From all my research on s2000's over the years (owned a 2001 Spa S2000) and soon to have a new 05 Rio Yellow s2000....

My thoughts is this:

1) Stay away from 01 and older since they have the plastic rear window since they tend to fog up. Luckily for me I rarely put my top up - good ol' CALI weather! One added plus is that the plastic rear window is BIGGER than the glass window.

2) 2003 and older ones have the 9000 redline so for purists that plan on racing the car I think these model years are the best choice.

3) 2002+ have the tweeters in the door and also the glass window. This is also the year in which the GPW came in all RED interior if that matters to you.

4) 2004+ gets bigger torque motor and of course the 17" rims, new front/rear lights, bumpers and my favorite is the dual cup holds and aluminum trim.

5) 2006 adds the DBW and VSA on top of the black chrome interior trim pieces, headrest speakers, storage above pasenger leg and door pockets.

Let me know if I missed anything...hahaha - I feel like a Honda salesman


Rick

 

The only problem I find with my plastic window is the inability to scrape the ice of it. The cabin is small enough however, that it's completely defrosted and dry in about 15 minutes with the heat on at a reasonable level.

 

All they needed was some peanut butter and jelly.

 

Steve,

Some great, well thought out responses here. I've said this before, but the best year S2000 is the one that's parked in your driveway Or, better yet, being driven (by you) on mountain twisties.

Nothing to add except don't discount the color scheme as an important factor. Not all colors were available in all years.

 

03'! 03'! 03'! But I'm not partial . J/K, All are great but I love my glass window, tweeters in the doors, and 9k rev line in my AP1. I do love the lights in AP2 and the rims are much better looking than AP1 if you ask me. But, I can exchange my wheels for an AP2's and I can exchange the lights too. You just should drive, see the mileage, and check the price. I think you'll find a better deal on an 03' that fits all your needs, but regardless you're already a winner. Good Luck!

 

Poor, poor soft top. You shoud consider at least placing a sheet or towel over the rear window if it's going to be out in the ice and snow and stuff. I would think that that kind of exposure to the elements would make short work of the plastic.

Do you still have the original window? How is it holding up?

Sorry...a little OT but relevant...I think.

 

best year = whichever one selling the cheapest i.e. 2000-2001