I work at a Honda dealer and get to drive stock ap1s and ap2s often when theyre traded in. The differences between the drive of the ap1 and ap2 are very minimal unless you get an 06 and flash it then your driving style will change since you can shift a lot earlier with vtec set to engage a lot sooner. I flashed my ap2 about 2 years ago so on my normal commute to work im now shifting around 3000-3500 rpms instead of 4000 to 5000 like I did before so my mpgs have actually gone up since the tune. The ap2 suspension is a little bit more forgiving as well if you have rough roads around u but like I said the differences from ap1 to ap2 in stock form is very minimal when its comes to normal driving.

 

We don't get much snow here, and I would buy a set of winter tires. I'm looking for fun everyday :-)

Can you post info about the flash, what sort of hwy mpg are you seeing?

Does it just drop the vtec engagement RPM or is it a complete retune?

 

The flash is a product from Hondata, called flash pro applicable to 06+ s2ks. I believe the new tune for a stock vehicle lowers vtec engagement to 5,600 rpms and raises the redline to 8,400 rpms. If I had a 06+ I would definitely get this.

 

That's what I use to think as well. I love the S, but I hate parking it and seeing a ding. I once park in the far corner and someone still managed to back up into me. These problems come with daily driving the car. There's alot that can happen to it which causes damages. If your a little OCD like me, you hate this fact.

On the other hand, it is a blast to drive. Sometimes when I'm stressed I take the car out for a cruise. I once drove for 2 hours with the top down on a summer night. The seats really hug you; the steering is engaging; the engine screams up to 8-9k, an area where other engines would never reach; and the simplicity of the car is refreshing. Its not so bad to drive the car for long distances. If you have a girlfriend whose sensitive to wind noise, the s2000 probably wouldn't be to loved.

I also get more complements on this car (Spa yellow 01) than any other vehicle that I have owned. And, as you can see, the s2000 community is very strong.

 

I daily my AP1, and the comfort is just fine around town (13 mile commute). However, when I know I'm going on an hour or longer drive at highway speeds, I wear earplugs. The wind noise is wearing with the top down, but the engine and transmission noise is worse with the top up. These aren't the best long range cruisers - I could drive my Jetta or RSX for over 200 miles at a time without needing a break, but I find myself wanting to get out and stretch every 100 or so in the S.

 

I love my s2000, but am glad I don't daily it anymore.

There's nothing more cathartic than a good road in an s. That said, there's nothing fun about sitting in it during rush hour traffic after a long day at work.

I don't mind being in it for long time periods. In fact, I love it for overnight road trips (it fits my small frame like a glove).


I will always recommend a daily to go with the s. Even if it means getting a higher mileage s (or an ap1 even if you prefer an ap2), so be it. The s2000 deserves to spend rainy/snowy days in the garage, and not be left in a parking lot for 10 hours while I work. Plus, I feel much better not having to worry about it (had a dream a few nights ago that it was stolen from a parking lot).

 

IMO, the S wasn't designed to sit in a garage all week. Its not some fragile, finiky thing that has to be pampered so its ready when you finally ask it to perform.

Its a sports car you can use. All the time. Anytime. It can take a beating. It can take miles. It is as reliable and docile as any normal car when you need it to be, but its always willing, eager, to be pushed to the limit.

So that is how I use mine. Its my 3 season dd. I use it whenever I can. It gets maintained well, but I don't hold back from using it. Often.

There is certainly a place for garage queen S2K's, but as for what the car was meant to be? I think they meant it to be used and enjoyed as often as possible.

 

You're right, but I agree with Jdrum1 as well. If you can avoid daily driving it and not miss it then keep it stored until a good day comes up. But if you won't drive any other car on the daily then by all means drive the S everyday. Like you said, this car is 100% capable and useable all the time. There is no wrong way of doing it, just preference.

But I will say this, avoid driving the car in the thick of winter if they dump salt on the roads in your area. Salt will absolutely cause rust and destroy the under carriage of this car. That to me is not worth it.

 

Drive it as you please, and love the hell out of it.

I just don't want to put the daily wear-and-tear on a car I hope to keep for many years. I'll get "disposable" used cars for that.

 

@theredone
I'll tell you this; knowing what i know now, after daily driving my AP1 for 4 years, I would buy an 06+ for two main reasons:
1) Ability to reflash the ECU with flashpro
2) No oil consumption.

AP1's are notorious for burning oil, especially in VTEC. I burn 1qt of oil every ~1,500 miles