So I was 90% set on a 2003 GPW with tan, then as my searching went on, I found that there are quite a few 2004's for the same price, some with less miles.
So question is this..which should I go for?
I know I won't get that cool 9k redline with the AP2 but i feel that the updated body/lights/wheels, etc will more than make up for only being able to rev to 8k. Are there anythings I should look for with either one?
Anything to be aware of?
Anyone know where I can find one with 35000 or less miles for $21000 or less?
Let me know, Thanks!

 

alright this is where i goes, it is only my own choice if for me to pick.
an old AP1 - if i am going to FI .. things like Turbo and hight amount of HP.
Ap2 faster acces...
better
potentials to get more power if u going FI .
and better tor
either u go FI or NA..
but if u getting one for dailly drive like me.. get the newest one..

 

say what?

 

I think you should make a decision based on something outside of the fact that one car has a 9k RPM redline. If you are all that concerned with having a high redline- go get a bike. There is a lot more to an S2000 than its redline (AP1 or AP2), and I do hope you realize this as you clearly consider yourself in the market for one.
As far as the AP2 "only" having the 8k redline; it really isn't as bad as it seems... I know some people would have you believe it isn't as potent or fun, but the only way you will find out is by driving them yourself. In fact- turn off your computer now, go find a couple of cars that are broken in (with at least 10k miles each) and drive them; because you will never get an answer that matters by asking other people. Experience it yourself.
Get what you can afford and get something you can stand to look at in the years to come. After all, it will be your car; not the forums' car. Make your own decision, and do it without regrets.

 

Don't be offended if not very many people answer your question... I personally think the search function is a bitch on this forum.

it seems that you're already aware of the differences... asking a personal opinion like that and you'll only end up with bias opinions. No one with an ap1 will favor the ap2 and vice-versa.

One thing i have noticed is that most people favor the cosmetics of the ap2, but prefer the engine of an ap1. an ap2 costs a bit more than the ap1... but also with some swift upgrades an ap1 can look very similar to an ap2.

so just to help you out, get an 02 or 03 and use the saved money to get taillights, headlights, bumper and lip, and some wheels. you might even have enough some money left over to later start your way to get an FI kit... which i can guarantee you'll be looking into later on.

there you go.. best of both worlds. my 2 cents.

 

ap2 is more street friendly especialy 2006 version, ap1 is more track, i have an ap1 which is track, but i want an ap2 for daily

 

andykim7: thanks for putting it out there like that rather than getting all fired up. I am more than aware of the differences, but was looking for personal preferences and opinions.
I'm not looking for a track car or a car to turbo...just a slightly modified daily driver. I think I will wait and see what comes about.
Most importantly to me, and hopefully to all of you, is that I love s2000's and cannot wait to get mine!!

 

Unless you drive both back to back you will probably love the hell out of whichever you get. If you already know the difference only back to back hard test drives will tell you if the difference matters to you. Otherwise, treat your buying decision like there is no difference. Get the one you can get the best deal on in terms of price, age, mileage, condition, convenience, color, warranty (if any), etc.

 

and thats why the ap2 can run a slightly faster time on a track

i owned an ap1 for about a year before trading in for an ap2, the only reason i didnt get an ap2 in the first place is cause i couldnt afford it.

the ap1 is a great car and revving to 9k is definitley cool, and at times i miss it, but the ap2 makes up for it in many ways for me, first, being looks, ie; bumpers, lights, wheels, color too. and DO NOT listen to the people that say the torque difference isnt anything, cause it is. it was the first thing i noticed on the 06 test drive, and i was actually surprised. i was one of those biased people that said 10 ft lbs. (or whatever it is), isnt much....but for the ap2's design(2.2), it makes for a much more useable power band.

with the ap2, you will notice you dont have to rev it as high just to keep up with traffic. where as in the ap1, i was always pushing it to vtec for everyday driving. if you want the ap2, and can afford the newer car, get it. its as easy as that.

in the end, they are all s2000's and all perform great.