I personally like the 04-05 years. Picked up an 05 myself. For simplicity, no VSA or DBW. The downside is no flashpro but I can live without that, not doing much to the car. Just love driving it

 

I would say, like others, go drive them. I would never buy a car because someone said it was better than another car. Go drive an AP1, then an AP2 without VSA, then one with VSA. See which one you like. I drove an AP1, AP2 and AP2 with VSA. The VSA and flashable ECU were 2 major factors for me buying an 06.

 

You always have to qualify questions of "best" -- regardless of the specific topic. Without knowing what you're looking for specifically all we can say is test drive.

 

02-03 best years for a "weekend car". 04-05 best years for a "daily driver".

 

I'm thinking the same! I like the updates in those two years. I'm really not going to race it, but may stuff a turbo on later down the line.

Thanks all.

 

 

agreed. this thread is just about how much money you are willing to spend.

2000-2001s = ap1. plastic rear window = shitty in cold weather especially but in rain as well.

2002 = first year of glass rear window.

2003 = last year of f20c in north america. The last year of the ugly 16in wheels.

2004 = first year of Ap2. first year with the f22c versus the f20c. first year with 17in wheels. they revised the suspension to reduce oversteer as well.

2005 = similar to 2004 in every way except 1 year newer. Same wheels and all.

2006 = first year of DBW, VSA. new wheels as well. I think the rear defroster switch was moved as well. you can now tune the car straight through computer in the car as well, which means less money needed to be spent on say a standalone ecu like AEM for 00-05.

2007+ = too rich for my blood

and you can only get white with tan in 2003-2005 models if you are like me and that is your favorite combo.

 

Im going to offend a few people, which is almost unavoidable anyways, so here goes.

The fact that the 2.2l version of this car exists, to me, is annoying. The car was designed around that 9krpm rev range, and sacrificing 1k+ rpms, for a few FT/LBs of torque is absolutely retarded if you ask me.

The only reason the 2.2l "AP2" exists was to pander to the American car magazine market, whos sole "complaint" about the s2000 was a lack of torque. The ENTIRE REST OF THE WORLD went without this change, frankly, because it wasnt needed, that should tell you something.

The Ap2, IN MY OPINION, is a sissified version of the original. I cant imagine a driving PURIST wanting traction control, or wanting a softer rear suspension and sway bar. This car lost some of its original charm with those changes, and the only saving grace in the latter years IMO, was the CR version, which still lacks the beautiful singing 9krpm range of the JDM car, that to me, is just a bigger joy to drive.

Now, its your car, so your preference. Your driving abilities, style, and habits should be the decider here, so dont let mine, or other opinions sway you into buying something you are personally uncomfortable with.

 

It still makes the same HP though. Have you ever driven the 2.2l? I learned how to drive stick on my fathers 02' s2k and my 05' is better in every way possible in both of our opinions.

and fyi, japan changed to the 2.2 as well, it just took them a year or two longer than here.