New to S2000's

[ronlevine]

Greetings all,

I am new to the S2000 scene. I don't own one as yet, but I am looking. Anyone have any thoughts on what I should look for or look out for? Good features, useless stuff, etc....

Thanks,
Ron

[S2000dude]

Ron, as I just suggested to Sinicity who's also considering a S2K -

Take one for a test spin and the rest will be, as they say, "history"!

[makopolo]

I am on the same boad. I will be getting one i a year, but I couldent wait and test drove on 2 days ago. WOW, compared to my friends 07 350Z you cant definitelly feel the huge difference in power, specially the lack of torque. But its a driver's car!!! when you slide in you step into your own little world.

My only problem is the fact that I need to keep my other car cause its very impractical space wise.

GO DRIVE IT.

[Java Junky]

You wanna start with as clean a slate'z possible.
'Only way'da do that is ta find one that ain't been messed with.
Low mileage is always nice, but ain't necessarily needed, as, if it ain't been overly abused, the chrome Circle H brand on the nose pretty much assures a reliable steed.
All the hoopla aside, n' much ta the embarrassment'a some, it's a @*#&in' Honda. You'd really godda be totally abusive ta make a dent innitt, physically, 'r mechanically . . . but there're some folks that seem ta take that as a challange, so you've godda keep your eyes open before ya lays yer hard-earned in their hand.
Good luck n' keep us posted,
Java

[ronlevine]

I have learned in the past with the various hotrods I have owned that if the interior looks wore out, the drivetrain isn't far behind it. So, I will be watching for similar signs.

I am going to see if I can find one locally tomorrow to go drive.

Cheers,

[Java Junky]

We're talkin' a diff'rent breed'a critter here Ron.
Too many times the interior n' exterior can look showroom but the abuse'z been administered through the steerin' wheel nut.
Judge ye not by the gut alone.
Cheers Ron. A safe n' Happy New Year.
Java

[fhinner]

Originally Posted by makopolo

I am on the same boad. I will be getting one i a year, but I couldent wait and test drove on 2 days ago. WOW, compared to my friends 07 350Z you cant definitelly feel the huge difference in power, specially the lack of torque. But its a driver's car!!! when you slide in you step into your own little world.

My only problem is the fact that I need to keep my other car cause its very impractical space wise.

GO DRIVE IT.

Hi Makopolo,
I think it depends on what you want. Don't get me wrong the 350Z is a nice car, but sometimes I feel the 350Z is overrated. It is for sure more "comfortable", but I believe if you are looking for something to drive on the limit the Z is to heavy and also it has a 6 cylinder it has a little more low RPM torque, but pull the S onto the highway in 3rd with 9500 RPM and you will not doubt the power this little machine has.

However, it is a different way of driving with the S. It corners differently, it needs the RPMs and on a curvy track or street is a lot more fun. My brother in law has a Z with NIMO dress-up, while my S has a few modifications myself. I would agree is you take a relaxed drive through the hill country, yes I live in Texas, the Z is nicer to tour. If you take the devil's backbone and want to drive on the limit (not that we would ever do that) the S is the better choice.

So figure out how much and what driving you do and then decide if you really want what the S has to offer and you are willing to change your driving style. If you look for umpfff in the low RPMs I would probably look for some American Muscle or maybe the Z. If you are willing to get as close to a Cart or F1 racing feeling for cheap go for the S.

Another comment, if you ask me I would consider a 2003 or older as it still has the 2 liter engine with the higher RPM limit, while the 04's and older have a 2.2 with a lower RPM ratio. But that is just me.

Franz

[gomarlins3]

Welcome to the site. Good luck on your search.

[powerjunky]

I want to be buried in mine

[Vezna31]

Originally Posted by Java Junky

You wanna start with as clean a slate'z possible.
'Only way'da do that is ta find one that ain't been messed with.
Low mileage is always nice, but ain't necessarily needed, as, if it ain't been overly abused, the chrome Circle H brand on the nose pretty much assures a reliable steed.
All the hoopla aside, n' much ta the embarrassment'a some, it's a @*#&in' Honda. You'd really godda be totally abusive ta make a dent innitt, physically, 'r mechanically . . . but there're some folks that seem ta take that as a challange, so you've godda keep your eyes open before ya lays yer hard-earned in their hand.
Good luck n' keep us posted,
Java

Ask the owner how many sets of brake pads he's gone through. That will tell you something too!

[ronlevine]

Well, I drove one today. It was an 04. The dealer wants 26,900 for it. I told him I could buy a new one for 28k.

Needless to say, I won't be buying that one. Besides, it wasn't the color I wanted.

My only complaint was the noise level. Are these cars this noisy with the hard tops on???

Time to start looking for one in Black.

Cheers,

[Vezna31]

Originally Posted by ronlevine

Well, I drove one today. It was an 04. The dealer wants 26,900 for it. I told him I could buy a new one for 28k.

