Ok, so, I'm new to this website first of all I have some questions that I have tried to answer on my own by lurking, but have yet to find a definitive answer, so, I've decided to ask (I know how it is being a new guy on a forum, asking the questions that people have already answered before...I'm a member of clubgp.com, which are forums for Grand Prix owners, which is my current car).

Ok, first thing's first...What's does AP1 and AP2 stand for? From what I can gather, its a difference in model years? Something different about the way they drive? One "softer" than the other?

Secondly, I've seen things like "MY00" and "MY02" and the such, and I'm wondering that that means? Model Year 2000?

Sorry about the retarded questions lol...but, they're something that I'd like to know, so that when I'm reading posts about certain features/how certain years drive and everything, I'd like to know what it is that's being talked about, as I'm seriously looking into purchasing an s2k as my next car!

As stated above, I own a Pontiac Grand Prix GT...It has been an okay car, but, I've been having some mechanical problems with it lately, and frankly, I'm getting tired of it. I purchased the car with my own money at 17 years old ($8500 is a lot of coin to drop for someone that age! haha) and I've had the car for 3 years now, and I'm looking for something new...something with a little more "umph", a little smaller, and something just plain different. I've always loved the look of the s2k, and not up until recently did it become as appealing as it is, since I started reading just how much power is packed into this pint-sized car. I have yet to test drive one, but hopefully, that will soon be taken care of

Thanks again for any help, and thanks for all the informative posts you all make on a daily basis...even though it may not be made for me, I still lurk it, and learn more and more about this sweet car.

Oh, and are there any certain years I should watch out for, when looking for one to purchase? I understand sometimes there's "bugs" in some cars, if they're made within the first one or two years of them first coming out?

-Adam

 

AP1 = Pre 04 models
AP2 = 04 and on

Yes, MY = model year

If you're going to get an AP1, the 03 model is arguably the best choice.
For an AP2, the 04 and 05 don't come with the new traction control and outside temp guage like the 06.

And please make use of the FAQ
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=154011

We like to think that it's there for a reason.

This LINK might help you out as well!

 

Early models:
Not very good sound system
The dreadful PLASTIC window(cant tint or see out of eventually)
BUT you get to rev up to 9000 rpms...arguably the best feeling the world.

An S is an S, the newer ones have fixed some small issues, but you cant really go wrong if your gonna get an S.

 

The dreadful PLASTIC window(cant tint or see out of eventually)


Sorry to say that,but you are wrong,on both topics.!!!See FAQ.

 

i'd keep the grand prix, that is a killer kar with tons of torque. Insurance on the S is will break your pocketbook at 17.

 

^^ That is an excellent point. I would seriously look into insurance cost. With all the mishaps involving S2000, I imagine the insurance will only go up even higher than what it is already.

 

He's 20 now. He bought the Grand Prix when he was 17.

Definitely shop around for insurance before you get an S. If you don't have any tickets or accidents you might be surprised at how affordable the insurance can be. I'm paying roughly $20/month more now for full coverage than what I was paying for my crappy '95 Pontiac Sunfire.

Good luck!

Dave

 

I also went from a Grand Prix GT to an S2000. I was 23 at the time, and my S was new, but my insurance DOUBLED. As others have mentioned, be sure to shop around for insurance and factor that into your decision to get an S.

My Grand Prix, a 98, also went way south mechanically, prompting the new car. You might miss the torque of the L36, but that's about all you'll miss if you do decide to get an S.

 

Yea, I'm 20 years old right now. I work at an insurance company, and I'v already researched the Auto Symbol for the S2000...Its a symbol 22, and the Grand Prix was a symbol 15. Of course, the higher the symbol, the more your insurance will be, and figuring that I'm already playing $970 every six months on insurance (with a CLEAN record), I figured that the insurance would be a good $1800...HOWEVER, the insurance with the S2000 was $1244 every six months...At a difference of $230 every six months, that wont be breaking the bank on insurance. That was one of the deciding factors as to whether or not I was even going to look further into this car. Seeing as how it IS possible, based on insurance cost, I've been reading more and more about them

And, yes, the Grand Prix does have some torque, however, I've had mechanical problems wrong with it, and it just doesnt drive like it used to

I purchased the car for $8500 two years ago, and after looking around at the price these cars are selling for locally, I could possibly get close to $10,000 for it right now (its in excellent condition) If I could get out as much, if not more money out of it than what I paid for it (I got a great deal), that would make me damn happy.

So what's so good about the MY03's? I think I read somewhere that they always seem to dyno a little more ponies for some reason?

Adam

 

Just wondering, how is my03 better than my02?