Introductions Make your introductions to the S2000 owner community. Discussions and comments from new and future S2000 owners. You will get a warm welcome, friendly and helpful advice. The 'Start Button' of the forums.

Looking to join the ranks...questions on MY00

Thread Tools
 
Old 02-25-2008 | 08:21 PM
  #1  
Tony2.0L's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
Default Looking to join the ranks...questions on MY00

Hi everyone ... I've had an account for the longest time but never posted because I'm not very active in the internet forum scene. I come from a history of driving FWD cars...and after my friend got an s2000 2 years ago (has been using it for a daily driver for over 50k) I decided to take one for a test drive. I was bowled over by it to say the least and now I'm looking at becoming an owner.

I'd like some input on some prospective finds...I'm only considering dealers at the moment since my last experience with a private seller left a sour taste in my mouth.

-an MY00 s2000 with 30k miles and the dealer (not a honda dealer just a used car dealer in PA) is asking $15,800. I was curious as to what potential problems exist with the MY00's as well as any of the other MYs.

-also considering an MY03 s2000 which has the remainder of the 7 year warranty and its at a local honda dealer. It also has around 30k miles on it but they want 20,000.

My 3rd option would be an '04 s2000 for 20,000 with roughly 25kmiles on it and there is no mention of warranty.

I was wondering if anyone here could give input on which of these is the best bang for the buck. I'll be going to grad school with this car will have to get me through that as well as the period of time afterwards where I'll be too in debt to afford anything new.

Thanks for your input in advance...I look forward to enjoying one of these vehicles.
Old 02-26-2008 | 08:38 AM
  #2  
8_ball's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,989
Likes: 0
From: Lakewood, OH
Default

All of the AP1s have the potential to burn oil - as long as you keep an eye on it, you'll be fine but its something to be aware of. Many of the AP1s also have the infamous clutch buzz, do a search on here and you'll get lots of detail on that. MY02/03 received some upgrades, like a glass rear window/w defroster (may be useful in PA), leather console, etc. As you know, many changes in MY04, bigger wheels, more torque/lower redline, minor interior and exterior updates, etc, in general many consider it a more comfortable daily driver. As for prices, the MY00 seems about right, the MY03 seems a few thousand too high and the MY04 sounds like a decent deal. Good luck in the search, this is a good time to buy.
Old 02-26-2008 | 04:59 PM
  #3  
Tony2.0L's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
Default

thanks...where can i learn more about the oil burning issue?

Also, I've read that carfax reports cant be trusted...if you google "carfax lawsuit" you get all sorts of info on a case from 3-4 years ago ... does anyone know if the matter has been resolved or if the problem with the database still exists? What do people here use to check VIN numbers?

I also found an '02 with 13k miles for 20k...and owner includes the hardtop...good buy?

Also this one...

link.
Old 02-27-2008 | 05:53 PM
  #4  
Tony2.0L's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
Default

Found an 02 with 30k for 15,500...from an NY dealer.

Carfax says it failed safety inspection...hmm.
Old 02-28-2008 | 12:34 PM
  #5  
Vik2000's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 13,210
Likes: 4
From: Behind You
Default

I strongly suggest you to patiently wait until you find a clean 02+ with relatively low mileage at a reasonable cost. Trust me really, it's worth it.
Old 02-28-2008 | 02:43 PM
  #6  
Tony2.0L's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
Default

A member on here (cheese steak nazi) was selling his s2k...i was thinking of picking that up...

what is your rationale on suggesting the 02+? Is the glass rear window that much better?

I'm looking to buy in the next two months or so...I'm not rushing but just trying to get a good grip on pricing for these vehicles.
Old 02-28-2008 | 08:27 PM
  #7  
Vik2000's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 13,210
Likes: 4
From: Behind You
Default

Glass rear window is indeed better. There'll be many times you'll appreciate the fact that it's a glass with defrost function instead of plastic. Plus 02+ has some other upgrades too. My point is that we're in 2008 already and you don't want such an old car. Go for AP2 if possible but if money limits you, and if I were you, I'd go for 2003 which is the last year of AP1.
Old 03-01-2008 | 12:34 PM
  #8  
AsianQing's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5,191
Likes: 0
From: Saratoga
Default

I own a MY00 and currently has 48,xxx miles. I have not had one single problem with the car/engine. (knock on wood). I do drive it hard, but I do also do all the maintenance work myself.

I was thinking of getting a 02+ for the glas rear window, but then again the plastic window I have has a bigger window meaning less blind spots; although I drive top down most of the time.

Many will say that AP1 or 00/01 will burn lots of oil. I never had this problem. I do change the oil with synthetic oil at 3k miles. I know many will say what a waste. YOu should be doing it every 5k miles. But look at my miles. 48k miles for a 8 yr old car. That is a oil change every 6 months. And whats $30 (price of oil and filter) when you drive a nice car like the S2000. Good luck on what ever you purchase because you'll love the ride and drive.
Old 03-01-2008 | 05:19 PM
  #9  
Tony2.0L's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
Default

thanks for all the info ...

Other than the plastic rear window and the age are there any other reasons for not purchasing an MY00-MY01?
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Sid2k
S2000 Talk
7
05-24-2009 06:37 AM
zhan
S2000 Talk
6
07-04-2005 03:50 AM
hyb
UK & Ireland S2000 Community
22
09-24-2004 08:55 AM
tron1
S2000 Talk
31
05-22-2003 07:45 PM
LQQK
S2000 Talk
77
03-25-2003 01:06 PM



Quick Reply: Looking to join the ranks...questions on MY00



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 07:46 PM.