2 weeks ago I was into the local Honda dealer.....buying a van for the wife.....and I saw for the very first time (in person) an S2000. Wow.... this looks a lot cooler than it did in the magazine. I was drawn to it like a moth to a light bulb.

Anyway, I'm about to buy one. My problem is that I have two options and I'm not very knowledgeable about this car. On one hand, they have beautiful bright silver 2004 in the showroom and on the other they have an excellent condition darker grey 2000 model with 28000 miles on it.

The used one looks like it was taken very good care of and can be bought for around 21K. That's a nice savings over the 33K of the new one, but I

 

If money's not a big deal, buy the new one. That way you'll know for sure that it's broken in right.

There are pluses and minuses for each, depending on your view, but really it just depends on what you can afford - if you can afford the '04, I'm very sure you'll be happy with it!

 

Mwiz,

The '00 has a 2.0L engine that revs to 9000rpm. The '04 has a 2.2L engine that revs to 8000rpm. The 00 will also be a bit more difficult to drive at the limit. It is slightly more tail happy. These are traits that I very much like about my car. There are many other more subtle differences.

If you are buying it for a daily driver and you are not used to driving a high performance sportscar, I would not hesitate to buy the new one. It will be much more forgiving for you. Though, I am not sure it will be as rewarding to drive as the older models since I have not driven the new one.

 

I'd try to negotiate down on the '04 and go for that. Not that the '00 is a bad bet by any means but paying 2/3rds the value of a new car for one that's three years older seems kind of iffy to me. I don't think I'd want to pay that much for any used car; resale value is great for the seller but in this scenario you're the buyer.

 

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, people. I was wrestling with this one and you've helped. I'll get the 04.....Sebring Silver w/Black

Cheers,

Wiz

 

Good choice, that's what I would have done too.

 

04 is TOTALLY the way to go.

Newer with MANY, MANY refinements.

You will be the only driver. No history.

Full blown warranty.

And the Silverstone is nicer than Sebring. heh heh (gonna put on my flame-retardent suit now)

 

Refinements? My a@@! Ive done those myself

 

Good color combo!!! It has been proven that this is, by far, the fastest color combo available.

 

Adsolutely go with the older model - and please take more than 1 day in your decision process.

If you are concerned about value, you can buy a vintage, lower mileage, perfect condition model - at 21K or less. The 2000 model year/low VIN will hold it's value very well going forward. In 3 years your 2004 S2K at 33K will be worth 18K or less at the dealer as a trade. You can buy a mint condition 2000 with lower mileage, and an extended warranty - until 2007.

The differences in the car - if you believe they are siginificant - my points above would not make sense to you as well.

good luck