well, after searching for about 2 years now, it looks like the prices of S2000s just keep going up, and unless I want a really beat up AP1 version, looks like the only real option I have is to spend more than 18 grand on one. Maybe my criteria was too tough? I wanted an 00-02 GPW with the red interior or with the black interior with less than 80k miles, any AP1 or 06+ AP2 silver one with the red/black interior or a full black interior with less than 80k miles, any Laguna blue pearl with less than 80k miles, or any AP1 NFR or 06+ AP2 NFR, again, with less than 80k miles. Because the prices are so close to really good new cars, such as the WRX or the BRZ/FR-S, looks like, unless I was going to buy with cash, the better choice would be for me to go the new car route.

Thing is, every time I tell myself that I will go to the Subaru dealer and pick up a WRX, I know that I am telling myself that I will stay with that car for next 10+ years, since it makes the most financial sense to do that. Because of that, I am hesitant, and go back to looking at S2000s, because I know I can be happy with owning one of those for the rest of my life, and I know I will regret not owning one. I don't feel the same about any other car. On the other hand, a 4 door awd car is a great long term purchase, since I am 25, and living in NY, I can haul friends, family, etc, maybe even kids in the future (shudder)...

Le sigh....

just some rantings and musings from a disgruntled driver still stuck driving his old Prelude.

 

Expand your search to out of state.

Picked up my '02 Spa with 37k miles for $11.8k and a four hour drive in one direction.

 

I look at 300 mile searches, and every post on the for sale section of this site. Did you finance your car? or was it paid off in cash?

 

i feel your pain! i ended up spending way more than i should have or wanted to spend. but in the long run it was exactly what i wanted, and having been through 4 other cars after selling my last s2k i knew just like you do that it was the car i needed. either suck it up and spend the cash now or you will regret it later and end up in the same boat down the road.

also, i had to go from San Diego to Dallas to get mine....

 

First S2k I had, paid 9.6K had Ebiach springs, megan rear toe arms, Ap2V1 wheels, 88K on it, 2000 S2000. Drove 210 miles

Second i had, Paid 9K for '02 BB 9K new clutch, new tires, new brakes springs, all stock except for springs! Drove 200 miles

 

http://hartford.craigslist.org/cto/2973723072.html

BOOM

 

Holy crap that's a good deal. I'll have to contact him. Another problem I have is that I don't know how financing works for such an old car.

 

take out a loan from the bank, and pay off the bank, get the cash from the bank, email this guy and offer him $13k CASH, hopefully hell work with you on that, or close to it

 

Take your best deal to a credit union. If your present car is paid off, you shouldn't have any problem as you can use that as collateral. If it isn't paid off, the deal may be a little more complicated but may still be doable. The CU will give you all the info you need if you qualify. GL
Note- If your not a member of a credit union, now is the time to join and become a member.

 

I went 800 miles to alabama to pick up mine. Keep your search up and don't loose heart. Check ebay/autotrader each and every day. make it your religion. pick a reasonable budget and stick to it.

good luck

darcy