opinions from current owners

[larryb]

I've been considering an s2000 since 2001. My daily driver is soon going away and I found a local 2002 s2000, white with red(my favorite) and 9500 miles. It looks great and is at a local Honda dealer. I believe I could buy it for 20,000. I realize this is top dollar for the car but am willing to pay for the color combination and low miles. When I reviewed these forums years ago many people were having syncro issues, convertible top wear problems and oil consumption problems. Please give some opinions from longer term owners. Also I have an mr2 turbo in perfect condition that has become a garage queen. I don't exactly want another car to sit around, so is it usable in the winter around Indy if necessary? I was always really impressed with the s2000's as an sports car and am still impressed every time I drive one but became concerned over their reliability several years ago. I'm aware of the rapid tire wear and also used to manual shift cars with a rougher ride and very little storage. These things aren't problems.
Thanks very much for your responses.

[Dr. Jimbo]

Welcome. You came to the right place. I've had my '01 for almost 2 years and really haven't had any issues. Tire wear happens when you run z-rated tires and hit the twisties. I just got 20k out of my rears and my fronts still have about 50% left (I guess I don't hit the twisties hard enough). I love mine as a daily driver. Sure is a hell of a lot more reliable than my wife's Xterra.

[desmo4]

I balance my driving so the rears last 10k at most and the front about 20k. As to driving in winter. It will not run in snow, as low as it is, well you can figure it out. For cold weather your going to need a different set of tires as the stock rubber will give up at about 45 degrees. Oil consumption and top wear, I have not had either of these issues.

Jonathan

[Java Junky]

Fer whudd'itt'z worth, muh buddy killed his a while back, so they actually can be killed. Mine'z still hummin' despite my considerable best effortz.
He had hiz from '03 to '07. I've had mine from '05 to present.
Winter use requirez common-sense'n caution.
Even if it's jus' cold, you must have winter hoopz.
'N'if the snow startz gettin' up'ta li'l Stewie'z chin, take somethin' more winter-capable'r walk.

[gomarlins3]

6 1/2 years of ownership and I have none of the problems you have mentioned.

[philiam]

2002 here. I drive it hard, love to shift it. At the end of several hours it purrs like it's not even breathing hard. 28,000 miles now and it feels like it is just broken in. So far, not a single problem. No snow out here though.

[JOECHY]

I can add my 2cents by telling you the top will only last as long as how well you take care of it. There are a few really good products out there that will keep your convertible top top notch for years. I have heard a few people say only treat their tops 2 - 4 times a year. As a daily driver, I treat mine at least once a month and it looks brand spankin' new. As long as you treat your top well, it will last for you. Good luck!

[philiam]

That goes for the interior as well. Leather treatment on seats and 303 on the dash protect it when the top is down.

[Scooter]

You sound sold to me already larry! With that mileage it should be Honda certified, you have no worries.

[sky2k]

i've had no complaints about my 2001, and i love it to death! that is one clean car you're talking about, i hope you get it! good luck.

[larryb]

thanks so much for the posts. I really value hearing from people who own the cars and not a review of a new one by some magazine article. Sounds like many of the old issues have gone away or were never there to start with. I have a chance to get a clean slk350 for about the same money but feel that the s2000 would be so much less expense to keep. I feel a lot like you guys about my old MR2. It sits around most of the time but so far has always been extremely reliable and 30 mpg. Not going to run like a vette but is so neat to drive and doesn't cost much to keep. It's kind of become a family member. I know every time I've driven the s2000's I was so impressed. I'll keep checking the site for any new replies.

[4406pack]

i have had my 04 since March, i take her the auto-x as many times as i can (when i am in country) and she keeps asking for more, i run her very hard, she doesnt use a drop of oil, i also use her for my DD, it will be sad when i have to tuk her in for the winter though....

[jagg]

Greetings Larry,

I purchased my '02 just over a year ago, with 10k on the clock. The dealer was asking $20,000, but I was able to make a strong deal.
I store it for the heavy winter months, and I've put 15,000 miles on it since purchase, using it as a daily driver. It consumes appx 1/2 quart of synth. oil after 4,000 miles. I ran the rear tires off bald in appx 10k miles, but the fronts are just under 50%. (this seems to be on par with what others experience.)
Transmission has been flawless, and was a little tight when I first got it, but has broken in nicely. It gets smoother as time goes on.
No issues with the car whatsoever.
Oh, I forgot to mention....I generally flog the livin' s#$t out of it every time I'm behind the wheel.
It seems like it's gonna hold up just fine.

White w/ a red gut is worth a few extra bucks....IMHO

Best Regards,
Jagg