I live in KC and the car is in Chicago. The price is $30K. There have been 6 previous owners. The mileage is 33,900. The VIN is JHMAP21436S000339 . Should I be concerned about the low VIN production number?? Is it a lemon (thinking the low VIN + # of owners might be an indication)? There are only 5 service records, includi g new tires. That doesn't seem like too much of a red flag but... The carfax type of report did not show any accidents. If I do decide to pursue it, are there recommendations for where/what to look at on the vehicle for accidents?

I haven't bought a car from a dealer in 20+ years so any advice on how to go about financing it is appreciated.

 

There's no evidence that its a lemon. Its an ancient car that didn't get driven by any of its owners...so they probably just kept selling it when the prices peaked back up.

The dealer takes care of the financing if you choose to go with their financing. You just sign on the agreeable terms.

Shop your own rates though. Credit unions, etc. They'll match whatever your best deal is. If they can't, then just finance through whatever your best deal was.

Typical APR today is probably what it was 20yrs ago. 7%-8% or so if your credit is good. Hard to say on an old car though.

 

Don't worry about the VIN numbers being low. Overall there were not many S2000 made compared to other vehicles. Mine, a 2009 ends with JHMAP21459S000086. It is a Rio Yellow Pearl and only 38 2009s of that color were sold in the USA that last year.

 

Good luck with your search...I was in your shoes about a year ago. Not many S2000 pop up for sale around KC. I got mine from St. Louis. If you haven't already, read the sticky in this forum "What to look for when buying a used S2000....." full of helpful info.

Regarding financing, my only suggestion would be to have it lined up already with you when you go to the dealer. Financing on older vehicles isn't always as easy as on a new vehicle, especially with the way they calculate the value of the car and the amount they are willing to loan. If you already have your own financing lined up, then you can compare against what the dealer could do, but if the dealer can't get you financing, you still have an alternative.

 

Also, go look for the sticky thread, things for new owners to do and check.

Some of it will help with pre purchase inspection. But most of it is just for post purchase, but very important.

 

Low VIN? VINs start over with every model year so a low number merely indicates the car was produced early in the model year. Probably built September - October 2005. There were only 5659 S2000s imported in MY2006 (mine is 5421 and built in July 2006) which is the first DBW year and these cars can be tuned for more mid-range power making them highly desirable (to me at least).

MyCar FAX dot Com has dozens of records but is very light on actual service. A real CARFAX is recommended. As is a personal inspection by someone knowledgeable about the S2000. I don't know what's going on with all the ownership and location changes. Mycarfax dot com (free to access) shows the car registered in Virginia, New Jersey, and Illinois just this year (2024) with minimal mileage changes. Also shows car has passed smog testing several times over the years leading me to believe it's pretty if not entirely stock.

Follow the advice previously in this thread. $30,000 seems "market price" for these cars at this mileage. May still need tires and roof.

-- Chuck

 

My concern re: low VIN is that the 2006 model year saw some important changes from 2005, and there was a concern that the learning curve for the build team might result in quirks (thus the lemon reference).

I will definitely check out the Sticky page!

For anyone in the KC metro area, do you have recommendations for servicing an S2K?

I am hearing LOTS of great advice here; thank you!

 

With the major changes between 2005 and 2006 my guess at the production date may be off. There will be a production month on this car's data plate. Anyone have a very late 2005 date and VIN number? I've seen no evidence that "early 2006" cars were any different from later production. Honda wasn't noted for making mid-model year changes (at least for the North American market) or for using up obsolete parts the next model year.

-- Chuck

 

I'm in KC, but haven't gone looking for anyone for service. I normally do all my own vehicle work unless it is something really difficult. If you are reasonable handy around vehicles, you'll find that you can do the vast majority of stuff on the S2000 yourself. There are also tons of tutorials and videos out there to guide you. That is one of the reasons that I got one. it is a super fun, super reliable car that has very low maintenance costs if you can do stuff yourself. Good luck with your search and purchase!

 

Like any Honda, the maintenance is low, but unlike most Hondas, it needs to be done meticulously. You can't slap it together like an Accord or Civic. It will fail in a huge way.

If you plan to do it on your own, the FSM will be very useful. Don't try to find shortcuts and stay away from aftermarket parts as much as you can.

I don't know the KC area well enough, but S2000 specialist shops are difficult to find. You'll find some who are gonna claim to be a "Honda specialist" or something. It doesn't mean they know S2000's.

I live in the Chicago area and I know of maybe 2 people besides me whom I would trust to do mechanical work on my S2000. But I probably just don't get out much. I like to do all my own work.

Sorry, that's not a pinpoint answer, but it at least gives you background info with which to shop around.


Tips...
Avoid major mechanical work! These cars are very well assembled from the factory, and you're gonna have a tough time getting the same result out in the world.

They're not delicate or needy cars.

So....maintain it. Keep oil in it andearn good driving habits. Check the oil often. Change the oil at reasonable intervals. 3-5K miles, depending on your driving habits.

Pay attention to detail. Like using the correct Genuine Honda oil filter and torquing it to spec, or using the right grease for the right application, using a torque wrench, use the Billman spec for MY06+ valve adjustments. etc.

I'm basically championing avoiding issues. Neglect is bad. The car won't usually complain until something really bad happens.

In the rare event you do need to fix it or do major maintenance, be meticulous. Or take it to someone who is.

Over fixing is also bad. Don't open that can of worms.

Don't fix something that isn't broken. "I refreshed the engine by taking it apart and putting it back together for no reason", or, "a shop recommended a rebuild due to mileage" is usually followed up 2 months later with "I now have massive issues".

Avoid aftermarket parts. Unless you can find an actual purpose for them...just avoid them. The factory part is almost always the best overall part for the job.