Cosmetically it may look pristine but I would definitely be hesitant about the purchase. If they were so frugal about saving few cents on gas they probably never took a great care of the car either... Oil change at Jiffy Lube every 2 years, general maintenance at Walmart, etc. I would ask for receipts. Good news is they seem like honest folks!

 

I really appreciate all the replies. I can see now that I would enjoy being a part of the S2000 community if I get the car, you all seem like great folks. I am going to sleep on this car and do a little more google research on the effects of running the wrong octane in a modern high compression engine. I'll be making a offer or passing tomorrow. If I do buy, I'll post pics in the introduction section

 

in my 40 plus years of cars, motors.. you wouldn't believe all the things we've done to fuel.. best of luck.. and your right.. this is a rather strong community an incredible reference group on this car...

 

My Dad has a 96 Acura RL that required premium but he always put regular in it... Car is still running like a champ with 230k miles on it. No major mechanical problems at all. Granted, the engine wasn't a high compression, high performance engine like the S2000's. It shouldn't be a problem unless the owners were pulling 8k shifts every chance they got, but I don't see the issue in a modern car if they were driving it like grandparents and shifting at 2/3k rpms. Besides the curb rash and brake fluid the car sounds good to me. Just my opinion.

 

Pass!!!!

 

Go to or call or high performance shop that specializes in s2000 and ask them. In my area I only take my car to trackforged. If you don't have any professional to ask then give search trackforged on google and give them a call and talk to Dave or John. They will tell you if it is alright or not. At least that's what I would do if I were in your position.

 

I'm thinking the car will be fine, at the very least you know what the previous owners put in it. You could always find another car at a dealership not knowing the previous owners and not knowing if that car was trated similarly.
Levi

 

Based on what you've said above, I wouldn't hesitate to buy this car. Change the fluids, check the tires for cracking from age, and drive it.

If I was looking for one right now, I'd be trying to get their phone number from you.

 

I wouldn't pass just because of THAT.
It won't knock unless she/he was in the higher end of rpm all the time.
Modern cars are smarter than we think, and won't let it knock that easily..
Knocking is very bad, and the car won't let it happen even under very bad conditions.

 

Pull the trigger. There's a lot worse cars out there. And fine examples are harder and harder to come by. The octane usage is minor. This car sounds like its got most of your questions answered with passing grades. Most S2Ks for sale now comes with tons of question marks. With this one, you at least know the history and what you're getting into. If you take a pass, I feel it will be the one that got away.
Good luck