Well, I know just about everyone asks some sort of question like this but I can't find any posts with MY questions so I'll post a new thread......

I guess I'll introduce myself....I'm Mike......ok, now, my wife and I have been talking about getting an S2K for almost a year now, and now we're about to act. The only thing is, is we don't know what to get. I can get a 2006 for about 28,900, or a used '04 or '05 for somewhere around 24,000. I know 28,900 is a steal, but I can't spend that much. I really only want to spend 23 or 24 tops. Now I may be able to get a 2002 with only 25,000 miles on it but I don't have a price for it yet. What's everyones opinion. I figured you guys all would know more than anyone else.
What's the benifit of an '02 or '03 or an '04 or '05? Other than the obvious "newer" car thing.
I'm sure you've answered these questions a hundred times, and sorry for being such a noob, but just trying to get educated......

 

00 to 03 are AP1s. 04 and up are AP2s. They are very different cars.

AP1s have the F20c engine with 9000 rpm redline. 16" wheels and tires are standard (205/55/16 front 225/50/16 rear). Some people here consider AP1s to be the definitive S2000.

AP2s have the F22c engine with 8000 rpm redline. The 1000 rpm trades for better torque curve in the lower rpm ranges. 17" wheels and tires are standard (215/45/17 front 245/40/17 rear). Along with larger tires, AP2s have softer rear springs. Honda did that in response to, um, complains about the tail-happiness on the AP1s. With larger contact patches and softer springs, some people say AP2s actually understeers (I haven't noticed it until I put on my lower braces).

IMO, 2003 is the best year ever made. But I went with an '06 because I want a new vehicle.

With those said, it really depends on which one you like more. Some people here like AP1 more. Some people like AP2's torquier engine. Drive both and you be the judge. And of course, keep the price tag in mind.

BTW, you can find more info on top of this forum. One of the "Stickies" outlines all the differences between the MYs (model years).

 

Thanks for the quick (and very informative might I add...LOL) reply.....Anything anyone else wants to add would be awesome.

 

If you can stretch your 24K budget by $500-$1000 you could land yourself a '04 or '05 with <15K on the odometer with some good negotiation.

 

If you didnt already know the 2000-2001 had a plastic rear window while the 2002-2007 have a glass window

 

I've asked several people that upgraded from the AP1 to the AP2 and they say they like the AP2 more...I think AP1's are for the more hard core guys.Like someone stated above...go test drive them and you'll know which ones for you.


I say go with a 04-05.+ the car is newer.

peace

 

Well, the 2002 I was talking about yesterday actually turned out to be a 2001 (thanks for the descriptions) with 19,555 miles on it. Test drove it, liked it, didn't like the plastic window and "black/red" interior was okay (would rather have all red). It did have an amp (which I'm sure helped) and an exhaust (don't know which one though).
I was really amazed with the car though. About six months ago or so, I test drove one, and it just didn't seem to have all the "pep" that this one had. Could that have just been from the exhaust?
Oh yeah, whoever said the tail end can get squirly was right....LOL 2nd gear at 5000rpm and we got to dance.....LOL what fun; what fun.

 

So, noone has any comments?