Not sure if there is a list of all the acronyms. But, you'll see AP1 and AP2 a lot. AP1 refers to 00-03 model years and AP2 refers to 04-08. The biggest changes that occurred in North America were between the '03 and '04 model year.

NFR is just a color. "new formula red"

As for your concern. It's not that bad. I'd echo what other people said. If you drive sanely and cautiously you'll be totally fine. The one thing I would say is in the wet, it is relatively tail happy. I've had lots of real wheel drive cars and this one slides more than most if given even fairly small amounts of throttle while turning.

About the two seats...I guess to each their own. I actually love it. I hate carting a bunch of people around...and if I ever get the urge, my wife's Accord is always there.

Plus, most "fun" cars that have back seats aren't super useful for carting people around in anyway.

I say just sleep on it for a bit and you'll decide what you really want. Good luck with your decision.

 

You can't use wagon and sedan to describe the same car. I also wouldn't consider it being all mommywagon. There's people that think of the S2K as a chick car. To each his own.

Anyway, yes I do plan on driving with the top down. That's actually one of the selling points for me. Not only does the car look great with the top down but its also nice for hot days.

Well I do have a few months to think about it so I guess we'll see what happens.

 

People crash all makes and models. With the S, many drivers think they're better than they actually are or without knowing it, exceed their own limits or upset the balance of the car at the wrong time, etc. If you're going to research crashes then read up on the why for each crash.

If you drive the S within its limits and your limits and with a good safety margin you won't have problems. If you do want to test or push limits then do so off the streets (track, autocross, empty parking lot etc).

I've hit many bumps and puddles at 60 or more -- sometimes at the same time -- and I've never flipped my car. The drivers are really that bad, not the S.

No, I don't know. What do you intend to do with the rear seat laid back? Sleep? Sleeping's the last thing I usually want to do when I get in my S. Haul cargo? Drop the top and you have infinite vertical capacity. Make out? You'll find a way in the S if you're really motivated.

It's really nice not having backseats. YMMV, of course.

Test drive an S (what it always boils down to) and you'll know whether you have to get one or not. It's the driving experience that sells people and makes them overlook the shortcomings. The S is purposed-designed so if you're looking for a jack-of-all-trades car another option might be better suited for you. If you want the driving experience that the S offers then it doesn't really have that many peers, especially in its price range.

That's not a determining factor in all cases. Look at how many S owners immediately put on a hard top and never remove it.

Again, it's all down to the test drive. Find some twisty roads if you can.

 

 

Look how many ppl love their car ...u my friend will then have your answer ...i've owned the best of the best ....and trust me on this ...the S is a keeper for life !!!

 

Yeah, it is always annoying when driving along and a puddle makes my car flip, but luckily so far I have always landed right side up on the tires again.

The 2006+ S2k's have traction control / stability assist, so those years would be an option if you want to be extra careful. I don't really seem to notice many part-out threads for 06+ cars.

No back seat FTW (for the win ). The S has helped me to stop leaving a bunch of crap in my car that I don't need, which I used to do (still do) in my beater. Compared to other roadsters though, the trunk space is pretty generous.

My biggest concern about getting the S was breakins. Garage parking helps me sleep at night. Be sure to buy seat locks or invest in some padded milk crates that you will be able to use as spares.

 

If the 2 seater idea bothers you, then it isn't for you.
I have owned my s2k for about 6 weeks. Having a 2 seater is sometimes in the back of my mind, but the car is so much fun that it really doesn't bother me.

Just drive like a grandma is bad weather and you will be perfectly fine (as long as you have good tires).

 

 

How about those cracked retainers? Can anyone give me an estimate on a repair cost?

I also had a question about the seat locks. Are all of them a little different, like wheel locks, or the same? I know it's extra security for your seats, but if its the same design for each lock wouldn't the thieves catch on and get a set for themselves?

Never mind. I read the thread on how they are ordered.

 

I can't speak for others, but no I won't "literally flip the car when doing like 60mph and hitting a bump or puddle"

I drive a '00, the most "unstable" of them all. I can unequivocally state that in the course of a couple of autocrosses and 3 or 4 track days, the car saved me from my own stupidity a dozen times; I mean I made major mistakes, expected it to get hairy, and it was really a minor thing. The car only surprised me two or three times, and they were minor surprises. They were not "Oh, $%^& what do I do now" but were "Hmm, I didn't see that coming but it wasn't really too bad."

But if you'd rather keep the IS300, do so. It's a great car. If you'd rather buy something else besides an S2000, more power to you. There are a lot of great cars on the market these days.