Hey everyone, I'm new to s2ki. I don't have an S2000 (yet), or my own car (I just use my Mom's car), but lately I have fallen deeply in love with S2000s -especially after seeing my cousin's S2000 in person and riding in it- and reading the posts on this forum made me want one even more. So I was wondering, for a first car, and as a University student (entering 3rd year), do you think I would be able to afford an S2000, and would it be fine as my first car? Just wanted your opinion as whether this is a feasible dream lol

 

Welcome. My personal opinion - I would hold off until after college and when you have a steady sufficient amount of income... and a safe/secure garage. Sure, S2000s can be good reliable daily drivers and even do ok in the winter with appropriate tires but if/when things start to break, it can get expensive (S2000 parts aren't cheap). Plus, if you get hit with the mod bug, things can get even more expensive. My S2000 is a garage king/weekend warrior and my daily is an RSX. My daily before that was a beat-up Integra. The RSX and Integra make great dailies IMO because I don't have to worry as much about leaving them in a public parking lot all day like I would the S2000, plus the RSX and Integra are both hatchbacks which means lots of trunk space. There was a nine-month period when I was forced to daily the S and that sucked. At the time, I didn't have a huge window office or a two-way alarm on the S so I couldn't watch over all day long at work. I think someone backed into it early on and then someone went through the parking lot and put fliers under everyone's windshield wipers which wouldn't have been a big deal but the fliers were on thick paper and it was windy that day so it flapped against my hood and scratched the crap out of the paint. Ok, so I make it sound worse than it really was but still, I was pretty upset. Another thing to consider is theft - it might or might not be a big problem in your area but is becoming more and more of a problem in certain areas, mostly larger metropolitan areas seems like. What would you do and how upset would you be if someone broke into and/or stole your S2000? ... which brings up another question to consider - how much would full coverage insurance run you and would you be able to afford that on top of car payments, maintenance, etc.

Just my opinion, which is what you asked for. I tend to lean a bit towards the OCD side of the spectrum (very meticulous) so you might not be as much of a worry wort as me.

 

All you said is very good, thanks for your opinion. Don't worry, I have crazy amounts of OCD too lol.

I used to like S2000s but didn't let myself fall too deeply in love with them because I knew if I wanted one it would be a "dangerous love affair" because they were expensive and such. So, I settled for less and I wanted an EG or EK. But the inevitable happened, and I started looking into S2000s and fell deeper in love.
We have snow in the winter so I can drive it for the summer and then I can take the bus to school like I always have. Also I think EG and EK insurance is more expensive here than an S2000. Theft on Civics is crazy in Toronto, maybe more than S2000s, but I could be wrong. I am hoping to get into co-op next summer so hopefully I will get more money through that. But I guess an EK is a better alternative? It's just that a Civic will always be a Civic when compared to a full out sports car like the S...

 

I hear ya. Have you driven one yet? That's what really pushed me over the edge. Once I test drove one, I could hardly sleep at night because I wanted one so bad!!

 

So far, I sat in my cousin's s2k and I rolled it a few feet so I can get it under a street lamp, so that I can get a picture in it (it was dark outside) I am afraid to drive one because I'm afraid of falling deeper in love lmao

 

 

I was/am in the same boat as you. 20 years old going on 21.

Had a great deal lined up: 2003 Honda S2K with ~86k miles with a full alpine sound system installed for $10k.
Went to put the car on my parents insurance and this was the results:

Listing me as a priamry driver would raise the insurance cost $1,600 per year.

This is with no current tickets, no accidents, and a 3.3 gpa as a mechanical engineering full time student. (Lots of discounts)
Needless to say, I was unable to purchase this car (what a steal it would be too).

I will resume S2K shopping during the winter season (towards the end of junior year when there are cheaper s2k prices) and attempt to search for a cheaper insurance company since I will have to be on my own plan.

This was using Erie insurance (who the fawk are they?) in the state of Maryland as a male. If I was a female, insurance would probably be less than $1,000. (How does that make sense?)

 

I bought my car before uni started, if i could do it over again, id wait until after.

sure its nice to drive around in a badass s2k. you get the stares, compliments and such. but it can get expensive quickly.

say you buy an ap1 with a higher kms, within time youll have to start doing more maintenance that you may or may not expect. I have to do the clutch on mine and thatll run me around $800. thats a years worth of textbooks.

then you have to get a winter beater to 5-6 months, having two cars on insurance sucks.

which uni are you at? if youre at one downtown TO like UofT or Ryerson parking is a bitch. I pay $1450 a year just to park my car on campus.

end of the day, its what makes you happy. if you have to cash to get one and keep up with uni expenses: go for it

 

Im in my 4th year of University now and bought mine a couple of years ago, was my first car as well

A bunch of things to consider when getting the car.

