I know that this has been discussed in this previous thread and short of the \"magic 8-ball\" test, is there any empirical method that a shop could use to tell if a used S2000 has been properly broken in. It is my understanding from reading these forums that a S2000 which has been broken-in properly delivers superior performance, so I was wondering whether a dyno test could indicate whether the break-in was done well.

And yes, I've considered buying new but the $10,000 delta between new/used for the '00-'01s is too much of a bargain. I guess if there isn't any empirical method, then probably the best way would just be to purchase from a private party older/mature enthusiast.

Thanks.

-Andrew

 

This is a hard one honestly. I think a dyno would probably give you a pretty good idea. I know alot of people like myself made sure that they were the only ones to drive the car before being bought. If I remember correctly they all have a small # of miles (I think mine had 9 right off the truck) when they come over. You can find one of those people that knows they were the only one who drove their car, broke it in properly, and later dyno'ed it. Then compare the dyno #'s.

Keep in mind that this motor does keep developing more power as it settles (I believe around 10k but don't hold me to this). A couple of key things you are missing though are the door tweeters and more importantly the glass window. you'll be getting the plastic window with an 00 or 01. The glass window is really nice. Seeing that you live in Chicago I wouldn't get a plastic window unless y ou park in a garage and can put in the time to maintain it.

good luck

 

Another angle is to purchase a Honda Certified car. This will give you a 7yr/100,000 mile mechanical warranty from the in service date. This is a better warranty than a new car gets. Also check tire ware vs mileage and check what stations are on the radio. This will give an idea of the owners age.

 

philipf22 - Thanks for the advice. Yes, if I were staying in Chicago, I'd definitely go with a '02+ for the glass window, but since I'm moving to Florida, I'm anticipating having the top down most of the time!

FSures - Thanks for the tips--the radio preset check is a clever one. Have you considered becoming a private investigator? :)

-Andrew

 

all motors are not created equal. regardless of break in, a dyno proves nothing.

just have a machanic go over the car. theres no way you gunna find out if the break in was proper or not.

and no dealer is going to let you dyno a car. well, no dealer in this area... who knows really.

people take this break in too seriously. go easy yes, but if you get a little rough, its not going to kill it.

 

I would like to see the look on the saleman's face when you ask if you can have the car taken to a dyno.



exactly.

 

yeah, have a mechanic look at it, do a compression test and the like to make sure the car isn't somebody's broken trade in. I kind of agree about the whole break-in thing being overblown.

 

i mean, lets get real. if its got like 2500 miles on it and 2 blad back tires, chances are it had a rough childhood.

but think about it, how many of these cars do you think there are that went abused in some way shape or form... thats what it was designed to do... be abused.

 

Personally, I think the factory Honda procedure is abusive.

This site has an interesting perspective on how you should break in any motor ... it has worked for me on multiple cars, bikes and airplanes ...

http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm

 

do a compression and leakdown test.