Mwaku how long ago was this? Story sounds exactly the same as what happened to my mate but it was an Audi A4, persons A + B were koreons, price was also 30K and they also met in a residential parking...
Best to go check it out in person. Could be a Jap Sec as the front bumper does not have the washers. But Jap Specs dont have quicker motors. Buy a Aus Spec.
20K Worth of repairs??? Who are doing these repairs for you? $400 for a wheel alignment? should be like $80, you're getting ripped off. How bad was your car when you bought it? Maybe you should have...
best to check it out yourself in person. The car has the whole 2002 model interior including speedo/cluster (except seats which are 06+), either he has swapped the whole interior including cluster...
Can't always go by the redbook prices as different cars hold their value better. Its not easy finding a good s2000 now days as most of them have been abused. You'll find that the ones under $25K are...
Better if you search for the car yourself? E.g Carsales. Take a look at it yourself and get it inspected by NRMA or something. Also do a REVS check and RTA vehicles check.
...
Go get some springs, King springs, Skunk2 or Teins. They are about $400. Cutting your springs will just make your car dangerous. If you want used or cheap coilovers they will probably be close to 1K....
Just depends how you drive and if your car is too showy. I've driven all types of cars on my Ps and dont get pulled over or get waved into RBT Stations. Sometimes I wish i would get pulled over LOL