1. Whats your budget like? -- Can the money be better used towards school and you purchase a shitty beater for the meantime ?

2. Do you really need a car? -- Access to transit and your moms car.

I only say consider these because when you have a car with an approx value of 12-15k its counted as an asset that you own and should you require or rely on OSAP to pay for school, kiss that goodbye. Its a direct deduction minus 8000 from your estimate or something around that number. (value - 8k that is )

Now once you realize that your going to have to fully finance your schooling yourself or through your parents you can move on to looking at the car.

3. Year and mileage - Depending on that you have some decent size expenses coming up, not to mention the cost of the car which has been on the rise the last two years.

4. Maintenance plan - expensive and extensive to keep your car in good shape. This is for extreme conditions which I like to follow even though my car is only out for the summer. Better safe than sorry.

Get ready to read (Not my plan, I got it off a post a while ago)

Maintenance Schedule for Extreme Conditions.

This schedule is to be followed if you drive in one or more of these conditions most of the time:
Trips of less than 5 miles (less than 10 in freezing weather)
Extremely hot weather (over 90 degrees F)
Extensive idling or stop-and-go driving
Trailer towing, driving with a car-top carrier, or driving in the mountains
Muddy, dusty, or de-iced roads

3,750 mi/6,000 km
Replace engine oil and filter.

7,500 mi/12,000 km
Replace engine oil and filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Check tire inflation and condition.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.

11,250 mi/18,000 km
Replace engine oil and filter.

15,000 mi/24,000 km/1 yr
Replace engine oil and filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Check tire inflation and condition.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Replace air cleaner element.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Replace rear differential fluid.
Lubricate all hinges, locks, and latches with multi-purpose grease.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids, and check for leaks.
#Inspect exhaust system.
#Inspect fuel lines and connections.
Check all lights.
Inspect the underbody.
# = See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page 151 of your owner's manual.

18,750 mi/30,000 km
Replace engine oil and filter.

22,500 mi/36,000 km
Replace engine oil and filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Check tire inflation and condition.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.

26,250 mi/42,000 km
Replace engine oil and filter.

30,000 mi/48,000 km/2 yrs
Replace engine oil and filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Check tire inflation and condition.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Replace air cleaner element.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Replace rear differential fluid.
Lubricate all hinges, locks, and latches with multi-purpose grease.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids, and check for leaks.
#Inspect exhaust system.
#Inspect fuel lines and connections.
Check all lights.
Inspect the underbody.
# = See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page 151 of your owner's manual.
Inspect drive belt.
Replace dust and pollen filter*.
* = See dust and pollen filter on page 187 of your owner's manual for replacement information under special driving conditions.

33,750 mi/54,000 km
Replace engine oil and filter.

37,500 mi/60,000 km
Replace engine oil and filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Check tire inflation and condition.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.

41,250 mi/66,000 km
Replace engine oil and filter.

3 years
Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).

45,000 mi/72,000 km/3 yrs
Replace engine oil and filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Check tire inflation and condition.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Replace air cleaner element.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Replace rear differential fluid.
Lubricate all hinges, locks, and latches with multi-purpose grease.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids, and check for leaks.
#Inspect exhaust system.
#Inspect fuel lines and connections.
Check all lights.
Inspect the underbody.
# = See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page 151 of your owner's manual.

48,750 mi/78,000 km
Replace engine oil and filter.

52,500 mi/84,000 km
Replace engine oil and filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Check tire inflation and condition.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.

56,250 mi/90,000 km
Replace engine oil and filter.

60,000 mi/96,000 km/4 yrs
Replace engine oil and filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Check tire inflation and condition.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Replace air cleaner element.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Replace rear differential fluid.
Lubricate all hinges, locks, and latches with multi-purpose grease.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids, and check for leaks.
#Inspect exhaust system.
#Inspect fuel lines and connections.
Check all lights.
Inspect the underbody.
# = See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page 151 of your owner's manual.
Inspect drive belt.
Replace dust and pollen filter*.
* = See dust and pollen filter on page 187 of your owner's manual for replacement information under special driving conditions.
Replace transmission fluid.

