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Here's a post I typed up for Mr Penguin when he was searching for his S2000 - here are a few guidelines when you find something worth taking a gander at.
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.
- 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!
lol@sunroof. Damn right it has a sunroof, and a huge panoramic one at that.
That car had better be in perfect as new condition to warrant that price and even so, it's probably at least $5k too high. The fact that it's LBP and comes with an OEM hard top drives the price way up. The fact that it has low miles and is a second gen AP2 makes it worth even more.
I would say that car, as is, is worth $25k-$26k tops. Sad part is that I bet they sell that car for $30k or more. Makes me want to toss my S2k up for sale at a ridiculously high price and just see what happens.
Originally Posted by TylerT
Typically, OEM hardtops usually go for around $3,000 - $4,000 depending on the color / condition (Craigslist / forums), but figure you're paying $35 - $36k after the tax man has his way with your sphincter for an 8 year old USED car is just bonkers.
I paid 3 times less than that for virtually the same car.
You paid 3 times less for a car with 3 times as many miles.
Low mileage S2k's are going for a super high premium. It's definitely overpriced but not by as much as you think it is.
Originally Posted by rockstar143
Getting an S is the goal...paying for unicorn status doesn't matter once you own it.
fk that...
and
can't wait to see the results.
Once you have it, the unicorn status only helps in the long run.
Mine isn't by any means a unicorn but the value is still solid and only going up.
That car is overpriced. I bought mine without the hardtop, '08 with 32K miles for $25,200, and only 1 owner. The bank valued it at 24,100.
On a different topic does anyone have the Tamon or JDP lip spoilers? I'm thinking about getting one of them as they both allow the 3rd brake light to work. The JDP is carbon fiber (probably cheap) and goes for $335 shipped but has a 10 week wait. The JDP also uses the 3rd brake light to mount the spoiler (optional 3M tape as well I think) so no drilling the trunk! The Tamon has an FRP option for about $550 (+200 for CF) and mounts with 3M tape. I'm going to paint the spoiler so CF doesn't matter.
Those are the only two that don't delete the 3rd brake light that I've found. After dealing with the wing spoiler on my TL and the pain that causes when detailing I want to go with a lip on the S.
I've found that there are very few aftermarket parts for the S that are "reasonable" in price. Especially when dealing with the body.
Now think about it, i might still have some parts left from my s2000s.
I think i have a weighted Shift knob...and i threw a brand new convertible cover still in the original plastic into my dumpster a few years ago, thinking i was never going to use it and then realized how expensive they are.
Let me see what i can find and have a everything for $10 sale.
That car is overpriced. I bought mine without the hardtop, '08 with 32K miles for $25,200, and only 1 owner. The bank valued it at 24,100.
So...add the $3k for the hard top and you're right around $28k for your car with the top. Is yours LBP? If no, add another $1k-$2k for the color bonus and you arrive at right around the market value for that car.
It is Sam...he posted a link to pictures of it a page back.
oon...you're awesome, man.
Buda...I did the oem replica from ebay...can't beat the price. Painted for 88 bucks from Korea to your door and quality holds up fine.
found this...fucking assholes...that is not the company I approved to use my pictures. My old silver one (themachine's now).
http://www.ebay.com/itm/00-09-S2000-AP1-AP2-Trunk-Spoiler-OEM-Painted-Match-NH552M-Sebring-Silver-/271881264123?fits=Model%3AS2000&hash=item3f4d62dbfb&vxp=mtr
So...add the $3k for the hard top and you're right around $28k for your car with the top. Is yours LBP? If no, add another $1k-$2k for the color bonus and you arrive at right around the market value for that car.
Mine is LBP and I paid $3200 for the HT but had to buy some hardware so add a little on to that.
Originally Posted by rockstar143
Buda...I did the oem replica from ebay...can't beat the price. Painted for 88 bucks from Korea to your door and quality holds up fine.
