2001 is not necessarily the best year, but the hardtop helps. How many owners? Hows the soft top? Any paint work? All matching VINs? Garage kept? Location (seen snow/salt)? I think 20k is fair, but honestly $18k would be about right.

 

Just make sure that hardtop is OEM. Post a picture if you are not sure. If it is, buy it and keep it in storage for 10 years, then profit

 

I think besides the hardtop and other things mentioned, the thing that makes this a great deal is its on original tires. The owner likely didn't beat on this car or drive it like it was meant to be driven. Provided the soft top is in OK / usable condition, I'd go for it without hesitation.

 

Oh...if you buy it, let the tires be the first thing you replace. Even if they look good, they would be 15 years old and have 22k miles on them. Do not drive on those tires for too long!

 

Fair deal. I paid 21K for an 02 with oem hardtop and 8500 miles this summer and I've been watching prices and I think this is the right price. I prefer ap1. Some prefer ap2. I guess that is what makes the world go around, eh? They are all good. Real good.

The one thing about 02 and 03 is you get that glass rear window. If I were looking again I would look for an 02 or 03 for that reason mostly.

When I got mine I got new tires and wheels (ap2 v3), changed all the fluids, and replaced the battery right off the bat. I also upgraded the head unit to an Alpine that has blue tooth and ipod/aux usb connections. I also got the two piece floor mats you can find here on the forum. They protect a bit better than the normal s2k mats in my opinion. It runs like a top. Very strong and smooth.

 

I agree about the floor mats. The two piece ones a really high quality and I love mine.

Going back to pricing...don't forget to keep in mind that a model or color or mileage of your choosing is getting harder and harder to find. If youre patient and can wait, you MAY find a better s2000 but no guarantee.

For example, the likelihood of me finding a 08 or 09 GPW with red and black interior (my fav combo at the time I was looking) with 1,694 miles for $22k was almost ZERO so when I found a Berlina with those characteristics while on a business trip, I bought it on the spot and drove it home. Came back the next day to pick up my other car. When you feel strong enough about it (whether the color, or mileage, or condition) you have to pounce on it!

 

The "raw" factor is just better, if that is what you are looking for.

I enjoy the AP1 over the AP2 just a bit more, there is a little more intimacy with the car and the road feel that does not make its way to the AP2.

Bash me now, just my thoughts.