Hey Guys, new member here. I am actually in the market for an S2000. I am hoping to trade my G35 for s2k. Some may consider it a step down i am considering it to be a step up.

Small introduction... name is KIRK. I been around cars for years now. Tinker with them myself, do autoX and track events. Previsouly had a few hondas, accord and prelude went to nissan family but looking to get back to honda family once again.

Here is my dilemma.....

I went to a dealer today to look at a used s2k that they had on a lot. Right off the bat i see the car has some ugly chrome rims (not s2k wheels). As i approach i see the top has 2 rips in it and it looks as if it was patched up with some sort of glue.

The interior is missing a radio and there are several panels that are painted red. Stock radio is gone and there are some striped wires that seem to run nowhere. it Has some sort of antena in a window that could either belong to an alarm or a radio that was there before. Trunk carpet is ripped apart since it appears to have had some sort of a system in it. More wires in the trunk that are cut and definitely look like they belong to a system that was there prior. Front dash and a pilars look like they have been removed before and appear to be falling off.

Stock inake is partially there and partially not. The top cover is missing and it has a cone filter on stock intake pipe. Rest of the engine looks to be ok. Does look like it has a small oil leak around the valve cover, but could be some spilled oil. Bolts for the most part do not look like they have been removed on engine or intake manifold.

Test driving the car i noticed that the clutch tends to stick when you first press on it, then when in second gear, it revs for a few seconds then starts moving. Dealer was with me, so i didnt take it pass 5k. Drive was smooth, but did notice slight notchiness in gear box mainly 1-2 shifts.

I spoke to the dealer and they want $22,500 if they replace the top and $19,500 if they sell it to me just like that. Car has 30k miles on it and looks semi beat up for 2005. They will not replace stock radio or will replace other parts on it. Unless i pay / negotiate a higher price for it.

The dealer states that they will not warantee the car except Lemon law and that it is not part of the Honda certified program since its over 3 yrs old.

Is it true that the certified cars are 3 yrs and newer or do older cars 4+ years are covered under certified program?

Is this car worth 19.5k as is condition with just lemon warranty. With so many problems what should something like this be worth? What can i negotiate with them on this and what should dealer be responsible for?

I dont mind getting the car for a good deal or if the dealer will throw in the parts that need replacing and i will do the work myself, but not sure what a good deal is for this car.

Also... they are offering me a new 2009 s2000 for 33,500?

Thanks in advance for advise.

-KIRK

 

That used one sure leaves a lot to be desired....I'd pass on it.
Levi

 

Wow... Sounds like a headache waiting to happen.

33,5 for a 2009 is a rip off. I believe their have been sales in the mid - high 20's for a 2009.

IMO you should pick up a used low mile ap2 for around 17k. If you are planning on fixing the car up quite a bit you can't go wrong with a well maintained ap1.

 

The used and new prices they offered are horrible. Plus, what self-respecting dealership would sell a convertible with a torn top, not to mention all of the other problems you stated.

 

Sounds like the worst used car possible. Keep looking.

FYI - the cone filter comes stock.

 

Don't get the used one its a rip off. Now what area are u in??? The new S is a RIP OFF as well u can get a new CR for cheaper than that now. Look on here for used S2000 for sale lots of nice cheap ones but don't rush it keep looking untill u find the right one at the right price

 

I wouldn't have even given that one a test drive. Everyone is right though those prices are waaaaay bad even for the new 09. Keep lookin bro you can get a lot better deal on one without anything being horribly wrong with it.

 

You might want to check out the For Sale section on s2ki.com.

You can find the history of a car from the person who knows, search the sellers old posts to get a feeling for what type of owner they are, and save a few thousand in the process....

 

it is a rip off , dont get it ...

depending on your location ... some places S is much higher in value .. like in CA.
but i still manage to get a flawless inside and outside condition S ...
07, 37kmiles, red, for 19k (21.6k out the door)

 

Run away.., that is way too much money.., I think it is obvious they are trying to scare you away from the used car and move you to the new car. For comparisom though I purchased an 07 with12K on it for 25,000 last August.