Hello everybody, i am new here and i have decided that i am going to get one of these awesome cars. However i would like to know what the general consensus is on which model year is the best to get. i did search this but the search function on this forum is not too nice. My main criteria is performance. I am pretty sure that i am going to get an 02-03 grand prix white with red interior and yes i know the obvious stuff such as engine increased in displacement and the suspension changes and what not. So thank you all in advance and let me say that this is an awesome place from what i have experienced so far.

-Ryan

 

I just got my 02 gpw with red interior and imo 02 & 03 are the best. High rev 2.0 motor, glass rear window, improved interior,improved system,nicest tailights and imo better looks then the 04 and up.

 

Please search some more. AP1 versus AP2 discussions come up all the time and they have been discussed ad nauseum. The discussions usually turn into a mud slinging arguement about why someone who bought an AP2 likes it better than the AP1 and vice versa. You'll hear multiple people owning AP1s saying "9k Redline" and AP2 owners saying "torque" and thats about it.

The simple facts are, in terms of straight line performance the two are equal. In the 1/4 mile, neither car has shown that it is faster than the other.

In terms of handling, it varies depending on what track you're on. Some tracks are better for the AP1 and some are better for the AP2. So again its really a wash.

You're better off choosing based on whether or not you want the 9K Redline versus better daily drivability, and the looks / interior of the two cars.

BTW- Grand Prix White is a great color, but its not available with the red interior in 2003. Its only available with a tan interior in 2003.

Good luck, and keep trying that search engine, it does produce results you just need to narrow your search down. Like try searching only in S2000 Talk, only titles, and only posts in the last 365 days.

 

alright thanks for your quick replies. I am pretty positive that i am going to be getting an 02 then if that is the only option i have for the red interior, which i am pretty set on. I want the 2.0 anyways. i just thought that this post might help somepeople out. i knew that it must be discuseed quite often i just couldnt find any threads. so thanks again and next time i will search more (i spent about an hour searching though)

 

03' Why not it's one year newer still has warrantee. There is no engine diffence between it and the '02.

 

Get it certified mine has bumper to bumper till 09 only cost an extra 2k.

 

That is a 3rd party plan. Where they contract that out to may not be the same for me as would be for you. They used some place in Houston Texas for me when I had my S. They shortly went out of business.

 

Ever thought about test driving the AP1 and AP2 back to back? Our opinions don't really matter, you're the one who'll pay for and drive it.

I'd be happy w/ any year S2000.

 

I've test driven about 6 of them in the last week.
My observations:

'01 with 52k miles = A little rougher shifter, and rough ride
'02 with 56k mles = very nervous highway manners, shifter was nice
'04 with 7k miles = Smoothed out ride ( smoother than the 02s) but... I did miss the last 1k RPMs ... (Just as fast as the early engine, just not as fun to rev)

I ended up with an '02, that didnt seem "nervous" on the highway. I slightly preferred the '04 overall, but it was also $6k more!

 

i am going to test drive both. just going on stats though i like the 02-03 and yes, the price helps