Hey all,

I'm planning on upgrading MY01 with 147K atm in the next 1-3 years. From my research it appears that a 2004-2005 with just over 100K miles would get me the most for my money. It looks like with some patients a clean car can be had for 13-16K, thoughts and feedback appreciated!

 

I love the 2004/2005 AP2v1 cars in particular for a variety of reasons. But when it comes to "best bang for the buck", I would think that this would primarily be determined by whatever car has the best combination of the lowest price and best overall condition. One can overlook a lot of other factors for a great deal.

Still, there are other factors worth considering based on your own preferences. For example, the ease of tuning allowed by the 2006+ AP2 cars with the drive-by-wire system (or the stability control system that the DBW affords these cars), might appeal to you if are planning on modifying your car. Generally speaking, the later the model year (the less old it is) the more expensive the car will be. For me as someone who was looking to keep my S2000 stock, it was purely a bonus that I could save some money and avoid the drive-by-wire system all together by purchasing an AP2v1 car instead of one of the later models. For others, the best bang for the buck can only come by way of a rev limiter at 9,000 RPM.

For some, the best deal trumps everything else, while others just want what they want and can afford to pay for it. When you've made your choice, be sure to let us know what ended up being the best for your buck.

 

My reasoning for a 2004-2005 is due to reduce oil usage on average, no nannies, reliability, I would likely keep the car close to stock. I've also heard valve adjustment is more regularly needed with 2006+ especially with LBP cars.

 

I would say condition and miles matter most for the "best" one. Stock cars are usually best or some with tasteful quality modifications (Ohlins/FA510s, Mugen/Spoon stuff, etc). Also the owner matters a lot too.
It depends on you what colors you like. White, Yellow, Red and Blue (not Suzuka) carry a premium usually with Red/tan interiors being premium too.
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​​​​For tuning I think a 06-07 would be best as they don't have Tire Pressure Sensors but can be FlashPro tuned and get the other AP2 benefits. They do have a bit different fitment for seats, exhausts, and some other things. They do need valve adjustments more commonly and could have burnt exhaust valves or damaged valve seats from getting too tight with time.

For keeping stock a 03 for an AP1 is the way to go if you want the 9000rpm engine as you get the updated oil pump, banjo bolts, and revised syncros (not carbon). These don't seem to burn oil as much as the earlier cars if treated well since they had the upgraded parts from new. They are still an AP1 so the usual weak points.

However, the 05 AP2 is honestly the way to go for most people. It's more livable, has the nicer door cards+console, stronger diff+trans, still cable throttle, and return style fuel system unlike the 06+. These don't have the valve adjustment issues like 06+ or the 2nd gear pop-out issues as much as the 04s do.
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The market for S2000s in 1-3 years is going to be much different than it is today, for the most part clean examples have stopped depreciating. If you're looking at buying I would do so now.

 

2006 and up seem to command a higher premium. Could just be the fact that it's newer, but I've always found 2006+ seem to be more in demand. 2005 is a good year, but the biggest thing is mileage. Something we'll kept with over 100k miles will be far more reachable that something in the 40k to 60k area. Once you crack the 100k mile mark, there's less demand for those.

I personally looked for a 2006 with over 100k miles because I didn't want to spend 22k or more. I found a prestine 2006 Laguna Blue with 111k, bone stock, zero accidents, all 10 VINs and single owner. Just over $15k It runs fantastic and there's not a rattle in it. But... Took me 2 years to find it and passed on some decent examples. Eventually you can find a unicorn.

 

This will likely be the plan with an 04-05. Perhaps I'll start looking sooner than later. Main concern is plan on buying a house in 15 months and the uncertainty with this pandemic.

 

Honestly I'm biased as I set my sights specifically on buying an AP2v1 and have never looked back. Under normal circumstances I would be inclined support your decision, especially looking at the prices these cars have started selling for even in the midst of the pandemic. But under the conditions that we are now facing, if I were in your shoes I don't think that buying a S2000 would be my top priority right now unless you have an incredibly stable job. Otherwise that's a tough spot to be in.

I personally still keep thinking that these cars are going to take a hit in prices before the pandemic is over with, whenever that point in time comes. Best of luck to you whatever you end up deciding to do.

 

I agree prices especially on the higher 100K mile cars could drop more in the short to mid term. Sports cars are a luxury that many may not be able to afford in the next 3-24 months. I'll still keep my eyes out for some local deals.