Honda S2000 thoughts?

sim777 on 06/05/2020 - 11:08

Wondering if anyone has previously had/currently has a Honda S2000 AP1 as currently wondering about purchasing one with about 130k km as a fun weekender car. I understand that it barely has any storage similar to the mx5 but currently have a '18 wrx which I plan to keep as a daily. The S2000 is purely for the occasional drive and have heard it's got an amazing driving experience (similar to the mx5). Personally I prefer the S2000 over the mx5 cosmetically. I've heard the s2000 is known to be reliable generally speaking but have been told to look for several things when inspecting them such as: tears on the soft top, windscreen cracks, master slave cylinder, specific engine mods (the one im looking at is stock).

They appear to be holding onto their value quite well and will probably be keeping it stock (maybe changing of wheels/tyres). Would love to hear people's thoughts about this car!

Automotive Honda S2000

Comments

  • Nugs on 06/05/2020 - 11:17
    +2

    VTEC yo!

  • apsilon on 06/05/2020 - 11:18

    Never driven one but if you can afford it and the ongoing costs (rego, insurance etc) of having a weekender then go for it. I have a '97 MX-5 for the same purpose. Recommend finding one in the best condition as possible and as stock in possible. These cars are holding their value and have a very good chance of climbing in value. If you do change anything keep the stock parts so the mods can be reversed.

  • miller0 on 06/05/2020 - 11:20

    Good fun cars to drive if you're into convertibles… Increasing in value as time goes on too.

  • brad1-8tsi on 06/05/2020 - 11:46
    +2

    Good cars.
    Will hold their value.
    High potential of being thrashed but that's how they are supposed to be driven.

    My car club mates that drive quicker than me say that they snap oversteer at the limit. I think unless on a track you probably shouldn't be driving at the limit.

    There used to be an "F1" header system for them. It was awesome.

    https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x170t1

    • blwnhr on 07/05/2020 - 08:36
      +2

      All that noise away from the lights and it was barely overtaking a minivan!

      • brad1-8tsi on 07/05/2020 - 10:10
        +1

        I think they are a car that needs to be driven and kept revving above 6000rpm. Also, like an MX5, it isn't about going fast in a straight line.

        It wouldn't be my cup of tea these days but I can see the attraction. I've become quite addicted to turbocharged cars with lots of lowdown torque.

        I own a 2.4l Honda Accord Euro that my kids drive. The V-Tec-YO transition isn't as pronounced but on the rare occasion I get behind the wheel I really enjoy giving it a bit but the fuel economy is woeful under those conditions.

      • jonnys1n on 07/05/2020 - 15:13

        honda lyfe

  • zuuutoootuuu on 06/05/2020 - 12:03
    +1

    I've had a couple. Get it inspected for accident damage/write-off, the prices of good ones have gone up considerably but because they had been cheap once upon a time, many are trashed.

    In regards to them being fun, that's for you to decide, I found them to be bland.

    • sim777 on 06/05/2020 - 12:20

      I have never driven one so not sure what to expect really. I understand they aren't super fast given you need to rev them to 6-8000rpm to get the most out of the engine. But I think it will be a much different driving experience compared to the AWD in my wrx. The one I will be looking at is stock, looks very well maintained inside/out. What do you think about them overall - did you run into any major issues?

      • zuuutoootuuu on 06/05/2020 - 15:30

        No major issues but both had less km than the one you're looking at.

        One of them had no issues at all. The other had a broken wire in the boot loom which stopped the remote/fob and cabin boot release from working and the other problem was that it would have a drivetrain vibration over 80kmph, that was fixed by removing the lowering springs and axle spacers.

        Drive the car, see if you like it, I'd be looking at other cars tbh but it's not bad choice as an investment as they're going up.

        • sim777 on 06/05/2020 - 16:07

          What would you say is comparable to the s2000 for a $20-25k price range?

  • TheMindsetTraveller on 06/05/2020 - 12:21

    Probably one of the best Hondas ever made for that price point, still remember them for $69,990 drive away from a long time ago.

