S2000 Talk Discussions related to the S2000, its ownership and enthusiasm for it.

Collectible?

Thread Tools
 
Old Aug 5, 2025 | 02:48 PM
  #1  
Gary1962's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Smile Collectible?

I am the second owner of a 2002 S2000 that has just turned 80k miles. It is 100% stock, all 10 Vins in place and no paint or body work. When does it stop being "collectable" so I can start a few mods? It is my DD at the time.
Reply
Old Aug 5, 2025 | 05:52 PM
  #2  
darcyw's Avatar
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 4,378
Likes: 444
From: um, a house
Default

in north america specifically, s2000's are collectible for clean, unmodified, garaged, low mileage examples (eg. low mileage CR...like < 10K miles low), rare OEM colour combinations (eg. 2003 GPW with Suzuka blue interior or imola orange (CANDM of which 26 (iirc) examples were produced).

an 80K mile 2002 is collectible as a good drivers example, not as part of a collectors garage horde. I'd feel free to do reversible mods if you want maintain value, but body panel modifications will not net increased sales dollars when you pass it on.

YMMV.
Darcy
Reply
Old Aug 6, 2025 | 02:28 AM
  #3  
Chuck S's Avatar
Member (Premium)
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 13,823
Likes: 1,547
From: Chesterfield VA
Default

Don't worry about preserving collectability -- as if our cars ever had any. Daily drivers are by definition non-collectible cars nor, frankly, are 2002 model year S2000s (nor my 2006 nor any S2000!). Old car does not equal collectible car.

What "mods" do you have in mind? The days of the Fast-n-Furious cars are long over. Any ROI (return on investment) is questionable. Enjoyment is personal.

Curious what you paid for this car as a clue what you and the seller thought was collectible value. Value (what you can sell it for) will drop merely from lots of miles accelerated by "mods." You may have paid a premium based on Its 100% stock, all 10 VINs in place and no paint or body work condition and any changes to that condition will affect the "value."

Some of us think Honda did a pretty good job with these cars and are keeping them in close to original OEM condition merely for our own enjoyment. While not collectible they're uncommon enough they don't need visual modifications to stand out from the Miatas they're frequently confused with other than by those who know. My "mods" are practically indistinguishable from stock with only the round tips from a slightly more performance-sounding exhaust a glaring difference. My clear side turn signals are not "correct" either but it gets pretty quiet after those changes. I'm constantly temped by the Mita AP2V3 wheels but living expenses get in the way. Original owner had fitted horrible black aftermarket wheels which were immediately corrected.

-- Chuck
Reply
Old Aug 6, 2025 | 03:28 PM
  #4  
Gary1962's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Default

I should correct the term "mods", upgrades may be a more accurate term. Nothing major and reversible. Upgrading the sound system would be my first choice (Old School a/d/s) and then a simple suspension upgrade. Adjustable Koni's and stay with the stock springs. Just fyi, using the AP2 wheels with Bridgestone SO4 tires in sizes 225/45-17 and 255/40-17 have really tamed the handing in a BIG way. Yes, the Bridgestones are getting a little old...have stock wheels with Michelin A/S for winter use.
Reply
Old Aug 6, 2025 | 04:02 PM
  #5  
Chuck S's Avatar
Member (Premium)
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 13,823
Likes: 1,547
From: Chesterfield VA
Default

OK, we're talking tweaks, not mods! Sounds good to me.

Only thing likely to make your car worth less is simple age -- and driving it in the winter. I ran the wonderful Bridgestone SO4 tires on my 2006 car until they aged out at seven years. They were discontinued a few years ago so back to Bridgestone RE-71RS Extreme Summer tires. As long as my shocks ain't leaking I'm leaving them alone.

-- Chuck

Reply
Old Aug 6, 2025 | 04:05 PM
  #6  
noodels's Avatar
 
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 6,325
Likes: 612
From: Norfolk UK
Default

Went past an E Type Jag the correct coupe one today,thats a collectable and wish i had got one 30 years ago for £6000
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
AFMSgt24
Mid-Atlantic S2000 Owners
2
May 29, 2024 07:24 AM
jshurman@gmail.com
S2000 Body and Paint
29
Nov 2, 2021 09:13 PM
888RR
Australia & New Zealand S2000 Owners
1
May 5, 2014 06:13 AM
bradskee
S2000 Body and Paint
13
Dec 4, 2009 07:53 PM




All times are GMT -8. The time now is 02:39 PM.