First I would like to say this is a wonderful community you guys have here and I hope to become a part of it soon. I have been browsing about for hours trying to find my way around and get use to how the site is. I am looking to buy an S2000 within the next few weeks. I test drove one at the dealership and absolutley loved it. I will be looking into a used one though like 00-02. I hope this is the rite section to be posting in. I know at my old forums they use to slam guys who posted in the wrong section. So if I am in the rite place please help the new guy out.

1. What your opinion on the 2.0l engine vs the new 2.2l engine

2. What major differences were made from 01 and up

3. What all exactly does the gauge cluster tell you since its digital.

4. In the 01' is it possible to swap out the center console for the 02 and newer consoles.

5. How is the integrity on the tops 01 being vinyl I have been reading.

6. Would you say the S2k is an affordable car to maintain

This is basically all I can think of as of now. I am pretty knowledgeable person with cars, so I am not afraid to get hands on here and there with the car. But I plan to leave this car alone as much as possible other than maybe an upgraded headunit with xm if I can still use the dash mounted controls that way. Well hope to get some replys.

Thanks In Advance

 

i can answer #6 for you with 3 words and an emoticon. Its a Honda

 

1. 2.0L revs to 9000rpm, 2.2L revs to 8000rpm, but has more low-end torque. I honestly couldn't tell that much of a difference driving around town in both cars. The AP2 did feel a little easier to drive around town, but who buys a sports car forthe comfort factor anyway? Maybe the 1000rpm difference should be the major deciding factor. *Car and driver shows that both 0-60 and 1/4 mile times are very similar

2. AP1 and AP2 differences can be found in other threads, but here's some:
Exterior - front & rear bumpers, front & rear lights, rims, (softer springs?)
Interior - center console, center console plate, shift knob, steering wheel material, radio, radio door, seats, digital gauge arrangement
Engine - 2.0L vs 2.2L

3. The gauge cluster tells you everything a normal car does, except '00. The center shows the speed in digital numbers like a clock. There's an ark around the top that shows the RPMs.

4. If by center console you mean the carpet material (AP1)/vinyl material (AP2), then yes. Rick sells an awesome replacement. If you mean the plastic plate, then no. The AP2's two switches are farther apart than the AP1, so the holes won't line up. My 2006 has 3 switches on it (defroster, roof, hazards), so that definitely won't be compatible.

5. The integrity when looked at in the wear and tear situation of weather and everyday ups and downs will all depend on the weather of the area. There have been occassional problems of the cars scratching up the inside of the roof, but if you're getting a used model, it should be apparent if there's a problem.

6. It's a Honda, so don't fret.

7. Why did I answer all these questions that are available through the search button?
It's 3am and I'm procrastinating from studying ochem. If you're an ochem prodigy, please take my midterm for me next week.

 

I'll answer #1 with an icon: 2.0 =>

 

1) I prefer the 9k 2.0.
2) 00 and 01 are the same. 02-03 have glass rear window, better suspension setup, radio with a clock, fake leather center tunnel cover... 04-05 have 2.2 engine, chassis stiffening, different tires, wheels, suspension, gauge cluster, bumpers, lights, brake pads... 06 have traction control, stability control, DBW
3) Revs, speed, gas , coolant temp, odometer. Plus various idiot lights (check engine, low oil pressure, etc.)
4) No idea.
5) On 00-01 models, the top frame can rub against the top fabric and wear holes into it eventually.
6) Very.

 

a test drive would answer all of the important questions for you...either model. the ap2 has 17 inch rims.

 

Don't forget about the expensive tires when considering if it is affordable to maintain. The tires aren't cheap and they don't last long.

Insurance is another issue to look into



All of your questions have been answered here with a little searching

--> https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=358040


(this is more of an introductions section question I believe)

 

 

They are like erasers! On the same token, don't cheap out and under-tire your S2000 with 99 dollar tires from Costco with 100,000 miles guarantee ...

 

I test drove one a few days ago and I loved it. Now its all about seraching. I just sold my car yesteday but couldnt get my asking price so I had to settle for less. I am hoping the car that I am looking at 250 miles away the guy can work with me a little more. I will work on the search function. Trust me the last thing I want to do is ask a quesiton thats been answered and have someone answer it again. I went by that rule on my old forums.

One last question though. The guy I talked to said his S2k had an 8 year 80,000 mile warranty. It is a 2001, what all does this warranty cover.

Thank you for the replies it helps alot. Now hopefully I'll be sitting in an S2K by labor day weekend.