Hello there, I have been a lurker here for quite some time, having caught the s2k bug long ago. The time has come where I am finally ready to get rid of my old mode of transport (96 e320) and replace it with what my heart lusts for (... a s2000) and I have a couple of questions.

1. I am located in Raleigh, NC and will be looking for an extremely good mechanic to do a full inspection of any car I will consider buying. (will be buying used) Does anyone know any trustworthy mechanics in the triangle area that are extremely familiar with the s2k?

2. I am looking to buy an AP1 in the range of $15-19k, what sort of mileage and condition should I expect in that range?

3. Is the s2000 any worse than my e320 in the winter? How necessary is it to have a winter beater?

Many thanks!
-Shane

 

1. Start with Honda Certified. The dealers used to be clueless, (mine thought the car was front wheel drive until I politely put him right - but that was 6 years ago in rural MN, need I say more).

2. Average mileage is 12K per year for any car. Figure 10K or less for a Stook. (Mine has 18K after 6 years and no, I am not selling).

3. Winter. Don

 

Shane,

There is a shop called Quality Plus Automotive, located in Wake Forest and Raleigh. We have had our Accord and Tundra serviced by them for several years and are very satisfied with the service we get. They're good people.

Until this year they specialized in Honda and Toyota only. As a potential S2000 buyer myself, I asked questions about servicing the car. The Raleigh location doesn't currently have any S2000 customers but the Wake Forest location services several of them. I would suggest them as a good place for a PPI.

Also, if you were to consider an AP2 and willing to stretch your budget a little, Leith has a certified 2004 with around 16k miles on it that has been on their lot for months. You might be able to knock a good bit off of the asking price should that be an option for you.

Good luck with your search.

QP website:

http://www.qualityplusautomotive.com

 

awesome, thanks guys, that is just the sort of information I was looking for. I will check out that 04 s2k at leith also, thanks for the heads up.

 

Some people use those blizzack tires and I haven't heard them spin out from winter yet.

 

i use blizzaks - this is my 3rd winter using them. i have driven my S year round for the last 2 1/2 years and no problems. just dont drive in snow the way you would drive in the dry and you're fine.
-Chris

 

tomorrow taking a 01 silverstone with 53k on the odo to a mechanic to have it checked out, if that all turns out well, buying it = )

 

good lock cactot.

Winter is definitely doable. Ditto what NalVle said... I just put my snow tires on today. This will be my second winter driving through. Earlier, I garaged the car, but I hate not having the car during that time.

 

I am now a proud owner of a 00' Silverstone S2000
I am in love! But some modifications have already been calling to me, first on my are panoramic side mirrors and the backyard seat rails to lower the seat height.

I am also looking for performance mods, but am at a standstill as to what the best way to proceed is. At the moment i am thinking:
1. 4.57 gears
2. some engine management? (AEM? VFAC?) as they will make the most of any other mods I get, plus I have heard good results with the ap1's.
3. lightweight 17x7.5 front 17x9 rear wheels + sticky tires
4. stiff front anti roll bar
5. headers? exhaust? cai? any suggestions

 

I've heard gears are one of the best N/A mods for the S. Still streetable unlike 4.77 and gives you better acceleration

Just make sure you get someone to do it who knows what they are doing and has done it before and also make sure they drive it after the install to make sure it went right.

Exhaust is a good one as well. I have the invidia and it sounds awesome on the freeway and in VTEC. Theres a drone but its controlable with the throttle