Hey, I have some questions regarding the S2k.

I've been saving for a hefty down payment and planning out how to get an S2k for a very long time now, and next month is the month. I'm very excited.

I do however have a few questions:

1) Where should I look at attempting to get an S2k from? I live in Atlanta, GA. I can find a couple from Carmax and some decent ones on Autotrader.

2) I'm looking for an S2000 with around 40k miles on it. I know consumer reports rates the S2000 "excellent" for reliability, but how reliable is it? Can I expect to hit 100k with ease? 125k? Beyond? (Taking into account that the previous owner didn't abuse the car, and that I will take great care of it as well).

3) I've never driven a RWD or a car with this much power before. My current car is '95 Max, which gets up and goes, but nothing like an S2000. I plan on learning slowly, I'm no maniac, but I've heard mention of driving schools, and I have no idea how to find on nearby. I'd love to learn to handle this car.

4) At a budget around $18k-20k, what model/year mileage should I aim for? Perhaps it's in my best interest to not go 40k and a '00 or '01, but maybe 60k and an '02?

I'm really wanting to make sure that this is a well-planned out move on my part, and any advice or experience you can offer is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

My own opinions for your questions:

1) I found mine on autotrader. Secured my own financing ahead of time. Drove to the dealer, filled out the little bit of paperwork that wasnt already done when I got there, took the keys and left.

2) Hondas are very reliable. The S2000 is no exception. There are many people on this board who are over 100k miles. Every car has little specifics that will need to be dealt with. My S has 45k miles and I'm just about to replace the timing chain tensioner. Minor issue. Nothing else has come up for me mechanically that makes me nervous for it's longevity.

3) The S was my first RWD car as well. I had a Celica before, and an Escort before that. When I got the car, I took it easy. I drove it back home from Washington (I live in oregon, 8 hours away from where I bought it) in January through the snowy mountains. I had no problems (chains until I could get snow tires on). When I got back, I went to an empty parking lot without any obstacles like lightposts or curbs and drove for a few hours getting used to how it handled. I did the same thing when it snowed so I could learn it's specific tendancies for slipping (and it was fun!).

Lots of other people have recommended driving school and autocross. To me, that's a great idea, especially to learn to drive at the limit, but I was more interested in just being able to cope with the car under regular conditions first before I went overboard.

4) I got my '02 with 19k miles a little over a year ago for $20k. You should be able to find comparable deals if not better.

 

I can't believe both of you guys have never owned a RWD car?! Wow!

I am completely biased in that I prefer RWD cars. The thing that you need to be aware of is that FWD and AWD cars tend to understeer whereas RWD cars will oversteer.

This car has a rather short wheelbase and a good bit of power for its weight. Take your time, learn your limits, and respect the car or it will bite you if you get careless.

Tires are a big deal with this car. A new set vs a worn set, and a good set vs a bad set make a world of difference. I am not a professional driver, but I have never lost control of a car even when I was pushing the car to MY limits. I put a cheap set of tires on the back of this car once because I was strapped for cash and lost the back end going around a corner at 17mph.

Welcome to the owners club. Have fun. Respect the car. Don't be dumb. You will enjoy this car for many years to come.

 

I drove an '88 Accord, '89 Pulsar, and a '95 Max. The Accord was manual, and a great car to learn manual on. But it was nothing like an s2k... (obviously). I've driven an s2000 around before, a friends father has one and let's me drive it every so often.

Just could never afford a RWD car, that and FWD cars in that super-low price range tend to be less beaten up. Something about RWD makes people drive cars harder hehe.

 

Opinion:
I have had two S2Ks an 01 and an 06, bougt both from the dealer. I trust the Honda dealer more then a private repair service. If your not happy with the dealer you can can take your complaints up the food chain of The Honda Motor Company. I also bought a warrenty with each car. I would buy the newest car I could aford.

I have owned lots of Honda motorcycles and ATVs in my lifetime, and beat the heck ot of them, they did not break. If the car is half as reliable as those bikes it is a great deal. Thats why I chose Honda

I have nevr owned a FWD car so I can't speak for that however the power band in the S2K is set up in such a way that the car will not get away from you unless you really go for it. I have been to the driving school and it was an eye opener, however I used my wife's c-5 for that.

The S2Ks are the funnest cars I have ever owned. Yes even more fum than the corvettes and we have had two of those also.

Hope this helps

 

My own reasoning for that is that, beyond the cost factor that betterth mentioned, is that I live in an area that can get quite a bit of snow. It has it's benefits for winter driving, but also there are few RWD cars that can deal with snow as decently as the S (from my experience).

Also, as sad as it is, I didnt really "think" when I drove other than the typical necessities to keep safe while on the road until the celica...and thats when I started to really get fed-up with FWD

 

i never thought i would hear someone say that about a stock s2000

 

The S is a fast car. People get caught up in the "scene" of modders and enthusiasts and forget that a car that can do 0-60 in 5.5 - 5.9 (driver depending) is in reality, a very fast car.

Sure, it may not hold a candle to something with a V8 on the track, and may not a extraordinary powerful machine stock, it's still very powerful comparatively.

Look at it this way: my accord was what 90hp? My Pulsar was probably no more than 105 hp. My Max has 190hp/205torque and is relatively quick, but it's FWD, automatic and a sedan that weighs 3,001 lbs.

I'm very excited about the S2k, it looks like I'll be ready to buy one in just two or three weeks now =)

Thanks for the advice, I appreciate the commentary.

Question: What do I do in the rain? I've heard the S2k is not known for its traction in the rain and like it or not, this will be a daily driver for me and will have to contend with the rainy season coming. Just take it slow, take it easy, I presume?

 

um...i'm sure there are many people here, where the S was thier first RWD car, myself included.

 

Mine is a daily driver. Some people get different sets of tires for the winter depending on where you live. I live in the South and keep the same tires year round. It isn't really a problem until they become worn.