So I found a 2000 S2k, 1 owner, 187k miles, asking $9k. It looks in excellent condition the owner has 48 carfax maintenance records and obviously has taken insanely good care of it. He says that its been a daily driver from day 1 to and from work so the miles are easy miles.

My question is, im thinking of selling my Focus ST for an S2000 like this and then buying a cheap go-to-work car. I want a fun non-daily driver/autocross car, so I'm wondering what the life of the S2000 engine/trans is in most cases? What goes bad on the engines with lots of miles? Top end? How much is a rebuild if needed or a clutch (probably could do myself)? Im just wanting to get some ideas of whether this is a bad buy or not for what I would want.

Thanks for the help all!

 

That is to much money for that high of a mileage car imo, I would want it way less then that. Also there is a ton of info already available on what to look for here is a link to the sticky already in place https://www.s2ki.com/forums/s2000-ta...-s2000-775801/

 

I don't believe anyone has yet 'worn out' an S motor, which is a provocative thing to be able to say. There are cars with 300k miles, even one I saw with 400k miles, still running quite strong.

Sure, many motors have died, typically from lack of oil pressure, due to low oil and vtec, etc. The ap1's can sometimes burn oil, thus if owner isn't checking it frequently, all it takes is one slip up.

There have been cases, only with ap2, where the thrust bearing was installed wrong from factory, and engine died prematurely.

There have been other issues that have led to demise of motors.

But worn out, strictly from miles, where the engine needed to be replaced, not sure that has ever happened yet.

The one thing you'll want to find out is if the one you're looking at uses much oil. Early cars its not uncommon. Other than that, condition always trumps mileage. Of its in great shape, and well taken care of, that is what really counts.

I would try to haggle on price because of the miles, but otherwise I wouldn't hesitate just because of the miles...

 

I agree, $9K is a little high, but might be worth it if it's in really good shape otherwise. The oil use question is important. Mine with 185K uses about 1 quart every 1500 miles. You must stay on top of it.

I haven't driven a ST, but I really like them. If getting the S to replace the ST is mainly a financial thing, go ahead, but know you will be giving up a lot of modern features, space, and practicability swapping a ST for a S2k. S2k driving experience, I would guess, is much better, but performance would be very similar.

Good luck with your search and decision.

 

https://atlanta.craigslist.org/searc...s2000&sort=rel

Here is the link to the car. I put it in the other thread about value....

Overall I like my ST, and I think in general i just saw this and got excited and thought, i could afford that and a cheaper go-to-work car for the price of my ST. I have driven an S2k, my parents owned one a while back and I loved it, plus its an icon in the sports car world at this point, and the combination of its engine and small car handling is perfect for a fun car on the road or autocross/track. Plus, it looks way cooler than an ST. I have kids though so i need a car with more room and the ST works well for that. More than likely i'll hold off buying anything soon, autocross the ST a few times and see if i want to get something more focused on that after i know the autocross scene near me better...