Need some help

shawnm787 · 05-21-2008, 09:59 AM

Hey guys im new to the S2000 world. I drive an Audi A4 right now but am going to school in the south so im realizing that for the next four years im only going to have a car for the summer so whats the point of Quattro if i dont need it? I am looking into the small convertible range, things like the Z4, TT, S2000 etc. I just found what i think i want to buy but im not sure what i should be trying to pay for it since this is kind of new territory for me. Its a Yellow 01 S2000 with 34k . No hardtop but the whole car is in mint condition. Any tips? Advice? Things to look for that the untrained eye wouldnt catch?

Thanks

Swingle1 · 05-21-2008, 12:42 PM

Welcome to the site Shawn. It sounds like you're leading the kind of gritty, hard-knocks life that's so typical of today's youth.

But it sounds like you may have found a good car. Only advice would be to drive a few others to help get a sense of how the car should feel.

Good luck.

Dr. Jimbo · 05-21-2008, 12:54 PM

The plastic rear window sucks (I have one) but hell, the top's down all the time anyway! Look for signs that someone has modified it and put it back to stock (indication that it may have been driven hard). Heck, it's a Honda and it's a blast to drive. Parts are cheaper than Audi and BMW and Honda's reliablity is great. The car really shines in the twisties, you just have to get used to the rear kicking out if you gas it too hard in a turn (I'm still learning). The ap2's are less inclined to go ass-first, or so I've heard.

shawnm787 · 05-21-2008, 12:59 PM

I checked the rear window and its in pretty good shape. The only aftrmarket thing on the car is a set of 17 inch wheels, i forget what brand they were but they looked great and had brand new tires. Everything else is stock. It all feels liek a good car, i was more wondering if that price seems to be in the right range, it just seems like kind of a lot for a 7 year old car that was about 30 new, very little depreciation?

Ps as far as that hardknock comment went im not sure if it was some kind of low blow but i paid for 100% of my Audi and will be paying for this one as well, they arent handouts like one may expect.

Thanks

Dr. Jimbo · 05-21-2008, 01:08 PM

What's the seller asking?
I got my '01 with 49k on it for $15,000 in Feb. '07. I had cash and he lived in farm country/pickup truck territory. I had the buyer's advantage.

sky2k · 05-21-2008, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Jimbo

What's the seller asking?
I got my '01 with 49k on it for $15,000 in Feb. '07. I had cash and he lived in farm country/pickup truck territory. I had the buyer's advantage.

thats a deal right there, my 01 was a tad more 16700..but at a dealership..so go figure...had 65k on it in june 07...but cash talks..so use that to ur advantage. good luck. get everything checked, carfax, etc...and yeah, watch out for heavy mods.

Swingle1 · 05-21-2008, 01:19 PM

I'm inferring that you're very young and in school. Not many in that position are independantly wealthy enough to pay their own way through school and drive the type of car you drive and are looking to drive in the near future. I know I certainly wasn't.

I guess it was just a smart-@$$ed comment betraying a man's envy... but no low-blow intended.

batguano · 05-21-2008, 01:24 PM

I would certainly Carfax it. That seems like very low miles for an 01. That alone raises my suspicions.

sky2k · 05-21-2008, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shawnm787

Ps as far as that hardknock comment went im not sure if it was some kind of low blow but i paid for 100% of my Audi and will be paying for this one as well, they arent handouts like one may expect.

Thanks

i don't think swingle meant anything personal...but i know what u mean shawn.. I don't know ur age but us "youngins" have more now than any other generation..however, that doesn't mean we don't work hard for the things we have. I pay 100% for the things i have and i take pride in that. I hope you get ur s2k!

jagg · 05-21-2008, 01:42 PM

I KNOW Swingle meant you no harm laddie......

Sheesh, the youngin's nowadays are sooooooo sensitive.

