Hello!!! I am new here. After 17 years of yearning I finally bought a 2002 s2000 with 59k miles. I don't have any service records other than knowing it wasn't in any accidents and looks like in near mint condition externally.

For the 60k service I'm wondering if I should take it to my regular mechanic or better to take it to an s2000 specialist, especially since I don't have the old records? The specialist is obviously more expensive. I am not racing it.

Any input is much appreciated. I love these forums even though most of the time I have no idea what everyone is talking about!! :0

 

A specialist will know what to check and after the service, other than routine stuff, you should be good for quite sometime. Congrats on the purchase.
Levi

 

Try to track down a specialist (check your local sub-forum).

Most regular mechanics (including at Honda dealers) have little to no experience working on s2000's.

That said, it's a great car for you to learn some basics of DIY maintenance. It's relatively easy to work on, and this site has many great DIY write-ups.



Congrats!

 

Thanks!

 

Your own garage is the best answer.

Don't go to a dealer unless they have a mechanic who is an S2000 owner. There's just no way around it.

Like others have said, check your local sub-forum for advice. You didn't mention where you're located. That would help.


240K on that CRX, nicely done.

 

 

I doubt there are many "S2000 specialists" other than in California. Just too few cars.

The Honda S2000 is, wait for it!, a Honda and there are really no maintenance or preventive tasks requiring a specialist. Maintenance records?! I've never seen a car with these and the concept seems to only exist in the UK. My maintenance book is still in the Honda package and untouched. The Carfax had some clues.

Consensus here, and my recommendation, is to consider the car needs everything right now. It probably does not but you'll feel better. My car is an '06 so the owners manual is mute on what services are required depending on the Maintenance Minder to display them on the dashboard. I downloaded the '05 manual to have that information. Verify the belts and hoses are in good condition. Check the valve clearances and while in there put in new OEM spark plugs. Replace all the fluids including the hydraulics and coolant. Pretty basic and easy stuff on a lift or jack stands. A handful of metric tools is all ya need.

Beyond these maintenance tasks consider tires. Tires have more influence on ride and handling than anything else.

I bought this car to drive not work on. It's a Honda. Routine maintenance is easy even with my (lack of) skills.

-- Chuck

 

You're right that there aren't many specialists, but out of the one's I can think of, none of them are in California (mine's in Texas).

Still, it's worth a shot to find a pro or get in touch with some experienced locals.



ON a side note; there is a tech at my local Honda that has an s. I was there getting a state inspection on mine, and we started talking. He didn't know what the terms AP1 and AP2 meant, had never heard of the UK alignment specs, and seemed clueless about the AP1 valve retainer weakness. So, just because a tech has an s2000, doesn't mean he knows anything!

 

Welcome.

Check out the link in my signature.

 

Thanks for all the input. For now I'm planning on taking it to blacktrax in milpitas, CA for a very thorough service and valve adjustment. Once everything is squared away I might go back to my regular mechanic for future service, though he said they only do 3-4 S2000s a year. They are generally good and relatively inexpensive.