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I love Suzuka myself....I just love the Apex Blue better.
I approve of rockstar 143's exhaust video a couple of pages back. Nice job and nice sound. That S2000 sounds like it's brand new, not 130k miles old.
The weather is supposed to be good around here tomorrow, I'm planning on taking mine out to drive to work. It's rained multiple days in the last week and so the RLX Sport Hybrid has been taking a (wet) beating lately.
Thanks Bob! I appreciate it!
I was actually under the car last night. Almost have it down to a science...1.25 hours to drop exhaust, sway bar, brace, and swap out the torn differential mount. I took the time to remove the diff collars I just while I was under there (I noticed a faint annoying vibration at higher speeds). Driving it this morning...man, so much smoother without them. I'm shipping them back to the seller I bought on Amazon.
Also ordered a new gas cap I threw on...I had a strong gas smell the other day when it was really hot out and my mileage had dropped in the last few tanks so I figured it was safe to spend the $28 on it. That and decided to replace my one broken cr clear sidemarker since it was only $9 for it and shipping was getting paid for anyway. I kinda like to be able to swap the looks.
Alright, it's official that I'm searching for a LBP. Wifey-to-be gave me the thumbs so the hunt begins. I'm trying to stay as close to $15k as possible and would like it to be totally stock. Miles aren't a huge concern since I drive 80 miles round trip each day, but I don't exactly want a 180k car either. I'm close to Charlotte but would be willing to travel for the right car.
Thanks Ryan! I'm really excited about this. I've wanted a S2000 since I got my license and I should have gotten one instead of the TL 7 years ago. However, live and learn. The TL has been great to me and I hope that the S2000 that I end up with treats me as well as this car has!
Tyler...I'll help you search as much as possible. I am not the best guy to buy cars...I buy based on whether or not I like the guy selling it...sh*tty description, shady...or bad with communication and I pass even if the car is alright. I guess in a way it's worked out thus far though...
Nice. I should have looked at that color more but my wife's Accord is the cool blue mist or whatever and looks almost exactly like Suzuka so I wanted something different.
Originally Posted by neuronbob
The weather is supposed to be good around here tomorrow, I'm planning on taking mine out to drive to work. It's rained multiple days in the last week and so the RLX Sport Hybrid has been taking a (wet) beating lately.
Raining cats and dogs here, S2k is sleeping nicely in the garage for the next few days.
I feel bad every time I walk by it in the morning on my way to work.
Originally Posted by rockstar143
Also ordered a new gas cap I threw on...I had a strong gas smell the other day when it was really hot out and my mileage had dropped in the last few tanks so I figured it was safe to spend the $28 on it. That and decided to replace my one broken cr clear sidemarker since it was only $9 for it and shipping was getting paid for anyway. I kinda like to be able to swap the looks.
Where did you get the clear markers for $9? Are they OE parts?
Originally Posted by CLtotheTL32
Alright, it's official that I'm searching for a LBP. Wifey-to-be gave me the thumbs so the hunt begins. I'm trying to stay as close to $15k as possible and would like it to be totally stock. Miles aren't a huge concern since I drive 80 miles round trip each day, but I don't exactly want a 180k car either. I'm close to Charlotte but would be willing to travel for the right car.
Congrats!
I'd be shocked if you can get any good/great condition and stock LBP car for $15k but I wish you the best of luck in getting one!
My advice, be as picky as possible and don't settle. The car for you is out there at the price you want but I'd select at least one or two backup colors that you'd be ok with instead of LBP.
Originally Posted by rockstar143
and he keeps letting me call him Phil!
Tyler...I'll help you search as much as possible. I am not the best guy to buy cars...I buy based on whether or not I like the guy selling it...sh*tty description, shady...or bad with communication and I pass even if the car is alright. I guess in a way it's worked out thus far though...
Since you're hunting in the $15,000 range, you should be able to find something around the 80,000 - 100,000mi mark. Lucky for you, these cars are built like brick shit houses and if properly maintained, you'll have plenty of trouble-free miles (I just rolled over 144,000 today, engine burns little oil and has had many trouble-free miles). I checked out a few S2000s before purchasing and don't be afraid to get a pre-purchase inspection. $100 could save you thousands in a repair bill.
Here's a few tips for you, most of which are common sense.
