Buying an S2000 at an Auction: Tips for Successful Bidding
When looking for a new car, consider the sporty Honda S2000. This front-mid engine sports car gives the nod to the Honda racing team that inspired it with its low profile and aerodynamic body style. It is available with a detachable hardtop. If you love driving, you can imagine the road under your wheels as you sweep through mountain curves. When you’re ready to shop for this thrilling car, you can bid at an S2000 auction on SCA and save much money.
Here are some tips to consider:
A Little Honda S2000 History
The Honda S2000 began production in 1999 and ended its short run in 2009. Honda only produced 110,673 cars over those 10 years. It was well-known for its high-performance capabilities, Honda reliability, and attractive design. It was powered by a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder VTEC engine with RWD, all the components of a true sports car.
Why Buy an S2000 at an Auction?
Since the S2000 has been out of production since 2009, it might be challenging to find one at the usual places like dealerships, classified ads, or online marketplaces. Online auto auctions often specialize in hard-to-find cars, classic cars, vintage cars, and hot rods.
You may find that the prices on an online auction are lower than what a private seller might want for their model. Besides, when buying at an auto auction, the auction process is always exciting.
Researching Auctions and S2000 Market Values
Before you start bidding, it’s critical to research current S2000 market values. Websites like Kelly Blue Book or Edmunds can provide valuable insights. With this information, you can decide your maximum bid on an S2000 before fees, transportation costs, taxes, and title and registration expenses.
You should also familiarize yourself with any potential problems the S2000 has; you can find this information on the owner’s groups. Frequently, a car will have a peculiar problem that is widespread across the models, like a whistling expansion valve when you use the AC. By talking with other S2000 owners or potential owners, you’ll learn a lot about things to look for as you shop.
When deciding which online auction you want to use, you must learn more about the site. You should find out how long you can leave a vehicle on the lot after you win the bid, how much their auction fees are, and how much of a deposit you need to put down to bid. Ensure the auction site you’re using is open to the public, and you don’t need a dealer license to bid.
If you find a salvage Honda S2000, read the description carefully, order a vehicle report, and check the costs of repairs before you bid. If you can do your own mechanical work, you’ll save money, but if you have to hire a Honda tech, you might need to pay more for parts and service.
No matter where you decide to buy your S2000 from, order a vehicle history report before you spend any money.
Inspecting the S2000 Pre-Auction
Before the auction, thoroughly inspect the S2000. Look for any signs of rust, check the condition of the tires, and evaluate the overall cosmetic state of the vehicle. Under the hood, check for any signs of leaks or damage. Ensure the engine runs smoothly, without any unusual noises.
If you’re buying a car online and aren’t attending the auction in person, hire a third party to inspect you. Most auction sites will have an approved list of inspectors you can hire as your proxy. By hiring someone to go over the car, you’ll learn about the engine’s condition, whether it runs or not, how it sounds when running, if there are any additional concerns than what were listed, and if the body and frame are sound.
When bidding on a wrecked car, it’s important to have your inspector look for damage under the car, check for leaks, and ensure the steering is working. It’s better to know upfront any of the issues so you can plan for the expense of fixing these issues.
Placing Your Bid
When placing your bid, it’s essential to have a budget in mind and stick to it. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the bidding process and overspend.
If your bid is successful, it’s time to arrange payment and transportation. When you settle up with the auction house, they’ll give you instructions on how to get your car.
Conclusion
Owning a sports car like a Honda S2000 can make driving pleasurable. If you managed to buy one from an auction and saved money, that makes the driving even sweeter. Your auction buy can be satisfying if you stick to your budget, had the car inspected, and considered any extra costs.
