Don't worry, this is not a "SHOULD I BUY AN S2K?" thread in which everyone simply replies "Yes" and a bunch of server space is wasted.

I am most definitely buying one. The question is: what car? I'd like to either get something newerish (as in '04 or newer) or get something older (as in'00 to '03) and put some money into it in the way of performance mods. I don't plan on spending anything more than about $5K over the next 1-2 years on performance but I'd still need the depreciation of the AP1's to afford that.

So my question is, what's better...an AP1 with $5K worth of performance upgrades, or the reliability and refinement of the stock AP2?

My personality? Yes I love tuners, no I'm not very mechanically inclined. I like tasteful, well-polished, and solid performance mods that don't turn away more mature buyers at resail time (but yes I will be keeping this car for quite a while).

 

Unless your 5k of mods on the ap1 is for a supercharger or a turbo then go with the ap2. It pretty much that simple IMO.

 

I'd like forced induction eventually. I was worried my prep work for it would be so expensive It would be unfeasible in the short term.

 

i had the same question about my buy 6 months ago, ended up buying an 03 and now i am turbo'd. well worth it. but the ap2 is a lot nicer aesthetically imo. i agree though, mods should be FI or none at all.

 

I agree with what's been stated. Get the AP1 and go with a turbo or supercharger, or get the AP2.

 

The only two real mods for an S2000 are SC/turbo and gears. Combined it will run you about $6k, so get whatever will fit into your budget.