  • SBOB on 06/05/2020 - 12:38
    +1

    pretty nice looking car, even better if you find one thats been to race-wars…
    "I bet you he's got more than a $100,000 under the hood of that car"

  • dogboy on 06/05/2020 - 12:43
    +1

    The Honda S2000 are awesome cars. Was so disappointed when Honda stopped making them or progressing that line. I would just make sure the roof is ok as old convertable roofs can get a bit dodgy over time.

  • Bid Sniper on 06/05/2020 - 12:50
    +1

    Collectors car, so will be expensive. Its also old, so expect to spend some money on maintaining up to standard, eg cv boots, engine seals, suspension, bushing, brakes ou etc… Also issue of damage and being molested.

    Drive it first dont rely on reviews, I think after a 18 WRX you will be disappointed. You're driving a car that 20 years newer, things have progressed a lot. Driving my old GD WRX vs current STI is chalk and cheese difference in terms of performance improvements in that time.

    Want a silly covertable toy, look at the Honda S660, was looking at one as a toy. Seen in the metal, tiny Kei car, looks like a laugh.

  • cille745 on 06/05/2020 - 12:53
    +1

    Tbh it's a complete waste of money these days unless you're a collecter. Much better option on the market. I've driven one and your current WRX and the lack of any power below 6000 rpm isn't something you'll shrug off, especially coming from the FA20DIT that has excellent low down torque

    • sim777 on 06/05/2020 - 13:26

      I agree at low rpm the wrx is much faster (as the s2000 needs to get to 6-8000rpm to really get the engine going) and the awd in the wrx is a completely different feel from the s2000 rwd. What other option would you say is similar drive experience to the s2000? i don't really like the miata or the abarth 124 spider…

      • TheBilly on 06/05/2020 - 13:50

        Lotus Exige Cup Car … Oh my god !

        • sim777 on 06/05/2020 - 14:10

          Maybe let's try keep the price range between $20-25k

          • [Deactivated] on 08/06/2020 - 21:51

            @sim777: Forget about it. An appreciated s2k will be north of $40k. Finding a good sample is harder than finding a 90yo virgin. Cousin bought one recently from his mate. He knew the history of the car since day dot.

          • Speckled Jim on 09/06/2020 - 08:51

            @sim777: Then MX5 or 86/BRZ if you want a chance at reliable, affordable to maintain RWD.
            Euro will bankrupt you.

            • [Deactivated] on 10/06/2020 - 11:13

              @Speckled Jim: Check price on replacing spark plugs on brz/86. That alone will put many ppl off.

              • Speckled Jim on 10/06/2020 - 11:57

                @[Deactivated]: Hard to believe I forgot they were flats when I posted.
                Okay, fit iridium or platinum plugs once and be done with it.

                • [Deactivated] on 10/06/2020 - 11:58

                  @Speckled Jim: $1k+ on the 86, someone had a whinge on ozb some months ago. Haha.

                  Brz was 900$.

      • Press2 on 06/05/2020 - 16:23

        E36 M3 ticks all the boxes you're looking for.

        Older car, slowly becoming collectable status, priced well still (in my opinion), Naturally Aspirated 6 cyl, RWD!

  • The GM on 06/05/2020 - 14:26
    +3

    The S2000 would be a fun purchase, but cars have come a long way in 20 years. It is entirely up to you, if you can afford it and it brings you joy, go for it. To help provide some more detailed insights, I'd recommend checking out Engineering Explained on YT owned an S2000, has lots of videos on his channel detailing his experiences.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmIxXvqSNsk

    He ended up buying an MX-5 after he sold his S2000.

  • Melb69 on 07/05/2020 - 04:48

    I owned a NB MX5 hardtop. Loved it. If your in to fun twisty roads a late version with low Kms should be considered. As long as you can get past the look. Remember your in the car driving not looking from outside at it while driving. But get it that looks can be important.

  • Speckled Jim on 07/05/2020 - 07:53

    Wow only 130K? Still, suspension bushes at this age, unless done recently. Labour-intensive to swap them out.

