I've been talking a seller a few states away from me about an S2000 I'm seriously interested in. Low miles, second owner (is best friends with original owner), supplied the CarFax report for free, etc. Everything seems to check out so far, but I want to obviously avoid making a trip up there unless I'm 100% dead set on buying the car. I've never driven an S2000 so I've been doing as much research as I can and asking as many questions as I can to the owner. Should I ask for videos of it running? I also planned on getting an inspection from a mechanic of the car as well since I don't know a whole lot about these cars. Obviously I know I'm buying a used car regardless of miles there will be things here and there and I'm mechanically inclined enough to do a good amount of the work myself or with friends. It's a 2000 AP1 by the way. I'm cut a little short on time for writing out this post, but if anyone could give me recommendations for what to ask for from the seller before making the trip up there. I'm seriously interested and it fits everything I want. I'm sure I'm missing some information that I could add in here as well.

Thanks, Luc.

 

the mechanic needs to do a valve retainer inspection, check compression, look for body damage/rust- plus all the other typical stuff when inspecting a car that is not your own.
Once you buy the car, there will be plenty of stuff to do to bring the car up to standards. all fluids, spark plugs, valve adjustment, rear axle nut retorque, engine torque damper, modiry top straps, Billman TCT, rebuild the seat bottom, relube the shifter, shinetsu all rubber seals, repaint the front bumper, do an alignment.

good luck
darcy

 

The MY 2000 is the rawest version of our cars. Plastic rear window, 16" wheels, etc. Roof tears are common. Engine compression is easy to check and with the AP1 engine the valve retainer condition would be paramount (to me). Mileage will reflect the remaining condition of the car. Other than wanting all 10 VIN tags in place to document no wrecks you're essentially buying any used car "as-is." Expecting a concours condition car is not realistic unless you're willing to pay a very high price. And then it's still "as-is."

These are still $10K to $25K cars, not exotics.

-- Chuck