I previously had a 2001 Honda S2000 with 80k miles. It sounded very clunky all of the time, and I wound up selling it because the noises were so unsettling that I never felt like it would last. Lots of rattling and rumbling in the car when I let off of the clutch in first gear, noises when I turned the wheels, rattles galore, etc. When I traded it in I found out it had been in a few accidents, so I'm not sure if I should attribute any/all of the sounds to that or not.

I'm now looking at a 2001 S2000 with only 41k on it. I've worked out a really fair price on it ($12,500), and the seller is willing to let me take it into a mechanic to check it over. Thing is, I'm going to have to drive 5 hours to pick it up, so I can't really check it out before-hand. Should I expect upfront that it's going to have all of those same unsettling noises and clunks, even if it's in good shape?

I'm also looking at an 06 for $15,000 and 68k miles. Did any of the later model years address any of these? I realize the S2000 isn't about being a comfortable, plush, quiet ride, so this won't deter me from picking up another one, but I wouldn't mind one that offered a little more peace of mind.

 

Uhh I hate to break it to you, but most of those noises and rattles are likely normal. That's the way this car is top up. It's a pretty raw car. Top down and none of this applies. You probably heard a lot of clutch buzz in the 01.

The S that was in a few accidents I would stay away from, it more than likely could have some issues. For instance that noise when you turn the wheels probably isn't normal. Could be a bearing or suspension problem.

The MY01 with 41k on it sounds like a great deal. Good price on that one assuming clean history/nothing wrong. Maybe see if a fellow S2ker in that area would be willing to check it out for you?

The 2006 is going to be just as noisy as any other S2000. As stated, that's the way this car is with the top up. The only thing it won't have is clutch buzz and it might feel tighter because it's newer but don't expect a world of difference noise wise. Don't forget the 06 has a 2.2L and traction control among other things (different topic though).

 

Yeah, that's kind of what I figured.

I was actually able to talk the 06 owner down to $14,200, so I might go that route if everything looks clear in an inspection. Both are completely stock, so I feel good about either one. Guess it pays to shop in December, people are a lot more negotiable up in MN right now

Thanks for the info

 

That is a fantastic price! Almost too good to be true but it is winter. Would definitely run a carfax and full inspection though. Check all the VIN tags as well. December is a great time to shop, not to sell though lol.

 

My car makes three totally preventable noises. The passenger belt buckle rattles against the hard plastic behind the door if I don't tuck it in just so. The vinyl on the back of the seats makes a creaking sound if they're reclined all the way. My passenger top latch squeaks sometimes; re-latching it solves the problem. Otherwise, your normal car noises are louder than average but I think you're supposed to like those if you own a sports car. Perhaps you need to lubricate your soft top joints?

 

Bought a MY06 about 6 weeks ago (70k miles for 17k, so depending on condition, sounds like the one you're looking at could be a steal). Only noises I get are a clunk when shifting into first (sounds like that's normal from what I've read) and on bumpy roads the secret glove box where the windscreen is rattles like crazy.

 

2006, 68k miles, totally stock, no accidents, $14.2k? That's a fantastic deal. Get a Carfax. If everything checks out (including the mechanic inspection), that sounds like "the one."

 

If you hold the clutch in for about two seconds before shifting to first you can avoid that clunk.

 

one other thing to note is the 01 has a plastic rear window (if it still has the original top) and the 06 is glass. some folks don't have a preference but some do---(I like the glass)

 

Yep, I'm pretty excited! I wanted an 06+ originally just for Hondata FP usage, but they were more than I wanted to spend. Saw this guy's ad, he wanted 17k and was firm on it for a while. Finally I said after 2 months of it being listed "Look, I realize your asking price is very fair, and feel free to ignore me with my admittedly low offer, but it's middle of MN winter, and if you want to sell your s2k asap pending an inspection, I'll pick it up by next weekend at the latest. I have cash and am a motivated buyer".

We haggled around price, I offered 14, he wanted 14,500, we settled on 14,200. I went a bit lower than I thought was fair for this time of year because I'm going to have to pay for storage until summer as well. It's all stock, so pending a carfax and a sound inspection, she's all mine Selling is pretty bad right now, but buying is fantastic. The guy probably shouldn't have mentioned he was "desperate to sell before his mother-in-law arrived from out of state" because I probably would've offered 15, but I won't rub that one into him. I'm getting a good deal and he's unloading his s2000 in a very unfavorable environment and time, so I think it works out for both of us.

Also the color I wanted (white), so double double bonus.