Hey,
I'm new to the forums and would definitely like to be the newest S2K owner. Unfortunately, I cannot afford a nice used one. I was looking on eBay and they seem to fetching somewhere in the high teens. I'm thinking of selling my Civic SI and putting all the money towards an S2K. I can spend up to 13K and cannot afford a perfect one. I was searching on eBay and other ads and found this 00 flood which says the reserve is under 12K. Anyone have experience with cars like this? It looks pretty clean and the seller looks to have a large amount of positive feedbacks and looks reputable. Basically, I wanted to come to the S2K forums and get the advice of owners themselves. I was wondering if I can get any advice and if people know how much a power top motor replacement costs. The radio is not much of worry to me as I was thinking of going aftermarket anyways. Please, as many replies as possible would be of great benefit to me. Thanks in advance and I hope to spend lots of time on this forum as a future owner. This is the car.

ebay link

Greg

 

Flood Damage???

You don't want a flood damaged car.

 

Why not? The seller states that it runs fine. What could be the drawbacks?

 

I'd say "buyer beware." Flood damage can have a LOT of negative effects on a car. First, there is a good chance that every single mechanical part was exposed to the water, washing off lubrication, expediting rust and corrosion, or a host of other problems. Also, the electrical systems on the car will be affected by water exposure. I'd imagine that most of the wiring needs replacement. Finally, the carpet, seats, dash, steering wheel, etc. will all have been submerged at some point, and probably smell, are moldy, or have begun degrading.

Basically, if you're looking for a car on the cheap, it may cost you more to purchase a flood title and have to fix everything wrong with it. My advice is to keep your Civic, save up until you can afford a clean car, and when the time is right.

That's just my advice, so someone else should jump in if I'm wrong.

Also, if it's a "flood" title, the value of the car is ~50% of book value, which puts that car at about $10k, tops.

 

Thanks for the advice. I spoke to a few people who had flood cars, and no one had major problems. The only guy who had a problem, had the problem from the start. Since this car is local, I will take a better look at it and have it inspected. Thanks again....

 

My vote would be to wait until you can afford one in good condition. I have wanted an S2000 since the day they first appeared and have had to wait until the time was right (which is now!). I am grabbing a low mileage '02 from a friend's mother.

I would say that with a car of this sorts you want something that YOU KNOW is in good order. A flood salvage brings with it a miriad of possible issues both present and future, not the least of which is the car's resale value.

Keep looking!

Craig

 

Yeah, don't do it. It's not worth it to overextend yourself for a car. Something unexpected will come up and you'll be screwed... having to get rid of the car at a large loss.

Here's more food for thought... you know how expensive tires are... and that you'll likely need winter tires and rims as well if you live anywhere that gets below 40 degrees.

And make sure you price insurance before you really think about how much you can spend... there was a post by some kid a year ago who stretched and nagged his parents to get him a used S2k, only to have to sell it 5 days later because he couldn't afford insurance.

Spend your time and money studying, you'll be able to get a good job later and buy your S2k....

Don't stretch for a car.

 

yea, i was going to mention insurance. if you are under 25 it will be horrendous. if you are under 20 it will probably be 300-500 a month with a REPUTABLE insurer.

sure, you can get cheap insurance, but they won't repair your car right. i guarantee that.

also, good tires start at $500-$600 a set. If you need winter tires that's another set of good ones.

Another thing, have you driven a RWD car before. You can't drive this like you would a FWD Si; you have to respect it or it will bite you.

 

Don't give the kid too much flack. This is an early chance to get a sweet ride. Sure it was flooded, but if it runs, for $10k, I'd rather have a flood damaged S2k than a civic si.

Just remember to check your insurance first. The biggest cost in this car is maintaining it. New tires are easily $600, plus higher insurance, plus higher tag fees. Check how much the motor is for the top (probably about $200-300 (guessing). Also, run a carfax to see what else has happened and have a full inspection done by a professional. Also, take into account that after you buy the car, you should immediately have a full service done with all fluids replaced/plugs/valves/etc. After you add all that up and if you can still afford it, I say go for it. You'll never find one this cheap unless it was in a wreck or doesn't run well.

 

up to the dash? that's a lot of water dude. how can water be out of the drive train? one hell of a street flood, like 24" of water!

why is he selling it???!!!!