Hello all
I posted a thread past summer to buy s2k but i decided to wait.
Anyways, I was going to get 335i but i am not too sure if i really like manual so I decided to get something less risky and get used to it.
I am coming from G35 coupe, which is an auto.
During summer, I had a chance to learn manual (a day...lol) and I am ready to buy one.

If I find one that I like, I will be buying it when I go back to NoVA in 3 weeks and get used to it during winter (not a great time to drive that around but;;

I got couple questions about S2000.
I know that there are AP1 and AP2 (9k vs 8k rpm(?)). When is the last year for both models? (2003 for AP1 and 2006 for AP2?)
What do you say about both models considering mods?
I checked out couple threads and it seemed like it's personal preference but I'd really appreciate if I can get any responses.

Also about the maintenance, is it cheap to maintain? It seems like all the AP1s warranties are gone but can get CPOed...right? (4 year OEM warranty + another 5 year/100000mile warranty?)

My budget is 20g (+ couple grand if needed) but autotrader, yahoo, and other websites are around that price range for avg cars.

I know that you guys expect me to use search button but I will just put my flame suit on and cross my fingers.

I am really looking forward to this car and any suggestion is welcome such as...go buy something else or etc.

Thank you!

 

u donno if u like manual yet u r buying a s2k? dont forget s2k's are manual only - no automatic was ever offered.

on a bright note, if u do buy it, you'll end up loving manual and never go back to automatic again

the ap1, ap2 debate depends on what u want in a car.
my guess here is that since u r comin from a g35 and lookin at 335, u expect a more presentable interior - which the edge goes to ap2 - its likely to be newer and has a refreshed interior as well as exterior.

other impressions - just my opinion - not necessarily fact:

ap1 - higher 1k rpm, less torque, more raw, more twitchy (rear end slide out), better steering ratio. some consider ap1 to be the only pure s2000

ap2 - lower 1k rpm, more torque, dyno also says more hp/tq at the wheel than ap1, more refined, suspension tweak to be softer and smoother. 06+ has traction control, 08 has CR option, bigger wheels, tires..etc

different strokes for different folks

 

well so far, i like how i am more involved when i am driving but i only had 1 day of experience (not even full day) with a manual car.
past 2 cars that i had were nissan/infiniti so i have no knowledge when it comes to honda cars except vtec kicks ass. lol
i am really looking out for GPW/Red int combo but i am more concerned with the condition of the car and if it was maintained properly.
i've never bought a used car before so i am trying to be really careful haha...

based on your info about ap1 and ap2, i am not too concerned for either as long as i find the right car.

i searched entire for sale forum up to september and most of them are sold.
please let me know if you are selling one thanks for the response!
(i've been waiting for the response hehe)

 

Yes, the AP1/AP2 debate CAN go on forever. Like mentioned above, coming from a G35, an AP2 might suit you more. Honestly, you cant go wrong with either car. Both are a blast to drive, and both are fantastic looking.

Last year I traded my 03 in on an 06. The torque bump is nice for city driving, and making quick passes while in 6th gear on the highway. Then it comes down to looks for me. I'm a sucker for how the AP2 looks...bumpers, headlights, wheels, etc...

If your looking to get a 'newer' car, its going to be tough to find an AP1 with less than 20k miles, but they are out there.

Make sure you do plenty of research on this site on both cars, and all designs, ie; AP1- 00-01, 02-03, and the AP2- 04-05, 06-07. Check out the gallery and see which years you like better.

I would prefer an 02-03 for your price range. Little extra features over the 00-01, like rear glass window, tweaters in the doors, aluminum dead pedal, and a few more things.

 

yeah...i am leaning towards newer model at the moment.
i kinda found one under subforum but he posted in september/october...
price is pretty stiff as well but 4 digit mileage and it seems like it's in good condition.

problem is...i have to wait 3 weeks til i get out of the school :/

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=542226

this is the car i was looking at.

 

I've been considering selling mine for the past few weeks. Shoot me a PM if you're still looking, we can talk. Black 04 AP2, 24k miles.

 

Mine is for sale!!! I am in the 757 area will deliver if i have too

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=544554

 

e3opian (Aaron) had his white one for sale about a month or so ago.

 

Thanks for replies.
I am looking for last year AP1 or last year AP2 but I am leaning towards AP2 at the moment...06+
e3opian isnt selling his car atm and looking for lower mileage
I am constantly checking other web sites and for sale subforum.
I am considering 2 cars at this point. Both from VA and MD
Please send me a PM if you are selling your car. (stock preferred, though it's gonna be tough finding stock s2k on this forum haha)

 

Coming from a g35 I would def. recommend getting an AP2 (04-05) will prob be in your $$$ range, alot better looking stock than an AP1 imho but if you buy an ap1 (03 only I would recommend.) you'll have extra $$ to mod