Hello s2k members,
Ive been lurking on these forums since 2002 and learned quite a bit. Since when I was 14, I always knew the S2k had to be the car I get and now time has come for me to finally own one of these roadsters. I've always wanted a GPW, but that color is rare as hell around here or even states close to where I live. So for now im just gonna settle with Berlina black (also a sweet color) or sebring/silverstone silver and then I'm just gonna paint it when the time comes. But yea, I have a pretty hard choice between 5 different S2K's.. This is where you guys come in and give some advice on what would be a wise decision. All comments are apreciated.

Car 1
Car 2
Car 3
Car 4
Car 5

So give me your expert opinions... -Thanks

I hope no one is gonna try to flame me for being 18 and try to say im spoiled.. Just to let you guys know im not a immature little kid and im definitley not spoiled. Ive been working framing and siding (Construction) for a good 2 years now. So I definitely think I've earned this car by all means. No help from the parents besides my dad giving me the job. So I'll conclude on this note.

 

#4 seems to be the best price without lots of miles. With the $ saved you can always add a spoiler if you'd like one. If all the cars are near you I'd suggest taking them for a test ride and then decide.

 

Go look at them and test drive them. Verify that the car you want to purchase has a clean title. How many owners of the vehicle? If possible go with someone who knows a lot about cars, i.e. mechanic. If not drive it to a trusted mechanic and have them look it over. As for being 18, so what as long as you can afford the insurance and car price, preimum gas etc.

 

2 or 3. Go ahead and do a carfax on them. #5 is over priced, in comparison.
If you're just 18 or so, price insurance before buying anything. It could run over $4000 a year for a young driver.

 

#3

 

#3

 

make sure you can test drive and fully inspect the vehicle. check that top! an S2000 over three years old is already ready for a new top, and that is pricey. look for wear marks inside around the hardware, and for shiney areas on top. make sure the seats are not worn or getting flat areas. pull the carpet in the trunk and check that the paint is over the "glue", and not the reverse. check the engine carefully, i would do a thorough retainer inspection, compression and leakdown, just to be safe. little clues can prove abuse and above normal wear.
none of them are a good deal if you have to immediately put a couple of grand into them. and get on your parents' policy, you'll save thousands.

 

Inspection/test drive's worth a thousand opinions.

 

I'd try harder to find the color you want instead of planning to repaint it later. A color change paint job is expensive/time consuming and if you just do the exterior surfaces you are just going to trash the value of the car.
As someone already stated - get the insurance quote before you buy.

 

Thanks for all the replies! As for the car price, premium gas and insurance is not really a problem because my weekly income consists from anywhere from 1000-1500 and im currently living with the parents so its not that big of deal.. I just wish the insurance would be cheaper because I got quoted $4200 a year with state farm. I would go under my parents policy but I dont want their shit to go up if I happen to make a mistake.. The paint job is not really a issue other than the value of the car going down. Im gonna be going to raleigh in a couple days to go check it all out and see for myself. But thanks for all the input much apreciated..