Bought in October 2003 I drove my car off the showroom floor. Back then there was a "dealer pak" of $4995.00 on the sticker price, and it had been there since the car incepted in 1999. Many paid over sticker to get this extraordinary car. I was lucky enough to negociate my price below sticker and off I went. I had driven a 2001 and a 2003 but never an AP2, bought on faith alone and I was right, obviously.

I had little choice of colors and already had a silver car, but I ended up with Sebring Silver with the red/black interior and still find it a cool choice after all. And over the years the car has become even better looking in my eyes, now it will be some sort of classic soon I expect. Its the Austin Healy I always wanted, except it runs.

So, 67,500 miles and here are the details. One track day. One set of front brakes, a couple of valve adjustments, a few minor trim pieces replaced, fluids and filters complete, a new fan belt and an air pump replaced under warranty. It has been to the dealer once or twice, all the rest has been done by me, and thanks to this forum I have found just what I needed to know to maintain and enjoy my car even more.

Longest trip I have taken was 500 miles round trip. It is not my idea of a long distant vacation car. I have been lucky as this car is my second car. The first car has been replaced several times since I bought the S.

Now that I have 10 years under my belt I am changing all the fluids and filters once again, includes coolant, trans, and diff fluids. Brake fluid was flushed already.

About the only complaint I have ever had is the crap factory stereo, it is still crap.

I have had no issues, I did rear end a large suv, actually went underneath so the bumper did not get replaced. Car was also vandalized while in the body shop lot, so I ended up with a new top then as well. So my carfax will show an accident several years ago, but I chose to keep the car and it looks and runs like new. I just probably have more rattles than most. I walked away from that accident with no injuries, they replaced the fender, lights, hood, and radiator.

A tad noisy now, at least for me, engine, wind and road noise, but the cabin is superb on a warm day with the top down, in fact the top is down most days unless it is raining. That combo, warm day, top down, superb shifter, singing engine....it's what makes the car so special...that and the fact that it runs, can still beat a mini van accross an intersection, gets an average of 22.5 mpg, takes a full load in the trunk from Costco, and costs little to keep up!

I also still enjoy the feeling at vetc of that bump in power and torque and the high pitched roar of the engine for those few seconds.

Oh, I have a 2004 AP2, in case it is not mentioned an place else. Its not for sale.

 

Good times. It's nice to see a write up from a long time owner.

 

How much oil do you burn?

 

I've had my 03 for 10 years as well.Bought it w/3,266 miles now has 90k.Burns 0 oil.

Just routine maint items & new top.

\rlr
Carolina

 

Nice! Wish I had my S since new.

 

No oil leaks or burned....I change oil each 6 months of so which translates to 3000-5000 miles. Use 10/30 from Chevron from costco and a good filter, currently honda filters. I change the crush washer every couple of changes. Never oil use....

 

Bought my '03 new. Looking forward to the tenth anniversary this September. 10 years of autocross, one memorable 6500 mile road trip, and it still looks great! Plan to keep it another ten!

I change the oil with synthetic at about 6500 miles. I've never added more than 1/2 quart between changes. It has never let me down, and has not had anything done to it other than fluid changes.

 

I've had mine 10 years this month also. I ordered it in April 2003 car has a build date of May 2003 and I got her fresh off the truck in June 2003 with 7 miles on her. I'VE had no major problems just routine stuff fluids/filters and I have gone through a LOT of tires! Only complaint would be the stereo I find the car comfortable on trips and I'm 6'3 260 on a light day. 52,700 miles and no regrets!

 

awesome stories from everyone.

 

Another happy 10-year of ownership story here.
Bought new in Dallas in February 2003. 2003 Silverstone with black interior, has been with me ever since.
One check engine light at about 5 yrs of ownership has been its only trip to a Honda dealer, it was a faulty gas neck filler (replaced under extended warranty) no issues or other trips to the dealership, EVER.
Close to 33,000 miles. (Not my daily driver, obviously). Original everything except it has an Arqray exhaust (Formerly Fujitsobo) and a CT high flow air filter.
All fluids and changes are either done by me or a mechanic friend under my direct supervision so everything gets put back together right and torqued to spec correctly.
What can I say about my S: It's not the fastest or fanciest sports car out there, but for a married man with 2 kids (one has been through and one is about to start college) it's the affordable, responsible choice. I drive it, baby it and enjoy it with zero guilt.
I doubt that a car costing twice as much would make me significantly happier. It's a keeper for sure.
Cheers,