I have driven a 2001. Took it out on a test drive, granted the car had some rear end problems, not sure what, but I could hear a clunk under acceleration. After driving the car at a moderate pace, Came around a turn and got in the throttle to early, ass end did come out from underneath me. Steered it out and let off the throttle, came out alive and felt the pulse on both sides of my head for several minutes. Great time otherwise.

To j03chu: You are correct, I do not know what I am talking about, I have passed the point of search and learn, I have read enough to blow my head to bits, but from what I have read I have not heard anyone really compare the cars directly in 00 to 03. I hear a lot of butt dynos, and not so much factual knowledge, which is what I prefer. Do not let my posts reflect my intelligence of the S, Simply asking for a educated opinion only needs an honest one, no reason to bad talk on the guy with some questions. Have a good day.

Thank You again everyone for your positive input.
Cheers to all of you.

Matt

 

The mechanical differences between 00 and 03 are very slight. So slight most drivers wouldn't be able to tell a difference. The differences one would notice have already been mentioned in this thread. Here's a thread with some interesting reading:
http://forums.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=161997

My advice: buy whichever car is in better condition.

Lies! Driving an '04 and an '01 back to back, the '01 rides much smoother. I credit the low-profile 17" tires on the AP2 for the added harshness. In fact the front springs on the AP2 are stiffer than the AP1 springs -- it's only the rear end that's softer on the AP2.

 

I'm on my second S - I owned an 00 for five years before upgrading to an 06 last July. People may make a case for one or the other, but I loved the old one and I love the new one. I personally would go for the glass rear window, also. The plastic one drove me crazy. Enjoy, whichever you choose!

 

I forgot to mention, the later model S2k's have a refined transmission.

 

I'd stick with either '02 or '03. I refused to buy an '00/'01 because of the plastic rear window in those years. An '02 or '03 should be lower insurance than an '04+ and you can probably get an 02/03 for $5-7K less than you can get an '04+ for.

I bought my '02 last summer with 15K miles on it for $19K. Am I upset I didn't spend $25K and get an '04 with 15K miles? Not in the least bit. I have the title to my S2000 sitting in my safe deposit box.

 

"Shifter knobs are different (one isn't better than the other but they are different)"

If you've ever grabbed the all-metal shift knob of the earlier version with your bare hands in a Canadian winter, you wouldn't say that! Having a leather-covered knob alone is worth getting the post-2002 S2000!

Zeiss

 

I greatly preferred my '03 over my old '01...it was nicer inside, handled better (due to spring rate/sway bar changes), had oil jet bolt update, glass rear window, etc. '02 and '03 are the ultimate AP1 years IMO!

 

I live in Florida and my idea of a harsh winter involves not wearing flip-flops! I see what you mean about a frozen shift knob though.

Go for the newer one.

 

i have a MY00... couldn't be happier, don't want a newer one, never will..