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03-23-09

Tomorrow I’ll Own a 2001 Honda S2000!

This afternoon we shook hands on a super low miles, 2001 Honda S2000. Sebring Silver, matching hardtop, and only 35k miles. Tomorrow morning we’ll connect our two banks and make the deal final. And I can’t wait!

We drove 4 hours from Corvallis, Oregon to Medford, Oregon, arriving at about 3:30pm today. While it’s mathematically a short drive, the final 100 miles are up and down through the mountains. It’s such a beautiful drive, yet you need to be focused when driving at interstate speeds with traffic. By the time we figured out a city we hadn’t ever visited before with the not-so-helpful Blackberry Google Maps directions, we finally found Sandra’s house.

Once we had arrived, I had plenty of time to inspect the car and look for the ‘flaws’ that any used car might have. I had to look hard for sure, and what I uncovered was a low mile car that had been well cared for, but had not been owned by S2000 enthusiasts. The good news is that it has probably never been used as designed and has led an easy life. The bad news is that there are a few scratches and the car needs a thorough detailing to be appreciated for what it is.

Typically when I inspect a car for purchase, I walk around the car looking at the panels first. I make sure the gaps look right, the colors match, check for scratches and chips, and overall try to gauge wether or not the car has been in an accident. I’m definitely in the camp of once a car has been in an accident, it’s never quite right ever again; especially performance cars. Only a few scuffs on this car, and most can be cured with a good detail.

Then I get on the ground and take a look around underneath. Nothing really specific that I’m checking for. More like something that stands out that is of concern. Things that are leaking, missing bushings, exhaust quality, and stuff like that. This one is clean as a whistle on the underside.

Then on to the test drive. We make sure everything works as it should, car tracks straight, brakes don’t pull or make noise, and the engine performs willingly. After that, here are our first impressions:

• Once seated in the car, it’s very apparent that it’s smaller than you’d think. It’s very cozy and the seats are very supportive.
• The car’s exterior is much smaller than it appears in pictures. Everything about this car is very serious, but may not be realized unless up close. It’s a very conservative car and is inconspicuous.
• The car is raw. The suspension is taught. Very taught. The engine is in your lap and you can feel it. When you hit the gas, you can feel it respond immediately. Even at low rpm’s, the car is very responsive. And once you cross the 6k rpm mark, the car gets comes into focus — Right now! The car surges furiously all the way to the 9k rpm redline and you’re reaching for gears quickly. And it’s intoxicating.
• The steering is electric assist, and it is really wonderful to work. The steering rack is appropriately sport oriented and the feedback is great. The slightest movement is immediately transferred to direct action. It’s even fun to drive around town.
• The shifter is the most awesome OEM mechanism I’ve had the pleasure of sampling. Throws are short and very positive. And your arm is resting on the transmission tunnel as you grip the gear lever. Everything really does fall right to hand.

As you can tell, it was an easy decision to buy. The drive is very visceral and left an impression that I can’t wait to realize on the way home. A more in depth review will be posted soon and with new pics.

dc

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