Hello, thinking about buying my first s2k. It's a 2009 with ~170k miles, 2 owners. Maintenance records are decent. "No mods". Exterior and interior condition are both good to great. Anything recommendations or likely due maintenance / overhauls?

Mileage seems high.. but it's a Honda after all. I'm very mechanically inclined.
Just looking for thoughts

Thanks!

 

They are pretty solid cars overall. at 170k I would not see it as a surprised if some of the suspension components are worn out but to me that would not be a deal breaker depending on the price. The weak point on these cars is the diff and trans. make sure the diff does not make any noise and the trans does not have any grinds. The ap2 trans issues dont seem to be as bad since they have the clutch delay valve. The only other things I would see is when was the last valve adjustment done and of course if basic maintenance was done. Good luck!

 

As long as its solid, it'll keep going. Just check it like any other car.

Weak points on this car are few....but do some research on what's involved when stuff needs maintenance.

As mentioned above, suspension components and diff. Also listen for TCT noise, look for oil burn or signs of the engine being run low on oil. The clutch may need to be replaced....look into that (its easy asf to do if you're handy). Diff and engine mounts tend to wear and leak.

All things to consider when looking at price.

But...a 170K mile S2000 is still a 170K mile Honda. Its probably barely broken in if BASIC maintenance was performed and it was left stock.

 

I will addto the excellent advice above to reiterate about checking valve clearances.

The '06+, aka dbw cars are known for running lean, which leads to exhaust valves becoming tight. If not kept up with by regular valve clearance adjustments, much sooner than scheduled, can result in burnt valves.

Burnt valves would result in loss of compression and loss of power. It can often be addressed by lapping the valves (or if more severe, replacing valve seats and valves.) Potentially inexpensive but labor intensive diy if you are comfortable removing an aluminum cylinder head. But very costly to have done by a shop.

Before you put many miles on this car, check the valve clearances. DON'T GO TO A HONDA DEALERSHIP. This serviceis best performed as a diy, or try to find an independent motorcycle shop. The VA is the exact same procedure used on many Honda bikes. So other than leaning over a hood, and having much more space to work with, it should be very familiar to any bike tech. Whereas your local auto shop probably haven't done a VA in like ever, since most cars have non adjustable hydraulic valves.

Do a search for the dbw VA specs from Billman, and use those, not the specs from the manual.

 

Thanks guys

I've done a clutch before. Rebuilt most of an engine bay. Suspension work, etc.

I won't have much access to tools - any tips on what to bring or ways to check on the spot?

And the price point is around 13k - is that fair, discount, or premium to your experience?

 

I guess if its me buying a higher mileage s2k I would want to see compression test results. Again, as mentioned above, its the valve thing.

 

when were the valve adjustments done on it?
when was the rear axle nut retorque done? Oh, it wasn't? ok, when were the rear wheel bearings/hubs last done. It always amazes me when I talk to owners - who aren't aware- who speak of needing to do this maintenance item.

darcy

 

The late model AP2s seem to cost a bit more so it sounds like a fair price based on what I have seen. But I have not seen a 07-09 with that many miles yet to be honest. you can get much better options if you up your budget to around 15k. You can get a lower mile AP1 or early model AP2. If you are buying a car for the long run its always worth it to pay a little more for a top notch product. I was in your shoes when I was searching for a s2000 and the best thing I did was wait till I was 100 percent confident in what I was getting. The s2k is one of my dream cars and I wanted it to be just right. I ended up getting a 03 with 32k miles 6 years ago for 8K. Its a rebuilt title but the price was a great and it has no accidents.

 

I'd rather have a higher mile AP2 for the same price as a lower mile AP1...especially if its a 06+ AP2 in question.

That's my opinion, though.

Man there were a few DEALS that I let slip the last few months.


I found a 10 VIN MY07 with 190K for $8500 and I didn't jump on it fast enough. Someone else bought it faster than me, and I saw he was re-selling it for $13K a few months later. I chuckled a little.

Also let a showroom clean MY07 or 08 GPW with half red interior and 24K miles slip. Dude wanted $25K. I clutched the cash and got on the phone...but alas...also sold before I could get there. Ended up just spending it all on sandwiches because I eat when I'm sad.

Deals are out there....but u gotta jump in it.

OP found a decent/slightly high price, depending on the rest of the condition. But not a crazy deal by any means. Is this the one in IL at a dealer?

 

Private sale in Ohio. I'm on the fence because of the miles and not knowing the maintenance records. I can do most of the work myself - clutch, bearings, valves, etc. Just don't want to have to do it all at an additional expense. I'd want to price that into the purchase.

This is great info. Really appreciate it guys. I think I'll go see it, but the price point does seem a little off putting - especially because I'm not in a rush. It is nice that it's close by me though. That said, I don't "need" it and wouldn't do any serious driving until next Spring anyways.

Always good to have time on your side