- 2001 with 58k miles, $16k. Tires are probably needing replaced soon (have tread but they are getting old). Has side strakes, spoiler, front lip. Excellent condition. Not sure if I could talk them down.

My only concern with the 2002 is it seems like the value really falls off above 100k in case I ever decided to sell. I wouldn't be driving it much (travel all the time for work) so the 58k mile example would probably never get to 100k during my ownership.

cgarrett23

I would say the better buy is the '02 if you could get it for $12k. The 2002-2003 model AP1 has some nice enhancements over the '00-01, most importantly the glass rear windowed top. Tires are going to cost you $1k. What are the colors of each one and what kind of shape are each of the tops in (they are not cheap to replace)?

An '02 with that kind of miles in my neck of the woods is $15k all day.

Zogster

'02 is Sebring and '01 is NFR.

The top is probably better on the '01. It's a replacement top with the glass window.. '02 is original. No tears though. Seats are a little more worn on the '02 but they aren't bad and with proper entry/exit they should be fine for years to come.

Say Chi Sin Lo

2002 / 95k miles @ $13k, Sebring Silver... Get it if you're going to track it
2001 / 58k miles @ $16k, NFR... Get it if you're going to keep and treasure it. Basically your cool and pretty car.

xxyion

Totally agree with this. While i never understood the mentality of someone thinking about resale value on a car (you bought it so you could drive it, not so you could break even in 4 years), the lower mileage one will suit you better for what you plan on doing with the car. While it does come with some mods, it will retain its value longer due to the lower mileage. If you plan on selling it in a few years, depending on the condition and how many are left on the streets, the car can sell for quite the pretty penny if under 100k miles.

Zogster

Well, the '02 sold, so that's out. Probably will keep waiting at this point as the NFR has been for sale for quite a while at that price.

NNY S2k

Generally the S commands a higher asking price in spring/summer.
Levi

GuthNW

Any car that is in good condition and that has been well maintained complete with records of that maintenance carries additional value. With a car like the S2000 where maintenance is so important, the value of such records is even greater in my opinion. Relatively speaking, 95K miles can still be considered low mileage on these cars and that car would have likely made for a good buy. But if you are buying primarily with resale value in mind then stick to a car in the best condition, with the lowest miles, in the rarest color combination that you can afford. Any miles you put on these cars decreases their value which is of great irony given how fun they are to drive. Only you can decide which is of more value to you personally: the experience of driving one of these cars or the amount you get in return when you sell it to someone else to enjoy. Regardless of any of this, when these cars are offered at fair prices for what they are they tend to go quickly.

Sts

2007 LBP with 202k miles, brand new head,new top with bc coils. 11.5k worth it?

braytonia

2006 NFR 63,000 miles. CA car and bone stock with clean title and maintenance records. What do you think it is worth?