I've had a 1991 Porsche Carrera 2 for years and I've been thinking of selling it for an S2k. I love my car but have been wanting a convertible and am tired of repairs that invariably cost big $$. I've had Hondas in the past (Interceptor 500 bike, CRX Si) and found them to be bulletproof and inexpensive to repair. After test driving an S2k it took all day to wipe the grin off my face.

I have been having a hard time finding out much info on reliability of S2Ks. Are they like all other Hondas? I've heard about issues with the transmission and rear differential--what's up--does this only happen to racers dropping the clutch at 7k rpm or cars w/major HP mods? How is general reliability? What's the story on the 4th cylinder oil starvation issue?

BTW, just in case--anyone want to buy a sweet 911?
http://www.craigslist.org/pen/car/14440550.html

Thanks for the feedback!

 

If you like the feel of the porsche and want to rid yourself of your problems, get the S. Your life will and outlook on it will completely change. Having a convertible is like an addiction. Scratch that, an obsession

Even with the highly strung motor, it still is a Honda. The reliability is def there. Most of the stories you here are from negligence or driver error. Key word here is most.

4th cylinder scoring mainly occurred in early 00 models, i dont believe any have happened since then. Honda did make a change though in mid 02 to new jet bolts, but according to Honda, this had nothing to do with the 4cyl scoring.

Seriously though, this is an enthusiasts car. While it may not be the fastest car in any category, it def is one of the most fun to drive.

 

I went from a Boxster S (which had a few little problems, but nothing major) the the S2000 (which has so far been trouble free, except for a soon-to-expire clutch).

In terms of the overall experience, I preferred the Boxster, but judged purely on the basis of performance and driving fun, I think the two cars are very well matched. Their strengths are in very different areas, though.

Can't go wrong with either car!

Steve

 

If not abused (like some owners do, with NOS and all other stuff), an S2K will be just as reliable as other Hondas, though some parts will wear out much quicker because it's a sports car afterall, like the clutch, etc.

One can't go wrong with an S2K for under $40K. It's simply awesome, and its qualities and reliability are top-notch.

Good luck with any decision you may make!

 

Had a Porsche 944 Turbo, not a 911 but the experience I had with that car was bitter / sweet to say the least.

I really enjoyed the car but any noise I heard just created fears of $. Since, I am not a do it yourselfer nor a rich guy, the fun was sucked out of it.

Ultimately, that fear and experience pushed me towards a new S2000 over a used Boxster S.

A friend of mine has a Boxster S and while I really like the car, I really, really like the S2000. To me, it is more fun to drive and not fearing the $$$$ for repair makes it even that much more enjoyable.

Good luck!

 

davep356,

IMO, it's a bit early to judge the absolute reliability of the S2000. There aren't all that many really high mileage examples out there, so it's hard to get a grip on the car's reliability as the miles rack up, say, to over 100k miles.

But, general reliability looks good so far. From browsing this board, it seems that the rear differential issues occasionally occur on stock cars, but are definitely much, much more prevalent on supercharged or turbocharged cars, or those subjected to clutch drops. The transmission issues, such as the 1-->2 grind or 2-->3 notchiness, generally don't seem to cause any noticeable damage, and are primarily an irritation. I have a '02 with 41k miles on it and everything's been fine so far.

That having been said, I've never personally owned a Porsche, but a good friend owns a '91 Carrera, which I've spent a lot of time in, and I absolutely LOVE that car. I'd say I get a bit more of a rush from the S2000 since it's so high-revving, but all around, I think I like the Porsche marginally better. It has good amounts of torque and pulls hard all through the power band, and the handling is sweet! Then again, I've never had to pay to maintain one...

 

Both are great cars, you can't beat the s2000 for price and you obviously loved the test drive . Go for it !

 

Sold a 911 Turbo and was without a "car" for a while. No where near as exotic as the '79 930 or as fast but... roof down and crusin' with my wife this week was hard to beat...even with a Spa Yellow S2K I didn't get the attention as the 930...

wouldn't trade it ...well maybe a 930 cabrio......?!

 

not an ex- owner,
but almost got a boxster before i got my s2000.
test drove and made deposit,
then when i drove my friend's s2000 i changed my mind.

... then again, boxster doesn't really count as a porche so i can't say anything. haha.

 

A '00Boxster, an '02 Boxster S, and an '02 911 cab. Had to deal the cab as my wife decided she wanted a beach house.

There's really nothing quite like a Porsche. Great cars, yes, but there's a mystique about them, say what you want, they are magic. All of that history, all of those wonderful, beautiful cars stretching back to the 356 and the 550, the classic 911's, Steve McQueen and his 917 at Lemans. The cars have always been built to maximize the thrill of driving.

Having said that Porsches have never been and probably never will be built for value. You pay for the mystique as well as the hardware. Undoubtedly, the s2000 (and cars like the Z06) are better value.

I think the s2000 is the truer sports cars, at least when compared to the new P-cars (the 986
Boxster and the 996 911). Because Porsches are so expensive, the company has had to play the demographic game and soften the cars up a bit for more affluent (and therefore generally older buyers). I have read post after post from Porsche owners about how the company has gone too "GT," too much leather, too much weight. Of course, many of these guys wouldn't consider the s2000, a car that would provide the driving experience they desire. The Honda just doesn't have those 7 magic letters . . .

I've enjoyed my s2000, I love it's no compromise approach to driving. It's a great car and a great bargain. It's at least as much fun as the Boxsters and it doesn't have the Porsche identity crisis . . . am I a sports car or am I a luxury GT car. The honesty of the car, it's reliability and it's true value are refreshing.

Having said all of that, can't wait until I can afford a 993 Turbo