Ok, im finally buying my dream car and stepping outta my shitty Acura Integra, dont get me wrong, I love that car but I gotta have an S2k!!! I just got approved for the loan and im boosted! Someone please tell me things I should look for and what not. I was at the dealer and I drove a yellow 2001, for some reason, i didnt feel the power or whatever. Maybe cuz its a rear wheel drive and 50/50 i cant notice it but idono my teg launched harder. Whats the best model to buy 2001,2002,2003,2004? and what problems should i look for?

 

A sports car is not designed to be a "launch" car. It is that simple. If you ran the car up through the gears to say 8500 rpms in each of the first three and did not get a "rush", then it is most definitely not the car for you. This car is designed for people who love heading out to the twisty roads. Again, if that is not your thing; it is not the car for you.

 

I see what your saying. but i still love the car. i jus want a nice sports car.

 

well make sure rear window isn't too hazy
see if there is the 2nd gear grind
see if there is any service records like rear diff. fluid change

 

Get an 04', the changes they made are excellent and worth it despite all those who think otherwise.

Or, get a leftover or very low-mileage 03.

I have an 03, and I wanted an 04' and would take one anyday, but getting my 03' saved me more than $5K.

 

I first test drove an '01 and came away a little disappointed. I ended up buying a '98 M3. I got bored with that and drove an '02 and was completely blown away and so much in love I left the BMW and drove home the Honda. I read similar sentiments in some euro mag, and have no idea why or if it's even true, but I suggest driving some newer ones just for kicks and see if you like them better. Even try an '04 maybe? I haven't yet...
--JD

 

ok thanx i will try a newer model. And where do i get the S emblem that I see on some S2kz? I want to replace the honda emblem with that. ANy clue? Oh and how do I get a s2ki decal?

 

In my opinion, with all the changes they made this year, the 04 is the way to go. They bumped up engine from a 2.0 to 2.2 and added more torque. There are also subtle differences in the look... New front bumper (slightly longer front end), new headlights, new rear bumper, new taillights, new exhaust system, and stock 17 inch rims. However, if you plan on modifying the car...none of this will make much of a difference.

If you plan on getting an older model, they changed the interior and added a glass pane on the rag-top and rear defrost in 2002.

I just bought one a few weeks ago and I love it. If you can afford it, spend the extra money and get the 04.

later!

 

a low mileage 03 or 02 would be an excellent choice, and save you some coin. the benefit of buying one of these cars is most are low mileage.

but if you're like me and have to have a new car, and want that security, the 04 isn't a bad choice either

 

also, there is absolutely nothing wrong with the 00-01's either. the only real "con" is the plastic window. If you take care of it, there won't be a problem; i recommend putting some floor mats behind the seats to keep the window from scratching. The plastic window IS bigger than the glass, so it has an advantage in that area. You CAN retrofit the glass if you really want to...the cost for the new top is $800 (the premium for a 02 over a 01 is about $2-2.5K).

The 02+ has tweeters, but they are the same crappy ones as your integra most likely. I surface mounted some aftermarket components in my 01, and the imaging is better. If you're stuck on OEM, you can buy the OEM tweeter mounts for $40 each...a waste if you ask me. The stereo in the S is about the same as the Teg's...it's crappy

As you now know, I have a 01. My idea is that it makes sense as the car is more depreciated and will incur less than a newer one. The S2000 really does hold its value well...after 4 years they are still worth 2/3 the original MSRP; most cars go for less than 1/2!! In fact, I think 4 years from now, the 00's will still go for over $10K (there is going to be A LOT of demand from the Honda tuner crowd for this car, and as you know there are not too many of them). I purchased my S with a 3 year powertrain warranty to ease any doubts; the rest of the stuff I know how to fix.