Hey everyone, first time poster here.

I am REALLY keen to get my hands on a Honda S2000. I am looking at AP1's due to they are what fit within my budget. I checked out 4 different S2000's today.

Needless to say, i am extremely disapointed in how they all take care of there cars. Majority of them had scratch's, dints on most of the panels...Here i am thinking these are ment to be a nice prestidge sports car, and people just treat them like crap?

There was only one that had no dints/scratch's but it had 145,000km's. Is this too much? It was owned by a younger guy and had a exhaust system on it (sounded great) and after market car audio. Only problem is i think with the car audio, the installer had either poked a hole on the side door trimmings to mount the tweeters or cut out something. Needless to say, i wanted it to be as original as possible.

He also had no maintenance records for the past 20,000km's (2 years ago was the last recorded service). Other then that the car i thought was the cleanest of the bunch, although a bit on the higher end of the price range.

Another had alot lower km's around 90,000, but it had a bit of a dicky spoiler, the front guard looked like he had hit something (it wasn't lined up on the side panel) and the idle seemed a little rough (maybe because it was cold). He also didn't know alot about the cars history, as he bought it from a dealer.

I am not even sure on the point of this thread, but i am just dissapointed in the S2000's i have seen so far.

I guess one good question too ask is, "How many km's is too many?" Pretty generic as i am sure it depends on how it is driven and maintained, but what is a safe bet? A friend told me 145,000 is way to many km's for a sports car. I do intend to daily drive it though.

Anybody's thoughts, comments or advice is much appreciated in my hunt for a clean, used, S2000.

 

A) Craigslist, Autotrader.com, cars.com, etc.

B) Dont be scared of what the odometer says. Mine has 120k miles (I think 210,000 kilometers or something), and it runs like a new car. I've had cars with 150k Miles that ran like a dream, and cars with 80,000 miles that had a hole in the engine from an idiotic previous owner. When looking for a car, pay more attention to the smoothness of the engine, leaks, and unusual sounds. Take note of the cleanliness of the engine compartment and overall condition of the vehicle (interior and exterior) just to see how well the car was kept, and what kind of owners had the car before you.

 

Generally, people abuse their cars or don't know how to care for them and they end up neglected. Comes with the territory of buying any used car, prestigious or not. Even those enthusiastic enough to modify them or participate on here besmirch them (trashed fenders, etc). With the prices at the levels they are, you're going to run into AP1s that are modded with poor taste or just poor execution.

Personally, I wouldn't buy a used car with a ton of miles, especially a sports car, but that's just me. Not saying the car isn't capable, just that I don't trust other people and a car that has seen 150k at the hands of someone I don't know gives me the creeps.

This thread helped me out when I was searching for mine. Hope it does the same for you: https://www.s2ki.com/...howtopic=590849

All the best in your search.

 

Be picky, you are doing the right thing. A lot of people have bad taste and/or just don't take good care of their things.

If you don't get a good vibe about the owner, or the way the car looks/drives then pass.

I am like a private investigator when I buy used cars, it's a skill for sure.

Good luck, the right one will pop up. It took me 3 months to find what I was looking for and had to drive 300 miles to get it.


https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/873...#entry20652943

 

Patience!

I perused the net for a few months without luck (none in my area). Sure enough, one popped up on EBay. 4 days later I headed a few hundred miles to get it. Ended up passing on the wrong cars to eventually get to the right one.

 

Thanks for the replies! Makes me feel a little better that I am not the only one overly fussy.

And unfortunately the sites listed above don't apply to me as i am in Australia (Melbourne), we really only have forums, carsales.com.au and eBay.

If anybody is bored feel free to try and source me a good one ha ha.

Cannot wait to own one of these cars

I am pretty keen on the S2000 with the higher km's, thought he wants $24,000 for it. It has a few little mods, 18" wheels and a exhaust but i think the mileage is getting high. And i checked the maintenance book and the last service was done at 124,000 if i remember correctly. Dated 2 years ago.

I know i would never want to run my oil in the car for 2 years! For you fellas working in miles, its got about 90,000 miles on it.

Thoughts?

 

I don't know the market in your area, so I will just say if you have any doubts its not the right car. Well maintained 90K miles is just broken in, but if I was to buy an S2K with that many miles it has to have extensive maintenance records and also it has to pass my "inspections".

 

I know this isnt going to help you but im really surprised you looked at 4 s2k's that had alot of scratches and dents. like ive NEVER come across an s that was very beat up in person ive always thought that proly 90/100 s2000 owners are INTO cars and take car of their cars. if not they woulda just bought a miata if they wanted a 2 seater sports car for cheaper.
Free bump sorry just wanted to say that~ good luck with your search dont settle for anything less than you really want

 

^^^^ THIS! Is EXACTLY what i thought!!

But the people i have found who have owned them, know basically nothing about cars and what a maintenance schedule even is!! Its really concerning..I personally have my own log books for all my vehicles, I make up a spread sheet and document everything i do.

I find this a really great way for me to keep track of all the maintenance I do on my motorcycles and when oil changes are due. Its more so a hobby then a chore for me.

I am getting a bit desperate and might cave in to the one with 150,000km on it, but with no stamped service history since 120,000 might be a of a worry. especially being driven by somebody on P's (for those who don't know what P's are, it means probationary driver. Generally people under the age of 21/22)

Not that age has much to do with it, but general stereo type. Younger male, thrash's car, sells car, Laughs at buyer >_<

I am 22, but really look after my vehicles. Most S2K owners that have there car for sale, wouldn't even know about this forum!!

Ahhh....im just ranting now.

 

Some do, some don't. It's an S2000 not a 100K exotic and I'm not sure I'd call the S "prestige" as much as I love it. It's a driver's car but if you're looking for prestige so you can show off to others then you should be looking elsewhere.

Keep in mind that rock chips happen and you're not likely to find one without rock chips.

Please read all the other threads like this. This is an extremely common question. KM's/miles by themselves aren't important. The maintenance is. If you're going to be picky then be picky about the records.

Always consider the source. Is your friend very familiar with the S? This sounds like a random generalization to me. 145K/90K is nothing for an S.

There's no secret to it. Hit the usual spots. Broaden your search if you can. I went out of state for mine. Be patient.

The lower your budget the lower your chances of finding pristine options. If you're scrambling just to buy one have you considered the increased costs of insurance, maintenance (more frequent tire changes, alignments, fluid changes, etc)?

Don't overlook getting an inspection done. Don't fixate just on appearance and the odometer.