I'm going next weekend to look at a 2001 yellow ap1 with 91k miles. It looks good so far but I was reading the thread outlining the year to year changes. From 2001 to 2002 it said Honda upgraded the suspension and a few other things from the factory. My question is the 2001 still a good year? Or is it worth waiting to try to find a 2002 or 2003.

Thanks.

 

I like the 2002-2003 simply due to a little or neutral suspension geometry, the nicer (imo) interior trimmings, and especially the glass rear window. If the car you found is just a slamming deal, just buy it and upgrade the top later on. Otherwise I'd wait.

 

Seems like you've researched the differences. I think it really depends on what you want and personal preferences, right?

 

2001 is for the cool kids, see my sig for details Also yellow!


But seriously, if you can find an 02+ that would be good if only for the glass rear window. Besides that, as I've consistently said in other threads, I don't think there's really enough differences between ANY year of S2000's that justifies a high level of scrutiny.

If anything, you may want to try finding an S with lower miles depending on your price range.

 

I'm not wanting to start any flame wars. I bought a 2001 S when I was ignorant of the car. I've learned a lot since then, and I'm very happy with my choice. Yes, I'll upgrade the top to get a glass window in time. I've change out door panels to get audio tweeters installed. I did change to 17" AP2v1 wheels. I have about 80k miles on it (got it 4 years ago with 45K miles). I'm very pleased with my S. If you can find a newer model with less miles in your budget, go for it.

Otherwise, if you can get the maintenance history, 91k wouldn't be bad for a 2001. Lots of fun on the track and autocross, as well as driving in mountains or city streets.

 

i love MY00, and I got a new soft top for it, and stuck with the plastic window. For some reason, I prefer the plastic, due to the reason that it's a bigger view, less blind spots.

 

have had an 01 for ten years. boughtit with 66k on the clock. just turned 234k today. sc charged it a couple months back with 231k on it. 91k is not a lot. differences eh. just remember to check the oil religiously! if you don't abuse it, it will last a long time. what year is the best......00 to 09! nuf said. buy it! you won't regret it. I would have it checked out by someone who knows the s.

 

Happy 01 owner here ! I was debating on a newer one for the extra power. But so glad I stayed with the older ones. 9k rev ftw

 

The one I'm looking at looks good, no red flags, etc. And I've learned what I can about the S2000 from this forum, however I'm by no means an expert on the car or a mechanic for that matter. Should I definitely have the car checked out when purchasing? I have a checklist so to speak from this forum, which I intend to use but would it really be worth it to take it to a shop or something before buying to make sure it's good to go?

 

My check list consisted of
Check oil immediately
Start up with hood opening to listen for knock
Check tire tread
Check to make sure the cel turns on when u start the car and then turns off
Check the top for tears
Drop the clutch in 3rd gear at a low rpm and floor it to make sure the clutch doesn't slip
Make sure vtec engages
Pull into a gas station pop hood push the throttle cable and listen for knocks or tapping
Check for leaks after test drive
Don't be afraid to walk away if the car doesn't sit well with u