SO im in the market for buying a s2000 has of right now im confused on what to get..i really like the fact of having a 08 or 09 since it cant have any problems but then cost comes into play i really dont know if theres a difference in the 08+ s2000 compared to 04-07...i know the rims are different and i really like the new 5 spoke rims there kinda sexy but if its only the rims is it worth saving a few thousand and getting the 04-07 and just puttng 08 rims on it or some volks..but then again theres this one ap1 thats on sale for like 16,995 but im sure i can bring it down to 15k it only has 39k miles on it so that seems like a good deal at a local acura dealership so i really dont know what to do as of right now any advice anyone?

 

good luck hunting for an S. you should test drive the AP1 vs AP2 and go with what feels right.

you should start here:

S2000 by Model Year - Noting the changes over the years:

• Changes from MY00, 01, 02, 03 - https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=599836
• 2003 to 2004-2005 - https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=483593
• 2005 to 2006-2007 - https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=538016
• 2007 to 2009 - https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=525439

 

Good luck on your search. $17 grand is very high for an AP1! Even 15 grand is high imo. Welcome!

 

They are similar enough, that I recommend that you buy the one in the best condition that is in your price range and not worry too much about AP1 vs. AP2.

 

Really? Mine was like 15k =[

I do find that S2000's have incredible resale value though.

To the OP, I think if it's a low miles car there's nothing wrong with an AP1. In fact, many people here prefer the AP1 because of the engine, but I mean that's all up to you! I probably would have gotten the CR if I could afford it, even though I prefer the F20c but since I was on a tight budget I just went with a low miles AP1.

I don't know what you're planning to do with the car, but keep in mind that after 06 I think they changed the ECU or something and later they made it throttle by wire. Sorry I totally forgot the details after buying my car, but that might be of interest to you in case you are planning to do some mods.

I would say that between AP1 and AP2, they are so similar that I think you should just find the one that's the best deal or maybe the color you want or something. They're so close in performance. I mean of course I love the 9k redline, but I'm positive I wouldn't care if I had the F22c either because it's still one hell of an engine, and the newer cars have better amenities like the updated gauges and stuff.

 

Get 06+ if you can afford it.

If you are on a budget, go for a 02-03.

 

If you get an AP2 get an 06+. I have had an 05 and now an 06. And the only difference is drive by wire in 06+, some people complain about the drive by wires slow reaction time. But I personally feel no difference other than slight rev-hang. And the 06+ can be tuned with a flash pro for cheap. Advantage for me, but maybe not others. You cant go wrong with any clean S though.

 

defiantly drive both...i was dead set on a pre DBW AP2(04-05) because i had so much seat time in my buddies 05 AP2...my 4 year old memory of driving a 2001 AP1 left me un-inspired...and i liked, at first; the looks of the AP2 over the AP1...i had a 18k budget less than a year ago, and 04-05 AP2's w/ lowish miles were defiantly in my grasp...

but my S2k buddie suggested i drive a AP1 first...so i did a little research on here(difference between the years), and decided to drive a 02-03 AP1...i feel in love...

I decided to get either a gran prix white w/ all red interior 02-03, or a sebring silver all red 02-03...it took a month until i found a 02 w/ 70k and a dealer installed new motor/new diff SS all red AP1...and funny thing was w/ my budget of 18k, in the end i only spent 11k...

 

i enjoy driving both
although the gf's 07 is definitely easier to drive

 

As always: test drive, test drive, test drive.