Hey guys I'm new to the forum! and I am considering to buy a s2k for my next summer drive . So I'm asking which year I should buy and what are the good and bads for each one you state.

 

Most will say "The newer the better"

 

If you're going to ask a "which is better?" question you need to qualify what you mean by "better" (this applies to everything -- not just cars). Any model year beginning with "200" is a good year.

Have you done any test driving? That's really the most important thing in determining what your preference is regarding AP1 vs AP2. Also read all the countless threads on the various model years.

 

you really should read this whole page
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_S2000

That gives you some ideas of the different model-years.

We really can't tell you which one to buy we don't know what exactly you are looking for. Can you tell us what you like about the S2000, what you intend to use it for? (daily driver? garage queen? track nut?)

Now onto my opinion part about which S2000 year I prefer:

If money were not an option I'd be driving an 08/09. I like the new CR but I prefer having the option to go topless and not worry about rain. Since my S is a DD it's a no-no to not have a soft top cause right after I get out of work I always head out to the car, put the top down, and forget about everything else! Plus I like the AP2 V3 wheels and the 06+ seats are better in my opinion. I like having 2 cup holders for long trips (all AP2's have that). I love the AP2 bumpers. Plus I love the 08 wheels.

But here's something to keep in mind. The S2000 is unlike many other sports cars. This one is made by Honda. It's for enthusiasts. If you don't like something about the car there are a million people making aftermarket parts. Like it stock? Many people do it's a very beautiful car. Go to the used car lots and test drive every year you find. It's sad that many people are selling their cars but with the economy down now is really a great time to buy. Figure out what you like about the different versions and then make up your mind.

 

And some will say:
Why pay more for newer when there's no performance increase?


If you want a glass rear window, '03+
If you want 2.2 liter (and don't mind 8000rpm vs. 9000rpm), '04+
If you want VSA (traction control) and drive-by-wire, '06+
If you want the CR, '08/'09

Weight gain over the years was pretty minor, but the early cars weight ~100 lb. less than the later cars (2750 lb. vs. 2850 lb.). Other than the CR, which enjoys a slight benefit, as far as I've been able to determine, out-of-the-box stock performance is pretty much identical throughout the S2000's run.

Handling is pretty twitchy on the earlier cars, particularly '00/'01. Fun, but unforgiving of amateurish inputs at the helm Generally, the earlier cars had stiffer suspension and relatively more rear roll stiffness (more oversteer).
'04+ fixed the rear suspension's toe-change-with-bump problem that is IMO responsible for a lot of incidents with the earlier cars.


My .02...

 

hehe, I think you meant

If you DONT want drive-by-wire, go 05 or lower

 

Glass window started in 02.

 

Drive by wire is a case by case for me. My dad's '02 325i isn't great imho; a MINI Cooper S (MY2005) was better but still not the same as when I hopped into my s2k and felt that mechanical wire. Haven't heard too many people complain about the "delay" in response when accelerating, most complain about that clutch delay valve, then again everyone with an AP2 does.

"Which is better" is subjective, drive different years and see what you like. I'd say atleast an 00/01, 02/03, 04/05, and 06+. So you are going to be driving atleast 4. Read the FAQ at the top too, it may help.

 

"Which year is better" depends on what you want.

2002-2003 is the best DEAL going right now since you can get one with under 50K miles for $12,000! These years are the best of the AP1 (first gen of S2000), Glass rear window, better engine, a few other refinements. IF it's been well maintained you can't get a better car for the money than those 2 model years. If you want a 9,000 RPM redline, a great bang for the buck, and enjoy doing your own maintenance, these are the years to buy.

2004+ went to a 8,000 rpm 2.2 liter motor. This car is easier to drive around town, I will say that....but the newer the model year the more you will pay for the car and insurance.

if you are one of those people who feel that only a very new car will do, get a 06, 07 or 08. If you are a person who realizes that spending half as much on a car only about 4-5 years older with similarly low miles that performs about the same as a current model year, get a 2002-2003.

I may be bias but if I were buying right now, having never owned an S2000, I'd still go for the great bang for the buck that is a mint '02/'03!

 

This is like asking blondes or brunettes...

Personally, I would recommend 02-03 if you will keep the car NA. Lot of bang for the buck, with all of the benefits mentioned above, and there are many available in fantastic condition if you look around.

If FI is on the radar, you may want to consider an AP2. A boosted 2.2 has higher potential output that a boosted 2.0. I'd probably limit myself to 04-05 models if I were looking right now, again for the reasons stated above.