Hello S2ki...I'm a member of maxima.org and currently own a 02 nissan maxima 6spd...i'm looking for more driving pleasure and decided the s2k as one of my top picks...but I really need some help from you gurus! So here are some questions to start it off...

1. How is the mpg on this baby? I know it's rated at 20/26 (2000-2003 models) and thats worse than my Maxima on paper! Well, for my maxima, I can get about 18mpg all city and 26mpg all highway (21/28 on paper)....is the s2k underrated for mpg on the paper? Perhaps it says 20/26, but in real world driving, its better? Just wondering becuz it's a 4 banger and thought it would get better mileage than my maxima!

2. Which model should I buy? I'm leaning towards the 02 model since thats when the glass window and improved transmission were incorperated....and also the car being cheaper than the newer model...but they say the 04 has much more improvements? If I buy an 02, is it possible to swap alot of the improvements from the 04, onto my 02? Are the suspension/wheel upgrades even necessary? I do plan to go with alot of aftermarket stuff anyway...so is it best to stick with an 02 and get a cheaper overall car?

3. How is the reliability with this car? Lots of sensors going bad? Tranny issues? Etc...I'm looking for an overall reliable car (more money on payments and less on maintenance)...I plan to take it to the track (autox and road course possibly) and want something reliable...both mechanical and electronics...I also would like to add all the bolt ons and some kind of engine management...will this net me a relatively fast s2k for those street encounters?

I would like to thank you all for reading! Another thanks for making me feel welcomed here on the boards....any information above would be greatly appreciated! I will be coming back to ask a little more later...thanks!

P.S. check out my maxima in the sig!

 

Welcome.

1) I haven't really kept track of mpg, I bought an S for driving in a spirited manner, saving gas is what I have an Accord for. Sorry I can't give you an exact number, guessing I would say 18-20mpg.

2) Clearly you know a bit about the car, the 02 was the start of some nice changes. Between 00-03 and 04+, superiority is an endless debate. All are great cars and while one may be faster for one driver, the other is for another. It is more a matter of preference. Most would agree the 04 and on are less of a handful with more torque in the low RPMs, but performance between the two is nearly identical.

3) The car in stock form is quite reliable and competitive. It is a better car than most are drivers. Maintenance is important, but compared to most cars in its class, relatively inexpensive. Mod at your own risk.

Good luck, hope you end up with something you enjoy.

BTW, the fact that I responded does not make me a guru.

 

1)i get around 26,27 mpg shifting around 3k on a reg. basis with 9k runs on freeway onramps.

2)i recommend ap1's (check out the faq's in this board to find out the differences between the years). ap1's are cheaper and more raw of power. ap2 looks better but it has its sacrifices as well

3)so far 100% no problems. mm.. the leather in the chair squeaks.. and uhhh............................... thats about it. this car's awesome and im 17 and don't mind working and paying it off myself =]

 

1) i get around 26 MPG... a combination of city and highway driving

2) i say drive them both (ap1 and ap2).. ive had the pleasure of owning both, and they are both great cars... IMO, id get a ap2... you get some nice interior and exterior changes(LED tails, 17in rims, bumpers etc), more torque, a more usable powerband (in the city atleast).. still revs to 8300 (i believe is the fuel cutoff?)... honestly, when i stepped out of my AP1 into the AP2, it did NOT have the "tammed" down feeling some claim.. it just doesnt tent to oversteer as much, which is a great thing...

3) i had no problems in either of my s2k's. just make sure to check your oil, and change your tranny / diff fluid as reccomended per owners manual.


good luck!

 

Btw, out of curiousity...your white 06 looks lowered in your sig. pic??? Looks good

 

yep, its slammed:


https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.ph...&f=12&t=399911

 

thanks for the replies guys! gas mileage doesn't seem too bad then....at least according to j03chu, mic crispy....the reason why I ask, is becuz this car will be my daily and my track car

I did read through some of the FAQ...it's alot of information to induce *phew*....so the overall verdict is, try both of them yourself and decide, becuz both AP1 and AP2 are wonderful cars?

If I can ask ya'll a big favor....can someone run me down on how much I might be spending when I mod an s2k? Like this,

1. "name of intake" = $xxx
2. "name of header" = $xxx
3. "name of coilovers" = $xxx

etc....I would like to go all the n/a bolt ons + engine management...and most of the bolt ons for suspenion as well...I don't wanna go too far, as I wanna keep it somewhat streetable, reliable, etc....

 

On the track, your mileage will suck. But, that's to be expected. On average, I get 23/24.

Glad you read through the FAQ (I assume you mean the Introduction FAQ). There's also a FAQ in the S2000 Talk forum, which is useful.

I agree on the point that you'd do well to drive both. The good news, whichever you choose, you won't be disappointed.

I'm not going to give you numbers on the mods. It's all over the place, man. Best idea is to read through S2000 Talk and continue to look at the things that interest you.

Best wishes.

 

Thanks Chazmo...I'll continue to read through the pages and post anymore questions if I truly can't find it.....I just got a little excited thats all