I was all set to buy a 2002 MR2 and then started checking out the S2000. After comparting the two I put a deposit on a 2001 S that was selling for $24,000.

After spending some time on the forum here reading many many posts I am starting to get concerned that there are numerous problems awaiting if I purchase the S. Anything from clutch problems, engine failures, and etc. The largest concern is that it seems Honda does not want to do the repairs that are needed but wants to say it is due to abuse. While the MR2 is not a S I do not see these type of postings on the MR2 forum.

I know this is a S forum but I am trying to get some honest help and guidance on this. This car will be a car that will be used as a daily driver.

Ron H

 

See if you can get a 2002 or later, so you can get the glass rear window. I also like the MR2 and have been thinking of getting a used one and making it dedicated for the autox.

 

Thanks for the reply. I just bought my wife a IS300 so I am limited on what I can spend on myself. They seem pretty proud of the price for a S2000 in the Houston area but a 2001 S is in my price range.


I will be getting rid of my 6-speed 95 Vette so either car will be quite a change. I have found the Vette to be very dependable and am looking for the same from my next purchase.

Ron

 

Ron, if you've been here as long as I have, you'd see why there are a lot of clutch and engine problems. Although a small % may be due to Honda, it is my belief that a lot of the problems are due to owner abuse. Constantly taking their cars to redline, not knowing enough to check the oil level, changing the oil from dino to synthetic too soon, not letting the engine break in properly, street racing, popping the clutch near or at redline, etc. I'd be very concerned about buying a used S unless you get it thoroughly checked and know it's service history. I think these are some of the reasons why Honda doesn't cover some of the problems under warranty. Good luck.

 

I grew up on 60 and early 70 muscle cars and would never of thought to drop the clutch at or near redline. Why would someone want to abuse their car in that manner?

 

It's not just a thing with Honda S2000 owners. I mean, what you mentioned is true of a small percentage of any car make/model owners - they abuse/neglect their cars.

On the contrary, I think because they know they have a special car, S2000 owners take better care of their cars.

Honda has over the last few years developed an "attitude" that's not very customer friendly. I have had first hand experience with this attitude with my last 3 hondas.

The #4 cylinder problem and the spark plug issue was also blamed on the owners in the begining. Many people have had differential problems that reoccured with the new differential and then honda says they won't replace it any more. Unless they can prove the abuse beyond a reasonable doubt, they have no right to refuse warranty claims.

My point it, Hondas are just like most other good cars these days. They have lost their bullet proof image, though.

 

Does the S2000 have a rev limiter?

 

Yes.

However, it cannot help you if you downshift at a high RPM from 5th to 2nd instead of 4th, by mistake. It won't be honda's fault then :-) The shifter is pretty good in this regard, it would probably take a lot of alcohol for this to happen ;-)

 

After another test drive I have decided that the MR2 while nice is like a toy compared to the S2000. I just came home with my Silver/Red 2001 S2000. Many thanks to all on the forum for your responses or your many posts on the forum, that I spent way too much time reading instead of sleeping.

 

Good luck.