Finally I can have my ends meet and still buy a s2k.
I know the "improvements" s2k went thru from 00-01 to 02-03 and to 04+
I've been looking at some local sales and roughly this is what the avg prices are..

AP1
00-01 for around $18k
02-03 for around $23k
04 for around $26k

The price difference between 02-03 and 04 is roughly $3k which I think it's reasonable when counting the LED lights, 17" rims and interior upgrades here and there.. but between 00-01 and 02-03 there's about $5k difference..
Should I even consider 00-01? I thought about buying a 01 for around $18k and changing out the top and put in the speakers on the door trim like 02-03.. but worth it?
Help me decide please...

 

I personally ignored the 00-01 models because Honda upgraded a lot of fixes (especially since the late VIN 02 models) which would keep me from being paranoid.

Also are you averaging out the dealer prices? Because those average seem a bit too high..

 

Thanks for your reply..
No.. those are just avg asking prices on craigslist
Some dealers are charging close to $27k for 02 with 24k miles..
Dealers are insane.. Not going to consider them unless they start thinking about their prices and do something about it
I considered buying new since it'll be easier to make payments than to come up with the whole asking price, but I think used is better cuz I can VTEC that thing right away. LOL
Should I wait till raining season begins?

 

I agree, the first years sucked.. I mean, come on... they are like first year Corvettes, 500 spyders, Honda s800s, and Jaguar E-types..... who would want those pieces of junk


... and let not mention how the car has gotten FATTER every year.....

 

^this is from a guy that owns a 2000 s2000? wtf? i see it as a matter of budget more than anything, the 04 definitely got a great drivetrain upgrade, but would you miss the extra 1000rpm?

personally when i get an s2000 i would love to have an 03 with 04 head/taillights, or just get one brand new with the F20C, although i really don't think i would miss 9000rpm that much, in my opinion S2000's are just so pretty i would take one in a color i didn't want, and the engine doesn't really matter because the F20C-F22C are so damn good either way.

 

^^^ lol, obviously you forgot to turn on your bullshit meter this morning...

 

I had a 2001 and loved it. the only thing was the plastick window which fogs up all the time in FL. Someone DUI rear-ended it. RIP.

Now, I have a 2003 and couldn't be happier. The glass is much nicer. Remember, to upgrade a 00-01 to glass you are talking about $900 +8 hours labor.

In mid-2002, Honda upgraded the bottom end to 4-hole oil jet bolts vs 2-holed ones. I don't know, but it SEEMS that there are not nearly as many blown engines with the 4-hole bolts vs. the early ones (I'm talking stock motors here).

The 04+ cars are nicer if you are a more relaxed driver. They have more torque everywhere. In reality, the two cars are about the same as far as speed goes. The F22C has 5-10 more peak HP, but the F20C has a longer powerband. They wash out IMO.

 

I've actually been thinking about the same thing.

Although it is not going to be anytime soon, I am leaning towards 02-03 for the purchase. Because people have been saying 00-01 are too raw and I do not like the plastic rear window. Also, I'd like to have 9k.

 

I got my '02 with 47k miles for far less than the quoted average. (Under 18..)

 

The point is, there are more known issues with the earlier model.