Just buy the best deal you can find.

A mint 2002 with 50K miles is a better buy than a beat up 2005 with 80K miles.

 

I would update the retainers in the ap1 engine, im not sure but Billman only mentioned you had to do one side, not sure if it was exhaust or intake, but the ap2 style retainers were beefed up compared to ap1 motors.

 

If you look at AP1s, I'd look at 02-03 - better versions with the issues and niggles of the early models worked out, revised ECU, glass rear window, wind shield, other bits and pieces.

 

You will definitely like the feel of the ap2

 

I know but I'm having a hard time finding reasonably priced 02-03 as well as 04-05. I found one 2004 like 2 hours away but the guy was firm on price ($13500), I would have offered him 11.5 or 12. But the economy is tough and cash is king, the right deal will come along.

 

My 2003 only had 40k miles on it, was SSM with all red, and was in PERFECT condition. I only had 1 person come to look at (fortunately he bought it), so when I see these 2002s with 50k miles listed at $17k i just scratch my head.

 

I found my 04 with 144k miles, serviced every 5k miles (with records) at a Honda Dealer for $9k. You just gotta wait to find the right deal.

 

Ya I plan on waiting to find the right deal, not too many ppl are buy 2 seater verts right now lol