I'm debating on buying another S2000, I sold mine in 2014 and have missed it. I have another fun vehicle that I need to sell. I know prices have risen since I sold mine, but I've seen some rougher options for a cheaper price. My only reason for thinking about that, is that even good units are getting up there in miles, or else they are $20k plus. Just debating on getting a clapped out one with a bad motor for $8k and putting $10k into it, and make it mine.

Not sure what engine replacement options are viable, I know the F20 and 22(?) are not made anymore and that's what makes the S2000 special, I always liked that engine over the K series, mainly because of the crazy revving.

The mechanical part of the S2000 doesn't seem that complex to other modern cars, so stripping it down and rebuilding, doesn't seem that hard.

 

So what is question?

 

Like the title says, buy a used one that's in good condition or get a clapped out one. All of them are getting high miles at this point, besides the ones in the 20k range. But I'm not sure what the viable options are for engine replacement if I get a rough one that needs to be replaced.

 

Get a good one

 

If you buy one that needs an engine and you wanna stay F series, the easiest way is to just source a used F series.

Its up to you and your aptitude and situation as to whether a clapped one is a better buy than a good one.

 

quote:The mechanical part of the S2000 doesn't seem that complex to other modern cars, so stripping it down and rebuilding, doesn't seem that hard.

with pictures please

 

Another point to consider is the final value of whatever you end up with. Let's say you buy a 85,000 mile good condition for $25,000. Then lets say you buy a clapped out version, put an engine in it, get it all clean and fixed up and you've put $20,000 into it. What would be the value of that car? Might be less than $20,000 as it wouldn't have as high a market demand because it isn't original and has had all this work done to it. In comparison, your $25,000 car after a few years might not even depreciate very much even with added miles. So there might be an argument - it depends on your personal situation - that buying the more expensive vehicle could be the better financial decision as it will cost you less over the long run. Just an example, of course, but another way of looking at this.

 

Photos and specs of the specific cars for sale that interest you might help.

 

Sounds like a great plan. Sooo....you save yourself 2k and waste all that time sourcing parts, and doing the work, just so you could have a car that is probably never going to be worth 2k more than the car you didn't buy originally for 2k more? Doesn't make much sense to me, but it's not my time or my money. Good luck, what ever you do.