The failure (or refusal) of some to realize or acknowledge the fact that there are people who value a 9k redline and the early cars handling more than anything the later cars offer is what leads these discussions down the road to ruin. The idea that everyone else has to like or value the same things we like or value is almost always misguided.

I really thought we had gotten past the stupid bickering and could discuss MY differences rationally, acknowledging the importance of personal preference, but it seems that there are just too many egos involved for that to every actually happen.

I think from now on when someone asks I'll just tell them that all the cars are the same, except that the older ones are older and cheaper. At least that won't give away my personal preferences and offend those who have different preferences. Wouldn't it be more realistic and less confrontational simply to admit that not everyone on the planet likes the same things, and then discuss the differences between MY cars in that light?

Obviously not, because every time we try, somebody gets their feelings hurt.

Those of you who have to turn every one of these discussions into a which-is-better debate to justify your own choices simply need to grow up.

 

Hopefully in the new version of the website, there will be a way to prevent threads like this from opening up.

 

I just hate that we can't discuss MY differences or personal preferences without someone getting their feelings hurt. It's wonderful that everyone loves their car so much, but the excess of vanity or pride (or whatever it is) is a real shame.

 

I actually wanted to buy a new car when I bought my MY00, in '04, and almost didn't buy an S2000 at all when I discovered that I couldn't get a new one with a 9k redline. At the time we had four cars already, an XJ-40, E320, MX5, and a truck, so we certainly didn't need another horse in the stable. I paid cash for a super clean used car with a full service record and clean carfax (car had been owned by a Honda GM), and that same cash plus one of the other cars in trade would have left me with a tiny payment and one less car to insure, so obviously I could have gotten a new car if I'd wanted the higher trim level and other refinements. Maybe that might be easier for some to accept if we were talking about an MGA and an MGB, but it's really the same thing. I've owned both, and I'd take a stark MGA over the more refined MGB every time. Sales numbers show that the MGB was vastly more popular, and they were most certailnly more refined and more powerful, but to me they were a hell of a lot less enjoyable to drive. My car is stark, with nothing but carpet covering the transmision tunnel. It has a plastic rear window, just like an old MGA or AH-3000. Trim level is so basic that it's almost nonexistant, and the radio is an afterthought. To me the whole package says "performance, no bullshit or flash, just performance." The car backs it up with a 9k redline and a light flywheel that lets it free rev in a very satisfying manner. There is no clutch delay valve or heavy flywheel to protect me from myself and no stability control to save my tail if I get to enthusiastic. It's as basic as an S2000 can get, and that has it's own appeal. I can understand the appeal of the newer cars, but I can't for the life of me understand why owenrs of the newer cars can't understand (or even accept) the appeal of the older cars. Most of the time it just seems that they are unable to appreciate the fact that not everyone likes the same thing, and that's just silly.

You guys walk a thin line when someone says they bought an AP1 because they preferred the AP1 and you assume that he's lying and actually made the choice based on price. That is simply not the case, and letting yourself think that way is foolish. You need to look at what it is that people like about the early cars, and try to understand why they like what they like, rather than always assuming that they're full of bull. It's been explained over and over but some of you just don't get it, because you're not listening close enough to hear the truth when it's given to you.

GRANTED, most people buy based on price, and buy the newest car they can afford, but that is not always the case.

AP2 owners who don't appreciate the virtues of the original car are in denial about the great history of their own cars and are missing an enjoyable aspect of S2000 ownership. The AP2 is in no way inferior, it's more refined, but that DOES make it different, especially from the original concept. The 1k drop in redline alone changes the entire nature of the car, even if the change does result in greater performance. Why oh why are so many people unable to grasp that and accept that it is more important than the pride of owning a new car to some of us?

Same same to the guys who have AP1's and always have to push their cars as superior. It's BS guys. The AP2's have a higher trim level and many other refinements, and you guys need to get over it.

 

OP, since they're all the same, buy the car that is in the best condition at the best price.
j/k
As most have said, in your price range an MY03 is probably the best bet. Regardless of which year you get, if you get a car that has been well cared for, you'll love it.

Get an '03, and then you can come back here to S2kI and argue with people about whether or not MY03 is the best year to own. ')

 

Red MX5 and Sprix!

Great posts and you can tell that all of us S2000 owners are obviously very happy with the ownership of this car. We all have to understand that this is simply a forum where people (I'm guilty as well) will state their preferences and maybe throw the odd biased comments - come on this is fun! I've learned alot by reading people's opinions and educated comments for the most part...let debate continue

In terms of how you select your car there will be those who:
a) Purchase based on finances
b) purchase based on looks
c) purchase based on trim level
d) PURCHASE ANY YEAR S2000 BECAUSE IT KICKS ASS!

After reading this I'm so happy that I own a AP2 with the original 2.0L (9K redline) car! I've got the upgrades to make it more refined and get to hear the wonderful sound of my screaming engine.

But thankfully we all own the S and not a Miata, Z, Boxster, or any other convertible.

Hey I'd be happy with any year S!

Jetpilot

 

the best S2K you can find is definetly the first bunch shipped over here in 99'

they were hand built, the engine had a slightly higher compression, and was the only AP1 to actually put out 237 hp.

this is seriously true, I am not being bias or anything.

I have a sticky of links to prove it

 

I have a very early car. Do you have a range of VIN numbers?

 

'03 is the best year to own in my opinion

 

for your budget, anywhere from 00 to 03 would work 4 u