Hey everyone, need some advice from the community...

I'm thinking about trading up to a 2002, some of you have already done so (Airgate, Amartin). Anyone else, please post your experiences. I love the car but have the usual complaints, plastic back window, noisy tranny/clutch, paint peeling on bumper. The 2002 seems to have finally addressed most issues. (If only the F20C could squeeze out another 40 lbf. of torque down low but I'm really not complaining.)

I'd stick with my 2001 but it may be easier to trade up to the 2002 if the cost was not too bad say $3k - $4k. My car only has 11K miles and is in really good condition. I could have the TSB done on the transmission, the bumper repainted for a second time, and hope that Honda comes up with a replacement kit for the back window. I'm probably whining a bit here but it's winter time now and since the top is up these items are becoming more bothersome. What are your thoughts?

 

The repainting you are talking about is this at the front lights? I thought this was fixed in the 01 model?

 

Dave:

I say go for it!!! The added features of the '02 is what should have been on the S2000 back when it was first introduced. Since trading my '00 to the '02 in late October, I have really enjoyed the back glass window and the defroster. Of course, everyone on this board knows the trouble I had out of my tranny and so on. The other items are not a big deal. . .mainly that window and the tranny! I have to honestly tell you, I have no idea how I ever paid $6k over sticker back in '00 for a car that has a rear plastic window! It gives the car a totally different look now. . .

Also, for me. . .the new Sebring Silver is ever so sweet compared to my old Berlina Black! Don't get me wrong. I miss my black S2000 with that sweet red leather interior, but this silver is so classy and has some great looks! It's so much easier to keep clean too! I have received more compliments, comments and so on with the new silver as opposed to my old black.

I'm sure if you were to trade up, you'd stick with the Spa Yellow. That color is certainly georgeous on our cars!

For the '00 and '01 owners out there, no flames intended guys and gals. Every S2000 is a beauty and I respect where the S2000 is going. . .

 

I have a '01 with 8k miles and would do a trade up for a $3-4k cost as well.

 

Thanks Airgate, I know that I wouldn't be dissappointed if I traded up. Anyone else out there traded up?

 

I traded up because my intentions were to keep my '00 for at least 10 years. But I just can't live with a '00 for that long knowing that the new ones have those improvements! So if you typically trade in your car every 3 to 5 years anyway, then I'd wait until you get more use out of your '01 and possibly see improvements in future model years before trading in. But I gotta tell ya... I'll be happy with my '02 no matter what comes out in future model years!

 

Traitor.

 

that is straight crazy, loosing 3-4k to trade a 01 for a 02. why not just wait for a 03 then. you will still loose 3-4k next year, and who knows what HONDA has instored for the 03 model.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by bayarea408
[B]

that is straight crazy, loosing 3-4k to trade a 01 for a 02.

 

dshea, that would be my intention also, to keep the car for a long time. Your right, the 2002 would be easier to live with in the long term. That plastic back window will need to be replaced eventually no matter how well a person takes care of it. Also, the tranny noise and the paint peeling is really bugging me.

Jb32, maybe we should trade doors before I give a dealer my car . Is yours fixed yet? Is it something that Dent Wizard can repair?

bayarea, the loss is relative. If I get a 2002 the car will be one year newer and worth more than the '01. In the end it is personal opinion as to whether it's a waste of money. If your a bit of an "anal retentive perfectionist" as I am it may be worthwhile in the long run. I'd also be happy with the '02 even if Honda came out with a more powerful "S" in the future. In my opinion Honda will only make small incremental HP increases (if any) in the future. It's not like Honda to jump up the HP very much in any particular model. I might expect a 10 HP increase at the most next year if or when they add iVTEC or increase the displacement to 2.2L but chances are slim.