Appreciate the replies. Putting money into it was always the plan. Part of the reason I didn't buy the lowest mileage, newest year model available.

I just struggled between flashy upgrades or more practical repairs. The top is only a few months old. I'd originally thought about a more unique paint job. But end the end I just loved the color.

I passed on a lower mileage ap1 that had the full comptech supercharger set up. Both my first 2 S2000's were ap1

So I went with latest model drive by wire and I'm happy with it so that's what's supposed to matter most

Any hints on best shot at ap2v1 wheels in new/ refurbished condition

 

I think it's wise. The s2000 is a timeless classic in my opinion. I came from years upon years of modifying vehicles (and bikes as well). I promised myself that my s2000 would be almost unmolested. I stayed true with only giving it a minor drop, uk exhaust mod, and an oem front lip.

That's how it will stay, (with the exception of me finding an oem hard top) guaranteed.

I purchased MY04 last July with only 7k on the odometer. So the paint was in pristine condition. I daily mine with no regrets and when time comes, aside from maintenance, it will receive a full oem rio paint job as well.

 

My vote (and I'm not trying to knock your efforts) is that this is a waste. You'll never get the $ back and sh&t happens all the time if you actually drive your car. All that money for a repaint is gone at the first rock chip. Also, you'll have to disclose that you repainted the car if you sold it and if I was buying a 2005 model I would walk away at a repaint so soon. The clutch is an obvious good idea.

I'm super OCD about my toys, believe me. However, as I've become older I realize that I just have to let go of certain things. Restoring a car to showroom condition just doesn't make sense unless you're JUST doing it for you and enjoy this type of thing. You could take that money and have a lot of $ towards another S2000 you could use as a pure track car and then you would have 2 of them.

 

I'm with 05thumper. PDR, new headlights, some paint chip repair (http://www.drcolorchip.com/), and a good detailing, you're at 90% of your goal with a fraction of the investment.

 

The million mile 356 got me thinking. (Link below, and worth it if you have not viewed.)

http://jalopnik.com/the-million-mile...ver-1217429308

If you closed your eyes as the guy is describing the reliability, driving enjoyment, thinking of reasons to not go home and park it, It would be hard not to picture an S2k too.

Something of an s2000 of its day I think. Nice to know that if you take care of a good car where she really needs it, there is no reason it won't last the rest of your life.

That said, I am pretty OCD about my car and have had thoughts along the lines of the OP's.

 

I wouldn't say waste of money but i'd rather spend more and buy a low mileage pristine condition car that doesn't need work. When it's done, you'll have spent just as much or more and you'll have a repainted car. Just my thoughts

 

Tough call - it's hard to tell what the condition of the paint is from the pictures is. It's amazing what a buffer/compound/polish in the right hands will do, but if the paint is truly done I say go for the paint job. I also have a Suzuka and the paint is in decent shape, but I do plan on keeping the car forever and would eventually like a complete repaint in the OEM color. Let us know how it comes out!