Hello all,

I am hopefully getting into the S2000 world here pretty soon.

I have a few questions for you owners though.

My biggest concern with the S2000 is reliability. Is this thing going to blow a motor with out any notice? That is my number one fear when owning a high-performance vehicle. Yes I do have a Stage 2 WRX. I want to know how reliable the S2000 is for daily driving around town and the occasional trip around the Southeast.

Is it in any way functional? Lol.

How is the handling?

What is the power-band like?

Thank you everyone who responds!

 

Reliable- YES
Functional- NO
Handling- GOOD
Power- SOME

 

The car is rock solid, just be aware the motor is running very near its limit. Check oil weekly. If you screw up and overrev it, say goodnight. Weakest part on s2ks is the diff. Avoid hard launches. It's not a drag car. It's made for handling and it does it brilliantly. I run out of talent (and guts) long before I reach its limits.

What do you mean by functional? It will move you to where you want to go. It's a performance car so if you need easy entry/egress, big cargo space, etc., look elsewhere. Powerband is pretty much in VTEC. If you want torque, better stick with your Subie.

I love my s2k. First time I sat in one I knew I had to have it. The philosophy of small, lightweight cars that are completely driver-oriented is one that is on its death bed. It's a very special car, but for a particular type of enthusiast.

 

it's probably more reliable than your WRX

it's probably less functional than your WRX

it handles differently than your WRX, like what Mark355 said, launching it without blowing your diff takes balls and skill. it's a point and shoot automobile, you can feel the rigidity of the chassis from the getgo which you'll appreciate.

power wise the motor loves high RPM's where it makes you smile. making it faster is best with FI.

 

with all the above, If you do get one you'll never be satisfied with another car ever again though.....

 

Its a honda enough said
not sure what u meant by fuctional
Handling i would say is one of the best and i had a evo before this. These cars kill on the auto x track
Power band is he revs. The car is not slow but not fast. I would say its fast enough to enjoy it but not fast enough to drag it.

 

the biggest concern is reliability? the s2k was 'bout $40k new back in the day and you're afraid it'll just spontaneously pop? no worries, it's a great quality car. performancewise the s2k might not be as fast as an sti or evo but it's more fun driving top down than fast and furious in a tall four door.

 

i know your concerns, i just went from an STI to an s2000. wrx/stis have a bad rep for motors going bad as im sure you know, search for crackd valve retainers and read up about them on this forum, thats about the only catastrophic engine failure on s2000's.

 

It's a Honda. 'Nuff said.


If you need a lot of space to carry things in, the S isn't the car for you.

About as close to a street legal go-kart you can get for less than $35k.

AP1s go up to 9k rpm. AP2s rev up to 8.3k rpm. The AP2s are easier to live with. The only reason to buy an AP1 is because they're thousands of dollars cheaper.

 

You could search for posts on blown motors on the various S sites. Not too common from what I've seen. As mentioned above, it's a Honda.

As usual: test drive, test drive, test drive. You can read all you want but whether or not it's suitable for you is a subjective decision (as it is with any car purchase).