  • thrillhouse on 07/05/2020 - 08:02

    Having only driven my friends one for a short period of time (which he has since sold), I can't comment on what ownership looks like. But from a drivers perspective, they're great. As others have said, no torque, but the beauty in these is revving them out. It's not going to blow you away on power, but they feel very well balanced and super planted. Plus, they look great. I like them, but I probably wouldn't buy one today given the price of them; you'd be better off looking at an MX-5 or even an 86/BRZ; even if the latter is too common and has a stigma.

  • backpaqer on 07/05/2020 - 08:07

    Were these the ones that have a different tyre for each corner and they cost $2000 per corner?

  • shirtz69 on 07/05/2020 - 08:45

    suck it up and get an mx5. get an NA that someone has turbo'd for 10k and giggle into the sunset.

    • t2kb123 on 07/05/2020 - 16:05
      +1

      mx5's value is really high these days. stock ones go for just under 10k a lot of the time!

  • stuartsd on 07/05/2020 - 10:29
    +4

    Hey Sim777,

    I've owned an API (2003) for 5 years down here in Melbourne. It has 135k on it and is my weekend car, so I know a thing or two about this car. The only thing I've done to it outside of usual maintenance is replace the radiator (which was 15 years old). They are definitely going up in value and mine is worth at least as much as I paid for it 5 years ago with 108k on it.

    Yes, around town it's a bumpy, noisy and almost tiring to drive with little torque in 2nd at low speed. But that's not what it's made for. As a weekend car, you'll be taking it out on the windy stuff and above 6,000 rpm coming out of a corner with the roof down, absolutely nothing will make you giggle and smile like a kid like this will.

    First piece of advice - know your limits and drive within them, because the rumours are true. It will oversteer on you very quickly on bumpy and especially wet roads, but having said that, on a smooth surface it's actually quote progressive and there's nothing better at this price point.

    Secondly - if anyone compares it to an MX5 or 86/BRZ, they have absolutely no idea what they're talking about so don't bother listening to them. The S2K is in a completely different league to these cars and cannot/should not be compared. Very few people have actually had to opportunity to drive an S2K the way it's meant to be driven for an extended period of time so keep that in mind.

    Thirdly - if you can get your hands on a set of genuine AP2 wheels, swap out the AP1's. It will make the car look and feel more planted on the roads. It has been an awesome cosmetic improvement on mine. No spacers or anything needed.

    Fourth - an MX5 (or similar) with an aftermarket turbo is guaranteed to be more trouble than it's worth and still won't give you the thrill an S2K will at 9,000 rpm.

    Some things to look for specific to the AP1 S2K:

    • wearing on the inside of roof fabric. Look at the inside corners by the roll bars where the roof frame rubs along the inside of the fabric. I bought some clear Tuff Tape on ebay to prevent any wear. This is just the reality of owning a 17 yr old convertible.

    • people say the diff is weak, but I look at who's owned it and how they drove it. It was just one of those cars which tended to be driven aggressively. So get the diff/fluids checked for excessive wear.

    • make sure ONLY genuine transmission fluid is used. The non-Honda fluids will make the gearbox sticky until it has warmed up. The gearbox is the 2nd best thing about this car so it's important.

    • listen for a cold start up ticking sound from the engine. This will be the timing chain tensioner (TCT) which will need to be machined. Mine doesn't make any noise but seems to be a common occurrence at about the 150k mark.

    • rear tyre wear because of their negative camber (like any car, but because they're offset sizes, it will be a significant investment each time you need to buy new ones)

    • only buy a stock one! Both for reliability and resale value reasons. The vast majority were modified by their owners so there are only a handful of clean and unmodified ones left out there.

    • on warmer days in heavy traffic, you'll get heat soak. It's just because of where the air intake is located. Some people mod this, but if you're keeping it stock, just blip the throttle before lifting the clutch and you're good.

    Nothing will get under your skin like the S2K will and there are few more unique cars out there. If you pass another S2K on the roads, they wave because they know you know.

    I say if it's got full books, the mechanics/accident reports are good, you should get it. You won't lose money on it for sure. Honda only made 100k of them globally and only a few clean ones remain, so they're exceptionally rare. Almost every time I go for a drive, I either get a wave or some kid pointing and staring because they've never seen one and there just isn't a car out there like it anymore and probably never will be. Also, use this site for all your needs. There is a great owner community out there: s2ki.com

    Reach out if you've got any more questions.

