AP2 = too many miles, i hate the weird wheel thing going on with it

AP1 = talk him down in price and its the better deal. torque and powerband-wise you won't know what your missing (ap1 vs. ap2) unless you've driven ap2's alot already.

For both cars, the above is only valid in my mind if they are are in fabulous condition inside and out . . . no dents, dings, scratches, etc. . .great condition tops, no corrosion, engine bay is clean, clean, clean and free of crud/corrosion, lotsa tread on tires, paint is great, interior great etc. . . .
__________________________________________________ ________________
6 months ago I was hell bent on getting an AP2. . . a 2006 and was prepared to pay 19-20K plus for it. . .had to be in great condition, low miles, etc. etc. . .

Then one day, during my search, I found a MY 2000 AP1 in Silverstone
Went to go see it.
It was beautiful and in beautiful condition.
57K miles.
Everything checked out.
Price was right.
Gave him a small deposit, did some more homework on it.
Brought him cash 2 days later and drove it home.
No regrets. None. Zip. Zero. Nada.

I think for me the key was that it was in such beautiful condition and it all checked out.

Took it to Aliso Auto Care in Aliso Viejo, he did a check up and tuned the valves, changed the diff and tranny fluid, flushed and refilled the radiator.

No probs in my 7 months of ownership.

I think that, yes, there is a notable difference between AP1 and AP2 performance.

But because the two cars are also so very similar in feel and styling etc, that buying an older but fabulous condition AP1 with the right number of miles on it(the "right number" being what you are comfortable with) is one of the best deals out there because you are essentially getting the same car but for a much lower price.

For me the three keys are:

1. Condition of the car
2. Acceptable mileage
3. Price

All things being the same (AP1 vs. AP2). . .price would be (and was) my determining factor.

Besides, buy and AP1 now and a few years later you can upgrade to an AP2 . . which, in my book, will be the ultimate speed/performance mod to my AP1.

 

Thanks for all the help. I'm leaning toward the 05 if it's as clean as the 03. The carfax shows that the original owner put 57k on the car in 3 years. Must have had a long commute. What I like is that the carfax shows service at the Honda dealership every 2 months from the time he bought it until he sold it. So I know that everything was done up to 57k. The second owner says he had a dealership do all oil changes ect. but they don't show on the carfax. I'll ask to see receipts when I look at the car.

 

I'm going to have to change my recommendation to "BUY THE AP2" since it's for commuting. I have driven an AP2 once and it's easier to drive and would feel better driving in city traffic than AP1.

 

same

 

Youtube warrior check this out
AP1
Front rim = 17.5 lbs.
Rear rim = 18.6 lbs
AP2v1's
Per Jim at Tirerack AP2 wheels are 17.6 lbs(front) and 20.5 lbs(rear)

I have both sets in my garage and a scale at work let me know if you need pics

 

found some online that weighed
ap2v1
17x7 - 18.4
17x8.5 - 22.4

 

regarding the wheels
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showt...&#entry16963929

if your planning on enventually getting new rims go for the ap2 but i woudl'nt run the 16's on it.

 

go with the 03 it has all the improvements and revisions for the ap1 and 9 grand is better than 8 grand

 

oh, higher numbers make things better? What about actual, you know, improvements?

 

Of the cars you listed, the '05 is a better deal at $14k.

AP1 vs. AP2 is a whole 'nother discussion. People from each camp will argue for/against each car to the death.

Summary:

AP1: a bit more raw/unrefined
AP2: a bit more civilized/refined

Whatever floats your boat.