Hi,
I am considering to get an 2003 S2k with 55k miles.
Are there any potential problems I should be worried about, given the low miles and high age?
Thank you in advance!

 

You may have a problem with competition for the car!

That's really low mileage in today's market. At 55k, I can't imagine it having any problems unless the car was absolutely abused and ill-maintained.

Ask the owner about the history:
- what's s/he has replaced
- fluid changes
- driving history (tracked or not?)
- accidents?
- Anything repainted? What for?

 

If the car appears to be in good condition then I sure wouldn't have any concerns about that combination of mileage and age.

If you haven't already seen it, check out What to look for when buying a used S2000

 

Mileage and age shouldn't be a concern. If there are any concerns they'd be any non factory modifications or structural damage from wrecks.

Note, though, that Honda made significant mechanical and cosmetic changes in 2004 (and again in 2006). There's an extensive list of changes here (somewhere). Have you read it? The pre-2004 cars have their own fan base but I'm not part of it.

-- Chuck

 

Things that can deteriorate from sitting are mostly things that shouldn't dissuade you from buying. Stuff like tires that still have lots of tread but have aged out and seriously need to be replaced. Belts and hoses and other rubber stuff can likewise deteriorate, but with those if there isn't appearance of dry rot, they're almost certainly still fine (that definitely does NOT go for tires. Check date code stamped on sidewall. Even if they look fine, if they're old replace them asap).

The top can suffer if it was left folded. Fuel can get stale. Injectors can get gummed up.

But this isn't THAT low of miles to worry too much about any of those things. If its im good condition, drives right, sounds right, looks like it was maintained properly, buy it without hesitation. Do look for the buyers guide thread to know what things to watch out for...

 

I have a friend who bought a 2000 MY last year with 38k miles. He drives it like he stole it and its been great. The only issue he's had is replacing both rear brake calipers which were sticking.

 

Has the car been sitting? how often is the car driven? 55K isn't obscenely low- seems pretty typical for a summer driven s2000. did they install a clutch interlock bypass- good for them.

Its all about the maintenance regimen, storage location (indoors/outdoors/covered?).

But the 2003 s2000 is at the pointy end of the awesome scale.

darcy

 

Timing chain tensioner, scrapes on lip/bumper, and soft top straps.

 

Love my 03 S2k.

 

I've a 2006 now, had a 2003, but just didn't have the space to keep two s2000's.
darcy