Afternoon all,

Just about to venture into the world of S2000 ownership having been bitten by the bug (oh and in the ass) having driven one VERY hard around the track on a Palmer Motorsport day many moons ago. Hit the Apex in an AP1 doing 90+ and powered out of the corner a tad early...........yep 7 revolutions on the grass later the instructor said "that was mad, lets do another lap" The result being fastest lap of the day!

So here is my conundrum........
I want a second car for high and dry days....

Do I go AP1 2003, 2 Owners, mainly Honda history, only 29k miles, totally standard, needs wheels refurb, 4 x tyres and bumper, wings and rear quarter painting - scratches, scuffs etc. £8,750

Or, 2004 AP2, 3 Owners, full Honda history, 48k miles, totally standard, stone chips on lower bumper, one wheel scuffed, pressure dent on passenger door otherwise all good to go.

No hard top with either and I am not fussed anyway. I am aware of the 2000 or so improvements on the AP2 but just can not help feeling that an AP1 is a better S2000 and more desirable drivers car in the long run. The AP2 is a better car but less of a thrill and may not appreciate quite so well.

Any thoughts welcome.......?

Nick.

 

AP2.

 

How do you feel about oil consumption issues with the Pre facelift ?
Do 17" wheels have a better tyre choice ?
Honda service history,<make sure you go through it carefully>

 

Since you're quoting prices in Sterling you won't find an AP2. But I prefer the 2004 with the larger wheels to the 2003. There's a list of all the differences between the 2003 and 2004 versions. At least in the UK you won't have the AP1 vs AP2 engine to consider 'cuz they're all AP1.

Wheel and suspension changes were done every two years but if, like some here, you're better engineer than any employed by Honda you can retrofit whatever springs and sway bars you want. You've already demonstrated the reason Honda made many of the changes. This effect coming out of a round-about or on-ramp may not get you another lap attempt. Diesel spills and early season frost have turned a lot of our cars into separate parts.

-- Chuck

 

Thank you for the steer and all useful info, too. But is there no support out there for the AP1?

 

I vote ap1. 02/03 are my favorite models. Upgrade wheels and tires to 17". Lots of reasons. Chuck and I are always on opposite sides of this discussion. Both cars are great.

 

AP1 or AP2 - which is the better investment?

 

Cars are expenses, not investments. Other than collector cars and the S2000 doesn't fall into that category. First year and last year of production are typically the darlings of collectors. Otherwise age and condition are the main value determinations. Low mileage, no dents, etc. Everyone knows this.

AP1 and AP2 are engines, not cars. Both engines are capable. And you can't get an AP2 outside of North America aside from a very few in Japan. You'll get an AP1 in the UK 'cuz they're all AP1.

The 2004 and later "face lift" chassis is product improved from the 2000-2003 chassis. Wheels, springs, sway bars And face lifted bumpers front and rear.

-- Chuck

 

Ok got it, thank you for the technicalitiy.

So Pre 2004 or post.......which one in 10 years is the most likely better investment?

 

I'd guess that when it comes to resale value, if both cars were in the same overall condition, then the car with the lowest mileage would bring more money.

Regardless, I would buy the one that appealed the most to me personally.