Hi guys,
I had a couple of questions. First I've loved the S2k since the day it's come out, and I'm finally at the point where I can afford a lightly used one. Here goes.

1) Are there any particular areas I need to check out in a used one? I've heard clutch life is very short...is this true?

2) I heard that the MY02 transmission was tweaked...is it significantly different from the 01 in feel/reliability?

3) I've driven an Accord for the past 8 years, so I LOVE Hondas..is this car as reliable as other hondas? This is important to me b/c it's going to be a daily driver. I've read a little about oil consumption and that worries me. I'll be honest I'm too busy and too lazy to check the car at every refueling. In the 8 years I've had my V6 accord I've never had a single problem, even after redlining the car at every light. Is the S2k gonna disappoint me in terms of reliability?

I realize none of this stuff is set in stone, I just wanted to see what you guys think b/c nobody knows the car better.

Thanks for your help
Crotchrocket

 

On the used, carfax it. Also you will probably want to check the VIN stickers on the doors, trunk, hood, bumper, etc. If they are missing, ask why. Also, on the door jam strickers (paint codes, vehicle info) run your hand over them and see if there is a lip of paint that is higher than the stickers or if the stickers are higher than the paint, this will tell you if it's been painted aftermarket. Also, check for overspray on the rubber, windows and mirrors.

Ask the dealer what TSBs/recalls have been done on the vehicle, if they don't know, have them find out.

Ask for a maintenance record as well and see when service was performed and at what intervels. Look at the oil filter and make sure it's blue and has a Honda logo on it, this will be a good sign of where the oil changes were done. If it's not blue with the Honda logo, you may be looking at a Jiffy Lube oil service. This may not concern you and even Honda uses the wrong filters and oil (http://forums.s2ki.com/forums/showthread.p...threadid=155218 and http://forums.s2ki.com/forums/showthread.p...threadid=150995)

I have only had my S2000 since Feb of this year but have put 12k miles on it so far without incident. Some people have, some haven't.

Also, check the tires, front and rear for the wear bars and if they are S-02s or not, you may also want to check the tread direction to make sure they put them on the right side of the car and check the tire size to make sure the fronts are fronts and the rears are rears. Also check the wheels for curbing marks.

If it's an MY01 or MY00 check the rear plastic window for folding, creasing and/or fogging.

The only way I can think to check the clutch is to drive it. While you're driving and before, check the brakes as well.

Check to see if it still has the factory/extended warranty.

I'm sure more people can come up with more stuff.

 

Oh, and welcome aboard.

 

Good ideas.

The transmission in '00 and '01 had issues with grinding. I would go for an '02 or '03 for that reason alone. There was also a change to the ECU (computer) that makes the '02+ a little faster than the pre-'02 cars. Add in the glass rear window and there you go.

Check the front vents. Next to the main intake are two smaller "faux" vents. These vents are actually molded to the bumper cover, and non-functional. The plastic for the vents is supposed to be black. If they are painted body color it is a pretty good indicator that the car has had a front end collision.

The clutch is not really a problem unless it has been abused. It's not quite as beefy as a typical american car, but it IS strong enough unless you add Forced induction (Supercharger/Turbo charger or nitrous.)

it is hard to judge the reliability of this car because a LOT of them are not driven year-round and even the ones that are have only been around since '99. I am sure people will dissagree with me, but I suspect that the S2000 will be quite as reliable as an Accord. However, it is VERY VERY good for what it is.

 

If you really aren't going to check the oil level religiously, then you don't want an s2k. There are many threads concerning this. It's not a bad thing, but it is something this engine does.