Lol John, you glorify the AP2 WAY too much. Yeah it's more up to date and even on paper, it's barely, and I'll emphasize on barely, that much quicker than an AP1. If anything, they're both almost exactly the same car. Cause honestly, I like a few things from an AP2, but I don't know if I'd ever want to leave that 9k redline. I don't know how you can say "Eh" or "Meh" to an AP1. They're practically the same car imo. An S2000 is an S2000. Simple as that.

 

2.0 L, 9000rpm

Sounds a lot cooler than 2.2L 8200.rpm.

The CR with the F20C, now that is the perfect S2000.

 

ap1 = I like how the tach go all the way across. Makes me feel like i'm in a formula car.

I think the ap2 is the better car because it just has more. more power, more comforts, more technology.

People who like the ap1 appreciate the having 'less'. less comforts, less technology. Heck, tbh, I even like the less torque as well because it's just that much more special when you do reach the power band. I find these little "flaws", what gives the car it's charm and makes it enjoyable.

And I'm going to disagree with a lot of people when they say an s2k is an s2k. If you spend enough time with your car, these small differences are actually not small differences at all. If you're serious about getting an s2k, get the one you really want. test drive test drive test drive!!

 

Honestly, having driven all of them, any year but 00-01. I owner an 00, the plastic window killed me, alot of small issues here and there, banjo bolt, clutch buzz, etc. I have an 03 now and its just better, more polished. Ive driven all variants of the ap2, and heres my take, id get the 04/05 as they are the best value. I have no beef with the dbw and it seems to suit me just fine, but the later models for me dont have that much more improvements to pay more for except that theyre younger. That said, 04-05 prices are tapering off, so i find the 06-07s tend to be a better value nowadays. Anyway, got an 03 despite the fact i was looking for an ap2, but it was too good of a deal to pass up.

 

Whatever year that is modded intelligently, and maintained properly, although it's hard to make a case for the 00 - 01 MY's because of the plastic rear window, banjo bolts, and minor interior features that are lacking, and even those aren't a big deal.

This car is such a well built machine it doesn't matter, the only real problem could be the owner.

 

Ima just say 03 but that just because I have one ha ha

 

Personally, '04-'05 are my favorite years. My S is my daily driver, so my preferences are likely different than someone who uses their S for a weekend warrior or track duty. Aesthetics and more forgiving driving characteristics matter more to me than brute performance.

The advantages of '04-'05... in my opinion, of course
- AP2 cosmetics are superior. I knew if I got an AP1, I would always be on the lookout for AP2 bumpers, headlights, etc. to swap. Better to have these nicer parts factory-installed right off the bat.
- The tach is cleaner and more geometrically pleasing. I like the semi-circles for fuel and temperature instead of the linear scales on 06+.
- More power at lower revs means the car is a bit easier to drive and more tractable around town where I live.
- The CDV is annoying at times but it can be removed.
- Suspension geometry is more tame and better suited to spirited driving than balls-out time trials.
- Simplicity of the mechanical throttle as opposed to DBW.
- AP2 Suzukas came with the all-blue interior (dash, console, etc.), which was discontinued in 06+. Also, the metallic silver interior trim looks better than the black trim.
- Seats came with helmet cut-outs which look awesome.

The only aspects I would change about my 2005:
- VSA would be helpful in reducing my pucker factor whenever it rains.
- Revise gearing slightly so I can hit 60 without having to shift to 3rd
- I wish Laguna Blue were offered with either the blue or black+red interior!

With that said, I have flirted with the idea of getting a cheap AP1, stripping it out, and converting it for track duty. But I'm very satisfied with my 2005 AP2 as a daily driver.

To each their own.

 

x2 ...plus its the last of the 9k in the USA .

 

Base your decision on the amount of money you are willing to spend. If you don't have to budget, get an '09.

 

Of salesmen, the Ap1s also came with all blue interior.