- Compression -make sure the compression is a consistent 200+ over all cylinders
Good: 201, 205, 199, 204
Bad: 201, 205, 173, 210
Usual compression for an S2000 can be anywhere from 230-250 PSI when new, but I've always been told 200+ is OK for an engine approaching higher mileage (assuming it hasn't been rebuilt). Consistency is *key*.
- Clean title (obviously) - check every single body panel for an original & matching VIN. If the rear quarter panels have been painted, request pictures of what the accident looked like if you have intentions of purchase. Not available? Walk.
Not worth buying an S2000 that isn't "true"
My car was in a few collisions (rear bumper, front bumper & a fender was repainted), but rear quarters, doors, hood & trunk were intact and the car tracked straight.
- Leaks - Check for any transmission, differential or engine oil leaks. It's common to have the crank sprocket leak on the front of the engine, it's $150 fix.
- Clutch - Depending on how the owner treated it, 80,000 miles could mean a beat or a fresh clutch. Service records are important in this case.
If the owner is trustworthy, the car is clean, has service records & well maintained, little or no accidents, go for it!
Hey Sam...
$9 was for one...it's an OEM part as it came on the 08/09 CR's.
You find them on ebay for $25-30 all day a set...problem was, I only had one clip crack so I only needed one and already spent my $30 to replace the ambers I didn't have. Other problem is when ordering, shipping is almost always $10...so not worth it on it's own...great to add to another order you're already getting for a larger item.
First thing I did, Ken...
Diff/Tranny/Oil/Tensioner 'TCT'/brake fluid/clutch fluid with slave checkvalve delete/radiator fluid/plugs/valve adjust and new valve cover gasket set/intake/high flow cat/cleaned up calipers, pads and new premium rotors.
I'd be shocked if you can get any good/great condition and stock LBP car for $15k but I wish you the best of luck in getting one!
My advice, be as picky as possible and don't settle. The car for you is out there at the price you want but I'd select at least one or two backup colors that you'd be ok with instead of LBP.
.
I know that finding my ideal car is a stretch, but you never know! I really like LBP but I would sacrifice color for a good deal. I don't want white, black, or red. I'm open to anything else, especially the dark silver
Originally Posted by TylerT
Woo woooo - that's one helluva wifey!
Good luck with your search.
Since you're hunting in the $15,000 range, you should be able to find something around the 80,000 - 100,000mi mark. Lucky for you, these cars are built like brick shit houses and if properly maintained, you'll have plenty of trouble-free miles (I just rolled over 144,000 today, engine burns little oil and has had many trouble-free miles). I checked out a few S2000s before purchasing and don't be afraid to get a pre-purchase inspection. $100 could save you thousands in a repair bill.
Here's a few tips for you, most of which are common sense.
Tyler, thank you so much! Fantastic post! I'll keep all of that in mind I'm really excited about this but I don't want to rush into anything either.
Originally Posted by TylerT
Although, I'm not so sure about having 2 Tylers in 1 thread all the time
Originally Posted by rockstar143
Don't worry unless someone shows up with a cup...
2 Tylers, 1 cup could end up being a sh*tty scenario.
J, I'm not Austin. I don't do those sorts of things...at least not for free :ghey:
Alright, it's official that I'm searching for a LBP. Wifey-to-be gave me the thumbs so the hunt begins. I'm trying to stay as close to $15k as possible and would like it to be totally stock. Miles aren't a huge concern since I drive 80 miles round trip each day, but I don't exactly want a 180k car either. I'm close to Charlotte but would be willing to travel for the right car.
LOL...there's no rush! I hate painting, but I'm good at it. I don't tape anything up...shoot...you can even use claybar on windows/counters from the roller overspray...or put a drop cloth down. Trust me...you can do it. That's a lot of cash to hand to a stranger for something you can do yourself and something you'll care about the outcome than anyone else. Clutch replace...brain surgery, I pay people...but labor. I got this...
First thing I did, Ken...
Diff/Tranny/Oil/Tensioner 'TCT'/brake fluid/clutch fluid with slave checkvalve delete/radiator fluid/plugs/valve adjust and new valve cover gasket set/intake/high flow cat/cleaned up calipers, pads and new premium rotors.
Maintenance first!
Me too, engine oil and diff last weekend, trans was done last year so I'm good on that one for now. Next up is to change out brake fluid and coolant. Everything else can wait since the car is still low mileage, just want to take out fluids that can wear with age.