ALRIGHT! im 17 and rdy to get rid of my 2001 bmw 325ci and get a car with some more power, and more fun. Whats the "best" year for the s2k, and what should i look for when i test drive one, such as flaws, and other things that go bad quickly on the s2k. also what features are good for this car, and would you suggest this being a daily driver car.

 

A lot of questions in there. First of all, for future references please use the "search" option when asking general questions such as these. Many, many people ask what year to get and blah blah blah.

The truth is that it's all an opinion. I can't blame you for wanting to get rid of your bmw, and considering an S is a great idea. In my personal opinion, the 2002-2003 model years are the best. I bought a 2002 because I got a great deal on it, but I wanted an 02 or 03 either way. I'm just not a big fan of the ap2 design (04 and up) and they also don't have the 9000-rpm redline like the ap1 (00-03) which is a very unique and fun thing. I would mainly suggest the 02-03 because they have a glass rear window with a defogger that comes in handy a lot. There also were minor interior upgrades as well.

When you test drive one, it should run very smooth and shift very smooth. That's the way these cars should be, no matter what model year. Check the tires, as many people replace their rear tires every year, and some of the people who don't end up selling you their S2000 with no tread! Back onto the tire subject, I can answer another one of your questions. This car is perfectly fine for a daily driver, as myself and many others on this site do it. But it is quite small for everyday use (believe me I know, I'm 6'2!) and it goes back to the old saying, "Your car is only as good as your tires." With winter tires, many claim that the car can be driven in snow (with a minimal amount of course) but that's not something I'm ever doing. I've heard enough stories, so I am just going to wing it for when it snows. I have all-season Toyo's on my car, and it's great in the rain...but you already have a rwd car and the last time I drove a 325ci it was relatively the same as the S. Not really sure what you mean by what features are good on this car...but it's very quick, very light, and the top goes down with the push of a button. Anyway, good luck and keep us posted.

 

thanks, that was very helpful, yea i have my moms SUV for the snow, and my dads STI =) which im not sure if he will let me drive it lol havent been able to yet lol.

 

I THINK the '03 is the best year. But, as mgp 2675 posted, its all a matter of opinion. You really can not go too wrong with any year.

And, the S2000 makes a great daily driver. My daily commute is 23 miles one way, and there is nothing better to drive getting to and from work. 27 mpg and the top comes down, makes the a bad day a thing of the past.

 

Bro STi's are so overrated, I had one for 3 months and got sick of it. When you get the S ...let your dad know that your car handles ten times better and actually looks like a real sportscar. Then on a sunny day when he wants to drive it, take his STi out and realize how much more fun your S is.

Yeah, you can tell I've gotten trouble with cars more than a few times growing up.

 

Welcome to the board, sc.

Check out the FAQ thread at the top of this forum and the S2000 Talk forum. That may help answer some of your questions.

Best of luck.

 

What's "best" for me isn't necessarily "best" for you.

Now you have narrowed down your search to S2000, you'll have to research it and see each different MY offers that best fits what you want. For example: If you want 9000 rpm redline, then AP1 is for you. If you want OEM 17" wheels, then you'd be looking at AP2s.

Know what you want from the car, so the car will be satisfying for you.