Purchase Question

Found a 2004 Suzuka Blue with blue interior for sale locally. It’s a one owner, unmodified vehicle with 31,xxx miles on it and the dealer has it listed for just under $34k. From what I can see in the pics there are no issues as it was supposedly garage kept its entire life. The passenger seat looks untouched as well. Is this an expected price for this year and mileage or is it overpriced?

 

I looked at the dealer website for more photos as you didn't really share that much. A few things:
1. Ask to see the Carfax and see if you identify any issues there.
2. Looks like no one ever sat in the passenger seat, but the driver side bolster has taken a beating.
3. For such low mileage, I'm surprised the HVAC knobs are broken like that. Those are a super easy fix, wonder why the dealer just didn't replace.
4. Take a look at the convertible top condition.
5. No pictures of engine...what's that look like?
6. Service history?
7. Confirm how many VIN stickers it has - will help identify if any bumpers or panels have been painted or replaced.
8. If everything ends up 100% good, that price seems a little high, but in the ballpark. Considering it is at a Honda dealer, I'm surprised the price isn't a little bit higher. Low $30's would be a good target I think if all is 100% good. My opinion only....I'm sure you'll get some others!!!!!

 

I was wanting to aim for $30k on it but this dealership is known to be hardheaded (nice way to say it). The top is the only thing I haven’t seen a pic of yet.

 

Have you test-drove it?

There are 10 factory VIN stickers that you can check to see if any body panels were replaced (indicating possible accidents). Ideally, they should all match with the one in the windshield.

 

Ask if they can put it up on the lift. Check for leaks and damage, this car sits low to the ground with nothing much to shield any parts down there. Check the motor mounts for any rusty/ brownish stain on the rubber part, this mounts are oil filled and the crack and leak. Differential mounts are that way too. Lots to consider with this roadster. I tell you they are tons of fun!!!And of course drive it! Clutch jobs on these cars are procedures specific. Good luck!!

 

If a Carfax checks out, you can get a sense of good maintenance (either via repair records or a PPI), and it is excellent in terms of wear and tear on a 20 yr old car (albeit with realistic expectations that a 20 year old car will show some age), seems to me the price is in the ballpark for a relatively low mileage 31k mile car. IMO, if the car checks out and it’s what you want, purchase a good example that will give you years of enjoyment. Good luck!