Looking for an S2000 - Any tips & anyone know these cars?
Discussion
Hi there
I used to own an early S2000 many years ago, yes one of the early snappy cars, not best example and it did catch me out one morning when I was not paying attention and it did spin out broke rear bumper and rear light, car still drove fine so I had it fixed under insurance as they did not write it off. But I did thoroughly use to enjoy it and as I feel I had a poorer example I'd love to get one again but not sure if I am day dreaming of memories of old or its an actual sensible purchase, I would drive it almost daily by the way.
Anyway I am looking for a good example, not crashed, not modified unless done correct and yes I want one ideally with VSA because I also would like to insure my Mrs on the car and she is not experience driver so would be nice to have that safety net for her.
My dream car is this one:
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
I did look at it yesterday and it really does seem immaculate condition, the engine bay is spotless, it has had 4 owners and partial service history but the services not done in years seem to match when it was SORN and off road, so I guess owners felt no need to service a car that had only done 1-2k since its last service. No idea if suspension is seized as did not go into such detail but I guess if a deal was made that could be part of deal that all adjusting parts still adjusted and had not seized up.
I then went to look at this car as the value seem very good:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
But what stood out to me is the bonnet, boot and one of the latches was a different red, more faded and all four wheels had been refurb, plus the boot seem to not want to close too easily, needed a good slam. The dealership off the bat went down to £12,750 and I'd not even test driven it.
Plus there is a huge gap in service history, serviced upto 18,000 miles, then next service is like 43,000 so my gut is telling me this car has being in some kind of accident it has being on a private plate in its past which was something like:
S22 KKK (sorry they showed me but I forgot)
VO57 KMY is plate it is on now.
So I was wondering if anyone here knows either of these cars and if people want I can upload a video of both cars.
Also where do people think values will go in next 2-3 years, the 22k car is a lot of money but it does look like an exceptional example and its got VSA.
The 13k car looks like it may have history and does not have VSA so not a car I'd probably buy unless its history was clean and its just had a bad paint job for some reason but I doubt that.
I used to own an early S2000 many years ago, yes one of the early snappy cars, not best example and it did catch me out one morning when I was not paying attention and it did spin out broke rear bumper and rear light, car still drove fine so I had it fixed under insurance as they did not write it off. But I did thoroughly use to enjoy it and as I feel I had a poorer example I'd love to get one again but not sure if I am day dreaming of memories of old or its an actual sensible purchase, I would drive it almost daily by the way.
Anyway I am looking for a good example, not crashed, not modified unless done correct and yes I want one ideally with VSA because I also would like to insure my Mrs on the car and she is not experience driver so would be nice to have that safety net for her.
My dream car is this one:
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
I did look at it yesterday and it really does seem immaculate condition, the engine bay is spotless, it has had 4 owners and partial service history but the services not done in years seem to match when it was SORN and off road, so I guess owners felt no need to service a car that had only done 1-2k since its last service. No idea if suspension is seized as did not go into such detail but I guess if a deal was made that could be part of deal that all adjusting parts still adjusted and had not seized up.
I then went to look at this car as the value seem very good:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
But what stood out to me is the bonnet, boot and one of the latches was a different red, more faded and all four wheels had been refurb, plus the boot seem to not want to close too easily, needed a good slam. The dealership off the bat went down to £12,750 and I'd not even test driven it.
Plus there is a huge gap in service history, serviced upto 18,000 miles, then next service is like 43,000 so my gut is telling me this car has being in some kind of accident it has being on a private plate in its past which was something like:
S22 KKK (sorry they showed me but I forgot)
VO57 KMY is plate it is on now.
So I was wondering if anyone here knows either of these cars and if people want I can upload a video of both cars.
Also where do people think values will go in next 2-3 years, the 22k car is a lot of money but it does look like an exceptional example and its got VSA.
The 13k car looks like it may have history and does not have VSA so not a car I'd probably buy unless its history was clean and its just had a bad paint job for some reason but I doubt that.
There are always several post 06 (when VSA was available) cars for sale, so don’t rush. As you’ve discovered, you’ll pay for a good one but beware they are not generally regarded as the most desirable (although I get the appeal in your case).
The drive by wire throttle and much higher road tax of these cars puts people off.
Having said that, S2000s are cheap for what they are and I think prices are likely to rise. Lots are worth more in parts and get broken, which tells me values are low and numbers are falling.
I’m sure there’s a late car at a Honda dealer somewhere also around £22k if that’s what you’re after. Found it - Chiswick Honda, GT edition but 60+k miles.
The drive by wire throttle and much higher road tax of these cars puts people off.