Needless to say, I won't be buying that one. Besides, it wasn't the color I wanted.

My only complaint was the noise level. Are these cars this noisy with the hard tops on???

Time to start looking for one in Black.

Cheers,

They are very noisy, but hearing the scream to 9k (or 8k for the lesser ones ) becomes addicting and is never thought of as noise after about 2 days of ownership.

[Dr. Jimbo]

Vinny,
If it's based on number of brake pads a person has gone through, I don't think anyone would buy your S.

[Vezna31]

Originally Posted by Dr. Jimbo

Vinny,
If it's based on number of brake pads a person has gone through, I don't think anyone would buy your S.

I've only gone through 3 sets in over 110k miles.

[kgf3076]

Originally Posted by ronlevine

My only complaint was the noise level. Are these cars this noisy with the hard tops on???

What noise were you hearing? If it's exhaust notes, you won't hear it with a hard top (unless you put the windows down)...other than that, the only noise the car makes is the sound of efficiency and fun.

[Dr. Jimbo]

Vinny, I was referring to your comments at the S2000 Homecoming about going through them at the track. My bad.

[ronlevine]

Wind noise from the top was what I was hearing.

I don't mind a bit of engine noise. that just lets you know it is still working.

[Java Junky]

Never owned a raggtopp a'fore Ron?
If you're talkin' luxury raggtopp, you might have some kind'a insulation in the top n' such ta lower the sound'a the air rushin' by.
But, while Stewie does have considerable luxury fer whut it is (a power top, air, power windows n' the like) there really ain't a hell'uv'a lodda stuff that it don't need ta doo the deed.
Everything'll be fine once you start drivin' it, n' the inevitable Stewie-grin'll is upon you. 'S'got somethin' ta doo with the tightenin'a the cheek facial muscles that somehow squinches (I love when I get'ta talk technical like this) yer ear-holes closed n' ya jus' don't hear it no more. (Either that 'r drivin' fast jus' makes ya deef)
Try it. You'll see.
Java

[ronlevine]

Huh?

So, back to the original question, is the removable hard top quieter than the soft top?

Thanks,

Originally Posted by Java Junky

Never owned a raggtopp a'fore Ron?
If you're talkin' luxury raggtopp, you might have some kind'a insulation in the top n' such ta lower the sound'a the air rushin' by.
But, while Stewie does have considerable luxury fer whut it is (a power top, air, power windows n' the like) there really ain't a hell'uv'a lodda stuff that it don't need ta doo the deed.
Everything'll be fine once you start drivin' it, n' the inevitable Stewie-grin'll is upon you. 'S'got somethin' ta doo with the tightenin'a the cheek facial muscles that somehow squinches (I love when I get'ta talk technical like this) yer ear-holes closed n' ya jus' don't hear it no more. (Either that 'r drivin' fast jus' makes ya deef)
Try it. You'll see.
Java

[Java Junky]

On Stewie I've no experience Ron.
Hardtop'll have ya missin' all kind'z'a top-down opportunities, n' I simply can't have that.
'Got no hard top.
(But without'a doubt, on the family Miata'z it's a night n' day difference.)
Be well,
Java

[kgf3076]

Originally Posted by ronlevine

Huh?

So, back to the original question, is the removable hard top quieter than the soft top?

Thanks,

Yep the hard top is quieter and at around $3000 a worthy investment if the wind noise is really that bothersome. I put my hardtop so that I can drive the car on the sunny, dry days in Winter but as soon as the temperature stays above 45 degrees, it comes off for the season.

[Java Junky]

Ron, jus' a note on the stock hardtop: it's a sweetly curved expanse'uv aluminum that's godda be manhandled to install/remove. In short, it's a thing'a beauty awaitin' disfigurement.
There're some quality carbonfibre hardtops out there that'll take a lickin' n' keep on tickin' without any signs of the infraction.
Prices're relatively similar last time I checked n' you godda be into the carbonfibre look, but . . 'z'nice'z that stock aluminum top looks . . .
Keep us posted,
Java

[fhinner]

Hi Ron,

another alternative would be the following:

http://www.auco.de/auco_shop.html

I've purchased one of these and am very happy with it (when I have to close the top). Java has a good point with the Carbon hardtops and I saw a couple of them for cheap (like half the price).

However, my understanding (and one of the biggest drawbacks of the S hardtop) is that you still have to take the softtop out when putting the hardtop on. I rather have the freedom to take the top down when every I feel like it (after a nice spring rain, in the snowy mountains with a leather jacket or just when I feel like it). The hardtop does make that a planned event....

Just my 2 cents,
Franz

[sonic]

I think the only thing you need to look for in an s2000 is your favorite color. Good Luck

[fhinner]

Well Sonic.... if you put it that way.... yeah you are right!!!! That is really the only think you have to look at.....