Okay, so I went to the dealership and talked to a salesman. He told me that The S2K was a limited production run of 5000 cars per year, for three years - 2000, 2001, and 2002. He said that 2002 was the last year! Is this true?? He also said that the markup wasn't a problem. The only ones that would keep at least a small markup are the Suzuka Blue ones. Which, IMO is the best color. He said yellow ones were hard to come by as well. In any event, please let me know about the last year thing, thanks.

 

Let me just say this. Where I live, I see 2-3 different ones per day. Aside from the meet, I see 1-2 ITRs every month. If you don't need the instant gratification of a car purchase, go to dealers and tell them what you want and for them to call you when they are ready for it. Most of them are very understanding. If you don't get a call in a month, maybe you should be a little more generous. Wait till the end of the month and you'll hear something. I can't be so patient, so I end up meeting them half way most of the times.

I got the blue from Penske of Ontario. I can't say I got a great deal, but I really didn't pay too much over. I am happy

Noone mentioned to me anything about the blue being worthy of an extra mark up. It's just that is a more popular color being new.

You own an ITR. How many things have you heard from dealers that you later found was a poor attempt to get you to buy a car from them.

My answer to your qs are no and no. Tell them that the blue is not even your first choice and the mark up thing goes away.

 

planning on gettin a st00k Chris?

 

I'm just exploring possibilities. It is an impressive car. I'm just kind of pissed off that the guy told me 2002 was the last year, when it's not. That's straight lying, not bending the truth or misleading facts.

 

Don't buy into all that limited production nonsense, they just tell you that to justify the markups. They've sold well over 5000 units in both 2000 and 2001 and will do the same in 2002. Not only that, but I'd expect at least a 5 year model cycle with the S2000 they're not going to stop making it. I'd expect some more minor upgrades for 2003, same as the last two years, hopefully Monte Carlo blue will be offered in North America as well. White seems to be the rarest color from what I've seen. We had a meet with 100 S2000's and there were only a couple whites, about 15 yellows.

 

Thanks for the input. I appreciate it. Any other ideas floating around?

 

I think its a really good time to buy a car. With this economy, your $ has more leverage at the dealer. Plus you are helping your country's economy

 

Actually from what I hear 2004 is the last year for this car, which makes sense. Honda must have 4 years production run to make the S2K (or any of their lineups) worth the $$ they invested into creating it. IMO if you can get it at $37-38k out the door you're probably right on the $$.....even when the MSRP is at $33,400.......


[Modified by ZANARDI #50, 9:09 AM 1/31/2002]

 

Wouldn't that make it 5 years? 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004......

 

MSRP for '02 is $32,840 and it was $32,740 for '01. I paid the $32,740 plus tax and tags, out the door. No reason you should have to pay more than that since the initial markups are no longer justified. Not only that but with the economy the way it is, a 2 seat roadster isn't a hot item like it is when things are good and people can afford their toys. If you look around you'll find a dealer that will sell for msrp no problem. Many people get them for a thouand or two less than msrp.
good luck

 

Thanks for the input all

 

Honda tried to charge me $42k for an S2000 in '00. I told them to eat a nerd and sent an email to vice president of sales and marketing at Honda North America and told him what I thought of the gouging.

I received a STACK of free oil change coupons and a two page apology.

But no more assurance that the gouging would stop,which I see it hasn't.

I remember a time when you would actually pay LESS than sticker by bargaining with the salesman,what the hell happened?!

 

In this past Sunday's newspaper, one of the Chicago-area dealers was advertising new S2000's for $29,495.

 

True....I got the car last Sept. and at the time it was a very fair deal..... But I guess it's no longer the case...

BTW I should've waited for the '02....... Lower prices PLUS better stereo system and GLASS rear window!!..Oh well, no use crying over spilled milk...





[Modified by ZANARDI #50, 8:43 PM 2/1/2002]

 

OOPS, I mean *at least* 4 years....