I'm seriously looking into buying an S2000, I'm looking at a particular 2007 model and I'm new to them so I was just looking for some help on what are red flags when looking over the car. Any and all help is appreciated.

 

I've never watched it but you might start here: https://www.s2ki.com/forums/s2000-ta...guide-1186144/

Also check out the Savage Geese review too

 

Your intended use is important. A quasi-collector weekend driver at one end of the scale. Buggering the car with pulled fenders, forced induction, lowered suspensions, etc. is another. Full race setup at the other end. All 10 VIN tags in place is a good indication of no damage to the body work but is only really important in the first case. In the first case I'd avoid cars that have "been put back to stock."

Make a priority list. It will create its own short list for you. Color was not on my list that was headed by 2006 and later (to allow a FlashPro tune), all 10 VIN tags, and under 40,000 miles. Found one (finally) with aftermarket wheels which I immediately replaced with OEM. Your use and list will be unique to you.

Remember these are all cars that have been discarded by their former owner(s).

-- Chuck

 

All the same standard stuff when you are buying any car.

One "red flag" with the 06 and newer S2k's is the valve clearances. The valves clearances on those model years have a tendency to get tight, which can cause burned valves and all the bad things that go along with that. It would not prevent me from buying one, they are great cars, but I would be extra careful to make sure the car is running smoothly with no CELs. If I had any doubt about it, I might pay to get the valve clearances checked and do a compression test - (or do it myself if seller would permit) - just to be sure the engine is sound on this score. Also, if I bought one, the first thing I would do is a valve adjustment and I would set the valves to the gaps that are recommended by Billman on this site, which is a touch on the loose side. 2000 - 2005 model years don't have this issue.

Be patient. There are many good cars out there but it can take a while to find the right one. You are going to love it!

 

All these cars need a periodic valve adjustment. The 2006 and later cars are known to have tight valve clearances, run leaner, and will experience engine damage sooner than the earlier cars -- but they all need attention. Set the exhaust 0.001" looser than spec. High mileage 2006+ cars without verified valve adjustments are suspect.

-- Chuck

 

Billman has reported his ap1 has gone about 100K with no significant valve lash movement. So, sure, you want to adjust valves periodically even with an ap1 - but the difference is with the ap1 you are making adjustments mostly for peak performance, not to prevent burned valves.

 

Both my experiences differ from the "norm." My 2006 (DBW) valve clearances were spot on at a bit over 40,000 miles but my buddy's '02 valves were all excessively tight (don't know his mileage but I expect over 100K). No information if the former owner of my car adjusted them previously.

But we'd not know my valve clearance was fine and his was bad if we'd not checked -- that's the key point here.

-- Chuck