tiger740

For my budget for a S2000, I can find a lot of '04-'05 under 25K miles. I also find a lot of '06,'07,'08 in 40K-50K miles.

Do you have any recommendation on which is a better option? I like some of the changes & enhancements in the later models, but I am also attracted to low mile examples of '04-'05.

Thanks!

WVCR-V

That's a complex question because it really comes down to condition. A 50k mile car could be in as good of condition or even better than a 25k mile car. That being said, I personally perfer the wheels and the look of the 2006+. Another bonus is the ability to Flashpro tune the 06+. I have done that to mine and it is worth it for sure. It also never hurts to have traction control and you can turn it off if you don't want it. I also like the daytime running lights of the 06+.

Chuck S

Opinions are like butts -- we all have one. Here's mine.

I think the 2006 and later cars represent the best option for most folks. I thought that way 3 years when I started searching for a S2000 and nothing in the interim period has changed my mind. The added mid range power to my 2006 from a Gernby FlashPro tune which lowers the VTEC engagement to 3600 rpm transformed my car. This same tune can be achieved with an aftermarket ECU and lots of dyno time -- if you can find someone who knows about the S2000.

-- Chuck

Car Analogy

Those differences in miles don't really amount to much.

I would base your decision on which generation best suits your needs, how you will ise the car, and what features are important to you, and what condition these cars are in.

The last thing I would he considering is the miles when the miles are that low.

darcyw

20K miles means nothing. as mentioned above, do you want to consider flash pro? then the '06+ is the way to go. I can tell you this- jvf1's CR with flash pro is imminently more torquey and immediate than my '03. So much so, that if I was to do this again, i'd go with the '06+.

​​​​​​​darcy

GuthNW

If the changes that were implemented in the 2006 and later drive-by-wire cars are important to you, then I'd suggest narrowing your focus to just those particular model year cars and concentrate on finding examples in the nicest overall condition (that are still within your budget of course). I'm convinced that the key to finding the best deal is a combination of both patience and luck. If I were going to buy a DBW car, I'd keep this information in mind and proceed accordingly.

tiger740

Super helpful! Thank you so much!

cdubea

This. The retune absolutely transformed my car. More more fun to drive around town without losing the high rpm push.

It makes the car much more linear without the kick in the back punch it used to have when the VTEC engaged.

VilleS2K

Valid points above. Also, just keep in mind that drive by wire (2006+) can seem a bit vague/less mechanical than drive by throttle cable (up to 2005). It's a subtle difference, but not one I preferred.

Langelo DeMysterioso

I previously owned an '05. I think it's the best AP2. No dbw. I would go for that option if I did it again.