After years of lusting after an S2000, I finally have one. I rule! In all seriousness, it was a tough call between this car and a Boxster. Regulars know that I've been on the lookout and waiting for the right time since I sold my M3. I was pretty certain I wanted Boxster as I had convinced myself it was more special. But all the examples that have come up for sale near me, that were in my price range, were all 97-99 models for the most part, and most had higher miles than I was comfortable with. There was also that little voice that kept telling me that I'd have to have a 2000+ in the 'S' variety -- which in almost all cases was out of my range or would require a dedicated trip to source.
So I hit crazedlist.org for S2000's on a whim and I was shocked to see how much the values had fallen for these cars. 18 months ago, most clean and cared for examples were nearly $20k. Now the market is plentiful with lots of variety in the 13-15k range. Which is when I spotted my 01 in Medford. Only a 4 hour drive away, I just needed to find time to get down there! This proved difficult as I spotted the car before leaving on a trip to Georgia to see our man Ed for his birthday. Then I returned to catch up on work and my brother made a surprise trip out for two weeks. During that trip we made several trips to Portland and a long weekend in Seattle. Nearly 4 weeks later, the car was shockingly still available for sale! So we made another long weekend of it and drove the car. The previous owner is realtor and grandmother who only put 4k miles on the car in a little over a two years of ownership. And the owner before that must have hardly driven the car either as the car sits today with less than 35k miles on the clock! Combine that with the factory fitted hardtop and zero modifications, I knew we were going to buy.
And then we test drove the car. If you've been skeptical about this car from what you've heard or read, forget about it and find one to drive. This is a real sports car and Honda did an amazing job with this package. I keep describing it as focused and the best value out there right now. The motor is flat out amazing and perfectly matched in this balanced package. Plus we got 27mpg on the way home, with several spirited runs up the rev range!
As you can tell I'm smitten with the purchase and ready to drop the top this spring! I'll have the occasional update related to the S2000 on this blog, but I have also started a new S2000 blog that will detail the experience of ownership, the best of the aftermarket, and buying tips for those now in the market.
This car has been listed on my blogs a coupletimes, but it never met reserve, reaching as high as $23,900. Now the Henna Red e30 M3 listed on eBay is back and no reserve.
I actually wonder if the auction will end up higher than $23.9k due to it's no reserve status. If the background checks out on this car, seems like this could be a great opportunity for a collector and frankly I'm surprised it hasn't sold previously.
Check out this great looking e30 M3 for sale on eBayMotors:
I'm not usually a fan of the Cardinal Red interior, but it works well with the dark gray exterior. And with 44k miles, it should be in fantastic shape. Here's a quote from the seller's auction listing:
Up for sale low mile E30 M3, Diamantschwarz-metallic, cardinal red interior, Car is in unbelievable condition for age and mileage. It is bone stock except for two things, it has 16X8 BBS wheels and BORLA stainless muffler. Its defiantly collectors item, it have bean garaged all his life, newer tracked, two owner car first owner was 75 years old second 60 years old.. Car did got professionally detailed, it cleaned up awesome, interior looks like new, It has had some body work ( hood and right front fender and front bumper have bean sprayed) Who ever did job was a good painter it matches perfectly and you need to be professional to see that, None of panels have bean replaced all the vin tags are original and present. Headlight bezels are original to. I think it got sprayed due to rock chips. It has new tires, intake blocks. Full tune up was done 5K miles ago and I did change all the fluids. Car Drives quiet, smooth and tight, it needs nothing, it has clear CARFAX
I expect more and more of these low mileage examples to surface due to the crap economy. This one looks great with the BBS upgrade rims and diamantschwarz exterior. Any guesses on winning bid?
The asking price is $59,500. Yes it's alot, but as stated in their post, this could be the lowest mileage, privately held, e30 M3 in existence.
Question of the day: If you woke up and found $60k in your account earmarked for an M3, would you buy the original in like new condition, or would you buy a brand new e92? Leave a comment with your choice.
I've been off track alot in the last several posts. Lets get back on track with some great available cars for sale, starting with this extra low mile M Coupe:
Beautiful LOW MILEAGE M COUPE, 11,000 miles!!!, Arctic Silver Metallic, One Owner, Clean Carfax, 5 - Speed Manual Transmission, Sunroof, CD Changer, Heated Seats, Side Impact Airbags, S52 Engine with 240 hp, No paintwork or bodywork, Garage kept and meticulously maintained, This is RARE car and especially with so few miles.
Not sure I'd pay $28.5k for any M Coupe without the S54, but it is likely to be as close to a brand new as possible.
This is the most incredibly detailed listing I think I've ever seen for a car under $100k. This car has clearly been owned by a devoted and obsessed M Coupe afficiondo ($23k, CO):
You will find abundance information about this car and hundreds (literally) pictures on that site. I have gathered all the pertinent information that I have and presented it with honesty. This car is a true enthusiast car and has been maintained with the highest level of devotion and affection by a BMW enthusiast. I hope this car will find a new home where she will be treated as good as she has been.
[...]
I am the only driver, no one (no relatives, friends, even wife) allowed to drive the car
Subframe and rear floor pan are in pristine condition, no sign of stress, pop welds, or cracks
Never driven in snow, only caught in rain less than 10 times.
No burnouts, donuts, drag-races
No food or drink has ever entered the car
No smoke or pet
I love M Coupe's and this one looks to be incredible condition with only 32k miles, extensive history, and detailing. Blue book is out the window when it comes to cars like this and I hope the owner gets his full asking from the right buyer.
The design would take Legend Industries 18 months to figure it out where it would be viable and economical and still accomplish the task of providing Fiat with a powerful version of their already very successful 124 line. The results, a Spyder that would outperform the Triumph TR8 and the Porsche 924 Turbo. Road & Track, Car & Driver and Motor Trend magazines all would taught this car as a champion amongst its competitors.
This has got to be one of the finest Pininfarina Spiders in the Country! With only 24,000 original one owner miles this beautiful automobile is destined for investment appreciation. These cars are becoming increasingly harder to find in excellent condition so this one is a rare find indeed.
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So I hit crazedlist.org for S2000's on a whim and I was shocked to see how much the values had fallen for these cars. 18 months ago, most clean and cared for examples were nearly $20k. Now the market is plentiful with lots of variety in the 13-15k range. Which is when I spotted my 01 in Medford. Only a 4 hour drive away, I just needed to find time to get down there! This proved difficult as I spotted the car before leaving on a trip to Georgia to see our man Ed for his birthday. Then I returned to catch up on work and my brother made a surprise trip out for two weeks. During that trip we made several trips to Portland and a long weekend in Seattle. Nearly 4 weeks later, the car was shockingly still available for sale! So we made another long weekend of it and drove the car. The previous owner is realtor and grandmother who only put 4k miles on the car in a little over a two years of ownership. And the owner before that must have hardly driven the car either as the car sits today with less than 35k miles on the clock! Combine that with the factory fitted hardtop and zero modifications, I knew we were going to buy. 
