Going to look at a used s2000
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2009
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Going to look at a used s2000
Hey guys...I think i may have found a great deal on a used s2000. Low miles and a great price.
But what should i be looking for when i go sunday to test drive it. This is giong to be from a private sellar. Other than oil leakage and such, im still going to take it to a mechanic tho..
But should i be looking at specific areas?
But what should i be looking for when i go sunday to test drive it. This is giong to be from a private sellar. Other than oil leakage and such, im still going to take it to a mechanic tho..
But should i be looking at specific areas?
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Chicago, IL / Tampa, FL
what year s2000? the 2000 years have synchro issues with the transmission. there are some spots on the top that are notorious for wearing so look at the top closely. all i can think of for now hope that helps.
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: on the rev limiter
pardon the lack of capitalization.
I've got an 02 and have had very little problems.
Ask if they've made any modifications. you may be able to judge how they've treated the car by their answer and the ensuing conversation (racing, etc.). Although, I autcrossed the heck out of mine for the first two years and drive over 30K annually and haven't had any issues.
Ask about maintenance, where, and how often. Here again, just another indicator of how they've treated the car. If they've saved every oil change receipt, then they're probably anal enough that they have taken care of it.
It's a Honda after all. They can take some serious abuse.
One VERY important issue to keep in mind....the car burns oil!! they all do, it's a race car. I change my oil every 3,000 to 4,000 miles and ALWAYS have to add at least a quart in between. If they haven't changed the oil or only do it every 6-10K miles, be cautious. I've heard horror stories of people 'just driving' the car and not maintaining it AT ALL. not good.
As for the top, the elastic bands have probably worn out with 59K on it. you can see the bands from the inside. they'll be right above your head and the passenger's head and connect the two frame pieces. these bands 'pull' the top back so it folds correctly. when they get worn out, the top doesn't pull back enough and the hand latches can (and will as in my case) penetrate the top material. The easiest solution (that I and others have made a habit of doing) is while lowering the top, you can push back the middle bar just before it becomes a pinch hazard (doing the job of the elastic bands). This isn't a big deal, but if the top gets punctured, it becomes a very costly deal.
you may also see where the convertible top frame rubs against the top in the process of the top going up and down. these are pretty normal for that kind of mileage if they have used the top as it is intended. make sure you can't see daylight through them (use a flashlight on both sides). FYI a new top installed is about $2,000 or more, so if it's worn too much you might want to haggle the price a bit to cover potential expenses.
If they have not used the top, it's possible that neither of these are an issue, but if you get the car, it's something to keep in mind.
The S2000 is a great car and should provide you with MANY years of driving pleasure. I've got 175,000 on my 02 and plan on getting just as many more.
Good luck, and welcome to the community!!
THE FINE PRINT:
The above is my $.02 and is not meant to be taken as fact for any car other than my own. Use YOUR best judgement and the judgement of those qualified to examine/ repair atuomobiles.
I've got an 02 and have had very little problems.
Ask if they've made any modifications. you may be able to judge how they've treated the car by their answer and the ensuing conversation (racing, etc.). Although, I autcrossed the heck out of mine for the first two years and drive over 30K annually and haven't had any issues.
Ask about maintenance, where, and how often. Here again, just another indicator of how they've treated the car. If they've saved every oil change receipt, then they're probably anal enough that they have taken care of it.
It's a Honda after all. They can take some serious abuse.
One VERY important issue to keep in mind....the car burns oil!! they all do, it's a race car. I change my oil every 3,000 to 4,000 miles and ALWAYS have to add at least a quart in between. If they haven't changed the oil or only do it every 6-10K miles, be cautious. I've heard horror stories of people 'just driving' the car and not maintaining it AT ALL. not good.
As for the top, the elastic bands have probably worn out with 59K on it. you can see the bands from the inside. they'll be right above your head and the passenger's head and connect the two frame pieces. these bands 'pull' the top back so it folds correctly. when they get worn out, the top doesn't pull back enough and the hand latches can (and will as in my case) penetrate the top material. The easiest solution (that I and others have made a habit of doing) is while lowering the top, you can push back the middle bar just before it becomes a pinch hazard (doing the job of the elastic bands). This isn't a big deal, but if the top gets punctured, it becomes a very costly deal.
you may also see where the convertible top frame rubs against the top in the process of the top going up and down. these are pretty normal for that kind of mileage if they have used the top as it is intended. make sure you can't see daylight through them (use a flashlight on both sides). FYI a new top installed is about $2,000 or more, so if it's worn too much you might want to haggle the price a bit to cover potential expenses.
If they have not used the top, it's possible that neither of these are an issue, but if you get the car, it's something to keep in mind.
The S2000 is a great car and should provide you with MANY years of driving pleasure. I've got 175,000 on my 02 and plan on getting just as many more.
Good luck, and welcome to the community!!
THE FINE PRINT:
The above is my $.02 and is not meant to be taken as fact for any car other than my own. Use YOUR best judgement and the judgement of those qualified to examine/ repair atuomobiles.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 25
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Rock on...the current owners are a older couple...i think at least over 55.
tho they are the 2nd owners, that dosent bother me much and they said they have all records...
Im used to cheacking oil alot..i used to own a MR2 gen2 so i know all about checking oil..plus i want to learn to do matiance on this car, oil chsnges and the like.
i to want to do some autocross..or time trials ect.
thanx for the info guys.
ill let ya know if it goes thru ok.
tho they are the 2nd owners, that dosent bother me much and they said they have all records...
Im used to cheacking oil alot..i used to own a MR2 gen2 so i know all about checking oil..plus i want to learn to do matiance on this car, oil chsnges and the like.
i to want to do some autocross..or time trials ect.
thanx for the info guys.
ill let ya know if it goes thru ok.
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Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 25
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cool..thanx all..tho the guy sold the car even before i could look at it...i would still need this info anyways.
Tho its a toss up right now..between the s2000 and a mr spyder....im heavly leaning to the s2000 but good ones are hard to find that are not over priced.
Tho its a toss up right now..between the s2000 and a mr spyder....im heavly leaning to the s2000 but good ones are hard to find that are not over priced.