Hi all, I'd like to introduce myself but sad to say I am still S2K-less.

The name is Angus and I am from San Francisco, California.

There's a lot I don't know about the S2000, but what I know is enough to for me to pursue one.:
- Sleek and gorgeous styling
- Handling dream, not many cars can be had with this kind of money with the engine engineered to sit behind the front wheels.
- It's got more power than a Miata/MX-5, and it won't go on life support every other day like a RX-8.
- It's a Honda, they don't break unless breaking one is on your bucket list.
- Fairly decent fuel efficiency for a sports car.
- RWD and convertible, never had one of those before.

I am specifically looking for an AP2 for reasons I can't really put onto paper. The subtle design changes that are incorporated into the AP2 body simply looks better to me. But that's not to say I will say no to an AP1, it is the machine and mechanics that I am going for afterall.

Trust me, I know full well what I'm giving up. I love my Mazdaspeed 3:
- Total sleeper (I have the 1st gen)
- It's annoying raw, the drivetrain will give you whiplash. But at the same time, it's fun.
- BRUTE power. The way this thing puts power down will again, give you whiplash, haha. And yes, I will miss having my head bashed into the headrest all the time. The torque on these engines are just stupid.
- Practicality, it's a 5-door hatch, enough said.
- Finally, it's a LOT of car for $25k new.

But I think after 55,xxx bulletproof miles of it, I think it's time for a change. Hopefully, this place will lead me to the right car for me.

- Angus

 

I went through your same battle, between the MS3 and the S2k.

Now, as for your positive point being that they dont break let me set you a little straight. There are quirks to these cars like anything else but these will make or break you!
1. they love eating oil. You starve it youll be putting in a motor.
2. the TCTs (timing chain tensioner)is very prone to "ticking" and can lead to valve train failure in severe cases.
3. The valve train is very noisy and needs to have the valves adjusted more often than most cars.
4. the AP1's rear end does not like being shocked....at all...

If you can deal with these problems and other not named this is the car for you!

I love my MY00 AP1, your worried about missing that whipplash? these cars have plenty when you step on it. especially when you hit Vtec ;D
I prefer the AP1 models they just feel more raw than the AP2.

Theres one thing that everyone can agree on. These cars are timeless 10 years from now people will still look at them the same way they did when they were revealed in 99'. The MS3 is not much of a head turner.

 

Does the Vtec kick in like the turbo would?

Trust me, MS3 don't get enough love especially the 1st gen, because it looks nearly identical to the "normal" Mazda 3. Not that it bugs me, like I said, I prefer the sleeper look.

 

Also, how much did you get for your MS3?

I'm trying to not spend more than $12k on a S2000. I want to walk out of a trade/sale with some extra cash.

 

I didnt own one, i was trying to decide between either.

and you should be able to pick up a S2k between MY00-06 for that price if you search around. Also its depending on what kind of condition you want it in.

 

So, you think $12k for an AP2 is doable?

Normal wear and tear is fine with me. Main thing is, I want a stock car that hasn't been molested.

 

If you wait until winter, prices usually go down a little bit. I got my 00' with 70k miles on it, with two minor dents 4x4" for 8,500$ so i mean its just how long you want to wait for a good deal to come around.

 

Why is that? I live in the Bay Area, I'm not sure our winters are enough to scare people from driving these tail-happy cars?

 

You would be suprised, im in SoCal and bought my car in december. the average price was around 13k now it looks like 15k.

 

I'd hunt around socal as well. It's my 2nd home, UCR class of 2008 here. And I have no problem waiting for the proper car at the proper price for me.