I would only buy a modded car if I know who did the work on it.

 

IMO you should buy a car that meets your needs and desires, not a car you think you can build to meet them. If the first thing you think when you see an S is "how can I change it", it might not be the car for you.

That said, Im all for buying something used with some customization done to it ahead of time (saves money and time) but one thing I wouldn't buy is a car with FI on it or one that was modded for such. Way too many headaches. There's a big difference between an aftermarket wheel or body kit and engine plumbing and tuning.

 

Comes down the car being offered. I would be very careful buying any modified car. I would for sure stay away from cars with exterior mods. A stock car is the safest bet, but you do save a lot on a modded car vs. doing it yourself.

2002-2003 are the best years for S2000 IMO.

 

whats wrong with a car having exterior mods? i rather not buy a car that was touched under the hood versus exterior mods

 

^ agreed. cars don't break down because of carbon fiber hoods or front lips...

 

1) Cosmetic mods are probably fine as most have said. I purposely bought mine new because I wanted to know exactly whats been done, how it was done, what I broke, etc. That said, light or basic mods to the engine or suspension (i.e. k&n fipk or new wheels & tires) would also be fine to me. If you can find a stock one in a color you want with the miles you want & a clean carfax, even better.

2) I loved the 2003 AP1 but ultimately bought an AP2 because I wanted it new & couldn't afford the AP1 at the time it was new. Otherwise, either one is a great car.

 

I've worked/installed on plenty of boosted s2k's. I would stay away from them. There are issues with both turbo AND superchargers. Without the history of the boost, you will have to start from square one when trouble shooting. Unless you are mechanically inclined, it will create headaches.

The only time I would consider buying a boosted car is if it was from your local car group where you know the owner, the history of the car and how it was cared for.

As for which MY to buy, I'd go for the newest model you can afford. The thing I would consider however is the Drive by Wire in the MY06 and above. I personally HATE DBW. Cable throttle is more connected feel in my opinion.

Tim

 

I would buy a highly modified s2000, but only a highly modified naturally aspirated one. Being an experienced owner helps in the field of which modifications are actually good and which arent. I would supercharge a car myself though, after purchase, if I were to do it all again.

 

if i was to do it all over again I would buy a car as stock as possible