I'm about to buy an S2k for my wife, probably a 2001 model. No pictures, but the car is here:

http://www.autotrader.com/find...st=13

It's immaculate, and seems to be absolutely mint. My question to the S2K owners here is simple. What things do I need to check and look at with the car to make sure I'm getting a good Honda? I'm not familiar with Honda's at all, so have no idea what common problems and things they have to look for. Thanks.

Whoa.. I just realized I am | | this close to actually being on this forum because I own a Honda. lol... Figures.

 

So it's either:

1. Nobody in here actually owns an S2k.

2. They don't have any issues/things to check.

3. For some reason nobody believes me.

So... which is it?

 

Your wrong on all of them.
Look at it you would any car. Check for everything.
Broken things
Possible new paint
Anything that looks like it was repaired
See if motor feels strong
See if tranny is good
Its not that hard...just try everything...see if it was taken care of.
Hope this helps

 

Yeah, that's basically what I've done.

I was looking for car-specific issues. Like on a 300ZX you would check the rear hatch for rust/water damage, t-tops for leaks, etc...

Thanks for the help.

 

Listen for the clutch buzz in lower gears. Granted its not a big deal and isn't detrimental to the vehicle at all. Check for all the VIN stickers. Take it to a dealer and have them run a compression test if you want to. Check for wear holes in the top. Check tire life and size if you want to use that as a possible negotiating point.

I don't think you're getting much response because there isn't much to say. It all depends on your comfort and trust level with the previous owner/dealer. Basically, have some common sense about you and you should be all right.

I'd be very wary of any lies that might come up from the seller. If they tell you via email or phone that there has never been any work done, but you find that its missing VIN stickers, walk away. Try to get a look at service records. You know, the usual.

Don't trust a dealer just because they're a dealer. When I was looking to buy, I contacted a Mazda dealer with a used s2k on the lot. I called (they're about an hour away, so I wanted to call before making the drive) and was told that it was in perfect shape with all ten VIN stickers. I got there and it was missing 5 of the ten and had very, very clearly been repaired. Ugly welds under the hood. Big gaps at the front and rear bumper. When I asked the salesman about it, he said that because the carfax was clean, there was no way the car could have been worked on. I laughed and left.

 

The car looks absolutely mint. Not a spot on it I could find, not even rock chips in the front paint.

I've test driven it twice, but I can't really tell if anything's out of place since I've never driven one of these before. The only thing we noticed was that it was difficult to get into reverse, but I chalked that up to lack of experience with six-speeds. The clutch was very stiff, no slippage and gripped nicely.

The tires still have the rubber nipples on them, no scratches or marrs on the rims.

The price is $23900, and all I have to do at this point is sign paperwork. I'm just hesitant because I don't know Honda's.

 

http://www.s2ki.com look at all the recalls and problems that the 01 owners have. You will learn everything you need. One from me is that when the car isnt warned up and you tap on the gas is gets really low on the rpms and boggs a little then back up.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by skt &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">One from me is that when the car isnt warned up and you tap on the gas is gets really low on the rpms and boggs a little then back up.</TD></TR></TABLE>

That's pretty normal. Mine does it too. Try tapping the MAP sensor a few times with the back of a screwdriver.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by skt &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">http://www.s2ki.com look at all the recalls and problems that the 01 owners have. You will learn everything you need. One from me is that when the car isnt warned up and you tap on the gas is gets really low on the rpms and boggs a little then back up.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Thanks for the link, I will definitly spend some quality time on there.

 

Check s2ki out and then evaluate the owner of the car, if it's owned by a S2000 enthusist and all its records are in place and everything feels right about the deal then jump on it. If the owner does not have all the answers regarding maintiance and the like or is backtalking about just about anything then just walk the other way.

 

the best thing you can do is take it to honda and have them do a 100 point inspection they check everything and its only like 80-100 bux well worth it especially for a s2k good luck

 

Well, it's a certified car, and checked it out via mechanical and carfax. Completely spotless.

So we bought it.

My wife will probably register on the forums here sometime soon. I'll try to get some pics up.

 

Look closely at the owner. If he has it together and can show service records,etc then go for it. I am selling my 2002 S2000, Silver/Black interior, less than 6,000 miles; garaged and covered. Just had new oil and filter done. No dinks or damage.
Cell 561-654-3290 or email: sshus924@bellsouth.net
Sandy S.

 

congrats man, good luck with the 2000. my team mates have a few, awesome cars

 

good luck with the s2k i hope you like it