The S2000 bug is gnawing at me again. I had my last s2000 and I loved that car until my insurance rates went through the roof due to some cocksneezes stealing my seats and destroying my roof. I decided that I was ready for something else since I couldn't bring myself to destroy the value of it by doing what I wanted to do to it.

Well that bug is returning to me, and now I see that prices are even higher and I can't see them really coming back down because there isn't anything else like the S2000 and I really don't see Honda not being a bunch of losers and making something good again. (yeah yeah nsx whatever, it's going to be a lame hybrid if it ever comes out, and I'd rather have a C7 Z06 or the FT1/LF-LC/GTR)

Opinion question which I probably already know the answer to, I mean I am asking a S2000 forum;

Should I get another S2000?

If so should I get a 2005-2008 with lowish mileage to enjoy?

Should I just get an older AP1 and mod the hell out of it? (K24 + EFR 7163, strip it, make 500 wheel, race the hell out of it)


Here's the facts;

I love tinkering. I had my last s2000 and for the most part resisted the mod bug because I wanted to LS swap it and I fully knew what it involved and my S was just too nice to "destroy" the value like that.

If I LS swap/k24 it, I'll kill value.

If I get a regular S2000 I have no doubt I'll enjoy driving it, just like the last one, but the mod bug will be there.

S2000's are probably going to continue appreciating in value

There are less and less clean examples on the market

I plan on getting either a FT1/LF-LC, C7 z06 or Gallardo sometime in the next 2 years, which I will most definitely make retarded (Read overpowered) to replace my STI




FT1



LF-LC * Yes I'd obviously black out the grille and make it not look so ostentatious. It's a bit loud to say the least.



Z06


Gallardo in the color I want

 

$105k
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...ngId=331917611

 

High mileage S2000 of a year that will best suit your end goal and mod it without fear.

 

If you saw what they went for at auction your jaw would drop. Think 50-70% of private/dealer prices.



This is what I'm thinking. If I do a k24 with a EFR7163 does it matter what year I get? I can state I really like the transmission in the 04+'s but, I don't know if its worthwhile to spend a ton of money to get one.

Edit: Should I get one with a salvage title?

 

If you're going that far and it's not something you'll be driving regularly, then a salvage title that had an untouched frame would probably get you the cheapest initial purchase. If your not worried about engines, then get whatever suspension design you prefer AP1/AP2, but get the newest year model of whichever you go with you can.

 

Usually when we would send a car to auction it was because it would take more money than the car was worth to get it up and running right. I'm betting you could find something decent that was repo'd if you searched long enough but I would still be scared of getting into one without having a lambo tech as a close friend or deep pockets.
If you want to go crazy, Pick up a Theft recovered ap1 for $4-$7k. Sell the ap1 engine, buy/build K24, boost, and enjoy. You could be in it for $20k and have an awesome car to just beat on without spending too much money to fix(compared to lambo) when crap breaks.

 

If you're going that far and it's not something you'll be driving regularly, then a salvage title that had an untouched frame would probably get you the cheapest initial purchase. If your not worried about engines, then get whatever suspension design you prefer AP1/AP2, but get the newest year model of whichever you go with you can.
[/quote]
What's the difference between ap1/2 suspension? I thought it was just drivetrain (tranny diff engine ecu some sensors) front bumper, rear bumper, headlights and taillights.



Usually when we would send a car to auction it was because it would take more money than the car was worth to get it up and running right. I'm betting you could find something decent that was repo'd if you searched long enough but I would still be scared of getting into one without having a lambo tech as a close friend or deep pockets.
If you want to go crazy, Pick up a Theft recovered ap1 for $4-$7k. Sell the ap1 engine, buy/build K24, boost, and enjoy. You could be in it for $20k and have an awesome car to just beat on without spending too much money to fix(compared to lambo) when crap breaks.
[/quote]

All the ones I have seen have fried clutches/clutchpacks. They typically don't let you do too much of an inspection. As for the higher end cars, it will happen regardless of the S2000 or not, I just don't know which one. I'd love to do a Gallardo, but I know what goes into it and it's kept me away thus far. Any of these higher-end cars are company cars used for depreciation/expenses, so don't think of it in the typical out of pocket manner. The money is coming out one way or another.

 

S2000's are lame, buy a Lambo.

 

If you're going that far and it's not something you'll be driving regularly, then a salvage title that had an untouched frame would probably get you the cheapest initial purchase. If your not worried about engines, then get whatever suspension design you prefer AP1/AP2, but get the newest year model of whichever you go with you can.
[/quote]
What's the difference between ap1/2 suspension? I thought it was just drivetrain (tranny diff engine ecu some sensors) front bumper, rear bumper, headlights and taillights.

[/quote]

https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/755...ar-differences

There were noticeable changes made to the suspension geometry. Ignore the spring/sway differences as that's completely customizable.


Yeah, that they are. Give me your Gears lips, I need to see a man about a mold.

 

I might part with one for the right price.