I've read the used buying guide - great info. When it comes down to it, are there any real differences in an '04 to an '08 that should be considered when looking for the best car? I know the rule of thumb in used car buying is always the newer the better, but how true is that in the case of the S2000? For example, if there's an '05 and an '08 with basically the same mileage, but a $3500 to $4000 price difference, is the '08 really worth the extra money?

Thanks.

 

04-05 AP2 non-DBW

06+ AP2 Drive By Wire, VSA, numerous other changes (can be tuned by FlashPro)

The FlashPro tuning alone makes the 06+ more valuable and desirable(IMO). Others will argue that the DBW throttle does not respond as quickly (can be tuned out with FlashPro) but you will need to make that determination yourself. Other than slight changes to wheels and interior, those are the main changes between the models (this is covered in the "What to look for when buying a used S2000" pinned thread and the "Read this before posting in S2K talk").

https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/753...g-in-s2k-talk/

 

2006 had a decent amount of changes from 04-05s.

• Drive-By-Wire Throttle System. Use a computer sensor to input throttle as opposed to pulling on the throttle cable
• Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with traction control. A combination of computer controlled throttle and individual wheel braking to control sudden changes in vehicle behavior. VSA has a turn-off switch where the defrost button (moved) used to be.
• 20 lbs heavier
• Redesigned road wheels
• Redesigned steering wheel
• New color, Laguna Blue
• Daytime running lights (DRL)
• Brake Assist, which helps drivers apply full braking pressure in an accident avoidance situation via the ABS actuator. Braking pressure is maintained momentarily after the driver's initial braking action to help the driver stop promptly. It deactivates when the driver releases pressure on the brake pedal
• Basic warranty is 3 year/36,000 but the power train was extended to 5 years/60,000 mile
• Exterior temperature gauge
• New seats; they no longer have seat back pocket and headrest speaker system is gone
• 4 of the 8 speaker audio system are integrated roll bar speakers
• Sebring silver and white only come with a black interior
• CARB emissions rating is now LEV-2
• Passenger-side airbag cutoff
• IAC Valve has been eliminated, along with the cruise control hardware; it is all controlled by the ECU for the DBW system. A gas pedal cable runs into the engine compartment to an actuator. From there it's electronic.
• New intake manifold, intake support bracket, and injector cover
• Only one cam sensor
• New style map sensor
• IAT sensor has moved to the rubber intake tract
• Differential now has a breather box mounted behind it
• Fuel line at engine is now a quick-release type
• Air pump, associated lines and control valve, have been eliminated
• Weight/and or/position sensors mounted in the seats
• Fan switch in the radiator has been replaced with a second CTS, in turn the fans are now computer controlled
• HO2S in the header is now referred to as an Air fuel ratio sensor
• If you leave the gas cap loose, you'll get a "CHECK GAS CAP" warning, displayed in the outside temp display