I thought I had posted this already but it isn't appear so apologies if it appears twice ...

I am thinking of chopping in my Civic for an S2000. I had a couple of questions if you had the time ...

1) It would be my first RWD car, my first sports car, and has a hundred horses more than my current car. We are coming into a Scottish winter. Am I going to wrap it round a tree in a few weeks? I'd likely be buying an 02/03.

2) My budget is around 10k but paying a bit less and keeping some back for maintenance would be ideal. I'd prefer less than 75k miles, FSH and low owners. Looks like my budget gets me in an 02/03 with sub 75k miles. What should I be looking to pay? Prices are all over the place from 8.5k for a FSH one owner example from a dealer, 7.5k for an example from a dealer that doesn't perhaps have quite as good a history, to 6k from a private seller.

3) It will be my daily driver though I don't commute by car so although reliability is important, I won't be stranded if it breaks. My big concern is lunching an engine whilst I am paying off my loan (which is unsecured). Is that a real concern? I have read the FAQ and it seems I need to be concerned re. rust, oil usage and suspension parts seizing. I intend to have a PPI, preferably by a Honda specialist, but failing which would an AA PPI be okay? I note there is apparently no way of checking if the suspension parts are seized by looking at them. Could a specialist check during a PPI and if not, is buying privately a big risk?

4) Insurance quotes aren't too bad and mpg I am not too worried about. Main worry is lots of expense from running a fifteen year old car. I am not looking to shed it and will keep it well maintained, but how much should I expect it to cost to run in that regard?

5) Anything else I should know? I presume that buying in Sept/Oct is when I will get the best value, and if I decide that two seater roadster life is not for me I can likely sell in summer and at least recoup my money.

Cheers all.

 

My 2004 FSH low owner is £10500 and it won't need anything spending on it for awhile

 

hey mate. I saw your advert, looks a real nice car. Sadly it's just a little rich for me - want to try and stay under 9k. Good luck selling !

 

Hi, I bought my first S2 after 3 ep3's, but I did have experience of rwd(being an oldie) so it wasn't too much of a change,a bit of caution and practice will keep you safe, buy from someone here and you stand a whole lot better chance of getting a good one, and at a better price.

 

Thanks. I have also been considering Civic and Integra Type Rs, but the S2K has won if I can find a good example. I don't think there are any for sale currently on here that meets my needs.

This one is close to me and looks a reasonable price especially given the hardtop: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201709159342572?atmobcid=soc3.

Does anyone have any thoughts?

 

.... stretch your budget for this one would be my advice ... if you buy one at 9k you could quite easily spend £1500 getting it sorted

 

Buying one with decent brand all-season tyres (rather than out and out summer tyres) and a recent geometry set up will greatly reduce the chances of swapping ends in cold/wet weather. tbh that red one looks like it has Uniroyal Rainsports that generally have a good reputation for er, grip in the rain

I think Gaffa's one looks the best value I've seen in a while though - best colour too

 

 

I've got an 06 with 65k good history, hardtop and within your budget. I could be tempted to sell for the right money

 

That almost sounds too good to be true. If you can send me a PM with some details, that would be great. (Though, as I am new to the forums, I am not sure I have permission to respond to PMs?).