Definitely a test drive is in order.

I follow sales of S2000s regularly on auto trader.com and elsewhere. One trend is clear - low mileage, late model and all stock beauties are consistently available. There is no rush imo.

 

Avoid future regret. I can't tell you how many times I have spoken with or read a post about someone who regrets not getting an S when they had the chance. It also includes people who parted ways with an S and missed it so much they got another. It was the reason I pulled the trigger on mine. It was the color I wanted (yellow), low miles, one owner, stock, perfect condition. It was blue book and I paid for it gladly. I have never seen another since (for sale). No regrets on my part.

 

Yes, go drive an S before deciding. You'll know pretty quickly if it's meant for you.

I knew it was the car for me before I got out of the dealer's lot !

 

I had a chance to by a second S2000 about 6 months ago. It was a 2008 with 43,000 miles on it, and I was too proud/stubborn to pay the dealers price on it. I called their bluff, they called mine, and the car was gone (assuming to a dealer auction). I regret not buying it almost every day. It was absolutely mint. I think I had them down to right at $20K on it, which would have been a steal.

 

Ap2s are going for a lot of money and holding their value. New cars never really do unless they are something rare and special. You can probably "buy and try" the S2000 and not be out much if you decide you like the miata later. If you get the miata and decide you don't like it, you're going to lose that initial depreciation and may not find as good a deal on a clean, low mileage S2000.

 

Where is the car located? I am looking for a low miles ap2 in SoCal

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Wow thats a great price! According to KBB that would be sold at 27K at the dealer!

 

They had it listed for 25K. According to KBB (at the time), it was worth like 18K, with a trade-in value of 16 or 17K. It seems like prices have gone up a bit since then.

 

I agree... If you were negotiating to buy a Honda Accord, you have much more bargaining power...there's plenty of inventory, and if they won't sell it to you for a "good deal" they know you can simply go next door to the next dealership and try with them...

But if you see a high demand, low supply car that you want...you have to move fast, and you may have to pay a premium for it...

Not just talking about the S2000 either... In the Bay Area, 3rd generation Acura TLs with average miles in good condition are in high demand and low supply... If you want one and you see one, you need to move on it quickly...the car will be gone within a couple of days (or sell immediately that evening). I was recently in the market for one and tried to play "medium ball" (as opposed to "hard ball") with the dealers and private party sellers, and loss each and every one of those cars...

Last week I found one at the dealer with average miles in good condition, priced a bit above KBB, and I pulled the trigger and paid them what they wanted for the car.

What's your goal? To steal the car, or to acquire the car? Which ever your goal is will guide you on your buying quest...

 

I finally drove the car today. This was my first time behind the wheel of an S2000 and I was most definitely impressed. The low end power is not what I am accustomed to when driving my last 350Z but the driving experience is way better. The engine, the shifting, the ride were all so smooth it was almost intoxicating. I will admit it is very Rev happy and it would take some getting used to how to properly manager the rev range and to figure out what the appropriate gear is for driving around town. It felt really good hitting the curves and much like my motorcycle I give it more gas around the corner and it seems happy. I can tell that the back end would be more than happy to bite me so that will take some time to get the feel of. My Z was very communicative with the grip and I always had a good sense when I was nearing the limit. Not sure how that will be with the S2000 but a first test drive was not the time to ask.

I have about 24 hours to make a decision. This car is fully stock and very close to mint condition. I believe the front driver side quarter panel has been partially removed and painted. It was very minor. Other than that, perfect inside and out. The engine bay and underside look brand new. It is 2007 white with the black and red interior. What is there not to love?

I would have already driven it off the lot if it were not for the price. Clearly, the low mile S2000s are commanding a premium on top of the fact that this is a Car Max vehicle. I'd be happy to pay 24-25K for it. They want 28K. So I really think I would be paying about 3K for the opportunity to get one of these cars with extra low miles and stock condition. They admit that much. Not sure yet if I want to pay that.

Would like to hear your input on the price. Some of you have already provided some useful insights about depreciation of something new and regrets of not buying an S2000. The next gen MX-5 gets announced on Sept 3rd. I am betting the price of that new would be in the range for this 7 year old car.

Thoughts? I like this car but enough to pay that much for it? Did I mention that I did not want to stop driving it. Only time I have ever had that sensation was on a motorcycle.