We all know when an s2k gets its top slashed and seats stolen, it totals the car. It will then be a "rebuilt/NY" title. NOT salvage.

What is a 2003 s2k worth in this state? 70k miles, in beautful condition? With a brand new top and perfect seats? 100% original oem car.

It KBBs for $16,800. how much will the value go down with a branded title, even though the car was never wrecked and is in pristine condition...

 

I think the value goes down quite a bit. I think if someone had a choice to say pay $1000 more for the same car but without the rebuilt title then they'd do that. The only people I know that specifically look for rebuilt titled cars are people building race cars since they're looking exactly for the kind of car you're describing...mechanically, physically sound but with a title most people try to stay away from. I'm guessing 2-3K in depreciation of the book value wouldn't be unheard of for a car with a rebuilt title in the condition you mention and even then the pool of buyers would be fairly narrow which could further affect the price.

 

I've seen our store devalue a trade in by 50% with a salvage/rebuilt title. Just for kicks ill ask my UC manager what he would knock off the value. He's been in the biz a long time. I know that private sale will be different and most of us would understand the situation. But I do agree with steguis, it'd be 2k off easy. That said, these cars continue to climb in value and it probably wouldn't be unreasonable to expect that book value. Especially if its someone who knows you and your work.

 

Assuming you are the one who rebuilt it

 

Yes it would be rebuilt by me. No hidden issues at all. A 100% factory perfect car in every way. it would be as nice as my own s2k.

So I'd be safe to say I'd get 9500 for the car? If a piece of paper says its worth so much, so be it.

This will be a chance for someone to have a beautiful s2k.

The black s2k I sold I had doezens of inquiries and a ton of questions. The very first guy to see the car said "this is the most beautiful s2k I've seen in 7 months", that's how long he was looking for an s2k and he bought it on the spot.

This s2k will be just like that one. If the title were clean I'd ask 17k neg.

 

Right now it shows nothing. But once it's built, it will be branded according to DMV.

The laws are very tough. Even if I have a perfect airbag here with 5 miles on it, they will not accept it. It has to be purchased and dealer installed.

 

I am even considering adding a bumper to bumper "Billman Guarantee" which cover the entire car, including the engine, trans, and dif.

So there will be no question if its a good buy or not.

It will take some time to iron out all the details with NYS.

 

Yeah I'd think a member of the community who understands the S2000 overall, the situation surrounding this particular one, and Billman's skill and reputation is the best bet to help get by the title issue.

 

The problem is that NY state makes you do all this paper work to get the car regisitered. Plus you have to do a special inspectation to get the car registered as well. I had someone I know go thru the whole thing, what a pain.

If I had space for another car, I would buy it, rebuilt title or not. I know that car is not crashed and it runs fun, plus you get the billman touch.

 

50% give or take, no doubt. But you must of picked this '03 up for a penny to make it worth your while. However, there is a right price for a rebuilt car. I would buy one for tracking purposes. I would hate to kiss my more expensive s2k on a wall.

I've looked into this for NJ. Process is very painful. For instance, you can only get the parts from dealer new and installed or another car with bruised title. You have to prove that it came from that other car with VIN. And it has to be or else the other car's mint title gets branded salvage too.

Good luck and interested in result!

Wish you were based out of NJ!