Thanks for all the advice!

I think I am going to make an offer today that takes into account the issue with the rear diff. If the seller will accept that I need a SPECTACULAR price to make this work for me, then I can live with the differential thing. I am confident that this diff was installed correctly given that Honda America sent a tech to do this one rather than rely on the same dealer that already (very likely) screwed up the original and its replacement.

If I did not have the luxury of the 7/100 bumper-to-bumper I would just pass and keep looking.

 

I test drove an 06 certified pre-owned with 27k. Heard a faint whining from the rear that I suspected was the diff. The dealer assured they'd replace the diff under warranty so I purchased the car. Shortly after, I did a compression test and the results were great. Almost a year later now, and the car drives beautifully. No clutch slippage as far as I can tell.

Use your best judgment. I'd say the diff is the weak link in the s2k drivetrain. Good luck man.

 

In response to tire life on my the S2000, I just replaced the OEM Bridgestone RE050's on my MY08 base S2000 last week with a set of Dunlop Direzza Star Specs. The RE050's had almost exactly 22,000 miles on them. The rears weren't down to the wear bars but I could feel markedly reduced grip on wet roads. It was time for them to go. The fronts had plenty of wear left. I'd estimate they would have made it to 30,000 miles. On the other hand, the Star Specs seem to have much more grip. They change the trailing throttle oversteer feel of the S2000 but with 2 days of driving I can't say much more about them.

As for a diff going at 20,000 miles. It could be manufacturing defects or improper fluid but with this car I'd worry about abuse from clueless or unethical owners and I wouldn't take a dealer's word on anything. If some jerk spent 2 years doing hole shots with an S2000, I'd look at the clutch, u-joints, driveshaft, and transmission. Or better yet, move on to a car with a better history.

 

I had a MY2000 that had the Honda VTM-4 fluid put in at the dealership. It didn't last 2 days. I am 95% sure that the same thing happened with the car you're looking at. I would buy the car.

 

[QUOTE=Incubus,May 9 2010, 05:29 PM] I had a MY2000 that had the Honda VTM-4 fluid put in at the dealership.

 

bunch of sissy drivers. my rear tires lasted bout 8k and rode them out till like 12k lol

grats on the car. you can do most of the work on it yourself