Hey guys,

I'm looking at a 2005 Suzuka Blue with a clean title, 62,200 miles, and the following mods.

-Tseudo Catback exhaust
-Replica 4-2-1 stainless header
-Berk 70mm High flow cat
-AEM V2 cold air intake
-KW V.3 Coilovers
-Karcepts adjustable front sway bar
-Stock rotors with EBC yellow stuff brake pads front and rear
-2 sets of wheels (AP2 V1 and a near mint set of RPF1's)
-APR front lip
-Clifford alarm and keyless entry
-VAFC2 currently has all stock settings including VTEC engage point.
-Skunk2 weighted shift knob

His asking price is 17,500 with all the modifications included, or 15,500 with the wheels and suspension swapped back to stock and the rest included.
I haven't been able to see the car in person yet, but the pictures look good and the seller has a pleasant email demeanor that doesn't raise any immediate alarms.

What do you guys think?

http://boise.craigslist.org/cto/5521377502.html

Thanks!

 

Seems very reasonable to me for a 2005 at just over 60,000 miles, but as always overall condition plays a very important factor.
$50 or so edit: *carfax* can potentially save you from a real headache (+$150-200 tops for a full buyer's inspection). Accident free, clean car, no rust (Boise in the winter..), strong engine and strong mechanically, good cosmetic shape outside and in, it would be a fair deal if all that checks out. If there's any lights on (like brake light, ABS, check engine,) ... have the car scanned to find out what the code is and have the shop quote you for a replacement/fix.

It's always tough sitting behind the computer wondering what the real condition of a car is from a craiglist ad.
But *IF* it is in very good shape, (as in it checks out and is a car you wouldn't have to sink much money/time and work into or get rid of), looks very good cosmetically, you are not getting hosed on the deal. I could sell my (nearly) completely stock 2004 with 43,000 miles on the clock for as much without any modifications and with one set of wheels and with just the soft top as in the ad. Hopefully you are close enough to Boise to make it not too far of a drive.

Check the engine oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, anything that you can (not sure if you can actually check the diff. fluid short of changing it?). If the fluid levels are good and the car looks clean, the carfax checks out, car sounds good with no funny noises, I'd consider that a good start. If the spark plugs haven't been changed they're definitely due to be. Ask if it's had a valve adjustment yet (also due), and if he does all the work himself or if you can see the car's service/maintenance records.
One more thing, ask if the car has been tracked. If so, the maintenance becomes all the more important. My AP2 was, but fortunately the previous owner was someone mechanically inclined and a friend of mine. There's stuff I've missed (especially as far as pointing out specific things to look for and check, but it's a great start minimum).

Just remember, while a Honda, it's a used car. If anything at all seems suspect, walk away, and if for some reason you still can't pass, make sure the shop can identify exactly what it is and what the fix will be.

Why the essay? Because I've been screwed on a used car before (before my S2000[s]).

 

Thank you for the essay! The more good information I can get from experienced folks, the better!

A prepurchase inspection, alignment, and some fluid changes are always at the top of any new-to-me car checklist.

Thanks for your thoughts and insight, I will definitely be keeping all of this stuff in mind when I go check the car out in person.

 

I was surprised how many cars had a lot of mods and asked the same as a stock car, it doesn't seem right to me. Many mods are put on by half a$$ shade tree mechanics and in general should be viewed with diminished value vs a stock vehicle. A modified vehicle can often have reliability issues not present on a stock car as well, again due to quality of parts and installation. Personally I'd buy a higher mileage really well cared for vehicle to stay in the lower price ranges with a meticulous owner and then modify it yourself as you wish, at least you know the quality of the work is based on your skill set, not someone else's. There is a lot of "someone else worn out junk" on CL and Autotrader.

 

Asking price is one thing, selling price another.

 

Buying a modified car could also come with better odds of a car that was cared for.

If I ever sell my AP1, it will most definitely be modified, but it'll also have had every single bit of maintenance I can think of and then some, along with parts being upgraded as they wear out.

 

Hey guys, I have a 2001 silverstone ap1 with 113000 miles.
Mods; Berk headerback exhaust with vibrant ultra quiet resonator welded in
Rick's leather center console cover
aftermarket radio and speakers (pioneer and kickers)
rear 25mm wheel spacers
skunk 2 shift knob
It also has a 72k mile ap2 tranny just swapped in last winter with a ballade sports clutch,82k mile ap2 diff just swapped in, new front brakes and rotors, and unknown air intake. Oh and a new Robbins soft top.
I also have all the oem parts (exhaust, catalytic converter, shift knob and much more) In good condition and runs great just a few very small paint scratches. So how much do you think it's worth?

 

 

EricJT7 good on you man what great imfo . for anyone purchasing a S that hasn't had much to do with them . I spoke for a S2007 white with red / blck interior with original hardtop , has 30,000 lkm's or 18000 mi , 2nd owner since 7000 mi . Looking at $ 30,000 Cnd. and there was in the range of 30 to 35 % between Cnd. and USA dollar and I feel with the hardtop it's a solid deal .

Interested in knowing you thoughts as lot more of these in states than here in Ontario Canada . Also I have been involved in Pro Stock's and did oil changes and strait forward maintenance on my other car's but at 66 tired of the on back deals so would appreciate knowing where on this site since I'm all green to the site as to where would I ask who here in Ontario could inform me of closest very knowledgeable mechanic and a guy familiar with suspension upgrades , light mod's as far as performances , tires and wheels as tires that used on this car altogether different than the Mustang's .

Any information much appreciated as I really into the S Regards Doug

 

$21K US w hardtop sounds like good deal to me. I'm also 66 and tired of "garage yoga" .