rlich87

Hi all,

Wanted to check this place out and start gathering info before I purchase. Seems like "the" place over some other communities, so, hey!

Is there some sort of FAQ or crash course on S2000's around here? I research the shit out of stuff before I buy it, so thats what I'm looking to do. Perhaps a little background on me, too, is helpful, because I can't decide if I want the earlier version of the car or the later version.

I mainly have been into old British roadsters the past 5 years or so, and I've owned quite a few of them (2 MGB's, a Triumph TR4A, TR6, Jaguar E-Type, etc.) I have decided to sell my MG as it's just simply too damn vintage, I need something a little more serious, and the S2000 is the perfect answer for that. Six speed, couple hundred horsepower, AC, power top, good handling...I feel it's more of a serious car than say a Miata or a Sky (which were two other vehicles that quickly got crossed off the list). The S2000 seems like an amazingly engineered product and right up my alley.

My daily car is a John Cooper Mini. So, I like small cars and I LOVE two seat no-frills roadsters.

The sort of driving I'll be doing is cruising. I may take it out to a track once or twice, but I'm not doing any racing. I also do not plan on modifying the car at all. I want a 100% original car, down to the last detail (not that there's anything wrong with modifying, that's just what I like. Anyways, you know, the occasional goose of the throttle getting on the expressway and the spirited Sunday drive is what I'm doing, basically.

So I guess what I'm asking is, what are the traits of the AP1 vs AP2? I'm shooting to spend $14,000-16,000 on a car. I would be reluctant to splurge much more but I'll consider all things.

Look forward to hanging out here...seems like a wealth of information!!!

Royal

2000ths

sounds like an AP2 for you. it's a little nicer and more refined, easier for weekend cruising. if you are not modding then anything from '04 up is good.

rlich87

Thanks!!! Sounds good...I'll look at the 04+ then!

12DollarBill

Welcome to the community man. Here's a list of the changes to the S2000 over the years, read up. http://s2000.com/forums/all-other-ho...the-years.html

Knella15

Welcome! I would drive both models before you decide. That way you can really be sure. Just make sure to drive a 02-03 AP1 so you can have a rear glass window and a few other nice features.

rlich87

Thanks for the suggestions guys...

I've been finding the general forum very helpful. Lots of good "to look for's" and faqs etc. That's the sorta stuff I was after.

iammrfancypants

really depends on what you want. yes ideally an ap2 would be nice. newer, lower mileage typically, small better features/parts on them. but then again maybe a ap1 thats an 01 (oh no dreaded plastic rear window) you stumble across with 17k on it and is grand prix white on red interior (pretty desired).. and more or less 100% mint, unmolested comes into your life like me. what im saying is they are both comparable and if you find what you want and its an ap1, i wouldnt hesitate to buy it.

starrman

Seems we have similar backgrounds... I owned a few MG's, TR6, Stag, XKE's...etc.. if you like the MG barbones, then you will find yourself more at home in an AP1, they both have their advantages and disadvantages...just like any car. The earlier models through 2003 are the AP1's and had the 9k redline and no electronic suspension, which is not in all the later models...good luck with your search, you will find everything you need right here.

rlich87

Starmann,

Great to meet you - glad I've got something in common with someone in here. The S2000 is a spiritual successor to a lot of the old English sports cars. It is what they should have become! TR6 is probably not a long term hold, will go too eventually...but it's a lot of fun. It's a 1976 with 19,000 original miles. Still a tight, problem-free car. The MGB I have is a very early car ('63) with non-synchro first, overdrive, 60,000 original miles. Had my fun with it, time to let it go...the appeal of a 220hp, 6spd, power top, etc is enticing.

Thanks for the input!!

Royal