Would you buy a rebuilt title S2000?

"AM3R shamefully returns " (am3rshamefullyreturns)
02/01/2016 at 17:09 • Filed to: None

For $7k? Discuss. Found one on Craigslist while waiting for a meeting to get started, gonna find the link right now. Been on my mind all damn day.

Edit: here’s the ad with the price

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

and here’s another that shows the dealers info

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

A $7.9k S2k is super tempting, the mod list I put together for my 335i is probably over $7k if I don't DIY all the parts, including an LSD (which is why I probably won't be modding it lol).

DISCUSSION (19)

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > AM3R shamefully returns
02/01/2016 at 17:13

It’d depend on the reason for the rebuild, where the work was done, if the owner has documentation of the work, and the overall condition of the car otherwise.

It’d also depend on my intentions for the car. $7k S2000 sounds like a solid start for a track car to me! ;)

TheHondaBro > AM3R shamefully returns
02/01/2016 at 17:13

Why did it have to be rebuilt?

Jay Lauer > AM3R shamefully returns
02/01/2016 at 17:15

Rebuilt vehicles are never really 100% again. I’d just avoid it, personally. You can get a clean one for not much more.

Birddog > AM3R shamefully returns
02/01/2016 at 17:18

It depends on what got it branded as Rebuilt. I had an 88 Turbo Coupe that had a rebuilt title and all I did to it was replace a fender and tie rod end.

McChiken116 - Patrick H. > AM3R shamefully returns
02/01/2016 at 17:20

$5500 yes, $7000? no.

Chariotoflove > AM3R shamefully returns
02/01/2016 at 17:21

No.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > AM3R shamefully returns
02/01/2016 at 17:24

Oh, it’s a used dealership selling it? Yeah, big nope then. They’re trying to unload a problem on someone else.

Like Jay said, a clean title example can be found for not much more.

RiceRocketeer Extraordinaire > AM3R shamefully returns
02/01/2016 at 17:24

Probably not unless I was looking for a track car. The body shop guy that I go to calls S2000s “soft” — it’s apparently difficult to get everything to line up properly once something’s happened to to the car.

Gone > AM3R shamefully returns
02/01/2016 at 17:24

Was the frame bent?
Yes, then no.
No? Reasonably priced NASA TTC/D car depending on model year.

Wohnson89 > AM3R shamefully returns
02/01/2016 at 17:25

Never buy rebuilds whatever the cost. Unless you plan to use them only on the track.

RX > AM3R shamefully returns
02/01/2016 at 17:35

2 things to avoid when buying a car - rebuilt title and a tavarish article.

Laurence > AM3R shamefully returns
02/01/2016 at 17:40

I wouldn’t know whether to recommend it or not, but bear in mind there may be permanent damage, and any money you save over a clean titled car you’ll loose again when you sell it.

Urambo Tauro > AM3R shamefully returns
02/01/2016 at 18:54

The seller would have to try harder than that, and convince me that the rebuild was well done. Not just receipts. I want a thorough history.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > AM3R shamefully returns
02/01/2016 at 22:58

I wouldn’t buy anything with a rebuilt title. Unless it’s something very rare. The time and money that might go into the dirty car can easily top what would have been paid for a clean one. I’ve seen it time and time again and no one ever gets then back to 100%, or most within 75%. Unfortunately, the vast majority of people “rebuilding” dirty cars are not very good at what they do and use a disconcerting number of sub-par methods. It is my absolute number one red flag.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Wohnson89
02/01/2016 at 23:01

I wouldn’t even do that. What if there is a weak weld somewhere? I wouldn’t want that to let go at the wrong time, perhaps entering a certain corkscrew.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > RiceRocketeer Extraordinaire
02/01/2016 at 23:06

Can confirm. I saw a lot porter side one into a curb at about 20mph. Needed two wheels, front and rear subframes, all suspension components on the right front and rear, diff, and a steering rack. Still never quite drove exactly the same again apparently. The tech (he’s good and I trust his word) who fixed it said it was twitchy, even though all the measurements lined up perfectly.

gergey - Wishes vette was Datsun > AMGtech - now with more recalls!
02/02/2016 at 00:23

My Z is “rebuilt”

No idea what happened to it but the frame’s immaculate and it’s been driving beautifully for the last couple years

gergey - Wishes vette was Datsun > AMGtech - now with more recalls!
02/02/2016 at 00:24

My Z is “rebuilt”

No idea what happened to it, but the frame’s immaculate and it’s been driving beautifully for the last couple years

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > gergey - Wishes vette was Datsun
02/02/2016 at 01:30

That’s great! Really. But it’s not something I would take a chance on after all the crap I’ve seen. Three are definitely some gems with rebuilt titles, but most are absolute trash.