Best Year S2K - Everything Considered
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Joined: Sep 2009
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Here's my 2 cents worth considering Ive been selling hondas for the past 10 years and currently own an 06ap2. First of all the ap1 are known for blowing their rearend real quick if you rip the hell out of the car on a normal basis. If you dont drag race it ever then you'll be fine with either one. In turn the ap2 has a reinforced reareand and a CDV (clutch delay valve) which some people hate cause you cant chirp the gears like the ap1 but its designed to purposely make the clutch slip whenever the rear is in shock aka slamming gears at wot to keep the diffs from being damaged in the long run. I guess Honda figured its alot less expensive to replace a burnt clutch instead of the differential. The ap1 revs upto 9000 vs 8500 ap2 but slightly more low end power. The ap1 is a bit wilder and better as far as fun factor while the ap2 is more refined so it's personal preference. The vsa aka traction control on the ap2 can be turned on and off at your discretion but can save your ass in the rain if youre not careful since all s2ks are tail happy like a dog in heat lol its simply harcore vs refinement in my book. As far as looks most people tend to like the ap2 wheels,bumpers,and lights more but its personal taste. Goodluck its not an easy decision but you'll be fine either way
Originally Posted by SeanK325' timestamp='1313819598' post='20896671
[quote name='RedCelica' timestamp='1313814130' post='20896546']
Just did a kbb.com estimate on a '06 vs '05 @ 40,000 miles in excellent condition:
'06: $21,805
'05: 20,540
$1265 diff...
Just did a kbb.com estimate on a '06 vs '05 @ 40,000 miles in excellent condition:
'06: $21,805
'05: 20,540
$1265 diff...
How about what banks use...NADA value
'06: $22,225
'05: $20,675
$1550 diff.
[/quote]
I didn't know dealerships use NADA. I wasn't planning on going that route unless something spectacular came up. I usually like to buy from the owners since I can get a better feel for how the car was taken care of, aside from paying the higher costs from a dealership.
if you want one to molest and beat the crap out of get the cheapest one you can find.
if you want a nice, comfortable car that you arent going to do alot of work to and want to keep for a while.. get an 06 up. .they are much nicer cars than the older ones.
I bought a cheap 01 b/c i knew it would be apart in the garage more than it wasnt. When i hit the lotto i'm buying an 06+ to drive instead of my civic.
if you want a nice, comfortable car that you arent going to do alot of work to and want to keep for a while.. get an 06 up. .they are much nicer cars than the older ones.
I bought a cheap 01 b/c i knew it would be apart in the garage more than it wasnt. When i hit the lotto i'm buying an 06+ to drive instead of my civic.
I'll have to agree that the 2006 is the best car due to the improvements and ease of tuning.
The best value is the 2002. You can buy a mint 2002 for $6,000+ less than a 2006 with similar miles. $6,000 buys a lot of mods or new living room furniture and that 57" LED TV you've been wanting. 2002 was the first year of improvements the largest of which was a glass rear window, aluminum pedals and better looking console.
The best value is the 2002. You can buy a mint 2002 for $6,000+ less than a 2006 with similar miles. $6,000 buys a lot of mods or new living room furniture and that 57" LED TV you've been wanting. 2002 was the first year of improvements the largest of which was a glass rear window, aluminum pedals and better looking console.
dbw has a noticeable lag on the initial throttle response when switching gears when comparing to cable throttles.
but, you will get used to the lag as time goes on. in the long run, you will adapt to the lag and won't notice anything until you drive a cable throttled car.
the programmable ecu in the 06+ is probably the best feature if you're into modifying the s. at the same time, due to the different floors between the 00-05 and the 06+, some exhausts will rub and rattle against the frame.
in summary, if you planning on keeping it stock, 04-05. if not, 06+ and be careful with exhaust choices or 00-03 if you want to save money.
but, you will get used to the lag as time goes on. in the long run, you will adapt to the lag and won't notice anything until you drive a cable throttled car.
the programmable ecu in the 06+ is probably the best feature if you're into modifying the s. at the same time, due to the different floors between the 00-05 and the 06+, some exhausts will rub and rattle against the frame.
in summary, if you planning on keeping it stock, 04-05. if not, 06+ and be careful with exhaust choices or 00-03 if you want to save money.
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 99
Likes: 11
From: Owens Crossroads, Al.
Whether it is an AP1 or an AP2, the only thing that really matters is that you are happy with the car. The AP1 and AP2 are both fantastic cars; for me it's all about the condition of the car I’m buying. I just bought an '05 w/ 16,000 miles, and the car is like new. I'm so happy that I found this particular car. Know yourself, and know what you want before you buy (and stick with it) or you may be unhappy with your compromise later on.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 263
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Whether it is an AP1 or an AP2, the only thing that really matters is that you are happy with the car. The AP1 and AP2 are both fantastic cars; for me it's all about the condition of the car I’m buying. I just bought an '05 w/ 16,000 miles, and the car is like new. I'm so happy that I found this particular car. Know yourself, and know what you want before you buy (and stick with it) or you may be unhappy with your compromise later on.
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 36,017
Likes: 226
From: Queen City, NC
Here's my 2 cents worth considering Ive been selling hondas for the past 10 years and currently own an 06ap2. First of all the ap1 are known for blowing their rearend real quick if you rip the hell out of the car on a normal basis. If you dont drag race it ever then you'll be fine with either one. In turn the ap2 has a reinforced reareand and a CDV (clutch delay valve) which some people hate cause you cant chirp the gears like the ap1 but its designed to purposely make the clutch slip whenever the rear is in shock aka slamming gears at wot to keep the diffs from being damaged in the long run. I guess Honda figured its alot less expensive to replace a burnt clutch instead of the differential. The ap1 revs upto 9000 vs 8500 ap2 but slightly more low end power.
00-01 - original
02-03 - better ECU, fixed early year problems, some better features
04-05 - first major update, general improvement, and power band dropped 1k rpm with more low end power
06-07 - DBW, VSA
08-09 - general improvements, CR version
Every two years the power output seems to go up a bit too. I would say get the newest MY you can.
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,648
Likes: 1
From: Culpeper Virginia
The newer cars have some nice improvements but engine output is not the deciding factor...it's the other upgrades that make the newer cars better.
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,167
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From: Indiana