    • sim777 on 09/05/2020 - 15:39

      Thanks for the wealth of info. I've seen a couple of videos - savageese, engineering explained along with some others and it makes me want one so much more! There are two sellers that I am currently looking at: one being completely stock and is in very, very good condition cosmetically with full log book history. Currently interstate so will try arrange a viewing as soon as the border restrictions are lifted. Cost is $25k. Owner has spare OEM honda items (eg. clutch slave cylinder, timing chain tensioner)..

      Another one is local in Victoria - owner has no log book, has swapped to a AP2 roof along with AP2 headlights. Otherwise everything else is stock and car has apparently been garaged for the last 3-4 years. Cost is around $16k.

      Obviously the former is what I would like but do you think it warrants the price difference? I'll also have to take it for a pre purchase mechanic as I want to make sure there isnt crazy rust on the underside.

      • PharmerDan on 10/05/2020 - 14:35

        What's the history of the car in Victoria? The AP2 roof is a plus, the no log book raises questions. Where has it been serviced? Consider taking it to a reputable workshop which is known of S2Ks like Nakama workshop.

        Echo most of what stuartsd stated. My '99 AP1 has done less than 130K km (purchased a decade ago at approx 105K km) and has never skipped a beat. Granted, the past 4-5 years I've driven it less than 2000 kilometres per year but it hasn't skipped a beat.

        • sim777 on 10/05/2020 - 17:08

          I asked a few more questions and he has had it garaged over the last 4 years since purchase (3rd owner). Has not registered since he got it 4 years ago.. Yea no log books so definitely need to be cautious about this one

      • stuartsd on 18/05/2020 - 16:20

        No worries!

        Yeah as PharmerDan said, no books is a concern on any used car. If the owner can provide service invoices with parts/work done then you could make a more educated decision, but if not, I'd be nervous. I'm sure 95% of the time there would be nothing wrong with it but with a car like this, you want to be 100% happy with your purchase. The key is to take your time and the right one will come to you. I passively looked for 2 years before jumping on mine.

        If the extra money isn't a concern, then the one for 25k sounds like it would be a cleaner option. Yes it's a pain to see it and get it back to VIC, but would be worth it if it's the right one for you.

        One other thing I thought of too is to inspect the seats thoroughly. The drivers seat right leg support tends to get flattened and the leather can crack if not treated over the years.

  • quarkgun on 07/05/2020 - 15:01
    +1

    I've got a 2017 WRX, and it's a fun, comfortable car… don't really need a weekend car with that as your daily - so I bought a motorbike. That's my advice :)

    They're cheap to buy, maintain, insure and register. Sure, you'll get roped into buying gear, which isn't cheap, but riding a bike is a totally different experience to driving so you're doing something new and exciting. Another car will not give you that experience

  • [Deactivated] on 08/05/2020 - 14:44
    +1

    Yeah dude, what? Agree with quarkgun. You have a rexy. How much more 'fun' do you need?

    Get a cheap motorbike if you wanna enjoy the twisties. Put 10k into a good bike and gear, and put the other 25k in some investments. You absolutely don't need two fun cars, that's crazy. Not to mention locking yourself into paying two regos.

    • sim777 on 09/05/2020 - 15:19

      Always wanted a motorbike too but partner says absolutely not haha. I'm also worried about the higher risks of riding a bike especially when I can't afford to injure my hands. Maybe I should teach my partner how to drive manual and I could get her to drive the s2k? lol

      • [Deactivated] on 09/05/2020 - 18:17
        +1

        Motorbikes are extremely dangerous largely because people ride them like idiots. If you ride defensively you will get in around as many accidents as you do driving.

        Wear all the gear, all the time and you will likely be absolutely fine and have more fun than you ever could in a car for a quarter of the price.

        I always wanted another sports car to keep me entertained (regular car is a Subaru Outback… so… yeah) but I couldn't justify the cost.

        Went and got a Honda CBR300RA. It looks fast, it has ABS, it's easy to ride, it was $5,000 and they threw in helmet jacket and gloves. It's faster than most cars out there and it's pathetic as far as bikes go.

