lencap

Greetings - Years ago I was in love with the S2000, but never had the chance to buy one. It appealed to me "mentally" as well as viscerally. Now I'm a retired "senior", and considering the toys I never had and my attention is again on the S2000. Prices seems to have run up quite a bit since I last looked. I have a local seller with a full records 2002 AP2 w/ 39K miles for $19K, red/black.

I'm unsure about which model to consider, and frankly, I'm also wondering if a new Miata for not much more money may be a more practical choice. I'm not looking for a Miata/S2000 comparison necessarily, but I'd welcome your experience with repairs/costs and how to price these cars. I'm particularly interested in your experience with parts availability, now and your thoughts about the future.

I have read a lot of posts, so I'm not a novice on the site, but some of those posts are a bit olde,r and I'm looking for recent owner experiences.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts, suggestions, comments.

windhund116

Think that AP2 started in 2003. Have any photos or links to this car?

Thanks!

lencap

Sorry, my error - it is a AP1 - typo on my part. Last time I looked at prices (years ago) you could buy a AP2 for similar asking price.

The link in on craigslist here: http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/5825106710.html

windhund116

Looks nice! All the VIN numbers match?

Old racer

A lot of central northern Australia is arid rough country where the cattle properties are measured in hundreds of square miles, not acres. We call it the never never. It has some really great spots, often hundreds of miles from nowhere.

A recent tourist promotion for the area said, "You'll never never know, if you never never go.

Well the S2000 is a bit like that. You can stay safe in the middle of the herd, & do what everyone else does, buy a Miata, it is a safe option. Of course you'll never never know just how good it could have been, if you'd stepped out of that herd, & bought what you really want, an S2000.

Incidentally to answer your question, I have bought nothing for mine in 4 years apart from oil, tyres servicing & fuel

Bamafan

I love the S2000. But you should test drive both. The new Miata will of course have far superior reliability...it is not 14 years old. It will also have more creature comforts and will be just about as fun on a back road. Only three quantitative reasons to purchase the S2000 instead: 1) It has one of the best engines nes ever built; 2) It will not depreciate like a new Miata; 3) It has a power top--the Miata's top is easy to put up and down, but not at the push of a switch like the S2000.

lencap

Thank you all for the comments - much appreciated. Given my comments, and your experience, should the AP1 or AP2 be on my target list, and why?

darcyw

if you're wide of ass, then maybe neither car.
The s2000 is old and maintenance/wear items will be in need of replacement/repair.

With s2000, first thing is you'll need to have a spec valve adjustment done- heck, crack open the valve cover before you hand over your clams to be sure there are no broken retainers.
I tell people the s2000 is a maintenance hound just to give them fair warning that this is not a civic they are buying- It may say Honda, but it needs more- oil changes and proper oil checks are critical. Fluids need replacing every year (except antifreeze- that's every 5), valve check regularly. Alignments regularly. rear wheel bearings fail (unless you do the s2ki approved retorque), spark plugs back out at original torque spec (21 lbs ft is proper, not 13 as the manual says), oil filters fall off (its more than hand tight- 7/8 of a turn PAST initial touch), proper tires are critical. Clutch master cylinder leaks.
Most of all, a new car has a warranty. Most Honda dealership mechanics have no clue about the intricacies and subtleties of s2000 maintenance and care- they will take you to the cleaners in most cases, leaving you sad and feeling empty.
But every time you push that start button, your heart will skip a beat and you see yourself smile. Just wait till redline.
good luck
darcy

AZS2KDancer

Sir, the S is no Miata. The Miata is a fun car, and you will probably not be disappointed, unless you drive an S2K. AP1 or AP2, you won't go wrong, unless you don't fit in it. You have a good find there, if all the VIN numbers match and you have maintenance records.

rpg51

Does the Miata make your heart go pitter patter like the S2k?
Life is short.
I just bought my 02 S2k this year. I'm 65, I've head over heels in love with this thing.
My buddy bought a 2016 Miata. I lied and told him I was jealous to make him feel good.

P.S. Darcy has it about right. These cars are extremely reliable but they need to be maintained. But you won't find it to be a huge chore.