i'm buying an 04 cuz i want the 2.2L engine, freshened exterior, and 17" wheels.

Check out consumer report's car guide. they rate used s2k years on a bunch of different aspects, like transmission, suspension, and exhaust.

all in all, every year's solid.

 

2003

 

I would suggest either 02-03. You'll be able to purchase for a better price compared to '04 up. If your getting a good deal on an '04, and it's not much more expensive than say an '03 just go with the newer model.

Point being you can't go wrong either way. Just get the better deal.

 

Like others have said in many threads, you really got to test drive them both. I happended to like the AP2 better in my drives, a lot of peoplel liked the AP1 better. Make sure you spend plenty of test drive time behind the wheel and make sure it's something you are going to enjoy long-term.

 

I love my 2001, but the 02-03 models have every little mishap from 00-01 fixed. Prime example would be not having plastic in the rear window, real glass instead.

The tough thing is that now with the 2006 in show rooms 04-05s are going for great prices if you look around a little bit.

 

I love my large plastic window. I love excessive clutch buzz. Get an '00

 

2003.... AP1>AP2

 

As you start with the first production years of the S2000, they came as raw as they could. A Pure bread sports car from the factory with settings ready for a track. IMO, as you move down the timeline, Honda added refinements to the car to make it easier to drive. I think Honda had to do this because owners were jumping into S2000s with more confidence in their driving skill than they really had, and were loosing control of them. These are the things in opinion that make the car easier to drive: Soften the suspensions each year, 2.2L upgrade, adjusted the steering response, clutch refinement, and then added stability control.

When I was looking, I wanted to make sure the s2000 was a car that handles and demands the respect of it's driver to tame it. I would have gone with an 00-01 if I could have found one that met my criterias. I didn't want to get an AP2 because I wanted the 9K redline and appreciated the stiffer suspension in the AP1s. Found myself a good deal for an 02 Berlina with all red interior so took the plunge and got it.

Depending on your expectations from the S2000, All production years are the Best years. Honda now has enough variations of the S2000 to accomidate different driver wants.

 

+164536 on 2002/2003 AP1 models!

 

i got an 02 when the new 04's first started coming out, i like the ap2's look better than the ap1, but i prefer the ap1 in other respects. i got the 2002 because of the glass top thats the only reason i didnt get an 01.