Either one is fine. The AP1 doesn't feel that much different than the AP2, and vice versa. Go with the best example that you can afford.

 

Are you going to mod the crap out of it? Just buy an AP1. If not, buy an AP2. Modded AP1 vs Modded AP2 is all about who dumped more money at that point. If your going to save for an AP2, you might as well save more and go for a CR.

But damn, 09 and 37 post... ultra lurker status

 

Thank you all for your feedback, I am surprised by the back and forth actually. I am definitely leaning towards the smarter obvious choice that I stated so at the start of this thread by waiting to finish school, but again I am surprised for those who stated to go for an AP1 now. Here's more of my situation: I am trying to get into the health program my school offers and I have pretty much completed all the pre-requirements for admission into the program save for one class(which I am taking now). This factor of being one class short can be a huge/small factor into getting into the program this year, which is why I am trying to make a decision on what to do should I get in or not this year. I can work full time this year should I not get in the program and go for an AP1 or just wait even more until I finish school. What I was asking more of from owners and enthusiasts on the forum is what I should decide based on your experiences/views of the significance of a used, higher mileage, older AP1 VS a newer AP2 later on.

The rush for a hardtop is for the security and I just really want one right off the bat because I feel it "completes" the car, along with seat locks. Again, thank you all for your feedback!

As for mod plans, No, not right away/it is not a priority at all. I just want to enjoy the pure driving experience of my dream car S2000.

 

When I was first in the market for an S2000, I was first greatly preferring the AP2's that were for sale in my area, thinking they would be a significant improvement over the AP1.

The more I read on these forums though, the more I realized that the AP2 is really only a modest step up from the AP1. As some people on this thread have said, the AP2 is a more refined and well-polished S2000, but it's not really a night and day difference IMO. That said though, I've never driven an AP2 to compare mine to.

I bought my AP1 a little over a year ago with 58K miles for $13,500, and have had absolutely no issues with it (minus a bad injector O-Ring). I enjoy driving the car every day, and the stock power offers a lot of fun to be had.

tl;dr - If I were in your shoes, I would prioritize mileage, price, and overall car condition WAY before even thinking about AP1 Vs. AP2.

 

I am also lurker. Mostly read stuff. I haven't had much seat time in an AP2. I bought an ap1 with higher mileage cause I couldn't afford a low mileage ap1 or ap2. If both AP1 and AP2 were same condition I'd prefer the AP1. I like the AP1 cluster and center console better. Ap2 lip looks good if staying OEM and bumpers are compatible between the two aswell.

Minute details aside, I think AP2 has the edge if staying mostly stock. 2.2, reflashable ecu. Some say they can feel the difference between throttle cable and dbw lol(so is 04-05 ap1.5 i forget). If you go past the slight modification stage then it doesn't matter anymore, cause you can go stroker NA or stroker FI.

Although I'm stock and still prefer AP1 is because of the few things I said above. cluster, center console, and I've got ap2 front rear bumpers with oem front lip. Also I don't care much about the 2.2/ reflashable ecu cause I want to go comptech supercharger one day. Then run the motor hard and rebuild with inlinepro 2.5. It just sucks being broke. Staying stock, story of my life.

 

I know this is random, but APaul1, your profile picture looks very 3D...just wow.

 

Buy an ap1 now. Graduate, sell the ap1 buy a newer s2000. Or just make it perfect and keep it. You need an s2000 now!!!

 

 

This is the viewpoint that gets me so excited !!! Gyahh I dunno. I think I'll consider the decision should I not enter the health program this year.

 

I am a really huge fan of yours. You are always happy to greet new people posting =) What do you feel I should do? Seeing from your sig, I assume you have an AP1?