The OEM requires drilling into trunk for mounting. I'm not wanting to do that. Besides I like the different look of the lip spoilers versus the OEM.
On the JDP I'm not sure about the center portion on the underside as it breaks up the flow some but does give it a unique look. The Tamon one flows a little better but seems a little... dinky. Unfortunately on the JDP there have been complaints about product quality (with pics to show it) on the S2Ki thread.
It's nowhere as sexy as the ones Sean just posted, but I'm in love with my S2k. It's not perfect, a few spots need some PDR love, but it's just so damn fun.
I cannot take credit for the donut marks on the ground. My tires are brand new and I'm not ready to burn them up yet
It's nowhere as sexy as the ones Sean just posted, but I'm in love with my S2k. It's not perfect, a few spots need some PDR love, but it's just so damn fun.
I cannot take credit for the donut marks on the ground. My tires are brand new and I'm not ready to burn them up yet
I love the look of the stock s2000, it's perfect. I find that any extreme mods make it look really rice, really fast.
It's nowhere as sexy as the ones Sean just posted, but I'm in love with my S2k. It's not perfect, a few spots need some PDR love, but it's just so damn fun.
I cannot take credit for the donut marks on the ground. My tires are brand new and I'm not ready to burn them up yet
Tyler Penguin...I highly suggest some practice in the rain as Tyler just mentioned. Not so much for the fun, but mainly so you understand how to react when you do oversteer so it doesn't catch you off guard. I can't stress that enough...know how to react.
In the rain, stay below 4K and FAR from vtec unless you want to wiggle...and never on a turn. Assuming you're just trying to drive safely and not jump curbs or hit trees.
Now that I got that out...your car is beautiful, man. Just the way it is...enjoy stock height and not worrying about fenders etc. Or just slap some ebay spacers on and call it a day (I had good luck with them and they were $120 for both sets).
Top down is a must...otherwise it's no longer a convertible I don't understand the hard top guys unless it's for winter or where there's high theft (in which case the S probably isn't your best car to own).
About the spoiler, Buda...both of mine were held on with double sided tape. They are light enough to not need more, and cheap enough to not need more (if stolen). I agree that going with something more aggressive is cool looking, but I feel like it's a step in the wrong direction for me. Going that extreme on the spoiler won't look right unless you're willing to do supporting mods like spoon fenders or something like that. Wasn't for me. I did look into them, but they're also expensive.
Rain is somewhat of a rare thing in San Diego, so it's almost a ritual for me to find a large empty parking lot and do some 1st / 2nd gear drifts when we get a good dump (when safe, of course).
Since the S2000 is my first RWD car, I've had no prior experience getting to terms of what it feels like to control a car that's out of control - a wet parking lot can give you a little preparedness
Power sliding your car in the dry? A whole other lesson in itself
Rain is somewhat of a rare thing in San Diego, so it's almost a ritual for me to find a large empty parking lot and do some 1st / 2nd gear drifts when we get a good dump (when safe, of course).
Since the S2000 is my first RWD car, I've had no prior experience getting to terms of what it feels like to control a car that's out of control - a wet parking lot can give you a little preparedness
Power sliding your car in the dry? A whole other lesson in itself
Except last weekend? LOL. Did you go out in that mess?
Was trying to tell my wife about buying an S last night on the way to my sons swim class. She wasn't listening. So later on I told her, well I've already told you I'm buying an S so don't be pissed when you see me pulling up in the driveway with one.
Still don't think she was listening.
It's ok, makes me more motivated to go and buy one.
Except last weekend? LOL. Did you go out in that mess?
Oh man, we haven't had rain & thunderstorms like that in a long long time. I don't know what it is about the majority of people down here, but nobody has any common sense behind the wheel when it rains.
When there's slippery conditions, I drive like a grandma on the freeway .... others are doing 80 - 85+ and they wonder why the traffic is so bad.
