Hi guys, I am currently in the market for a new car, but don't wanna break the bank on my next purchase. I have decided to purchase a slightly used (less than 20K miles) s2000.

I was wondering if everyone on here has any pointers on what to look for and what to ask when I am looking these finely tuned cars over.

I know carfax is obvious, but are there any tricks of the trade?

Any input would be extremely helpful, Thanks.


tallguy

 

I'm looking aswell any info would be greatly appreciated. Obviously all the fluids should be checked, tires, interior, etc. but is there anyway to really tell if the owner as really been abusing the car?

 

Besides giving the whole car the "once over" visually (including under the hood and under the car), look at the oil on the dipstick (feel it, smell it), look at all the fluids (brake, clutch, coolant), have a mechanical inspection done, including compression and leak down test. This will verify that most of the major components are OK.
However, don't do this till you've assessed the car as best you can. No point in paying someone to tell you something that you can find out for yourself - something that would tell you to walk away.
See the car first thing in the day and ask that the car NOT be started. You want to be the first one to start the car that day. From the moment you touch the car, turn UP your hearing and your sense of "feel". Listen to every sound the car makes from the moment you hit that starter button. Turn OFF the stereo for now. Begin to take note of everything. Row through the gears while stationary - how's it feel? Now go for a drive and tool around town till you reach operating temp. Then go out on the highway. Take it up through the gears, listen and feel. Slow it down to 40-50 mph on a quiet stretch, leave it in 5th or 6th, then briskly "floor it". Does the clutch slip?
Find a suitable location to run it up to redline in the first 2-3 gears, look, listen and feel. Is it smooth? Any odd hiccups? Don't forget to use reverse at least once. Brakes feel OK? Steering? Clutch operation normal? Any dash warning lights come on? Does the top work OK? Windows? A/C? S2000 tires normally wear unevenly from side to side but other than this, how are they?
IF you are still satisfied, now have the inspection done.

 

xviper, thanks again!!!