contemplating an S2000
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From: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
contemplating an S2000
Hi, new to the forums, but not to the love of cars or to mucking around with them. 
I'm in Edmonton. From the screen name you can probably tell I'm a Saab nut, but lately I've been feeling that I need a genuine sportscar....so here I am...
Dave aka Xviper told me I could get some good info here. I'm contemplating purchasing an S2000. I was told Gary from Yellowhead Honda is The Man when it comes to these cars. I'd appreciate some tips on what to look for in a used car.
What has been the experience when it comes to compression and leak downs? Higher mileage engines still okay? Any idea what Yellowhead Honda / Gary would charge for a thorough pre purchase inspection?
TIA.
I'm in Edmonton. From the screen name you can probably tell I'm a Saab nut, but lately I've been feeling that I need a genuine sportscar....so here I am...Dave aka Xviper told me I could get some good info here. I'm contemplating purchasing an S2000. I was told Gary from Yellowhead Honda is The Man when it comes to these cars. I'd appreciate some tips on what to look for in a used car.
What has been the experience when it comes to compression and leak downs? Higher mileage engines still okay? Any idea what Yellowhead Honda / Gary would charge for a thorough pre purchase inspection?
TIA.
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 7,731
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From: Calgary, AB
The S2000 engine doesn't seem to suffer from any serious issues in regards to durability... there are numerous people out there with well over 100,000 miles on the F20C motor and it's still running very strong (including someone with over 100k miles supercharged).
These are the things I'd be looking for when shopping used S2000's
1) If the car is a 2000 MY, make sure the engine coolant has been changed
2) If the car is an 00-01, make sure you're okay with the condition of the rear plastic window (it can get quite clouded up and scratched). Also check the convertible top for rips and tears, some people have developed tears in a couple of spots near the back edge of the side windows.
3) Check to see if the differential fluid has ever been changed, and try to ensure it has been changed with the proper fluid. Most Honda dealers have absolutely no idea what fluid to use.
4) Check to make sure all relevant TSB's have been completed (spark plug recall on older models)
5) Take it to Gary and have him do a nice look over, even get it up on a lift to make sure the underside looks to be in good condition, etc.
If you do buy one, take it back to Gary and have him replace all of the fluids (I would do this more for peace of mind than anything else).
Good luck on your search!
These are the things I'd be looking for when shopping used S2000's
1) If the car is a 2000 MY, make sure the engine coolant has been changed
2) If the car is an 00-01, make sure you're okay with the condition of the rear plastic window (it can get quite clouded up and scratched). Also check the convertible top for rips and tears, some people have developed tears in a couple of spots near the back edge of the side windows.
3) Check to see if the differential fluid has ever been changed, and try to ensure it has been changed with the proper fluid. Most Honda dealers have absolutely no idea what fluid to use.
4) Check to make sure all relevant TSB's have been completed (spark plug recall on older models)
5) Take it to Gary and have him do a nice look over, even get it up on a lift to make sure the underside looks to be in good condition, etc.
If you do buy one, take it back to Gary and have him replace all of the fluids (I would do this more for peace of mind than anything else).
Good luck on your search!
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From: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Originally Posted by koala,Aug 21 2006, 03:26 PM
The S2000 engine doesn't seem to suffer from any serious issues in regards to durability... there are numerous people out there with well over 100,000 miles on the F20C motor and it's still running very strong (including someone with over 100k miles supercharged).
These are the things I'd be looking for when shopping used S2000's
1) If the car is a 2000 MY, make sure the engine coolant has been changed
2) If the car is an 00-01, make sure you're okay with the condition of the rear plastic window (it can get quite clouded up and scratched). Also check the convertible top for rips and tears, some people have developed tears in a couple of spots near the back edge of the side windows.
3) Check to see if the differential fluid has ever been changed, and try to ensure it has been changed with the proper fluid. Most Honda dealers have absolutely no idea what fluid to use.
4) Check to make sure all relevant TSB's have been completed (spark plug recall on older models)
5) Take it to Gary and have him do a nice look over, even get it up on a lift to make sure the underside looks to be in good condition, etc.
If you do buy one, take it back to Gary and have him replace all of the fluids (I would do this more for peace of mind than anything else).
Good luck on your search!