        • quarkgun on 11/05/2020 - 12:08
          +1

          This too - there's a definite risk that comes with riding. You mitigate that risk as much as possible by riding sensibly, being constantly aware of what's going on around you and with an understanding that 1 mistake could be potentially disastrous. With enough road experience and sense, it's not that hard to ride safely, and even though i'm constantly thinking on the bike about the cars around me, the next corner etc, it's a peaceful experience that's both relaxing and exhilarating at the same time.

          I've been driving sports cars for 20+ years, and yeah, i love the experience of driving a good car on a good road - but for me, even riding my bike around the burbs is more engaging and rewarding than most time spent in the car :)

          • [Deactivated] on 11/05/2020 - 12:14

            @quarkgun: Took the thoughts out of my brain there, quarkgun. Enjoy the roads and stay safe! :)

      • quarkgun on 11/05/2020 - 11:58
        +1

        Truth be told, my wife was dead set against it too, but I just worked on it over time till she resigned herself to the fact that i'll probably just do it anyway haha.

  • slknv on 10/05/2020 - 13:02
    +1

    Was looking for an AP1/AP2 for a while but the vtec tax on them was ridiculous. Ended up with a 911 cabrio for not much more than a good AP1. Only a 996, but still sounds and drives amazing. I'm always still keeping an eye out for an AP1/2, DC2R or EP3R, but if I buy another car I'll probably get in trouble!

    • tooslow8888 on 12/06/2020 - 10:18

      Was this recently? Is yours a tip or manual? I though 996 manuals were easily 70k+ for a sub 100,000kms car?
      Before I bought my one owner 39,000 kms AP2 a few weeks ago, I was looking at 987.2 manual cars.
      But I couldn't bring myself to buying a black or silver car.

      • slknv on 14/06/2020 - 22:31

        996 tip cabriolet, the most unloved of the unloved 911s :) I just had a quick look at prices now and they've come down quite a bit - saw a few 996 manual cabs for mid 30s (still more than what I paid for mine), which were all easily over 50k in 2018 when I got mine. If I see a manual C2 under 40, I'm going to jump on it as well. 987.2 is a brilliant car, much nicer interior than the 986/996 and I think they'd sorted out IMS by the .2 cars. Only thing is the 911 is probably going to hold/appreciate more than the boxster/cayman, even though they're both excellent cars.

      • sim777 on 28/06/2020 - 19:00

        Geez, 39k AP2 must have been a pretty penny.. I have been looking and looking for some unmolested AP1/Ap2 which is so rare, prices for sub 100km ones are between $30-35k..

  • idonteven on 10/05/2020 - 20:55

    Have you thought about insurance in regards to the agreed value? Because it’s an old car, it won’t be valued for very much.

  • jackinyourbox on 10/05/2020 - 21:02
    -1

    S2000s are awesome for the price they can be had. They are a very cheap version of an NSX. Definitely get this over the mx5!

    • [Deactivated] on 10/05/2020 - 21:03
      +2

      They are literally nothing like an NSX, apart from the badge.

      • jackinyourbox on 10/05/2020 - 21:07
        -1

        NA vtec balanced lightweight coupe of the same brand. Poor man's Nsx

        • [Deactivated] on 10/05/2020 - 21:16

          The S2000 isn't a coupe, it's engine is in the front, not mid, it's a 4 cylinder vs a 6. Nothing alike at all.

    • tooslow8888 on 12/06/2020 - 10:16

      You have no idea wtf youre talking about. One's mid-engined, one's FR

  • soaringphoenix on 13/05/2020 - 14:14

    If you don't mind me asking, could you talk more to your experience in owning the WRX?

    I'm currently in an ND MX5 and will need to get rid of it in the coming years to make way for a four-door vehicle.

    I used to own a VE SS commodore and, compared to the MX5, typical driving was not anywhere near as engaging.

    Is the WRX entertaining to drive under normal conditions? I wonder whether options like the i30N or upcoming Corolla GR might better serve my 'slow car fast > fast car slow' mentality.

