sactoesquire

I have been looking to buy a S2000 for the last 3 weeks and no luck. Had a deal to buy an 04, white with tan interior, 54k miles for 16k out the door from Peter Pan BMW and the crooked salesperson sold it before I could get to it. (long story)

It seems like I run into alot of people who overvalue their car and thus, overprice it or I run into people who thinks the car is made of gold and wouldn't let you test drive it. Yes, I had a guy who refuse to let me test drive it. Inspection yes but no test drive.

Don't get me wrong, the S2000 is a nice car and I want one but the way some people treat it when you inquire about it, they think its an Enzo or a 911 Turbo, weird.

I'm not a kid, I'm 39 and an attorney. I make it upfront that I'm serious and I ask the basic questions but man, It has been frustrating...

Izn Trbl

Well good luck with everything. Not being able to test drive a car prior to purchasing it is a bit weird, and should instantly throw a red flag anyway.

tekstar

I hunted for a year waiting for the right one to come by. I definitely had my fair share of experiences similar to yours. If they don't let you test drive it, perhaps you could ask for a ride along. Though if you show that you are serious there should be no reason for them not to let you test drive. Good luck with the search

AyJay

You might try a dealership...

Most of them are hurting so bad right now that i imagine with a little (or alot) of negotiation you would be able to walk out of there for close to what you would pay a private party. Especially on a niche market car that is very hard to move.

I assume the professional skills you posess would lend themselves well to dealership negotiations.

If I was buying a car right now I would low ball the living hell out of them knowing that, now more than ever, they might take it.

SOHCmyDOHC

First of all what chassis you looking for? AP1 AP2? Better yet, do you have a set year you are looking for?

I have a friend w/ an 05 GPW and low miles. Bought it and the didn't like it after they test drove an Elise.


I drove by the roseville automall and noticed that there was an Berlina black AP2 sitting on the lot. Give them a call?

sactoesquire

I'm open to either an AP1 or AP2. The one I had made an offer on was an 04 and I'm negotiating on an 05 and amazingly, a 2000 with only 15k miles. I tried several dealerships with the same thought process regarding the recession and slow sales but most are holding pretty firm to the "blue book price".

I fugure good things comes to those who wait so I'll keep looking and if any of you have a good tip, I sure would appreciate it.

Grimnebulin

INTJ

I had a great deal from University Honda last year. After looking at insane markups for used cars in the valley, I ended up getting a brand new one for several thousand less. I have heard that the CRs are going for super cheap just to move them out.

If you are willing to kill an hour or two in negotiations you can get a decent price.

FWIW, I actually like the DBW and traction control benefits of the later models. I rarely turn it off anymore.

tekstar

the only s i've seen at university honda is the apex blue cr. and it's been there for quite some time now... hate to imagine how bad the paint is

Sdracing

You are going to get what you pay for. Pay more and get a clean certified S2000. This is a 30+k Honda new, so people are willing to pay for the name used.

I'm on my second s2000 and this car is a bargain at anything <20k. I've owned several "sport" cars, a Porsche 993, Corvette, (2) 2003 Cobras (1 GR-40), 350z, etc.

Driving the S2000 is a blast! Pay a little more and get a no stories S2000. Try El Cerrito Honda.

Edit: Or get this one! Although a lot of nice ones for sale on the forum this is my favorite. https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=661999