If you mean that a distance of 170K miles is a lot, then yes. Its like 7 times around the Earth.


But...if you've got a Honda with basic maintenance and care...and its stock...then, the car is probably ready to do at least 7 more circles around the Earth without much of a hiccup.

You wouldn't (hopefully) be amazed at seeing a basically maintained 170K mile Civic or Accord being in good running order, right? So...why would a S2000 be different?

I see 300+K mile hondas every day that have been BARELY maintained and have their oil changes done at the jolly lube, using bulk barrel fluids whenever the light turns on.

Its not a BMW. It doesn't daily attention to keep going.


Nice thing about a maintained car with high miles is that its been maintained well enough to run well with high miles. There's a chance all the service items you'd need are already relatively new on the car. Anything that IS worn can be negotiated into an already low price. Like...

If the clutch is good on the test drive...it'll probably be good for a while (assuming its a stock clutch).

If the bushings aren't shot out visibily and noticeably...they'll also be fine for a while. Maybe not optimal...but totally fine.

Same with chassis parts like ball joints, etc. Its built..like...well...a Honda.

Think about the situation in this thread and not just a blanket one too. OP also says (s)he is mechanically inclined. So...free labour. Not like parts for this car cost anything significant.

Seems to me, the smart prioritization would be on overall condition and desirable year range. Mileage *in this case* is probably more trivial with all factors taken into account.

S2000 pricing at this point is also high. Take a look...you'll be flabberghasted. At this very moment, an 06+ AP2 you can readily buy for $13K is right around what the OP has found (assuming no accidents and good overall condition). "Back in my day" posts are irrelevant. Its no longer that day.

And, as mentioned, deals exist. But you gotta look intently and pounce. Looks like the OP is being patient enough to find the right one. So good for him/her.

 

Yep, I took my time to find one that was in my budget and the condition was satisfactory by my standards. When one popped up for $8,000. I drove 2 hours and trampled over these 2 kids waiting for daddy's money, and drove it home the same day. (of course, test drove it and all that too)

 

[QUOTE=B serious;24751540]If you mean that a distance of 170K miles is a lot, then yes. Its like 7 times around the Earth.


B serious, please, be serious. I'll leave the high mileage cars to braver souls than I. If OP or anyone else wants to buy an S2000 or any other car with that many miles on the clock, I could not care less. I'm merely pointing out that with sufficient patience, there are better cars and better "deals" to be had. End of subject.

 

Seems to be sound advice

Any other recommendations on where to find these deals?

 

[QUOTE=99MCoupe;24751614]Yeah, I don't care what ppl buy either.

I'm just saying for the sake of discussion, the "deal" advantage for the OP probably entails finding a car with higher miles but in cleaner condition and with a desirable year.

He/she said they were handy...so the above scenario made the most sense, IMO.

I was also saying that a 170K mile Honda probably doesn't need as much as you think. I've been around these cars a long time.

 

We can all agree that people should spend their money as they see fit. As far as waiting for a better "deal", could never understand that one. You might get hit by a truck while waiting and then you will never have known the pleasure of ownership.. I guess some people like bragging that they got the "deal of the year", like somehow that makes it better, or them smarter. Sometimes you have to settle for what is there given your circumstances. You can and do wrench on cars, then go for it. As others have said, it's a Honda

 

Life can be a series of "what if's", "if only's" and potential slippery slopes around the next bend.

 

Hey all - really appreciate all of the feedback!

As an update, I kept an eye out for a better 'deal' over the past 6 months. Haven't seen anything.
Happened to be in town and purchased the same car I was initially asking about in this post.

All seemed great until about 30 minutes later. Rough idle and check engine light. Cylinder 3 misfire. Compression is 210 across 1,2,4, 120 for 3. Front exhaust valve on C3 was literally tightened down (had to twist the screw driver with a bit of force to loosen). No change in compression after adjustment. Same rough idle. Hoping to dodge the head work, but I'm pretty much accepting it needs valves.

Just a testament to checking those clearances and always go to a mechanic first. Compression tests go a long way on these and they only take 10 minutes. My folly. Upside is I planned on revitalizing the internals anyways, so maybe this one goes 500k miles

 

That sucks. The good advice would be to just fix the issue and nothing else.

"Revitalizing" the internals sounds like you're about to do something regrettable lol.

 

Yeah. This is definitely ain't broke don't fix it territory.

Do not 'upgrade' valves or springs. The aftermarket stuff here is only for ridiculous high hp FI builds that will see low miles in increments of .25.

If you want ot to last more than a few thousand, use Honda parts only up there.

That kinda goes for most things on this car. Stock is usually the far and away best choice. Best for longevity. Best for quality. Best for performance.