I have 3 choices a 2003 for the price of $30,000 without tax, or a 2002 for the price of $28,900 brand new without tax OR a used 2002 with 4,000 miles for $28,400 with full warrantee. From what I have read there is a bolt change 1/2 way thru the 2002 year , a 4 hole head bolt that is for oil circulation?? Does anyone know what the VIN# cut off was for the change?? Are there any advantage to the 2003? I know that I do not want to get the old style bolt when I see what the problems are with Honda not backing up their warrantee on these cars. I have read of so many people having a case against Honda not following thru with warrantee claims it makes me worried against buying older S2000? Help me out guys and Thanks for The info.

 

Doesn't the 2003 have the glass rear window? If so, I guess you have to weigh the importance of that and 1k. Although, you do have the resale value of a one year newer car as well. I would say go for the 2003. You won't have the problems with the four style bolt either. If I had the cash, I would go 2003, I had to settle with a 2000, but my honda dealership doesn't give me trouble.

 

I'd try to work the new 02 a little lower and go for that one. Only color changes from 02 to 03. If the new 02 also has an all-red interior, I personally think those combos will eventually be quite coveted since 02 was the only year they were offered and are no longer in the line, AFAIK. Regarding the oil bolt thing, I'm not sure about the changeover VIN# (do a search) but I think it can be retrofitted under warranty (don't quote me on that though).

 

I would go with the 02 unless the last 4 digits of the vin number is under 7k.
That means it's been sitting at the dealer for at least 3 months.
Check miles to make sure it's not demo ed also.

 

03 has better resale value being newer. n looks better. shinier clear coat than the 02 sitting in the lot of past few monthz

 

Unfortunately, in the states AHM doesn't even have a TSB on this "banjo bolt" issue. Only happening in Europe currently. Folks that *are* doing it here are saving their service receipts so that, in the event that AHM comes around with a TSB, the folks would seek reimbursement for that maintenance.

- Dave

PS. The '02 for $28,900 seems your best bet IMO

 

I don't know the VIN# for the oil bolt change, but the last engine with the old style oil jet bolts is 1025386. You can find this number either on the engine itself right after F20C1 or on the dealer's invoice from AHM. The dealer can look it up for you. The change over occured sometime in the spring or summer of '02.

I do know that our dealer has a Spa Yellow '02 manufactured in July, 2002 that is VIN# JHMAP1 11472T008801 and has engine number 1028807.

Both MY2002 and MY2003 have the glass rear window. This is a real plus. Also, the stereo is better in '02 and '03 than it was in '00 and '01. The horn is better too in '02 and '03.

There are some changes to the suspension for '02 and '03 that are not present in '00 and '01. These are generally thought to be minor and make the car less "fun" for expert drivers and better for the average driver.

If you want the full scoop on this, do a search on "oil jet bolt" or "banjo bolt" or "European recall." 'These are not "head bolts." They fit underneath the pistons and cause oil to spray on the underside of the pistons and lower cylinder walls.

I'd take the brand new '02. There's no significant difference between the '02 and '03 except you'll get less at trade in in exchange for paying less up front. I'd avoid the used '02 because the price difference is so small and you just never know what those 4,000 miles were like.


I think $400 is too little discount for 4,000 miles vs. brand new. What do others think?

It costs about $250 or $300 to have a Honda dealer upgrade from the old to the new oil jet bolts. We have no real evidence that this makes any difference. I did have my dealer do the change over.

Or I'd take the car with the color that you prefer.

 

Barry's right, it is the number on the engine not the VIN# that is referenced for the cut-off. Stay away from the used '02 - the $ savings doesn't outweigh knowing how the car was driven for the 1st 4K. The'03 will have better resale but this may only be important if you are keeping the car for a short time. As for the bolts ,unless you are running at high rpm's alot they may not need the replacement. I would rather have the new bolts as well but there is a greater chance of a sub-par tech not putting them in right as I don't have the knowledge to do it myself. You may want to ask some of the more knowledgeable people in the under the hood section and then decide for yourself

 

Don't know about the bolt. Interesting that most have said get the new '02. At the above prices, I wouldn't consider any other than the '03. [BTW, to one of the above posters, '02 was the first year with the glass rear window]

Consider depreciation. If you sell any time in the next 1 to 4-5 years, the '03 will command an extra $2K+ compared to an '02. To me, that's handilly worth $1.1K up front. And also just in case Honda fixed/improved other little things but didn't broadcast it.

No way I'd buy a used one with unknown history just to save $500 (don't know your tax implications, but here I'd have to pay just as on a new car).

 

FCGuy makes a good point.