too lazy to read through pages so i'm just gonna chime in on what i read.

all s2k comes with HIDs. all 6 spd manual. if it's an 01 with 50k miles, and you're paying 20k, you're getting jipped. i sold my 02 with 15k miles (clean title etc.) for $20k in sept. 05. ofcourse dealers charge more, but you shouldn't be paying over 18 for it if that.

short shifter? stock s2k shifters 'feels' like it's shorter because they are compared to almost every car out there. there are however few companies that make short shifters. if you find that it's the axial brand (by ricks2k.com), and you don't like it...i'll trade you =P

check for any wear/tear/holes on the covertible top. you'll get a hole regardless of how well you maintain it. check for small holes near the drives seat headrest area (in the corners) both inside and out. if they are worn out, you might want to consider a new top $450-500 with a glass window (02+ models) unlike the plastic (00-01 models).

by getting an 01, the car will drive and sound bit more aggressive compared to 02+ cars. there's more 'rawness' to it if you can imagine that. it feels more like a sports car made only to be driven in the twisties- and careless about comfort.

make sure tranny is in good condition. make sure no clutch slipping. i think there were few minor recalls on miscellaneous stuff (spark plugs maybe?)so check with your dealership on it.

on the taillights, the red portion fades to pinkish tone over-time. also, check for any leaks or condensation. if the headlight has orange reflectors, it's oem. if not, it's been popped-opened. if this is the case, check for any leaks. good way would be to see it after it rained. it should fog up. if not, good.

hmmm...tires. make sure you have good rubber on there. some people put piece of shit rubber on these cars, you drive like you should and you wreck. make sure that the tire size is 205/225 if they're oem bridgestone s02 (i highly doubt it), if it's any other brand, it should be 205/245. if they tell you i'm on crack...the owner obviously had no focking clue about his car.

after you buy the car, join www.s2katlanta.com
if you need more help, people over there would kill to help -including me =)

good luck on your purchase if you haven't made it already.