Let see what you guys think about this 04

Biggest problem for me is that I'm in LA and this is located in the Bay Area. I'm up for the trip but really don't want to waste a day or two.

2004/Formula Red/81xxx miles
4 owners
Looks pretty clean in/out
Has some mods but there is limited info and nobody at the dealer seems to know exactly what parts have been installed.
Quoted from ad "VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS: -Upgraded 17 inch RPF1 Racing Wheels -Upgraded Suspension -Upgraded Exhaust System -Upgraded Cold Air Intake"
Carfax is clean
Asking 18,800
http://m.cars.com/vehicledetail/#!vdp?listingId=641932934&year=2004&stkTyp=U&searc hId=2232399900000000000000001440480927955&userId=2 232399900000000000000001440480625533&mkNm=Honda&md Nm=S2000&zc=94545&partyId=undefined

 

I was thinking to offer them $27,000 out the door, would that seem reasonable?
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That would certainly be reasonable.

The problem with the rare beauties is that there is always that person willing to pay the high dollar, and the dealer knows he can be patient - we are not talking about big car dollars here. Sounds like a winner though - good luck!
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Concur with 2Kaputnik, $27K OTD would be reasonable. Would this be a daily or Sunday driver for you?

 

Before you make the trip would see if the dealer can provide you with some pictures of the exterior, interior, etc. Any maintenance records, VIN #s match, etc.? Price of $18.8k seems high for '04 with 81k.

 

I was thinking to offer them $27,000 out the door, would that seem reasonable?
[/quote]

That would certainly be reasonable.

The problem with the rare beauties is that there is always that person willing to pay the high dollar, and the dealer knows he can be patient - we are not talking about big car dollars here. Sounds like a winner though - good luck!
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Concur with 2Kaputnik, $27K OTD would be reasonable. Would this be a daily or Sunday driver for you?
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It's going to be my weekends toys.

 

Both seem clean from the provided pics on the ad. Think I should see if they'll send me some additional pics?
In regards to the price I think I should be able to talk them down slightly.. But who knows how low

 

Both seem clean from the provided pics on the ad. Think I should see if they'll send me some additional pics?
In regards to the price I think I should be able to talk them down slightly.. But who knows how low
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Is there some reason you can't post in the Bay area regional forum and see if anyone nearby there can drop in and check it out for you? Just to let you know if it's nice or a pos? And maybe take some better pics for you?

 

Both seem clean from the provided pics on the ad. Think I should see if they'll send me some additional pics?
In regards to the price I think I should be able to talk them down slightly.. But who knows how low
[/quote]
Is there some reason you can't post in the Bay area regional forum and see if anyone nearby there can drop in and check it out for you? Just to let you know if it's nice or a pos? And maybe take some better pics for you?
[/quote]
I didn't even think about that. Let me try that and see if a kind soul would do me the solid.

 

Drove it this evening, mechanically sound. Rear bumper looks repainted, badly, the paint is rough to the touch. A few decent rock chips. I offered the asking price put the door and they said no way they can go lower on the price, so I just walked away. I'll check back in a day or so to see if they will reconsider.
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Price dropped to 18k, they said they are a no haggle dealer. Carfax shows a replaced head gasket at 45k miles, a reprogrammed pcm and "replaced console". Any of those worth worrying about?

http://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory...&partner=CVE_0

 

Drove it this evening, mechanically sound. Rear bumper looks repainted, badly, the paint is rough to the touch. A few decent rock chips. I offered the asking price put the door and they said no way they can go lower on the price, so I just walked away. I'll check back in a day or so to see if they will reconsider.
[/quote]

Price dropped to 18k, they said they are a no haggle dealer. Carfax shows a replaced head gasket at 45k miles, a reprogrammed pcm and "replaced console". Any of those worth worrying about?

http://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory...&partner=CVE_0
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Even at $18K this is not a super deal...throw in the red flags [rock chips, painted bumper, head gasket, console replaced, etc.] and I would walk away. A better S2K in this price range will come along if you are patient.

 

The backstory: It is a 2004 sebring silver metallic with red/black interior. The vehicle has never been modded and was traded in about 3 weeks ago at a reputable "40 year franchise dealership" for a new VW passat. The owner was a guy in his mid-to-late 60's according to the dealership manager and the car was garage kept. Carfax shows no accidents and a decent amount of service records (11 to be exact) with the most recent service done at the dealership including new front rotors/pads/oil change/valve cover seal replacement/and rear brake servicing. I spoke with the mechanic who personally did the work on the vehicle and he in fact owns a 2000 AP1. He complemented the overall condition of the vehicle (including how clean the valve train looked when he popped the valve cover).

After about a week of long distance negotiating and discussions I came to an agreed price of $19,000 before I would take the 5 hour trip to look at the car. Yesterday, I kindly asked the salesperson to take pictures of all 8 of the body panel vins to confirm authenticity and he shoots me back 7...Long story short the drivers side panel has been replaced by the owner years ago, when he backed out of his driveway and hit a stationary dumpster parked on the street. The fact that they called the previous owner and divulged that information shows credibility, yet how did they not know it was a replacement in the first places scares me?! Right now we agreed to $18,400.00 with the car as it stands currently. Would you consider that worth the 11ish hour round trip???


Pro's:
37K miles
one owner
newer tires
service records
garage kept

Con's:
Driver seat has some bolster wear
Top has infamous shoulder rip
small scuff on front bumper
non factory fender
drivers side door was painted upon delivery 3 weeks ago due to "scratches from wife when pulling into garage"


Ryan