I read a C&D review of the S2K back in 1999 and it sorta stuck with me as something to keep my eye on in the future. (I had left the car scene for other hobbies and pursuits.) Fast forward to the present. A 2001 silver/black with 14K shows up at the Honda dealer nearby. OK, I remember the review and go look at it one night.... OK, so I go back with the wife a few days later and we take it out for a spin. We get out of the thing after 30 minutes on my favorite back road, out of breath and stunned. Never drove a street car like that, only purpose built race cars. Unreal.

So now we want one (big surprise to you guys....), and I have some opening questions:

1) This particular car is very clean and although the miles are a little high, I wouldn't mind just buying this one except that I feel the need to do the whole price shop thing. It is a Honda certified car (does that really mean squat?), with 22K left on the warranty and they are asking $28K. Is this a good deal?

2) I have been lurking on this forum soaking up what I could, so I understand the basic differences between the 2001 and the 2002. Stereo, glass back window, tweaked tranny, etc. Not sure that those (along with the mileage difference), are worth the $5K delta in price to me. (I have located a dealer in the Southeast that say they will sell at MSRP.) Opinions on the value of the 2002 upgrades? (I would probably upgrade any sound system anyway)

3) This particular car does not have much with it, I know for certain that it is missing the boot cover used to cover the roof when folded down. They have already said that they would replace that at no charge. (May not use it, but if it came with the car I want it.....). Question is, what else did it come with that I don't know about? Can someone tell me what other items came with your new 2001 S2K?

4) I cannot seem to make contact with the previous owner though I will continue to try. So the question is, what mechanical issues should I be checking for? What S2K specific troubles should I be looking at in a used 2001 model?

5) Related to the last question, the car seems to drive and run very well. But can these cars be hurt in some way that I need to know about and check? (Compression check was my old favorite....)

Appreciate any feedback you can give.

 

I would recomend buying a new one, because of the break in period. I dont think people know how important this break in period is, if the car wasnt broken into properly, that bad

 

If I were u, I'd buy a new one

 

The Honda Certified warranty is a good thing, it will cover you should something go wrong with the car during those 22 months or however long is left, but be skeptical with this car as you would with any other sports car, it may have been driven really hard, although if it was taken car of that shouldn't matter much. Also make sure it hasn't been in an accident and if it was and there was any damage other than body, be very careful. If I were you I would go with the 2002 if you can spare the cash, I have both a 2000 and a 2002 at home and the 2002 is much nicer all over, with the tweaked tranny and everything, the glass window is also a nice perk if you use it as your daily driver in the rain and what not, when the top is up. The only thing about the 2000 that I am not sure if it applies to the 2001 is the noise coming from what I think is the clutch plate that is not officially a recall from what I can remember, but the dealership will relplace it for you if you so desire, but...it is a major undertaking from what I hear and they need to take the tranny out and I personally hate to have my cars taken apart like that when they are new, so you may want to research that too, but good luck, either way I am sure you will get every dollar's worth on this one.

 

If you are taking out a loan, check terms and rates.

If you buy used, your rate will be higher and you cannot take out a loan for as long.

The 02 has enough positive changes that I personally wouldn't consider used.

 

for the $$ difference, get a new one. try to talk the price down - there's a few used S2K's for sale in the group buys & for sale forum, for comparison and bargaining power. there's no need to get the 2002 purely for the minor upgrades, tho. if 02's in your area can be had for MSRP ($32,840), then an 01 with 14K miles should be less than $28K. and if i remember correctly, the only things removable that came with the car were the boot, the floor mats, the owner's manual and the 2 regular keys + 1 valet.

if it's a honda certified used car, you should get a 100K mile extended warranty. plus a great finance rate (but still shop around cuz credit unions might be able to beat it).

if you get the 01, consider having a knowledgable mechanic check it out.

 

2001 and 2002 have a lot of differences - see below!
My opinion is to get a 2002, especially if you know of a dealer that is comfortable with MSRP, because if they are OK with that right up front, you might get them below if you work at it. If you buy new you do get the opportunity to do a proper breakin.
I would also go back and test drive the used one again!

The changes between '01 and '02 as I know them now:
1- refined transmission
2- heavier clutch
3- glass rear window
4- defrost switch on dashboard
5- enhanced white line detail on tach from 0 to 9000 forms an arch
6- 10 watts per channel power increase in stereo along with new face
7- tweeters in doors
8- silver trim details inside on doors
9- new silver badge on lower door sill
10- new leather wrapped shift knob
11- vinyl center console instead of carpet
12- standard floor mats WITH 2 securing posts
13- metal dead pedal to match design of other pedals
14- larger exterior logos front and rear
15- silver trim rings around taillights
16- new color blue and lighter/brighter color silver
17- no 2-tone interior like in '01, when you order red it is ALL red!
18- two horns not just one
19- intermittent wiper relay is not so loud
20- third brake light scoops up higher from top of trunk lid
21- plastic trim around instrument cluster dark grey not black
22- slightly higher retail price, more dramatic increase in dealer cost
23- Anybody???

 

wow. thank you for making me love my 02 more Triple-H.

definitely go with the '02. the price difference doesn't justify what you don't get, unless you can get much lower than 28k for the 01.

good luck.

 

The price difference definitely isn't large enough to justify buying used. In addition to the physical improvements, you are also buying at least a year of depreciation!

My advice, go new.

However, absolutely do not pay more than MSRP!

Good luck.

 

If it was my choice, I'd shop like mad and get an '02. You'll get 14k more of your own miles ... and trust me, once you have your hot little hands on this car, you're gonna want to drive it all the time. Seems like there are some dealers who realize that we are becoming smarter buyers and will sell for MSRP or below. Search this board, call around, and find a good deal ... then break it in yourself and FALL IN LOVE.