Choices: Which S2K Should I Buy
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From: Dry Branch
Originally Posted by 31rx7,Nov 2 2006, 10:45 PM
Prospective owner here.
Two cars, both excellent shape, all records, clean Carfax, etc.
2001, Red, Factory Aero package (lip air damn, spoiler, side skirts), 11,000 miles, Factory CD changer.
2002, Silver, 20,000 miles.
Prices are within $500 of each other.
The glass window on the 02 is a big plus. Looking at the colors, there are pro's and con's to both: red is sexier, silver is easier to live with.
Other than that, the cars are about the same. Any comments on advantages or considerations on one vs. the other?
Thanks in advance for your help!
Two cars, both excellent shape, all records, clean Carfax, etc.
2001, Red, Factory Aero package (lip air damn, spoiler, side skirts), 11,000 miles, Factory CD changer.
2002, Silver, 20,000 miles.
Prices are within $500 of each other.
The glass window on the 02 is a big plus. Looking at the colors, there are pro's and con's to both: red is sexier, silver is easier to live with.
Other than that, the cars are about the same. Any comments on advantages or considerations on one vs. the other?
Thanks in advance for your help!
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From: Miami, FL
Originally Posted by RED MX5,Nov 3 2006, 12:52 AM
Wouldn't it make more sense to wait until you found the color you like in an '02? You are going to live with the car for a long time, so why not wait until you find exactly the right vehicle?
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From: North Richland Hills, TX
Originally Posted by SaltyDog,Nov 2 2006, 10:54 PM
Doesn't matter, because after being on this board for a year you'll realize you want a hardtop anyway 
IMO, '02-'03 are the best years for a weekend toy, '04+ best for a daily driver.
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From: Hilliard, OH
Originally Posted by spa01s2k,Nov 2 2006, 09:28 PM
It should be up to you to make the decision. You SHOULD have something in the back of your head telling you what to do. Yes the glass rear window is nice, but if you take care of the plastic its really not that bad. It also depends if your going to have the top up or down. Mine is down all the time no matter what kind of weather, so I could care less about the back window. Its not my daily driver either.
Either way you'll end up with an S2000.
Either way you'll end up with an S2000.
I have done some research but not absorbed everything regarding the model year differences;hence my question and hope to get another perspective from those here.
Thanks!
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From: Hilliard, OH
Originally Posted by jlstyle82,Nov 2 2006, 09:36 PM
I also think 02 is a better choice b/c of glass rear window, however red is MUCH better looking color than sebring silver or silverstone.
Also red ISN'T hard to take care of AT ALL. silver looks cheap when they are not cleaned but red usually looks good all the time.
Go with 01 and replace it with glass.
Also red ISN'T hard to take care of AT ALL. silver looks cheap when they are not cleaned but red usually looks good all the time.
Go with 01 and replace it with glass.
I will look into cost and effort for replacing the plastic window. Even though the S2K is different than past convertibles I have had, I have had enough experience with plastic windows to know the downside, and certainly glass is a big plus.
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From: Hilliard, OH
Originally Posted by RED MX5,Nov 2 2006, 09:52 PM
Wouldn't it make more sense to wait until you found the color you like in an '02? You are going to live with the car for a long time, so why not wait until you find exactly the right vehicle?
Condition is a key consideration. Both of these cars are near flawless, one owner, summer only cars. They have full records and reflect owners that cared for them properly. I have seen too many cars where the owners have driven them hard and not cared for them. You can tell if a car has been neglected even after it is detailed and cleaned up.
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From: Columbia, SC
Tough call...
If you do it yourself, upgrading the top to one with a glass rear window will probably cost about $800 for OEM, but I think there are some nice aftermarket tops that are a bit less expensive.
The interior is practically the same, other than the newer center console in the '02. That's an easy upgrade if you were interested.
I'm not sure when Honda changed the oil banjo bolts (as someone else mentioned), or if either car has had that upgrade done, but that would also enter into my decision.
To me... Other than the three things I've mentioned above, I'd probably prefer the '01. I like the lower miles on the '01. I'm probably biased because of the color, but I also like the front lip, the AP1 OEM spoiler, and the CD changer could be useful (although, if it's in the trunk, it'd be coming out or being moved).
You mentioned OEM side skirts. Either you're talking about the OEM side strakes that go just in front of the rear wheel well (and are body colored), or they are aftermarket skirts. After market body kits would make me consider the stock '02.
But hey, those are just my thoughts.
Good luck.
If you do it yourself, upgrading the top to one with a glass rear window will probably cost about $800 for OEM, but I think there are some nice aftermarket tops that are a bit less expensive.
The interior is practically the same, other than the newer center console in the '02. That's an easy upgrade if you were interested.
I'm not sure when Honda changed the oil banjo bolts (as someone else mentioned), or if either car has had that upgrade done, but that would also enter into my decision.
To me... Other than the three things I've mentioned above, I'd probably prefer the '01. I like the lower miles on the '01. I'm probably biased because of the color, but I also like the front lip, the AP1 OEM spoiler, and the CD changer could be useful (although, if it's in the trunk, it'd be coming out or being moved).
You mentioned OEM side skirts. Either you're talking about the OEM side strakes that go just in front of the rear wheel well (and are body colored), or they are aftermarket skirts. After market body kits would make me consider the stock '02.
But hey, those are just my thoughts.
Good luck.