Milla...

Its not like he's actively looking (I don't think) its just an opportunity to get a super sweet beater for dirt cheap.

Hey jimxo go next door with about 2 grand in your hand and get that car.

blacksc400

iTrader: (4)

4 K? not bad of a deal, get it and have the clutch replaced at a local mechanic shop for cheap.
Nice toy to have.

mmarshall

I agree with IS-SV that it's a somewhat risky buy, but if she will take $2000 for it, consider it. You might (?) have 20,000 miles or so left on the engine's life (though it may use some oil and not pass an emission test, if those tests are given in your area). If the engine doesn't pass emissions, then forget it...engine repairs could be pretty expensive. But if it does pass, you'll have maybe a year or two out of it, a couple of thousand for a clutch and some possible transmission work. So you'll have maybe 3 or 4K invested in it. After a year or two, if you decide it's not reliable enough for you, you won't have lost a huge amount of money, you can then take it to CarMax yourself and pocket whatever they give you, or maybe donate it and take it off your taxable income (many charities will come and pick it up and bring the necessary forms right to your door).

Keep in mind that the S2000 is going out of production. Parts may not be available much longer for 2000 models, which are now 9-10 years old. And if you like ride comfort, the S2000 is a not a car for you. It is a pure, no-compromise, sharp-handling sports car, noisy and stiff on all but glass-smooth surfaces.

IS-SV

For sure, at $2K it becomes disposable instead of paying for huge repairs. In California, the seller is responsible for getting it smogged, so that needs to be done to close a deal.

Btw, having a convertible sports car as a 2nd or 3rd car is what being a car enthusiast is all about, you only go around once, nothing better in good weather on back roads.

pvmike1

Why would anyone tell you to pass on this? If you can buy it for ~$2k, do it immediately. You could easily part the darn thing for more, even if the engine died (it won't). 180k in highway miles is nothing. It's good that she replaced the top - it's expensive and the plastic rear window gets hazy (perhaps she upgraded to a newer top with glass/defrost). All you need to do is find an inexpensive clutch install. You're going to love the 9k redline!

As far as parts availability (per mmarshall's comments), this will not be an issue for a very long time - I'd say easily over a decade. It won't be a concern for you.

Congrats jimxo! Buy it and drive it! If you don't, I will!

werewolf

I cannot imagine a more fun, garaged 3rd car for 2-4k. It's like a Miata with a real engine.

Get a pre-purchase inspection and do the repair work (that you can) yourself and I think it will end up being a bargain.

Give her 500 over carmax and that should be a very sweet deal

96SC4

iTrader: (2)

another car i always wanted to have as a toy.... Go for it!!!

LexT

$4,000 is a great great deal on that car $2,000 would be stealing it lol.., probably get the clutch job done much cheaper at an indy shop..... I'd say if the body and interior is clean and you like the car.... jump on it!!

jimxo

Until she takes it to Carmax I won't know the price. If its under 4k I'll take it.

Nigel-JDMParts

iTrader: (74)

for $4000, is a great deal. if you dont take it, be sure to let us know.
I am sure some of us will take it and I will take it.
haha

jimxo

If I pass on it I will definitely let someone else have it. I'll update this thread as soon as I know something. I may know by next week.....fingers crossed.

I8ABMR

go for it man. Even if you had to pay a little extra to get it running tip top its still worth it. It will be the earliest of S2K's built. I would check out the Honda forums for things to look for,but the new top and highway mileage sound pretty decent