These are the things I'd be looking for when shopping used S2000's
1) If the car is a 2000 MY, make sure the engine coolant has been changed
2) If the car is an 00-01, make sure you're okay with the condition of the rear plastic window (it can get quite clouded up and scratched). Also check the convertible top for rips and tears, some people have developed tears in a couple of spots near the back edge of the side windows.
3) Check to see if the differential fluid has ever been changed, and try to ensure it has been changed with the proper fluid. Most Honda dealers have absolutely no idea what fluid to use.
4) Check to make sure all relevant TSB's have been completed (spark plug recall on older models)
5) Take it to Gary and have him do a nice look over, even get it up on a lift to make sure the underside looks to be in good condition, etc.
If you do buy one, take it back to Gary and have him replace all of the fluids (I would do this more for peace of mind than anything else).
Good luck on your search!
-why is a coolant change such a big issue for MY2000? and what diff fluid is preferred?
-I understand that the glass rear window started in MY02. I dunno if this is gonna be a huge concern for me, I figure I'll be driving the thing most of the time with the top down...
That said though, I also read somewhere that it's possible to swap to a glass window? Can anyone confirm?-I'm rather handy with my tools, I'm a bit of a shadetree mechanic - you can see my Saab here - http://members.shaw.ca/saaboteur - fluid changes and general maintenance - all doable with regular tools at home?
-any other TSBs I should be aware of?
Thanks again, appreciate everything. I'm gonna check out a car on Wednesday, but I just want to keep the mind functioning over the heart and make a good decision.
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From: Calgary, AB
The '00 had the older-type coolant that had to be flushed out and changed within a pretty short period of time... I honestly can't remember how many years, 2 or 3? After that they all have Honda's 10 year coolant as far as I can remember.
The glass window can be installed on the 00-01, but it requires you to modify the frame a bit to make it work properly, but it's definitely doable.
You can definitely do all of the maintenance yourself... infact, xviper (Dave) has done a lot of the write-up's on maintenance.
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=108435
I don't think there are any other serious TSB's... but here is a list of them:
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showforum=145
Unfortunately the TSB info located above is only for members, but the $20 a year is well worth it... so if you do get an S2000 I really suggest it!
The glass window can be installed on the 00-01, but it requires you to modify the frame a bit to make it work properly, but it's definitely doable.
You can definitely do all of the maintenance yourself... infact, xviper (Dave) has done a lot of the write-up's on maintenance.
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=108435
I don't think there are any other serious TSB's... but here is a list of them:
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showforum=145
Unfortunately the TSB info located above is only for members, but the $20 a year is well worth it... so if you do get an S2000 I really suggest it!
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From: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Koala, thanks for the help once more. Dave has also been helpful in private email, you guys have been excellent and patient.
Couple other questions - Suzuka blue, I believe the colour is called - when was this first available, and was it ever available WITHOUT a blue interior? I love the exterior colour, but not so sure about the blue interior. Finally, was black exterior with red interior quite rare?
For my Saab, and my MINI Cooper S, I used Bentley service manuals, derived from factory stuff. Is there something similar for purchase for the S2000?
Couple other questions - Suzuka blue, I believe the colour is called - when was this first available, and was it ever available WITHOUT a blue interior? I love the exterior colour, but not so sure about the blue interior. Finally, was black exterior with red interior quite rare?
For my Saab, and my MINI Cooper S, I used Bentley service manuals, derived from factory stuff. Is there something similar for purchase for the S2000?
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From: Calgary, AB
Suzuka blue was only available in Canada for '02 and '03 I believe, and it only comes with the blue interior... I actually don't mind it in person!
Helms makes a great service manual for the S2000, I don't have one personally, but if you plan to do a lot of work, they're great to have.
I would change the diff fluid as often as you change the engine oil... I do mine once a year though, independant of mileage
Most people up here use Mobil 1 75w90 because of the colder temperatures... but if you don't plan on driving it in freezing weather you could do LE607, seems to be the best stuff out there, it's just a little too thick for cold temps.
Helms makes a great service manual for the S2000, I don't have one personally, but if you plan to do a lot of work, they're great to have.
I would change the diff fluid as often as you change the engine oil... I do mine once a year though, independant of mileage
Most people up here use Mobil 1 75w90 because of the colder temperatures... but if you don't plan on driving it in freezing weather you could do LE607, seems to be the best stuff out there, it's just a little too thick for cold temps.
