I am looking at getting a S2000 in about 8 months. It is tempting to get a used copy since there are many always on eBay with lower miles, I would most likely add a extended warranty at some point. While I would much rather have a new model with the glass in back etc, I am not crazy about how they have made the RED and Blue interiors all one tone, it would grow on me, but the wife says no way. My big issue is I am scared even a low miles used S2000 may have been abused though break in or something along those lines. Is there any way to be sure of such thing other than the sellers word? Any tips and info on buying used S2000 would be great. Thanks

 

welcome to the forum.

I think s2000 are for enthusiast, so it is very rare to find one that is unloved and abuse.
but if you can get the new one, then i will suggest you go for the new one

get something with the black or blue interior if your wife dont like the red interior

 

Personally I don't think you will find many "abused" S2000's out there. IMHO there are 2 basic kinds of S2000 owners...the enthusiast and the clueless. You are probably better off buying a used S from a clueless one. Here's why. The enthusiast will baby the hell out of the car, but drive it like mad as well. The clueless owner probably never knew it would rev past 6K. You be the judge.

Anyway, it's a Honda and it is built to last. Just try and get some assurance it was properly maintained, buy it and enjoy the discount we origional owners didn't get. In any case, you will love the car when you get it.

 

for what I know, buy a used s2000 just like any used car, always check service history to see if it is done by honda dealers (even they sucks) or sevice center that have the experience and knowledge about the s2000.
service history has to show at least 3750 miles for a oil and filter change.

the plastic rear window have to be at least clear for vision (to see is the ex-owner love the car or not)

there are some TSB need to be done for the clutch and tonneau cover/seatbelt. (check history)

the s-02 tires or any tires should remain amount of pattern (not a big problem)

 

I am also hoping and dreaming that I might be able to afford an S in about 8-12 months. I agree with the previous poster, I don't like the all red or all blue interiors of the '02s, but I won't be able to afford one anyway. I'll be searching for the lowest priced '00 I can find probably. Anyone have any idea what the prices might drop to in the next year?

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by munckee
[B]I am also hoping and dreaming that I might be able to afford an S in about 8-12 months.

 

I'll have to hope for the $22K range as $26K is definitely too high for me. I guess we'll have to see what some careful shopping can bring. I am really surprised; the other car that I was interested in before the S came out was the Audi TT. Those have come down considerably; you can pick up a '00 right now for $21K. I was kinda hoping the S might drop into that range by the end of another year or so. Come to think of it, one just sold off autotrader.com at a dealer in Houston and they had the price listed at $21K (I don't know if the car had problems or something that they sold it so cheaply). Thanks for your thoughts!

 

What about insurance? Is it going to cost me much more than my 2000 VW GTI VR6?

 

atunnell,

One thing you should check is the cars history of ownership. I know that it has been said here already, but look out for any car that was "owned" by a sports car rental company.

There is a great company here in Newport Beach, but the S2K that they had was wrecked twice in the first month. A lot of folks rent the new cars before they decide to purchase them and according to this owner "the s2000's power surprised a lot of the renters".

He got rid of the car as a rental because it was too much of a hassle.

Good luck!

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by munckee
[B]I'll have to hope for the $22K range as $26K is definitely too high for me.