haha that is my first color choice! but yellow is different n i love the 9k rpm range

 

I own a '00 AP1, & am constantly looking to upgrade to a lesser mileage S2K as mine has 127k on it & I know the value will drastically decrease with increased mileage...
I look at it this way - I have never met a driver of an S2000, AP1, AP2, any year, that could hold back a grin on their face while experiencing the same amazing feeling we all get when pushing our cars to whatever limit we feel comfortable with.. sure there are minor differences between the years, both mechanically & aesthetically, but no matter what style you have you will love the hell out of it & things can always be upgraded or swapped for a slightly different look.
For my next purchase, my criteria is low mileage, excellent condition, and most importantly a great deal.
I would say an early AP1 all the way, 9k redline, edge to edge tachometer, I love the suspension etc, but i would equally love an '04, '06, or any other revision because in the end you are buying an S2000 - an incredibly fun car that you will deeply connect with and it will eventually become an extension of you.
Find a great deal that fits your budget with low miles and you won't regret anything about your purchase regardless of the year!

 

This, more than anything.

But I still like 04-05, followed by 08-09.

 

I really loved my old '06 AP2 and Im currently looking around for another S2K. I gotta agree with people here saying that an S2K is an S2K no matter what year and that you cant go wrong. I drove an AP1 before and love the high rev'n, raw power and feel and the sound. AP1's to me almost sound and act like a B-18C5 or old B-series engine (just with more torque). Of course I owned my '06 AP2 and loved the cosmetic refinements and additional torque down low. To me, AP2's dont sound quite like traditional Hondas (hard to describe). I've also driven an '04 AP2 and absolutely love no DBW. Im amazed so many people say you cant tell the difference because I felt the difference was night and day. With DBW, you have a slight hesitation when applying throttle hard. Without DBW, its a raw and "unmolested" throttle feel like it should be.

Bottom line, when I decide on my next S2K, its looking like its either going to be an '04-'05 w/o DBW, or itll be another '06+. I love AP1's, but I seem drawn to the AP2's more.

 

I have an 06 DBW and my insurance says i have an 09, lol. I guess rates for 06-09 are the same.

 

06-07 don't have TMPS either, VSA is a button away from being off, DBW isn't noticeable, and 04-05 can't be reflashed
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I also vote for 04-05.

The AP2 chassis, mechanical throttle, no nannies. You can swap an F20 in, and have the ultimate S2000. After 04-05, I'd go 08-09.

 

I think the power increase from first year to last is more like 30 whp. I'd have to go searching through dyno charts, but if I recall, first year S2000s put down around 180 whp, 02+ with revised ECU had ~190 whp, and 04+ ~210 whp.

Incremental power improvements were subtle, but so was weight gain.

 

I remember SCC magazine dynoed a stock Ap1 at 203 HP before they put the Comptech SC on it.

 

Single dynos mean nothing since they are all calibrated differently and atmospheric conditions effect results. I think someone dynoed an 05 S at 240 whp once, lol.

 

I think the power increase from first year to last is more like 30 whp. I'd have to go searching through dyno charts, but if I recall, first year S2000s put down around 180 whp, 02+ with revised ECU had ~190 whp, and 04+ ~210 whp.

Incremental power improvements were subtle, but so was weight gain.
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If you ask me that is quite a big difference considering that is supposed to be power to the wheels. That big of a power difference and yet the car had relatively the same performance numbers through out its lifetime.