Good luck with you search Shawn.....And when you're finished doing that, stop by. I've got some chores lined up for ya.

ha ha......I'm joking kiddo!! Welcome to the site.

jagg

sky2k · 05-21-2008, 01:48 PM

haha jagg, we aren't sensitive...instead, lets say...umm...defensive.. there we go. thats a little better.

rickjkerstetter · 05-21-2008, 02:04 PM

anything over 17000 would be too much. I bought a 2000 with 5k miles on it for 15,500. But that was MY cost. Im a salesman and I bought it at my lot.

shawnm787 · 05-21-2008, 02:06 PM

Sorry, i thought i posted his asking price. I can buy it for 13500. He is in the mortgage business so needless to say he is getting kind of screwed right now and just wants to get rid of it. I carfaxed it and it was clean. This guy is the second owner and bought it as a 3rd car three years ago with 22k on it.

dezignpro04 · 05-21-2008, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shawnm787

Sorry, i thought i posted his asking price. I can buy it for 13500. He is in the mortgage business so needless to say he is getting kind of screwed right now and just wants to get rid of it. I carfaxed it and it was clean. This guy is the second owner and bought it as a 3rd car three years ago with 22k on it.

That is a GREAT price. JUMP on it! Having low miles on a S2K isn't something to worry about as it is usally a secondary car and not a DD for most people. That isn't as good of a deal as I got for mine, (I dont think ANYBODY got a better deal than I got for my "S") but great nonetheless. Get it and you will not be dissapointed.

Just my .02

jagg · 05-21-2008, 02:33 PM

That's a fair and square deal Shawn.....

Have it checked out by a garage that you trust before you fork over the cash.

Regards,
Jagg

bobby2002S2K · 05-21-2008, 02:43 PM

You sound like your on the right path shawn and that your not goin to jump in to sometiming to fast. My advice is price is right. Do a car fax report on it, carry it some where to do a prebuy inspection i think most places charge around $90-$100 bucks. Good luck and welcome.

Vezna31 · 05-21-2008, 04:03 PM

With having only 34k miles on it, it sounds like a great deal. there is only 1 question I can think of to ask that will give you an answer to how hard the car has been driven without asking directly. Ask him how many sets of brakes he has gone through. I say that just because I went through a set of brakes in 4 months before.

JOECHY · 05-21-2008, 04:21 PM

If you are still considering getting a Z4 I can shed some light on that for you. When I was "window shopping" online last year I was having a hard time trying to decide between the S2000 and Z4. Finally the stars lined up and I had my financing right and it was time to do some test drivin. I sat in a Z4, drove it, and it just didn't have that...... that..... "thing" I was looking for plus it was expensive to maintain. Then later that day I sat in my S. As soon as I sat in'er she says.... "Hi Joe" and hugged me....literally. I drove her, the sales lady insisted I pusher to redline and that was it, eyes watered up and that was it. I WANT THIS CAR RIGHT NOW! LOL (they probably made a killing off me because I didn't negotiate much but it was/is worth every penny!) This car is the isht!

philiam · 05-21-2008, 06:44 PM

S2000s hold their value pretty well. Especially this time of year. A my 01 goes for 16 to 17K at dealers around here.

jagg · 05-21-2008, 07:52 PM

I used to drive a Z4. It was a fantasic car, and better in some ways compared to the Honda.
Alas, Stewie is a different animal......I like it better, but I have obscure tastes......I'd also love to find a mint Maverick for weekend drives.

jagg

Java Junky · 05-21-2008, 09:23 PM

It'z the absolute worst time'a the year'da be buyin' a raggtopp.
If the price seemz reasonable'n the car checkz out, jump on it with both handz'n hang on tight shaw.
Welcome aboard.
Java

(Hm-m-m-m . . 'att'z'a first time I've ever heard your particular depth'a weirdness hawked off ta the crowd'z "obscure tastes" Jagg. I, fer one, am much appreciative that the only example given wuz Maverick-desire.)

jagg · 05-22-2008, 08:22 AM

Quote:

(Hm-m-m-m . . 'att'z'a first time I've ever heard your particular depth'a weirdness hawked off ta the crowd'z "obscure tastes" Jagg. I, fer one, am much appreciative that the only example given wuz Maverick-desire.)

I didn't want to scare the locals.
They know I love sheep and odd Fords. They don't need to know nuthin' else.

jagg

dezignpro04 · 05-22-2008, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by philiam

S2000s hold their value pretty well. Especially this time of year. A my 01 goes for 16 to 17K at dealers around here.

WOW. So i guess me buying my 2002 for $9,800 with 49k was a pretty good deal.. lol

Vezna31 · 05-22-2008, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dezignpro04

WOW. So i guess me buying my 2002 for $9,800 with 49k was a pretty good deal.. lol

You may want to do some thorough research to make sure that thing doesn't have damage in it's history with that kind of deal. I looked at an '02 with 53k and the guy wanted $17k.

kgf3076 · 05-22-2008, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jagg

I didn't want to scare the locals.
They know I love sheep and odd Fords. They don't need to know nuthin' else.

but do the sheep know that?

