Need some expert S2k advice here!

Looking at two S2k's:

First one is 2004, white, 44K miles, 99% shape except for some very minor driver's outside bolster wear, REALLY nice tan and black interior, bone stock/no mods whatsoever, no trunk spoiler, nothing but factory here, door sills are in almost mint shape, top is in perfect shape, weather stripping is in excellent shape, etc.) I can get this car for $17-$17.5 or so (listed at $18.9K). 50% tire tread left on front/rear

Second one is 2007, red, 46K miles, 85% shape, has some minor scratches on the paint on the sides of the body, some big scrapes, chips, etc. on the bottom of the front spoiler, etc. all black interior with about 15% more bolster wear, but not too bad. door sills are a bit scratched up from enter, exit. Top in in great shape, as is rubber weather stripping, etc. Only mod I can see is someone added a black low profile trunk spoiler, and it looks tasteful (nice, does not stand out garrishly) I can get this car for $18-$18.5 (listed at $19.9K) 70% tire tread left on front/reat

Both cars have excellent under the hood cleanliness, and stock air boxes (no engine mods to either engine that I can see.

I drove both cars, and noticed the below:

1) 2004 seemed to shift just a bit smoother, although the 2007 shifted VERY smoothly (no complaints with either, and I would be happy driving either! Were there any tranny/shifter differences between the 2004 and 2007?)

2) 2004 seemed to ride about 25% stiffer/more road noise than the 2007. To be fair, the cars are at two different dealerships, with different roads, but the 2004 seemed a bit less "refined" and rode stiffer in my opinion. The 2007 seemed to ride smoother/less bumpy, and firmly planted. Not sure how much of this is simply tire choice (both have stock factory rims), or suspensions? Personally, I liked the way the 2007 rode, a bit nicer feel in my opinion for weekend highway/street driving.

3) 2007 seemed to be a bit faster than the 2004, under acceleration. This could have just been subjective, but the 2007 seemed to accelerate faster to me.

Which car is the better buy?

The white one is in better shape, less wear, but only by about 15% or so.

The red one has a bit more wear, and has scratches in the paint that will need to be buffed out. The scratches on the bottom of the front spoiler won't buff out, might have to have the lower part of the spoiler Line-X or something like that to hide the scratches, nicks, etc.


My question is that 3 years difference on the two cars seems like a lot to me. The white one is 3 years older, but in better shape and same miles roughly, and $1K cheaper.

The red one is 3 years NEWER, $1K MORE expensive, and 15% more wear to the car on the whole (but still very presentable!)

Is the white 2004 a better buy, or did Honda make changes to the 2007 that would make it more desireable?

I would assume that the 2004 is a "second generation" car (2004-2006), and that the red 2007 is the last (third) gen car (2007-2009)
since the first gen (9K redline) cars are 2000-2003?

Am I losing anything buying the 3 year older gen 2 white S2k, versus the newer red 2007 S2K?
I really like the tan/black interior of the 2004, I have not seem many of that interior color scheme around. The red with all black seems much more common color choice, as I see more of those. Is this true?

Any comments/advice, etc on which car is the better deal would be GREATLY appreciated!

thanks!
Jason

 

I would go with the '04. White with a tan interior is probably the most coveted color scheme produced in the US. People also don't seem to be very fond of the Drive-By-Wire system used in the '06+. If the '04 shifts smoother and it's in better shape, forget the 3 year age difference. I'm pretty curious as to why the '07 doesn't shift as smoothly? That would be a deal killer to me.

 

White comes at a premium. If you love white get it, otherwise wait and get a PERFECT 04/05 for $16k. Or spend 15 on one with minor imperfections.

 

I think you answered your own question right there. Get the 07

 

Honestly I'd wait, but if I had to pick, I'd get the NFR. Otherwise I'd wait for a different colored 06+

VSA + Flashpro =

 

Just buy the one thats in better shape and offers you more bang for the buck

Ride quality depends on the tires and suspension on both cars. Was the 04 stock and what kind of tires did it have?

In my experience I've found the one 04 I drove to be smoother. Perhaps it had a high quality MTF.

If buying again (that is another S2000) I'd pick an AP1 or the 2004-2005 models. Why? I think DBW is not quite as accurate and responsive as having a throttle cable. Also with all my cars having DBW, I miss having a car with a throttle cable.

If I were in your shoes I'd pick the one in the best condition that fit within my budget. No matter what year car you buy, they are all fun.

 

GPW would be my colour of choice over the two cars, but in this case I'd go for the 07 as its newer AP2 model version. DBW is imo the added bonus. I've had an 00 and now an 06 DBW and personally I prefer the more modern aspects of the AP2 MY06. I'd be hitting up the dealer to clean up the paint work as a part of the deal. Overall the 07 for an extra $1k makes for a better deal in the log run.

 

One last question for you all....I plan on putting on a science of speed or other supercharger.
Which year would be better for a supercharger? DRive by wire ('07) MAP sensor, or normal throttle cable ('04) no MAP sensor, or does it not matter?

 

Honestly just get what YOU want and think is a good deal. Some people will walk away from deals while others will jump on it, it just depends on what you want. Since you said you liked the feel of the 07 better, I would get that. NFR is a very nice color and stands out from the crowd too.

Also if you are planning on supercharging it, I think the 07 would still be the best option since you can just get flashpro to tune it to get better power out of it, and it will be safer.

 

the dbw cars always make more power and flash-pro is cheap.. If i ever get a 2nd S it'll be an 06+