Hello everyone. I am finally beginning my S2000 search after obsessing over one for the past 5 years and really wanting one since they were new. I am looking for an AP2 because I have a slight preference for their appearance and wider tires. Not trying to start a debate because I would be thrilled with either AP1 or 2. I have found a few that fit my criteria. One was just sold yesterday when I called the dealership. It was a 2005 with 51k miles for $17,800. There is a 2004 with 54k for 17,000 that caught my interest but I'm not sure about it because the owner reports the front fender and rear bumper and rear quarter panel have been replaced. The car looks great in the pics but as most of us dream of one with matching numbers/no accidents. My question is would you disqualify a car because of this. If repaired properly and no frame damage is it just as good? Any other tips or buying advice is welcome.

I'd also like to add that I live in WV which is full of great mountain roads to drive an S2000. Ironically the odds of finding one with 150 miles of me are very slim. I've only seen a handfull of S2000's in my town of 50,000 population. While we're on the subject of irony, the most perfect one for me that I have ever seen landed on a lot only 50 miles from me last summer. Unfortunalty I was not yet ready to buy. It was an '05 with 37k miles for $17900.
I am willing to drive at least 8-10 hours to buy the right one. But if I do drive that far, I want to be sure its the right one. How can I check things like VIN#'s on panels and such? Can i have a pre purchase inpection done somehow if the seller is willing to do so?

Thanks

Jon

 

If it doesn't have all ten VIN stickers on it I wouldn't even consider it.

You've waited this long to buy one. Get a good one. There's far too many of these cars out there to settle for one with multiple panel replacements.

 

Sounds good. Thank you.

 

Patience will serve you well in this scenario.
Approximately 3 years back, I passed on 40+ s2000's.

You'll be happy with your purchase and your budget will definitely allow you to get something worthwhile.

Good luck

 

If you find one in another state, you might be able to get another S2k member to check it out for you--some folks are willing to do that.
Just ask in the appropriate regional forum.

You can check out the used S2000s on cars.com to get an idea of whats out there and the asking prices---- as of today, theres 263 s2000s listed for sale across the country---

https://www.cars.com/for-sale/search...=GN_REFINEMENT

 

I just purchased an AP2 and went through the same reasoning and search you did (bought an 04 53k for $17.5). I'd be happy to share with you what I learned and pass on some things to look for when test driving. PM me if that would be helpful to you.

Overall scour the forums, lots of good info here.

 

Good advice above, especially a non accident car with all the vins. This car is notoriously sensitive to a straight frame and alignment. Even the tires and pressure can make a real difference. A car that has lots of mods leave open the question as to how it was treated and driven.

I went out of state for my 09, to Phoenix. Wanted a corrosion free car. Stock.

 

My personal preference is the last generation cars (2006+) with drive-by-wire and stability assist. DBW can be tuned for impressive mid-range torque and the stability assist "nanny" can be turned off once you know how the car behaves on those mountain roads.

In my search two years ago at this time I had a priority list. Probably can't find the exact spec but those near the top of the list are "gotta have" and those near the bottom are "nice to have." My list was headed by "2006 or later," as close to showroom as possible -- no damage (all VIN stickers), and under 50,000 miles. Color? Wasn't even on the list as hard as these are to find but a member from Dayton just found the color he wanted despite our pessimism.

I found the car in Columbus at a big Honda dealer. Other than being buggered with popular, black aftermarket wheels the car met all other criteria. A set of OEM wheels went on the car within a month.






-- Chuck

 

Buy from a seller who cares for the car, responds in a timely manner, and is willing to pick you up from the airport and have PPI done on or before you see the car. A good seller is worth the wait in my opinion.

 

First off, congratulations on being in a position to finally get your dream car.

S2000s are my favorite car and I'm about as anal retentive as they come (well, obviously not). I have to giggle just a BIT about the guys that freak the hell out about VINs. Sure, all of the VINs matching is nice. My car has a clean CarFax and the front bumper isn't the original and the driver's side door isn't the original. Do I care? Not really. Has it potentially been in an accident and not reported? Sure. It also could have had a random ass XYZ front bumper at some point in it's lifetime and then converted back to OEM. The previous owner's wife could have backed into the door early in the car's life and had the door replaced.

Point being - do your homework and be as anal as you want. At the end of the day, you're buying a Honda and need to consider other factors as well when you purchase. I don't think you'll find the perfect car. There's just not enough of them.

To the guy who passed on 40+ S2000s...WOW. Really? I mean, I commend you. But who the hell has the time for that?

Certainly take your time in your search, do your homework, and you'll end up with an awesome S2000.

Good luck.

Zach