Neil · 05-22-2008, 11:18 AM

I think only one does..........

jagg · 05-22-2008, 11:27 AM

best results are achieved by remaining one of the flock.........no sudden moves. Like Philiam would say....smoooooooooth.

Regards,
Wooly Bully

TheSoundMan21 · 05-22-2008, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JOECHY

05-21-2008, 09:59 AM	#1 (permalink)
shawnm787 Junior Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 3	Need some help Hey guys im new to the S2000 world. I drive an Audi A4 right now but am going to school in the south so im realizing that for the next four years im only going to have a car for the summer so whats the point of Quattro if i dont need it? I am looking into the small convertible range, things like the Z4, TT, S2000 etc. I just found what i think i want to buy but im not sure what i should be trying to pay for it since this is kind of new territory for me. Its a Yellow 01 S2000 with 34k . No hardtop but the whole car is in mint condition. Any tips? Advice? Things to look for that the untrained eye wouldnt catch? Thanks

05-21-2008, 12:42 PM	#2 (permalink)
Swingle1 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 280	Welcome to the site Shawn. It sounds like you're leading the kind of gritty, hard-knocks life that's so typical of today's youth. But it sounds like you may have found a good car. Only advice would be to drive a few others to help get a sense of how the car should feel. Good luck. Last edited by Swingle1; 05-21-2008 at 12:43 PM. Reason: typo

05-21-2008, 12:54 PM	#3 (permalink)
Dr. Jimbo Don't taze me bro! Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Santa Barbara, Ca. Posts: 1,024	The plastic rear window sucks (I have one) but hell, the top's down all the time anyway! Look for signs that someone has modified it and put it back to stock (indication that it may have been driven hard). Heck, it's a Honda and it's a blast to drive. Parts are cheaper than Audi and BMW and Honda's reliablity is great. The car really shines in the twisties, you just have to get used to the rear kicking out if you gas it too hard in a turn (I'm still learning). The ap2's are less inclined to go ass-first, or so I've heard. __________________

05-21-2008, 01:08 PM	#5 (permalink)
Dr. Jimbo Don't taze me bro! Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Santa Barbara, Ca. Posts: 1,024	What's the seller asking? I got my '01 with 49k on it for $15,000 in Feb. '07. I had cash and he lived in farm country/pickup truck territory. I had the buyer's advantage. __________________

05-21-2008, 01:24 PM	#8 (permalink)
batguano Andiamo Veloce Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Grittsburg NC Posts: 589	I would certainly Carfax it. That seems like very low miles for an 01. That alone raises my suspicions. __________________ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MY VID http://s66.photobucket.com/albums/h2...DBR2008Pt1.flv Nikola Tesla,I salute you.

05-21-2008, 12:59 PM	#4 (permalink)
shawnm787 Junior Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 3	I checked the rear window and its in pretty good shape. The only aftrmarket thing on the car is a set of 17 inch wheels, i forget what brand they were but they looked great and had brand new tires. Everything else is stock. It all feels liek a good car, i was more wondering if that price seems to be in the right range, it just seems like kind of a lot for a 7 year old car that was about 30 new, very little depreciation? Ps as far as that hardknock comment went im not sure if it was some kind of low blow but i paid for 100% of my Audi and will be paying for this one as well, they arent handouts like one may expect. Thanks

05-21-2008, 01:19 PM	#7 (permalink)
Swingle1 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 280	I'm inferring that you're very young and in school. Not many in that position are independantly wealthy enough to pay their own way through school and drive the type of car you drive and are looking to drive in the near future. I know I certainly wasn't. I guess it was just a smart-@$$ed comment betraying a man's envy... but no low-blow intended.

05-21-2008, 01:42 PM	#10 (permalink)
jagg Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: The Endless Mountains Posts: 2,524	I KNOW Swingle meant you no harm laddie...... Sheesh, the youngin's nowadays are sooooooo sensitive. Good luck with you search Shawn.....And when you're finished doing that, stop by. I've got some chores lined up for ya. ha ha......I'm joking kiddo!! Welcome to the site. jagg

05-21-2008, 01:48 PM	#11 (permalink)
sky2k Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 230	haha jagg, we aren't sensitive...instead, lets say...umm...defensive.. there we go. thats a little better.

