Hey everyone. I lurk the forums a lot and never really post. Last May I purchased a MY01 NFR with only 6,400 original miles.

It only has about 8,800 today. The seats, interior, exterior, everything. Look like how it would if it was in the show room back in 2000.

I love the car. But there are a few things that ruin the experience a little for me. One thing is the plastic rear window. For me to convert it to MY02+ requires a lot of work and a good chunk of money to get it done right. I also feel that over time and being to meets and being on the forums more, that AP2's front end has grown on me A LOT.

I don't want to convert my current AP1, I feel like I should sell it for an AP2 at that point than spending the money to convert and get a glass top.

So I guess the point of my topic is, am I a moron? Is it silly to even consider selling my AP1 for an AP2?

Before I bought mine (I was searching for an s2000 in general, but with the lowest mileage I could find) I drove a few AP2's and a few AP1's. At the time I felt like the AP1 is more fun and the AP2 just felt more forgiving and refined (as it should be, since that's what they did, refined it over time)

If you were in my position, what would YOU do?

Thanks everyone!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

I agree with the sell instead of chopping it into an Ap2... give it a chance to have an owner who will love it for what it is...

 

Get what makes you happy. Life is too short to spend it wishing you had something else. Yours will sell easily in such good condition and all original so, if your budget allows for this, start searching for the AP2 of your dreams. After you find it and buy it, then sell your AP1. Spring is the best time to sell a convertible. Winter is when prices on convertibles are lower, usually.

Good luck!

 

If those issues really affect the enjoyment of the car, it would be easier to just ssll the car for an AP2.

 

Concur with other posters, do not modify the pristine AP1 into an AP2. I also have an AP1 ['02] and thought about upgrading to an AP2 ['07]. Majority of AP1 owners who also owned an AP2 here posted here to keep the AP1. I also agree that after driving the AP2 I thought it had a more refined ride. Also, factor in whether you can break even or take only a small loss on your AP1. If you take too big a hit on your AP1 it might sour your AP2 purchase. Just my 2 cents.

 

The plastic rear window and the front bumper, that's it? Replacing the top (with a glass one) is no different on 2000-2001 models... there are just two extra straps that have to be installed, and they come with the kit. It is fairly costly; I'll give you that.

As far as the front bumper, what about adding a front lip? And even if you do switch to an AP2 bumper, just keep your AP1 bumper in storage, and you can go back at anytime.

You have a mint condition, super low mileage AP1, which is widely considered slightly more fun to drive than AP2s. Keep it and take great care of it.

 

Drive an ap2 first to see if you like everything about it as much as your ap1. You will probably take a loss if you get something as clean, not to mention I believe an early ap1 will probably be worth more as a collectors car in the future. Factor those in as well.

As villeS2K said, you could pick up a new bumper and keep your old to swap back if you want to sell the car in the future. Unless you constantly switch from top down to top up driving, maybe think about getting a hard top.

 

Yes and yes

 

I personally went through the same situation you are in now but when I was shopping for the right car.

In my mind I knew that an AP1 had many issues and flaws that didn't entertain me. I was more or less only considering an AP2 for that reason, also its much newer with far less beatings more often then not.

In Australia the cars both run an F20C so I am extremely happy for that too!

Good luck on your hunt but I would definitely go sell the AP1 and go the AP2 route.

 

I was in your shoes a few months ago, OP, only I have an 02 so the rear window was a non issue. I drove an AP2 and it certainly felt more refined. Ultimately, I decided it was not worth the hassle of upgrading as I have other cars to drive when I want more than the raw driving experience the AP1 gives me.

Were I in your shoes, I'd just buy a Robbins top (with glass) for my AP1 and call it a day.

Good luck with your decision!