jankemi

I ran across a new, untitled '02 S2K at a local dealer. The car has 150 miles on the odometer. & apparently has been theri car since 02.

I've approched them with an verbal offer of 'a bit over $25K' and they said that they'd have to think about it, and that I should put it in writing. They did not blow my offer away. So presumably the car is available for somewhere between $25-$27K.

Is buying a car that has sat for 1-2 years going to bite me in the future? (I tend to keep cars a long time.) Any maintenance issues?

The only thing about the car I don't like is the color. It is bug-splat yellow or something like that.

Any thoughts would help.

--Mike

The Gasman

25k for a full warrentied spa yellow is a good deal and if you plan on keeping it for a while would be a great idea.

Poindexter

I would say that the dealer should be scared to death to carry that car through the winter, but it sounds like it wouldn't be the first time. I'm a car dealer, and I can't imagine letting a car sit that long! By the way, I would not go a penny over $25,000 for a yellow 2002 S2000. Yellow is the hardest color to sell on the S.

The 2004's are already being sold around $30,000 - we are sitting on a 2003 in white right now (only had it a month though), but we would take a nice loss to get rid of it. We would entertain an offer around $27,000 - $28,000 and we are in a place where convertibles are big sellers! If you are in MN, then you should be able to talk them into something much less. Find out if that dealer uses a Floor plan through a bank, or if they just stroke a check for their cars - this could be a serious negotiating tool. If you have anymore questions, I'm happy to help.

VTEXTC

I think that it is a great idea at that price. You'll hav eone of the lowest mileage '02 examples around. That has to count for something 5-10 years from now when you will be ahead of the game relative to others out there.

Just ensure that the fluids have been changed, since engine oil at least has a tendancy to turn acid after several months of sitting. Check the CV/steering rack boots to ensure they are still in good shape, and haven't developed a "memory" effect of sorts from not having been driven for a while. Get the dealer to dowse them in silicone spray if you have concerns.

Now, having said all that, if you don't like the colour, and it is not what you want, then you can buy a "new" one at only a few thousand more. I do, however like my Spa yellow, and think it suits the car very well.

Asif

Ruined 2

"Bug-splat yellow or something like that" CLASSIC!

Well the only thing that might bite you on the ass if you buy it is that comment right there.

VTEXTC is right. Mileage will be killer if you don't cross-country it every month.

jankemi

I know of a couple new '03's for $29500, but $28K would be a super deal. There are about 6-8 '03's left here in Mpls-St Paul & the dealers don't seem to be in a hurry to sell them. Or my negotiation tactics are bad.

Actually the color would be OK -- If I were younger & looking for a babe magnet. But at a married 44, I'm thinking a sports car that doesn't attract attention would be better

Checking the boots is a good idea.

I'm trying to think of any issues with the engine or chassis that would be bad on a car that sat for so long. Wheel bearings? Tires?.

--Mike

VTEXTC

I can't see the wheel bearings being an issue. As for the tires, consensus is that the tires do develop flat-spots, but a few minutes of spirited driving should cure that issue. If the car was parked outside for so long, and has had exposure to the elements, changing the wiper blades is likely a good idea, but other than that, I can't think of much more. Check the paint over carefully; again, if the car was washed infrequently and was subject to acid rain/bird poop etc, there may be staining or other discolouration that is being concealed by layers of dust and grime.

Good luck!

Asif

jankemi

Hmmm... '03, White, $28K or so. I'm assuming that it has a tan & black interior? That is the same combo as the car I just sold. Let's see - air fair - $200 one way, Hotel...Gas...1300 miles. Never been to VA.....

Got me thinking.

Anyway - as far as long term value - my gut feeling is that 20 years from now the '04's will be the car to have. No evidence, just a feeling. I just sold a '71 911T with 45,000 original miles, perfect condition. That cars value was really determined by maintenance records & condition, not mileage or model year. If it had 20K more miles but a freshly rebuilt engine it would have been worth more.

--Mike

Poindexter

[QUOTE]Originally posted by jankemi
Hmmm... '03, White, $28K or so. I'm assuming that it has a tan & black interior? That is the same combo as the car I just sold. Let's see - air fair - $200 one way, Hotel...Gas...1300 miles. Never been to VA.....

Got me thinking.

jankemi

Argh..... I'd have to stop in Indiana at Tire Rack on the way home & gets snows. It's getting cold here.

--Mike