05-21-2008, 02:04 PM	#12 (permalink)
rickjkerstetter Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 69	anything over 17000 would be too much. I bought a 2000 with 5k miles on it for 15,500. But that was MY cost. Im a salesman and I bought it at my lot.

05-21-2008, 02:06 PM	#13 (permalink)
shawnm787 Junior Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 3	Sorry, i thought i posted his asking price. I can buy it for 13500. He is in the mortgage business so needless to say he is getting kind of screwed right now and just wants to get rid of it. I carfaxed it and it was clean. This guy is the second owner and bought it as a 3rd car three years ago with 22k on it.

05-21-2008, 02:33 PM	#15 (permalink)
jagg Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: The Endless Mountains Posts: 2,524	That's a fair and square deal Shawn..... Have it checked out by a garage that you trust before you fork over the cash. Regards, Jagg

05-21-2008, 02:43 PM	#16 (permalink)
bobby2002S2K Wisdom begins in wonder. Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Lorton,VA Posts: 528	You sound like your on the right path shawn and that your not goin to jump in to sometiming to fast. My advice is price is right. Do a car fax report on it, carry it some where to do a prebuy inspection i think most places charge around $90-$100 bucks. Good luck and welcome. __________________ I still cant get my foot off the floor and its been over a 2yrs now

05-21-2008, 04:03 PM	#17 (permalink)
Vezna31 Resident Track Whore :) Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Chula Vista, CA Posts: 1,285	With having only 34k miles on it, it sounds like a great deal. there is only 1 question I can think of to ask that will give you an answer to how hard the car has been driven without asking directly. Ask him how many sets of brakes he has gone through. I say that just because I went through a set of brakes in 4 months before. __________________ Vezna Financial Services - For mortgages, accounting and taxes, and phone service needs. http://www.vezna.com San Diego Car Club - http://www.sdcarclub.com

05-21-2008, 04:21 PM	#18 (permalink)
JOECHY Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 242	If you are still considering getting a Z4 I can shed some light on that for you. When I was "window shopping" online last year I was having a hard time trying to decide between the S2000 and Z4. Finally the stars lined up and I had my financing right and it was time to do some test drivin. I sat in a Z4, drove it, and it just didn't have that...... that..... "thing" I was looking for plus it was expensive to maintain. Then later that day I sat in my S. As soon as I sat in'er she says.... "Hi Joe" and hugged me....literally. I drove her, the sales lady insisted I pusher to redline and that was it, eyes watered up and that was it. I WANT THIS CAR RIGHT NOW! LOL (they probably made a killing off me because I didn't negotiate much but it was/is worth every penny!) This car is the isht!

05-21-2008, 06:44 PM	#19 (permalink)
philiam Senior Member, Literally Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: woodland hills, CA Posts: 1,639	S2000s hold their value pretty well. Especially this time of year. A my 01 goes for 16 to 17K at dealers around here. __________________

05-21-2008, 07:52 PM	#20 (permalink)
jagg Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: The Endless Mountains Posts: 2,524	I used to drive a Z4. It was a fantasic car, and better in some ways compared to the Honda. Alas, Stewie is a different animal......I like it better, but I have obscure tastes......I'd also love to find a mint Maverick for weekend drives. jagg

05-21-2008, 09:23 PM	#21 (permalink)
Java Junky Resident Curmudgeon Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Joisey Posts: 5,436	It'z the absolute worst time'a the year'da be buyin' a raggtopp. If the price seemz reasonable'n the car checkz out, jump on it with both handz'n hang on tight shaw. Welcome aboard. Java (Hm-m-m-m . . 'att'z'a first time I've ever heard your particular depth'a weirdness hawked off ta the crowd'z "obscure tastes" Jagg. I, fer one, am much appreciative that the only example given wuz Maverick-desire.) __________________ In life-long pursuit of that most mythic of beasts: the ever-elusive perfect corner. Well . . . that, r' at least a whole lodda clear spin-out room.

05-22-2008, 11:18 AM	#26 (permalink)
Neil Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Ontario Posts: 1,032	I think only one does..........

05-22-2008, 11:27 AM	#27 (permalink)
jagg Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: The Endless Mountains Posts: 2,524	best results are achieved by remaining one of the flock.........no sudden moves. Like Philiam would say....smoooooooooth. Regards, Wooly Bully