MSN just did an article on car value and the S2000 was in the top 10 for vehicles holding their value.

Later
Drew

 

If I'm not mistaken, there were only 2 Japanese vehicles rated in the top 10 in resale value. Both were Hondas. One is the Honda Odyssey, and the other was the s2000. To the best of my knowledge, residuals on both of these cars were in the 60% range. The worst I believe is a Kia or Saturn with residuals in the 20% range. A Porsche Boxster would probably fall in the low 50%'s.

 

Keep in mind, too, that Blue Book values are heavily dependent on market conditions as well. The economy is still struggling to gain ground, unemployment is up, sales are down, etc. Takes its toll on car values also. But not to worry. Hang onto the car until its paid for and beyond if possible, and you'll be fine.

 

See I think the depreciation is great because I got my MY00 for 20,900 with only 15k on the odo. That rocks. I don't care what someone else would pay for it because I'm not selling it!

I just feel sorry for the people who buy it new. A 30% hit is pretty hard.

 

18,000 is great resale on a car approaching 5 years old. Many factors are driving used values. The biggest hit the S2000 has taken is that dealers now discount the cars just like any other Honda. Its not hard at all to find a 04 for under 31,000. When the car first came out most sales were well over sticker inflating resale value. New 03's were going for 28,000 this winter. The last factor driving value is the used car auctions. The car is not bringing much at auction anymore and some even go unsold. I have been involved in looking at and the purchase of several S2000 used in the last few months. An unmodified 00 in great condition with under 50,000 miles and an extended warranty can be picked up for about 18,000. A modified car will normally bring less. I would not pay anymore then 18500 if it had lower miles. As posted that is still great resale compared to most cars.

 

Everyone is right. The S2000 holds its value better than most. Used cars are a terrific value right now because of all the deals being made on new cars. Early buyers got shafted because S2000's were going for sticker or over. I'm running into that right now buying a new MINI. It's going to be my big car!

 

Take advantage of the high book resale percentage and lease.

 

I owe $18,000 and my MY00 is probably only worth $15,000 trade in. But it's all good. I'm not about to get rid of it anyway.

I predict that after the price drops to about $10,000 it will hold. Just like miata's hold around $6000 for any year. If you find a Miata in good condition that's 10 years old, you will be looking at around $6000. I believe that this will be the case for our car at around $10,000.

 

On the bright side depriciation is good for me.

I bought my 02' in Nov 2003. for $18,000. It was only a year old, with $8000 miles. Sill smelled new.

He was originally selling it for $23,000, The guy sold it cheap coz he got tired quote: "young punks with no money, drift it while test driving". I think they almost gave him a heartattack or something. He was some rich guy, so dropping the price didn't hurt him much.

When I drove it I took I easy. I'm guess to that he knew I won't tear it up after getting it. And he didn't want to keep going on rollercoaster rides with every potential purchaser.

As long as remain S2000 rare, I'm starting to see 350Z everywhere!!!

 

Note: on the 350Z... I contemplated buying a new one, used NSX, or New/Used S2000.

When 350Z first came out, and saw the first one, i was like WOW.... then after a few months they were all over the place.

On the other hand I see and S2 once a week if I'm lucky. Yeah they depricate, but they are still very rare. Unlike the Z or RX-8, IMO thier style is good for now, but will look old in a few year. While the S style is classic.