63,750 mi/102,000 km
Replace engine oil and filter.

67,500 mi/108,000 km
Replace engine oil and filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Check tire inflation and condition.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.

71,250 mi/114,000 km
Replace engine oil and filter.

75,00 mi/120,000 km/5 yrs
Replace engine oil and filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Check tire inflation and condition.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Replace air cleaner element.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Replace rear differential fluid.
Lubricate all hinges, locks, and latches with multi-purpose grease.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids, and check for leaks.
#Inspect exhaust system.
#Inspect fuel lines and connections.
Check all lights.
Inspect the underbody.
# = See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page 151 of your owner's manual.

78,750 mi/126,000 km
Replace engine oil and filter.

82,500 mi/132,000 km
Replace engine oil and filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Check tire inflation and condition.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.

86,250 mi/138,000 km
Replace engine oil and filter.

6 years
Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).

90,000 mi/144,000 km/6 yrs
Replace engine oil and filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Check tire inflation and condition.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Replace air cleaner element.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Replace rear differential fluid.
Lubricate all hinges, locks, and latches with multi-purpose grease.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids, and check for leaks.
#Inspect exhaust system.
#Inspect fuel lines and connections.
Check all lights.
Inspect the underbody.
# = See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page 151 of your owner's manual.
Inspect drive belt.
Replace dust and pollen filter*.
* = See dust and pollen filter on page 187 of your owner's manual for replacement information under special driving conditions.

93,750 mi/150,000 km
Replace engine oil and filter.

97,500 mi/156,000 km
Replace engine oil and filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Check tire inflation and condition.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.

101,250 mi/162,000 km
Replace engine oil and filter.

105,000 mi/168,000 km/7 yrs
Replace spark plugs.
Inspect valve clearance.
Check idle speed.
Replace engine oil and filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Check tire inflation and condition.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Replace air cleaner element.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Replace rear differential fluid.
Lubricate all hinges, locks, and latches with multi-purpose grease.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids, and check for leaks.
#Inspect exhaust system.
#Inspect fuel lines and connections.
Check all lights.
Inspect the underbody.
# = See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page 151 of your owner's manual.

108,750 mi/174,000 km
Replace engine oil and filter.

112,500 mi/180,000 km
Replace engine oil and filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Check tire inflation and condition.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.

116,250 mi/186,000 km
Replace engine oil and filter.

120,000 mi/192,000 km/8 yrs
Replace engine oil and filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Check tire inflation and condition.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Replace air cleaner element.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Replace rear differential fluid.
Lubricate all hinges, locks, and latches with multi-purpose grease.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids, and check for leaks.
#Inspect exhaust system.
#Inspect fuel lines and connections.
Check all lights.
Inspect the underbody.
# = See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page 151 of your owner's manual.
Inspect drive belt.
Replace dust and pollen filter*.
* = See dust and pollen filter on page 187 of your owner's manual for replacement information under special driving conditions.

9 years
Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).

120,000 mi/192,000 km/10 yrs
Replace engine coolant, then replace every 60,000 mi/96,000 km/5 yrs.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Maintenance Schedule for normal conditions:


7,500 mi/12,000 km
Replace engine oil.
Check tire inflation and condition.

15,000 mi/24,000 km/1 yr
Replace engine oil.
Check tire inflation and condition.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Replace engine oil filter.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids and check for leaks.
#Inspect exhaust system.
#Inspect fuel lines and connections.
# = See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page 151 of your owner's manual.

22,500 mi/36,000 km
Replace engine oil.
Check tire inflation and condition

30,000 mi/48,000 km/2 yrs
Replace engine oil.
Check tire inflation and condition.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Replace engine oil filter.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids and check for leaks.
#Inspect exhaust system.
#Inspect fuel lines and connections.
# = See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page 151 of your owner's manual.
Replace air cleaner element.
Replace rear differential fluid.
Replace dust and pollen filter.
Inspect drive belt.

37,500 mi/60,000 km
Replace engine oil.
Check tire inflation and condition.

3 years
Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).

45,000 mi/72,000 km/3 yrs
Replace engine oil.
Check tire inflation and condition.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Replace engine oil filter.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids and check for leaks.
#Inspect exhaust system.
#Inspect fuel lines and connections.
# = See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page 151 of your owner's manual.