Oh yea, cause there's 5 collisions on the way to every destination
I only drove on Sunday, but it was for grocery shopping & taking the gf out to dinner (she let me do a few donuts on the way there )
I love the S2k and have been shopping relatively hard for an AP2, but it makes me cringe to drop low to mid $20k on one that is 10 years old with 50-70k miles. That's more than my 07 TL-S with 85k miles is worth and arguably the TL-S is quite a bit more car. Maybe I need to get some seat time in one to be fully convinced?
Mileage shouldnt be too much of a consideration. Condition, maintenance (or lack thereof) and the type of care that went into the vehicle would be much more important to me.
I love the S2k and have been shopping relatively hard for an AP2, but it makes me cringe to drop low to mid $20k on one that is 10 years old with 50-70k miles. That's more than my 07 TL-S with 85k miles is worth and arguably the TL-S is quite a bit more car. Maybe I need to get some seat time in one to be fully convinced?
The TL is more car in the flesh, but behind the wheel, it's only half of what an s2000 is.
The first time I rode in one, I had the biggest shit eating grin on my face. For the whole 90 minute cruise. My face hurt after. The wind blowing through my hair in the evening air was refreshing yet violent as it beat against my head. The bolstering of the seats held me firmly yet comfortably. The engine screams with intent and with nothing more than a CAI, will blew my mind. Best sounding I4 I've ever heard.
The first time I drove one, my heart was racing. Cracking into VTEC is literally symphonic. The shifts are fast and flawlessly crisp. The steering is precise with enough weight and feedback to keep you focused. Seeing the tachometer in your peripheral climb to red is back-of-your-neck hair raising. The clutch engages with purpose, yet is at home for daily driving purposes. The chassis is stiff with literally almost zero flex. This car is purpose built for nothing else but thrills.
A TL, even a Type S, isn't even half of what an s2000 is.
TacoBello hit the nail right on the head, I had very similar feelings when I drove my car just after signing the paperwork and even to this day, it's absolutely thrilling & mesmerizing at the same time.
I've owned my AP2 18 months and as a person who gets bored of cars very easily, that feeling hasn't gone stale.
Utility bothers me a bit, but luckily the girlfriend has a Corolla
I love the S2k and have been shopping relatively hard for an AP2, but it makes me cringe to drop low to mid $20k on one that is 10 years old with 50-70k miles. That's more than my 07 TL-S with 85k miles is worth and arguably the TL-S is quite a bit more car. Maybe I need to get some seat time in one to be fully convinced?
People do not buy this car in that mindset.
Everyone who buys this car is in absolute love with the car.
I can't understand why someone would be hesitant to spend 20+ k on a 10 year old car. Stay with me here...
Let's make a hypothetical scenario here:
Some dude wants to buy an 8 year old s2000, but the 25k price tag puts him off. Afterall, pretty much anyone will tell you that spending 25k on an 8 year old car is stupid, especially if it has 60,000 miles on it.
So instead, the same dude goes out and buys a brand new BMW for 60k. Sure, he has warranty to take care of any non-maintenance issues and 0 miles as he drives off the lot. But in two years he loses around 15k in value, if not more.
The s2000, while having 60,000 miles, is known as being a bullet proof car which likely would never see a service bill of over $1000, ever. The fact the car is 8 years old, it has already lost it's major depreciation. That dude can drive the car for the next two years and sell it still for at least 20k. Judging as how the value of these cars is now increasing, he may not even lose a dime on the car.
So where's the logic? Sure, a brand new car is nice- but the financial hit on it is insane. Plus, the s2000 is balls easy to work on and again, is bullet proof, if maintained. I'd say it's a no brainer.
Look at all the guys who regret buying a used NSX at $45,000. Those same cars are now selling for $60,000+.
07-21-2015, 02:25 PM
Thank you! I like the look of those S2ks but I don't see mine ever looking like that. OEM+ for me 
I don't understand the hard top guys unless it's for winter or where there's high theft (in which case the S probably isn't your best car to own). 
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