First of all, I have browsed the forum for some time now and finally decided to join since judgement day is getting closer. I will be looking at getting a used 00 or 01. I have been lookin at the S2K's for a bit now and will be purchasing one in the coming month or two. First, there are not that many for sale in the Michigan area so I have the feeling I may end up having one shipped in. If I go this route, is there certain questions besides the obvious that I should ask the owner/dealer? If there is one local is and I look at it, are there things that I should look for? I have been part of an Explorer Forum for some time now and know almost everything about those trucks, and can usually tell people what are the key things to look for that may be going bad. Any things like that on the s2000?

Thanks in advance,
Shaun

 

You might want to check around to see if there are any '03s still on showroom floors. I stopped by my dealership yesterday (Michigan too) and they have a silverstone '03 on the floor that they pretty much can't give away. You'd definitely be able to walk out with it for less than invoice. That IMO makes the '03s a pretty decent buy. I'd imagine there are a few others here and there.

Around here the '04s are still expensive and hard to come by, but the '03s are an even bigger screaming deal now.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by phoenix9999
You might want to check around to see if there are any '03s still on showroom floors.

 

Oh yea buying used is always risky exspecialyy with a car that performs like this. I would want to talk to the original owner directly but either way the car is built to last. I can't think of anything that I'd specifically look for. If you buy used definately HAVE A MECHANIC CHECK IT OUT! Someone you trust even if you purchase it from a dealer!

 

Yeah...I have to buy used. Don't quite want to spend the price of new. That's why I am hesitant to buy from out of state and have it shipped in. I hate the fact of not being able to see the car and drive it. Maybe if I purchase from someone on here at least I have a better chance of getting the truth.

 

BTT for the afternoon crowd.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by exceltoexcel
Oh yea buying used is always risky exspecialyy with a car that performs like this.

 

Believe me, I agree with you completely, but being 24, having a kid and house, the cost of a new one, and it's insurance are out of my reach a little. I am worried about this, as well as the though of possibly having to have it shipped in. Hopefully If I do find one I like, I can at least get one of the guys on here to go check it out for me before I buy. Thanks for the input guys!

 

Here's what I'd do.

1) Search cars.com, autotrader.com, etc. Focus on cars within 500miles from your location. That means you can drive to look at the car with only a single overnight stay. Look only at cars that are original owner, with all records. Skip any that have been through an auction.

2) When you find a candidate, Negotiate a price with the seller based on the sellers description. Ask tons of questions. Ask for pictures. Then pay a mechanic local to the car to do a PPI (pre-purchase inspection). This will cost about $100 or so. You pick the mechanic with the help of this board. The seller doesn't get to pick the mechanic. The seller will take the car to the mechanic, who will fax YOU the results. (The seller doesn't get the inspection report). You decide if you still want the car. If the PPI shows that it is a wreck, you are out $100, but that is better than being out $20,000. If the seller will not cooperate with a PPI, then don't buy the car.

3) Drive to the seller with partner. Inspect it yourself & if you decide that you want it you and your partner drive it home. Your total aquisition cost should be around $300. (PPI, 2xmotel, gas, meals). If you bring along a partner who is a motor-head, that is even better. Two more eyes. Most guys would love a road trip like that.

A 500 miles radius from you should include SE Wisc, IL, Indiana, Ohio, Penn. etc. There should be a bunch of cars within that radius.

I've sold two cars this way. It is alot of work for the seller, but most will cooperate. I even had a guy drive 500+ miles to buy my 13yr old Jeep pickup for $1100. He was nuts though. For some reason he really wanted a rust-bucket Commanche.

--Mike

 

Shaun

IMO it's very much a buyers market and you have a great opportunity to select a fine used car. You obviously have a budget in mind to give a starting point (I/we don't need to know what your budget is ) and can look at the cars fitting your budget from there.

Using this forum is an excellent way to do some research and locate a used s2k that hasn't been abused. In fact you might find one in the "Cars for Sale" forum since you have some time to work with. Even if you cant this car isn't exactly rare and used s2ks should be available in your "relative" area.

Another thing you might do is make yourself known in the "upper Mid-West" forum, since there are other owners in MI there who might be able to lend a helping hand. They might even be able to look at a car for or with you .

There is much more I could say but this might help get you started in the right direction.

One last thing, depending on your budget, consider looking at a 2002 model. There are a few upgrades for that MY and the glass window is well worth it IMO.

Good luck and congrats on your good taste in cars.

Paul