e46m3c

Hi Guys,

Im considering getting an S2000. Im after a cheap on 6k max. I currently drive a 550bhp m3 to work which as you can imagine is horrendous on fuel and component ware. So a look forward to some 2l efficiency!

So will a high miler s2000 be reliable?

Ill also be taking on trackdays and after a car which can just turn up, hoon around, drive home, then work the next day.

How well does it all last? THere are plenty of 100-150k milers, and a 170k mile AP2 at the moment. AP2 would probably be my preference due to beefed up bits and bobs. But no issues with an AP1.

Cam chain, or any weak engine tenserions/bearings which will be running out at this milage? Rod bearings or bolts etc? Rust spots? Clutch/gearbox bearings/shift mechanisms?

This comes after meeting a bloke at silverstone couple of weeks ago who has a 140k miles s2000 and tracks if frequently with zero issues.

Just wonder what are people thoughts/experiences.

They are holding value remarkedly well. if not appreciating?

Nurburgring blue is my fav colour.

lovegroova

Firstly, before someone else says it, all UK cars are AP1 a they have the 2l engine. Best to refer to the cars by model year MY99, 02, 04, 06 & 08 are the varieties.
140k miles here and about 40 track days.

I've just had to have the head gasket replaced which was jolly expensive, and I've encountered a fair few other problems along the way (fuel tank rusted and needed replacing, timing chain and guides replaced, seized suspension bushes mean polybushing or new arms - see the FAQ for more on that one). Callipers also tend to seize if not cleaned and serviced regularly.

The Timing Chain Tensioner (TCT) is a common thing - see the "Forum Favourites" for some more details on that.

Rust is the biggest problem you're likely to encounter, rear wheel arches and sills being the most likely places, especially if some numpty has rolled the arches to fit some stupid wheels.

Reliability is very much a lottery on a car of this age, you may get away with nothing needing doing, or you may run into problems.

mikefifth

As above but with this addition:

Nurburgring blue = ladyboy blue.

markforrester99

I think just to add to what LG posted he has done by far the most trackdays in his S2000 on this forum i reckon so the list of parts and repairs is very small if you ask me.

I have tracked mine probably 15-20 times in the past three years and apart from oil changes, tyres and brake pads its not been expensive to run. If you keep them relatively standard then its a cheap trackday car and alot of fun.

Compare this to alot of cars that seem to break down after 5 laps mine has never let me down on track and the only small issue was when the rear pad material came off of the backing plate and a quick drive to a car spares place and i was back in action. Always started first time and took a beating on track.

What ever you do thou track driving isn't cheap, its just the S2000 is slightly cheaper and more reliable than doing it in some other cars.

markforrester99

72,000 miles i think. I can tell its abit tired now. Need to replaces the various engine mounts, diff mounts etc. A NA track car is always going to handle track days abit better than a turbo charged car IMO. Unless you go to the extremes like Mattie has done where everything has been built to handle the extra heat.

e46m3c

Great info guys thanks.

Can you guys give me a gauge of what 4k and 6k ish should buy?

Should i only look for cars which have had all those points addressed. I mean is it pretty much a cert they all go at the same milage

There is a 2007 with 174k on it. Might be a decent hack (or it might blow up on the way home!). Hopefully this year means no rust or bush issues. Just perhaps bearing issues in the engine/gearbox. 175k must be motorway!

Do you get piston ware / slap / oil blow by and usage at high milage? Internals are forged from factory right?

I will be using it primarily for work, possibly a couple of alps / ring trips and a few trackdays. I have other cars which i will retain for primary track/alp duty (m3 and bec).

I just need something more economical for work. At the moment im getting 17mpg and brakes cost 2k (pads and discs) and tyres are 1k. Seems silly wasting all these high end expensive components in surrey traffic.

I just cant bring myself to buy a diesel!

e46m3c

actually. ignore the 2007. needs to be 55 or older cos i dont want to pay 400 tax!

richmc

£490 actually and the cut off is March 23rd 2006. If you are quibbling about the tax can you really afford to run the car?

andypandypoos

because it'll cost more to run than the M3? more likely a psychological/general principle thing than outright cost

s2konroids

I supercharged my old 2000 one at 120k sold it with 175k on it, 15psi 420 bhp (old novi1000 kit not as much power as a rotrex) . I sold it but took supercharger off at 175k, my mate put 3k on it and sold it with 178k on, I checked and it's not on the road anymore so it's either been wrote off or blew up.

I felt engine was tired and it would make more power at that boost but wasn't that bad. Didn't do silly engine oil changes every 6k! However I did change before standard service spec obviously (used castrol edge 5w40) and I did look after it, I did two track taster days in it.