Buying an S2000

Roger137 · 02-04-2008, 05:24 AM

Hello, I have wanted a Honda S2000 for a little while now but have a few reservations that hopefully someone could shed some light on?

My first query is regarding the changes made to the cars since 1999. I am aware that there have been changes made in 2002? ,and then 2004?,to the handling and other bits and bobs. I have heard differing reports as to how much change this has actually made to the car’s handling, as some reviews say that it can be a bit of a handful with a really twitchy back end! The newer car is said to be better balanced with more torque at lower revs but does this really make such a difference worth bothering with?

My other query is regarding getting the most from my money, and is connected to what I have been waffling on about above. I can only afford to spend around £10,000. For this money I can only get an early model S2000 due to the prices holding high. Here is the question. Is it really that bad to consider purchasing the car as a Category D (or even C) damaged car and getting it fixed or one that has already been fixed? I’ve looked into it a little and some fantastic cars are out there, 04 models for 11,000, fully fixed, having been just panel damaged! Is the low price due to the stigma attached to a categorised car or is it more the fact that an S2000 is such a finely balanced car and the ride and handling is so easily affected?

Can you give me some advice as to whether you think I should spend a bit more on a later model or settle for an early one,….Or maybe go for a cat D and do it up?

Thanks Roger
rogerpetrucci@hotmail.com

kgf3076 · 02-04-2008, 09:03 AM

Roger, if you can find a Honda certified S2000 in your price range, that would be my first recommendation. If that's not possible, I'd find the latest model you can in the price range you want to spend and then have a reputable and knowledgeable S2000 mechanic look it over.

Roger137 · 02-04-2008, 09:21 AM

Thanks for the advice its good to hear what others think. Its difficult to say I know but do you think buying a slightly damaged s2000 is the way to go because i am led to believe that the later models are far better? Cheers

TheSoundMan21 · 02-04-2008, 09:49 AM

As far as I know the cars have slight difference. I drive the early model AP1 or 2000-2003 If I have my years correct. Yes it is a bit twitchy but its easy (for me) to get used to it. You can find an early one with low miles for the price range your lookin for.

Swingle1 · 02-04-2008, 10:42 AM

Roger,

I could be mistaken and hope that others would chime in...
I believe that many of the differences that you've noted, especially those related to the engine, apply only to North American models.
Either way, it's not as though the low-end torque is anything to write home about on either model.

In terms of changes to the suspension (which I think were global), you'll find that people disagree as to whether the newer models are better or not.
An AP2 is more comfortable and easier to control, but is a little less fun.
I've owned both models... each bone stock. I'd say I like the AP2 better about 90% of the time, but definitely miss my AP1 when I'm in "play mode".
Consider how you'll be drivng your car most of the time and choose accordingly. Either way, you won't be disappointed!

kgf3076 · 02-04-2008, 11:08 AM

I think I'd avoid any car that you know has been wrecked without spending a fair amount of money to make sure the frame hasn't been bent or there has been suspension damage. The S2000 is built to very close tolerances and damage to any component can mess up things you won't find out about immediately. I'd suggest that if you do decide to buy a wrecked car, you find one which is still drivable and have a good frame shop verify that the frame is straight and true and that there is no hidden damage to the suspension.

Dr. Jimbo · 02-04-2008, 01:04 PM

See Haj's post from today under "Honda S200 and related discussions" . It's titled "S2000 changes over the years"". Lot's of tech info to help guide you. Hope that helps.

02-04-2008, 05:24 AM	#1 (permalink)
Roger137 Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 2	Buying an S2000 Hello, I have wanted a Honda S2000 for a little while now but have a few reservations that hopefully someone could shed some light on? My first query is regarding the changes made to the cars since 1999. I am aware that there have been changes made in 2002? ,and then 2004?,to the handling and other bits and bobs. I have heard differing reports as to how much change this has actually made to the car’s handling, as some reviews say that it can be a bit of a handful with a really twitchy back end! The newer car is said to be better balanced with more torque at lower revs but does this really make such a difference worth bothering with? My other query is regarding getting the most from my money, and is connected to what I have been waffling on about above. I can only afford to spend around £10,000. For this money I can only get an early model S2000 due to the prices holding high. Here is the question. Is it really that bad to consider purchasing the car as a Category D (or even C) damaged car and getting it fixed or one that has already been fixed? I’ve looked into it a little and some fantastic cars are out there, 04 models for 11,000, fully fixed, having been just panel damaged! Is the low price due to the stigma attached to a categorised car or is it more the fact that an S2000 is such a finely balanced car and the ride and handling is so easily affected? Can you give me some advice as to whether you think I should spend a bit more on a later model or settle for an early one,….Or maybe go for a cat D and do it up? Thanks Roger rogerpetrucci@hotmail.com Last edited by Roger137 : 02-06-2008 at 07:28 AM.

02-04-2008, 09:03 AM	#2 (permalink)
kgf3076 Grumpy old(er) phart Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Here today, gone tomorrow... Posts: 1,384	Roger, if you can find a Honda certified S2000 in your price range, that would be my first recommendation. If that's not possible, I'd find the latest model you can in the price range you want to spend and then have a reputable and knowledgeable S2000 mechanic look it over. __________________ "The BS stops when the green flag drops". In memory of David Weber - Malvern Racing

02-04-2008, 09:49 AM	#4 (permalink)
TheSoundMan21 Village Pyro Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 973	As far as I know the cars have slight difference. I drive the early model AP1 or 2000-2003 If I have my years correct. Yes it is a bit twitchy but its easy (for me) to get used to it. You can find an early one with low miles for the price range your lookin for. __________________ If you want to avoid toil, check your God Blessed OIL.

02-04-2008, 11:08 AM	#6 (permalink)
kgf3076 Grumpy old(er) phart Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Here today, gone tomorrow... Posts: 1,384	I think I'd avoid any car that you know has been wrecked without spending a fair amount of money to make sure the frame hasn't been bent or there has been suspension damage. The S2000 is built to very close tolerances and damage to any component can mess up things you won't find out about immediately. I'd suggest that if you do decide to buy a wrecked car, you find one which is still drivable and have a good frame shop verify that the frame is straight and true and that there is no hidden damage to the suspension. __________________ "The BS stops when the green flag drops". In memory of David Weber - Malvern Racing

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02-04-2008, 09:21 AM	#3 (permalink)
Roger137 Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 2	Thanks for the advice its good to hear what others think. Its difficult to say I know but do you think buying a slightly damaged s2000 is the way to go because i am led to believe that the later models are far better? Cheers

02-04-2008, 10:42 AM	#5 (permalink)
Swingle1 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 290	Roger, I could be mistaken and hope that others would chime in... I believe that many of the differences that you've noted, especially those related to the engine, apply only to North American models. Either way, it's not as though the low-end torque is anything to write home about on either model. In terms of changes to the suspension (which I think were global), you'll find that people disagree as to whether the newer models are better or not. An AP2 is more comfortable and easier to control, but is a little less fun. I've owned both models... each bone stock. I'd say I like the AP2 better about 90% of the time, but definitely miss my AP1 when I'm in "play mode". Consider how you'll be drivng your car most of the time and choose accordingly. Either way, you won't be disappointed!

02-04-2008, 01:04 PM	#7 (permalink)
Dr. Jimbo Don't taze me bro! Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Santa Barbara, Ca. Posts: 1,005	See Haj's post from today under "Honda S200 and related discussions" . It's titled "S2000 changes over the years"". Lot's of tech info to help guide you. Hope that helps.