Having said that, S2000s are cheap for what they are and I think prices are likely to rise. Lots are worth more in parts and get broken, which tells me values are low and numbers are falling.
I’m sure there’s a late car at a Honda dealer somewhere also around £22k if that’s what you’re after. Found it - Chiswick Honda, GT edition but 60+k miles.
griffter said:
There are always several post 06 (when VSA was available) cars for sale, so don’t rush. As you’ve discovered, you’ll pay for a good one but beware they are not generally regarded as the most desirable (although I get the appeal in your case).
The drive by wire throttle and much higher road tax of these cars puts people off.
Having said that, S2000s are cheap for what they are and I think prices are likely to rise. Lots are worth more in parts and get broken, which tells me values are low and numbers are falling.
I’m sure there’s a late car at a Honda dealer somewhere also around £22k if that’s what you’re after. Found it - Chiswick Honda, GT edition but 60+k miles.
Yeah seen it, I actually do not like it really, Great interior but white car and I don't like the wheel design. I far prefer the multi spoke wheels and prefer red, yellow, blue or a silver/grey ideally. The drive by wire throttle and much higher road tax of these cars puts people off.
Having said that, S2000s are cheap for what they are and I think prices are likely to rise. Lots are worth more in parts and get broken, which tells me values are low and numbers are falling.
I’m sure there’s a late car at a Honda dealer somewhere also around £22k if that’s what you’re after. Found it - Chiswick Honda, GT edition but 60+k miles.
Shall keep my eyes open.
Go with your gut feelings which indicate doubts about both cars.
£22k for a very shiny car with gobs of tyre paint & questions over service history is typical of a main dealer pushing his luck. Way over priced.
£13k car cheap by comparison but again I'd be suspicious of history & mechanical condition. Mis-matched body panels means walk away fast.
Seized bushes will cost mega-bucks to sort.
Red is a popular colour but too mid-life crisis for the more mature prospective owner.
Non-messed with well maintained & carefully driven S2000's very rare, too many in the hands of the boy-racer oiks.
Keep looking for something more honest that lacks bulls
t sales presentation technique & buy on 'genuine' condition.
£22k for a very shiny car with gobs of tyre paint & questions over service history is typical of a main dealer pushing his luck. Way over priced.
£13k car cheap by comparison but again I'd be suspicious of history & mechanical condition. Mis-matched body panels means walk away fast.
Seized bushes will cost mega-bucks to sort.
Red is a popular colour but too mid-life crisis for the more mature prospective owner.
Non-messed with well maintained & carefully driven S2000's very rare, too many in the hands of the boy-racer oiks.
Keep looking for something more honest that lacks bulls
t sales presentation technique & buy on 'genuine' condition.What do people think of these two:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201... New&onesearchad=New&postcode=st87hf&model=S2000&radius=1500&make=HONDA&advertising-location=at_cars&sort=price-asc&page=4
Looked at this one tonight, last of cable throttle and validated mileage and FSH and seems genuine car just feel its not spot on and a bit over priced, test driving tomorrow as local. Think its more an 11k car though money wise.
https://www.junction17cars.co.uk/stock/11074772-ho...
Heard rumours 2009 models are ones to avoid, more risk of engine failure? Otherwise seems nice from a reputable dealer.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201... New&onesearchad=New&postcode=st87hf&model=S2000&radius=1500&make=HONDA&advertising-location=at_cars&sort=price-asc&page=4
Looked at this one tonight, last of cable throttle and validated mileage and FSH and seems genuine car just feel its not spot on and a bit over priced, test driving tomorrow as local. Think its more an 11k car though money wise.
https://www.junction17cars.co.uk/stock/11074772-ho...
Heard rumours 2009 models are ones to avoid, more risk of engine failure? Otherwise seems nice from a reputable dealer.
Gibbo205 said:
What do people think of these two:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201... New&onesearchad=New&postcode=st87hf&model=S2000&radius=1500&make=HONDA&advertising-location=at_cars&sort=price-asc&page=4
Looked at this one tonight, last of cable throttle and validated mileage and FSH and seems genuine car just feel its not spot on and a bit over priced, test driving tomorrow as local. Think its more an 11k car though money wise.
https://www.junction17cars.co.uk/stock/11074772-ho...
Heard rumours 2009 models are ones to avoid, more risk of engine failure? Otherwise seems nice from a reputable dealer.
