I owned an 01 years back, remembered how much I loved it, so now I'm shopping for another one. Since my last ownership I've had everything from a turbo VW to a Porsche 996, so don't laugh when I ask this next question. When test driving an S2k the other day (first one I've driven in years) it felt like it had no balls at all getting off the line. Didn't feel like much in vtec either, although you could definately tell it was engaging. My question is, A) am I being paranoid after driving high torque cars for the past two years and is this normal behavior for a 2.2l S2000 that I just don't remember? Or because I had a 2.0 maybe it was different? Or B) Should I suspect something might be wrong. And C) as a backup, what kinds of things would I check to be sure the motor is healthy and acting 100% normal. I figure I'll check the compression, the oil/antifreeze (to make sure it's not milky from a bad head gasket or other issue). Maybe make a point to be sure the clutch isn't slipping. I think 3rd gear around 30mph and then gun it to see if rpms rise but speed doesn't is how to check that. Anything else?

As a background, the car idles and runs fine. No odd noises or anything. Seems healthy. Does have high miles... 120k+

 

You need to drive more cars to compare.

 

2.2 has more torque, did you buy this car already?

 

No not yet. But it's a good deal and the window is closing. I'm supposed to do a final inspection tomorrow and exchange money.

I've tried to find another one close so I can drive it to compare but everything in Autotrader or Craigslist is sold already or too far away.

 

If you had a porsche 996 then chances are you can afford a better s2000 then one with 120k miles on it. If it feels wrong drive another.

 

Don't assume anything. I don't have the Porsche anymore after all.

I guess the point is why pass up a good deal if it's really a good deal? And the question is, how can I make sure it is a good deal. But more specifically, if the car really is low on power, what would be the causes and how would you discover it? I assume the answer is compression test. Which I have experience in doing and should only take about 15 minutes. I just wanted some confirmation I guess.

 

There are plenty of things that aren't compression related that can cause a car to lose power.

 

You're not going to make this easy for me I see...

... ok then, maybe you could help elaborate on what some of those things are? And are they things that can be checked?

(For the record, I'm only concerned with major repair items. A faulty IAC sensor at $100 is not an issue for me at all. A $4000 motor repair is. I'm only concerned with catching anything that could potentially be $eriou$ly wrong.)

 

One of the worst cars I ever owned was a turbo VW. Major headaches, major repairs, even the dash disintegrated. I replaced it with a 2001 S2k and couldn't have been happier. More fun, TREMENDOUSLY more reliability; overall a huge upgrade.

For the evaluation of your new S2k, check the buying link:
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=775801

 

I don't think there is much if anything specific to the S2000 that would cause it to be down on power that wouldn't apply to most any fuel injected modern car. You seem to know the major things to look for, I'm not sure what else to suggest. Any number of random things could cause it like brakes dragging, a clogged cat or something lodged under the throttle.

Read the buying an 2000 sticky at the top of the forum and check out that stuff. If you really think it's down on power I would recommend not buying it unless 1) you can get it inspected, 2)you're willing to take a several thousand dollar gamble or 3) it's dirt cheap (like $8k for an 04 with 120k miles).