    • sim777 on 13/05/2020 - 16:57

      WRX is definitely fun to drive. Power kicks in early at low rpms and does make for fun drive even in wet conditions. It doesn't drink alot more petrol that i thought (coming from a mazda 3 as a daily driver i think maybe it consumes 25-30% more petrol?). Insurance was more expensive however for the wrx. I still feel all the reviews rave on about how the s2000 and mx5 are so driver focused - unfortunately have not driven either to compare.

      • [Deactivated] on 08/06/2020 - 22:09

        Upgrade to a STI. It is a driver's car like the good old Japanese turbo from 90s. Comes to live from 4000rpm and the gear stick doesnt shift like a toy.

        AP1/2 is a RAW car… Perhaps toy around with the MX5 1.5 ND without traction control before jumping into the s2k.

        SW20 will probably put a big smile on the face in a different way.

  • tooslow8888 on 12/06/2020 - 10:15

    I just paid top dollar for one that was posted in WA recently.

    One owner car, 39,000kms, original owner. I paid asking price, and had it shipped to Melbourne. The only modification was an aftermarket radio to use bluetooth.
    Just got RWC done yesterday - Next week can't come soon enough to do the transfer at VicRoads.

    Find the best one you can find within your budget. These are relatively low maintenance, but are rare in Australia, and most are modded.

    I'm keeping mine forever.

    • sim777 on 28/06/2020 - 19:03

      Damn, you found a gem. I'm keeping my eyes peeled on the aus s2000 facebook page and there's the occasional one that pops up but most are modded and probably were pre-track cars.. There was one in QLD that was bone stock with 130k km priced at $25k I should have jumped on that one but borders were closed at the time.

  • frazza65 on 14/07/2020 - 17:33

    BUY AN MX5 FACTORY TURBO 2004 SE
    I haven't read many of the contributions on this subject deliberately so my views aren't clouded by what others have said.
    I had a 2000 SP1 S2000 for 4 years raising the kilometres from only 59k to 70k with 90% of my driving being on the great winding roads of the Adelaide Hills. Purchased in 2016 for $26k and sold in early 2020 for $35k.
    Totally unmodified with RE003 boots on the 16" wheels for 2 years and then the same boots on a set of SK2 17" wheels for 2 years……..occasionally driving at 9/10ths the 16" wheels could be a little twitchy in comparison to the wider and lower profile 17". Overall I loved the tight chassis, great handling, ride and power rush at the top end……..I didn't ever have a handling twitch that worried me in the S2000.
    Then in April 2020 along came a stock 2004 MX5 SE; I added the RE003 on the standard Hart 17" wheels, replaced all the fluids plus installed a K&N free flowing panel filter plus Hawk Street Brake pads.
    The comparison plus/s for the SE……160kg lighter helped with lighter and more responsive steering with better turn in, better overall handing and no twitchyness; almost identical torque to the S2000 but at lower revs and with not the same KW but the KW of the SE arriving at lower revs feels more useable and more fun to drive without having to boot to over 7k revs. About all I miss of the S2000 is the tighter chassis, a slightly more comfortable ride and the great power rush at the top end. I have also driven an S2000 SK2 with 17" wheels and quality boots finding no obvious handling improvements over my SK1 S2000. Gearboxes/clutch, ease of normal driving and creature comforts are about equal in both S2000 and MX5SE, storage space within the cabin and boot are better in the S2000 …… obviously in the minds of many the S2000 is a more legendary set of wheels. You will need to pay high $20K to $30'sK for a nice standard S2000 anywhere under 120klms where most standard MX5SE under 120Klms are all around high teen $ at the moment.
    Comments and follow up are welcome.

    • sim777 on 21/07/2020 - 18:14

      Hi mate, thanks for the info. Alot of people here recommend the MX5.To me the driving experience of the MX5 and S2k are one thing (and I feel they are pretty comparable) but the looks of the s2k just make me want it that much more than the other. It has been very difficult finding a good s2k that has been unmolested/seen track days. There are a couple on carsales that have 30-70k km mileage but the asking price is $40-70k!!! Prices of these are going through the roof..

      • RichieVn on 24/09/2024 - 01:18

        So did you end up getting a Honda s2000 in the end?

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