S2000 import - Looking to Buy

[Major Eyeswater]

Hi all,

My wife is looking to buy a Honda S2000 at around the 9k mark. At this price range, most of them seem to be imports. Is there anything in particular we should look for when buying an imported S2000?

Also, what are the service costs like?

Is it recommended to have it inspected by an independant specialist prior to purchase?

Thanks in advance.

Edited by Major Eyeswater on Friday 9th May 21:17

[havoc]

www.s2ki.co.uk will be able to give you good info on that, plus there's a (VERY) detailed FAQ worth reading. Friendly bunch over there, and they've usually got a good few in the classifieds...


Inspection? Yeesss, but depends how competent you are yourself - an AA/RAC type will cover all the generalist car stuff, but that's not really (not usually) what you need to worry about with the S2000.

- Suspension adjustment bolts (esp. if Jap-import which has been in the UK for a while) can seize up, requiring replacement wishbones at £400 a wishbone plus fitting (or poly-bushes not OE bushes). AA/RAC won't check that for you.
- Clutch is one you can pick up on a test-drive.
- Rear plastic screen condition again is a self-check.
- Accident damage would be one for a professional to spot though...


My 2p? Find another £1-2k and get a UK car, probably a moderate-high mile '02 with the glass rear-screen or a cherished Y/51. Unless you're doing high miles in it the residuals will be better than an import come resale time, and it'll be easier to sell-on. So over the lifetime should actually cost less...

[Major Eyeswater]

Thanks Havoc,

Do you know the servicing schedule & approximate costs?

[havoc]

Every 9k / 12m, regardless of year made. Every 3 years is a biggie (£250-300), the other two are ~£140 and £200 at a main-dealer.

Tyres are pretty reasonable at ~£300 for a set, pads and disks aren't silly money, it's just insurance which is steep. Oh, and road-tax on post-March 2001 cars now!

[normalbloke]

havoc said:

Every 9k / 12m, regardless of year made. Every 3 years is a biggie (£250-300), the other two are ~£140 and £200 at a main-dealer.

Tyres are pretty reasonable at ~£300 for a set, pads and disks aren't silly money, it's just insurance which is steep. Oh, and road-tax on post-March 2001 cars now!

Aren't post 2001 imports immune from the emsission based taxed bands?I'll wind my neck in if I'm wrong,but this will have an effect on residuals in a positive manner versus post 2001 UK cars if that's the case.

[havoc]

Ooh, good point.

That said, you'll probably pay an extra £200 a year in insurance on a grey...

[MrFlibbles]

havoc said:

Every 9k / 12m, regardless of year made. Every 3 years is a biggie (£250-300), the other two are ~£140 and £200 at a main-dealer.

Tyres are pretty reasonable at ~£300 for a set, pads and disks aren't silly money, it's just insurance which is steep. Oh, and road-tax on post-March 2001 cars now!

Martin, are you talking the 16 inch tyres? I'd love to know where you could get a full set of the 17s for £300!

Pads are cheap, discs are most def not. I cant remember the exact figure but I was quoted over £300 by Honda for a front pair.

[havoc]

MrFlibbles said:

havoc said:

Every 9k / 12m, regardless of year made. Every 3 years is a biggie (£250-300), the other two are ~£140 and £200 at a main-dealer.

Tyres are pretty reasonable at ~£300 for a set, pads and disks aren't silly money, it's just insurance which is steep. Oh, and road-tax on post-March 2001 cars now!

Martin, are you talking the 16 inch tyres? I'd love to know where you could get a full set of the 17s for £300!

Pads are cheap, discs are most def not. I cant remember the exact figure but I was quoted over £300 by Honda for a front pair.

The chap's looking at a £9k car...I'd love to know where you can get an '04 for £9k!!!

Disks...the Honda items aren't even Brembos, so I'd probably look after-market, tbh.

[MrFlibbles]

havoc said:

MrFlibbles said:

havoc said:

Every 9k / 12m, regardless of year made. Every 3 years is a biggie (£250-300), the other two are ~£140 and £200 at a main-dealer.

Tyres are pretty reasonable at ~£300 for a set, pads and disks aren't silly money, it's just insurance which is steep. Oh, and road-tax on post-March 2001 cars now!

Martin, are you talking the 16 inch tyres? I'd love to know where you could get a full set of the 17s for £300!

Pads are cheap, discs are most def not. I cant remember the exact figure but I was quoted over £300 by Honda for a front pair.

The chap's looking at a £9k car...I'd love to know where you can get an '04 for £9k!!!

Disks...the Honda items aren't even Brembos, so I'd probably look after-market, tbh.

1. Of course, d'oh.
2. Yeah, already on it. For the record I can get Spoon discs cheaper!

[Major Eyeswater]

Thanks for the replies.

I'll let you know how the car hunting goes...

[bga]

I can think of at least 1 well used £9k UK car in the PH classifieds

[Major Eyeswater]

Hi bga,

My wifes only criteria is that it must be either red or silver with red leather. Oh...and must have a CD player.

Women eh!!

[bga]

lol, I know exactly what you mean! Good luck
in the search.

[Major Eyeswater]

Finally found one: http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/562828.htm

A credit to it's current owner. Off to pick it up now.

Thanks for all the advice.

[mikey k]

Good job!
Looks nice!
I'm sure that is a www.s2ki.com members car!

[Major Eyeswater]

mikey k said:

Good job!
Looks nice!
I'm sure that is a www.s2ki.com members car!

Yes, it is/was. The car is absolutely immaculate, I can't imagine another of the same age/mileage in such great condition, we're well chuffed.

[Chris Type R]

mikey k said:

Good job!
Looks nice!
I'm sure that is a www.s2ki.com members car!

Yup, Mikey - mine

Thanks for the complimentary post Colin.

[mikey k]

now I remember!