Wow, Florida must be a pricey area for S2k's... I'm in the market right now, will be selling my 05 STi to pay for it. I've been finding AP1's with 50-60k miles posted at 15,500 or so and posted around 13,500 at 90k miles and about 10,500 with 110k miles. These are general values but they give you an idea of what I've been finding in the area, I do live in Tampa however..

 

http://austin.craigslist.org/cto/3007262141.html
one not very noticeable rip that was patched by a local shop. and comes with stock ap2 v1 rims
what do we think, good price?

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/2992755789.html
or this? I think I like the red over the black personally

 

Hi everyone,

In the long array of cars that I've owned to date, I must say that I've been fortunate enough to have owned 2 S2000's (both an AP1 and an AP2), and I'm ready for my third! My first was a 2003 S2000 which I owned and fully enjoyed for 2.5 years, while my second was a 2007 S2000 which I didn't keep for more than a year. I have to say that I enjoyed and miss the AP1 more than the AP2, which is why I'm determined to buy another AP1.

Here is my dilemma. I've been out of the S2000 scene for quite some time, and some of the things I would like to know are:

1) Has time proven that one model is better than the other, both mechanically and in terms of reliability? I want to make sure I'm making the right decision in acquiring another AP1 and that there are no major issues other than the common tensioner complaints, etc, which to me are minor. I've been reading quite a bit and it appears that people are using AP2 parts when rebuilding the AP1's, and at the time when I had one, this was not a common practice. If there is an obvious advantage to having an AP2, please tell me. And no, I do not consider the extra 10 lb-ft of torque to be an advantage, I prefer the higher red line, all things being equal.

2) I've found two possible great cars that I will be seeing tomorrow. Both are AP1's (2002 and 2003), but the 2002 has over double the mileage of the 2003 car. There seem to be pro's and con's to both. While the 2003 has less miles, it's had 3 owners, and the 2002 car has had a single owner, with history of all services, regular oil changes, etc. How do these cars behave past the 100k-mile mark? Are they money pits requiring extensive repairs, or are they still reliable daily drivers? I'm trying to figure out if the lower mileage is worth the extra $4-5k in price.

All opinions welcome. And no, this is not intended to start an AP1 vs. AP2 war thread, so please keep the negative comments out. I want intelligent opinions from current owners.

Thank you!

 

really the only thing i think the AP2's have as far as advantage is better retainers and a better PCV system so they dont burn oil like AP1's....i had a 220whp all motor type r that drank oil and it was a fresh build so i dont think the AP1 oil consumption is actually an issue(at least to me)...as far as which one to buy, thats entirely up to you...it is a honda and these cars are still very reliable if maintained properly in higher mileage...good luck and welcome back

 

4000 things were changed from ap1 to ap2.

 

U live in Florida. Plenty of S2000's to choose from, don't limit your self. 2003 is the best year for Ap1's.

 

You'd be surprised...they have gone scarce believe it or not. I'm actually having to drive 1-2 hours to find decent ones. And I agree, 2003 is the AP1 to have, though 2002 is right up there. The earlier models with the plastic on the top is what I'm trying to avoid.

 

Doesn't' mean they were for improvements. For example the shape of the rear brake light is different via scoop or no scoop. the radio doors, the seats etc. Not sure those are really "improvements" Many could be for marketing purposes and expansion of consumer markets for the S2200 =P

 

Right now there are only 25 are for sale within 300 miles from my house in Fla. Since u both live in Jacksonville, u also have Ga and Alabama to choose from. There was 55 to 60 for sale on Autotrader same radius, 2 months ago. Also check the Miami, Orlando and Tampa Craigslist. Living alllll the way up in Jacksonville means a few hour drive. U can also ask Fla members to check a S2k out if u are super serious about a certain one.

 

We drove 3 months ago from Ft. Myers to Atlanta to buy a 2008 Civic Si. Took close to 8 hours each way. If the price and color fit what u are looking for, go for if. We got a rental for $43.00 for the day, taxes, ins. included.