52,500 mi/84,000 km
Replace engine oil.
Check tire inflation and condition.

60,000 mi/96,000 km/4 yrs
Replace engine oil.
Check tire inflation and condition.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Replace engine oil filter.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids and check for leaks.
#Inspect exhaust system.
#Inspect fuel lines and connections.
# = See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page 151 of your owner's manual.
Replace air cleaner element.
Replace rear differential fluid.
Replace dust and pollen filter.
Inspect drive belt.

67,500 mi/108,000 km
Replace engine oil.
Check tire inflation and condition.

75,000 mi/120,000 km/5 yrs
Replace engine oil.
Check tire inflation and condition.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Replace engine oil filter.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids and check for leaks.
#Inspect exhaust system.
#Inspect fuel lines and connections.
# = See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page 151 of your owner's manual.

82,500 mi/132,000 km
Replace engine oil.
Check tire inflation and condition.

6 years
Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).

90,000 mi/144,000 km/6 yrs
Replace engine oil.
Check tire inflation and condition.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Replace engine oil filter.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids and check for leaks.
#Inspect exhaust system.
#Inspect fuel lines and connections.
# = See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page 151 of your owner's manual.
Replace air cleaner element.
Replace rear differential fluid.
Replace dust and pollen filter.
Inspect drive belt.

97,500 mi/156,000 km
Replace engine oil.
Check tire inflation and condition.

105,000 mi/168,000 km/7 yrs
Replace spark plugs.
Inspect valve clearance.
Check idle speed.
Replace engine oil.
Check tire inflation and condition.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Replace engine oil filter.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids and check for leaks.
#Inspect exhaust system.
#Inspect fuel lines and connections.
# = See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page 151 of your owner's manual.

112,500 mi/180,000 km
Replace engine oil.
Check tire inflation and condition.

120,000 mi/192,000 km/8 yrs
Replace transmission fluid.
Replace engine oil.
Check tire inflation and condition.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Replace engine oil filter.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids and check for leaks.
#Inspect exhaust system.
#Inspect fuel lines and connections.
# = See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page 151 of your owner's manual.
Replace air cleaner element.
Replace rear differential fluid.
Replace dust and pollen filter.
Inspect drive belt.

9 years
Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).

120,000 mi/192,000 km/10 yrs
Replace engine coolant, then replace every 60,000 mi/96,000 km/5 yrs.

5. Insurance - Depending on where you go to school, Desjardins at least for me gives me preferred rates for the area the school is in. I go to Waterloo so my rates are super cheap compared to what they would be in Toronto. (200 per month right now vs 465 in Toronto) This is with zero convictions

6. Winter - I'd recommend parking your car through the winter. Moreso than the car being fine for winter, you're looking at cost of winter tires, generally winter rims, rust proofing, insurance, oil change to suit the temperature.

I actually end up spending less money buying a $500 beater that lasts me one season and then I junk it and get 200$ back.

7. Modifications - If you're anything like me, at any sign of extra money in your account, youll be on the prowl for a new part .... it gets addictive and expensive LOL

8. RWD and first car - One, and I think maybe this should have come up earlier, can you drive a manual car ? Id recommend learning if you dont on something less expensive although it is quite easy to learn with the S. I had the benefit of learning how to drive a manual car when I was younger as my dad drove one so it wasnt hard for me to get the hang of it. What did do me in was the RWD. Its a different machine and the S is tail happy. Good tires are a must in my opinion. Over time you learn to control the car better and generally improve but as a new driver I think this should be something you should definitely consider.

9. And last but not least Theft and fear - It may sound stupid and generally if you live in a nice area, not that big an issue. However being my first car, and the fact that I sunk ALL my money into it, I had nightmare after nightmare of this thing getting stolen for the first 6 months anddd I garage the car every night.

Anyway. I know this is a long read but always realize. Education first, then bring on the toys. I work 4 days a week during school to pay for my car and mods and its not an easy lifestyle to get used to.

Good luck with your search should you want to continue, and I definitely recommend you get one whether it be now or after school or even if you're 50 and can only then afford one.

 

Lots of good info/advice. That appears to be the maintenance schedule from Honda. Couple of maintenance items they don't mention, 1) valve adjustment at least every 75k miles (not sure if that mileage is correct, I think it says in the full service manual though) and 2) retorque the rear axle nuts (factory torque spec is insufficient).