I just picked up a 2003 SSM 34K miles for $14.5k yesterday in SF Bay Area if it helps too.

 

Honestly all of them are pretty reliable. I would get a later 02 or 03 though if buying an AP1 because of the glass rear window. Some of the issues people have stated are really only a problem if you track the car often and the retainer problem is more or less user error from overreving.

I really won't worry about those issues if you are just driving your car on the street. Plus they are cheap to fix if you track the car. Personally I just checked the retainers when I bought the car and didn't bother changing them since they were good. I just know in my mind that I can't overrev the car. There is a lock out on first gear so it is actually kind of difficult to mishift into 2nd or higher unless you are on the track.

A lot of issues relating the reliably are over hyped with the S2k in my opinion. If something happens in year to year changes everyone thinks there was a major issue that was corrected. You still get great honda reliably from all years. Mine is over 10 years old and you would think it just came off the assembly line.

 

If you are a car/driving enthusiast get an AP1.

if you just think the S2K is a cool looking car and you just want a nice weekend/fun car get an AP2.

 

i say get an ap2, just looks better with all the updates

 

Test drive both and be sure to consider the suspension differences. They will be as noticable as the engine differences.

 

Higher mileage AP2. High mileage in this car isn't really high mileage. A properly maintained S2000 is good for 200k+ miles, easy.

 

If you are in or near Sacramento, come out and meet some of the local members to talk and maybe even sit/go for a ride.

 

If you're going to track it get an ap2, if not, get an ap1 and mod it.

 

Why would you suggest that? I'd say the other way around.

02-03 has the best setup suspension wise, stock for stock...except for the CR.

Throw a CR front sway bar and a single exit exhaust on an 02-03 AP1 and call it good.

 

Don't be afraid to "jerk around" a salesman. That's what they're there for. Go test drive and determine what you want. Personally, I own an ap2 and miss the rev of an ap1. However, the additions to the ap2 vs the ap1 are great. Also, the ap2 just looks better. If you buy an ap1 update the lights with the ap2's lights.