First one is most popular year being facelift but lower tax. Personally I prefer the prefacelift and don’t like black! If it’s cable throttle it won’t have VSA. Miles is good and it’s from a dealer so pricing is probably fair, all things considered. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201... New&onesearchad=New&postcode=st87hf&model=S2000&radius=1500&make=HONDA&advertising-location=at_cars&sort=price-asc&page=4
Looked at this one tonight, last of cable throttle and validated mileage and FSH and seems genuine car just feel its not spot on and a bit over priced, test driving tomorrow as local. Think its more an 11k car though money wise.
https://www.junction17cars.co.uk/stock/11074772-ho...
Heard rumours 2009 models are ones to avoid, more risk of engine failure? Otherwise seems nice from a reputable dealer.
Second one the ad tells me a lot about the dealer and nothing about the car! Yes 09 engines allegedly can have crank end float issues.
There are enough around. If I were you I’d hold out for an 06/07 in the right colour with VSA. Values wise, for a late car, the edition 100 will be hard to beat...
Have you thought of an import? They seem to be worth at least as much as UK cars, with the right provenance, and anecdotally to survive in better condition.
First one is most popular year being facelift but lower tax. Personally I prefer the prefacelift and don’t like black! If it’s cable throttle it won’t have VSA. Miles is good and it’s from a dealer so pricing is probably fair, all things considered.
Black/red interior popular combo BUT unless you like polishing & cleaning the solid black will drive you mad as it did me ( & I do concours !).
The paint seemed very soft & after the very first careful wash 3 days after collecting it new from a showroom there were micro scratches.
I'd want to check those (probably) seized bushes irrespective of mileage.
Second one the ad tells me a lot about the dealer and nothing about the car! Yes 09 engines allegedly can have crank end float issues.
Smart colour for a saloon maybe dull for a sports car. Dodgy '09 engines just a matter of luck. For many not worth the extra tax burden.
There are enough around. If I were you I’d hold out for an 06/07 in the right colour with VSA. Values wise, for a late car, the edition 100 will be hard to beat...
Have you thought of an import? They seem to be worth at least as much as UK cars, with the right provenance, and anecdotally to survive in better condition.
[/quote]
Mmm imports considered the penny-pinchers option much like the Mazda Eunos BUT better equipped with slightly more powerful engine & criuise control ( if that's what matters).
Generally dealers taking the mickey just because the car is quite rare & is supposed to be a classic in the making. Drive one extensively to ensure it is your sort of car - I think they are over-rated & were more of a Honda indulgence than a meaningful sports car with owners & ownership in mind.
Black/red interior popular combo BUT unless you like polishing & cleaning the solid black will drive you mad as it did me ( & I do concours !).
The paint seemed very soft & after the very first careful wash 3 days after collecting it new from a showroom there were micro scratches.
I'd want to check those (probably) seized bushes irrespective of mileage.
Second one the ad tells me a lot about the dealer and nothing about the car! Yes 09 engines allegedly can have crank end float issues.
Smart colour for a saloon maybe dull for a sports car. Dodgy '09 engines just a matter of luck. For many not worth the extra tax burden.
There are enough around. If I were you I’d hold out for an 06/07 in the right colour with VSA. Values wise, for a late car, the edition 100 will be hard to beat...
Have you thought of an import? They seem to be worth at least as much as UK cars, with the right provenance, and anecdotally to survive in better condition.
[/quote]
Mmm imports considered the penny-pinchers option much like the Mazda Eunos BUT better equipped with slightly more powerful engine & criuise control ( if that's what matters).
Generally dealers taking the mickey just because the car is quite rare & is supposed to be a classic in the making. Drive one extensively to ensure it is your sort of car - I think they are over-rated & were more of a Honda indulgence than a meaningful sports car with owners & ownership in mind.
I have this one
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
Immaculate car drove it to Yorkshire from Inverness.
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
Immaculate car drove it to Yorkshire from Inverness.
fridaypassion said:
I have this one
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
Immaculate car drove it to Yorkshire from Inverness.
That does look a great example just I prefer the other wheel design and am a little put of 09 motors due to comments of engine issues, no idea if internet myth or factual however. https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
Immaculate car drove it to Yorkshire from Inverness.
My 99 S2000 was Monte Carlo blue however!
Gibbo205 said:
That does look a great example just I prefer the other wheel design and am a little put of 09 motors due to comments of engine issues, no idea if internet myth or factual however.
My 99 S2000 was Monte Carlo blue however!
There was an issue with some 09 cars but the issues tended to show fairly early on. If it’s made it this far you’ll be fine. I’ve got an 09 at the moment with 50k miles - drives fantastic. Regrettably selling at the moment and I know as soon as it’s gone I’ll be hankering after it.My 99 S2000 was Monte Carlo blue however!
Rust is the big one to look out for and will kill these cars long before the mechanics fail.
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