I've finally learned to register on websites to dicsuss a vehicle before buying it.

So, should I buy an S2000?
There seem to be more problems with them than I expected.

My Miata doesn't have much power, but it sure corners well and is ultra reliable.

Are there any differences between the year models of the S2000 other than the glass window?

What are the problem areas?

 

i don't think anyone is intentionally not posting to your thread, it's just that those topics have already been discussed more than once. Try a search.

If you think the miata corners well, wait til you try out the S2000. Nothing handles like this car and it loves corners!

Should you get one? Of course you should. Sure ppl have isolated issues, some which are pretty drastic, but what car model doesn't?

 

Agree, a lot of this info has been posted. That being said, I think your best bet is to go and test drive one and see what you think. I just got mine last month and love driving it (only have ~450 miles on it).

 

oldschool,

1st...Go test drive it man. I was going to say for you to wait and see how good the 350Z is going to be before you buy and S2000...but it looks like you are a top down person. If you were going to buy this next car as a weekend drag car...I would not get the S2000. It is accepted here that the S2000 differential can't take alot of drag racing "abuse".

There are differences in the 2000, 01, and 02.

I would say most of the problems you are reading about occur more often in the 2000 models. I'm talking about the 1st to 2nd gear grind, and the clutch rattle. But, if you get them updated like me...the car drives fine now.

I think the 2001 models are the same as 2000, except that the radio has a clock (2000 model does not have a clock). In 2001, the yellow was introduced.

2002 models have an upgrade in trim level. Glass rear window, tweeters, chrome tail light rings, bigger "H" emblems, more aggresive trunk tail light, leather consol, and some misc. interior color differences and additions. In 2002, the silverstone metallic was discontinued. A new light silver is introduced, as well as a "suzuka blue".

 

I'm also getting sort of hesitant from the threads lately. Ppl talking about $9K engine failures and crappy service. That sh*t would break me if I have already forked out $25K to get a used one in the first place. And when it comes to taking an extra insurance, I'd still be scared. I've seen insurance companies crawl out of having to pay using some loophole one too many times.

I was hoping on getting a 2000 but maybe it is wiser to pay the extra to get a 2001 at least. I'm not due to buy one until coming fall/winter/spring though.

 

My S2000 is daily driven and I had no problems yet. (I had mine for a year now) And I love this car. Just go test drive one and see for your self.

 

Well, this IS a S2000 forum, so you're going to get replies that point you towards buying the car. Personally, I LOVE the S2000, and it fits into my lifestyle well.

Look at the things going on in your life and see if this car fits you as well. For example, do you have kids and/or need a back seat? Do you live in sunny CA or in Seattle where is rains? (sorry I didn't look to see where you're from)? Do you need a trunk that fits lots? Is this going to be your only car, and are you active? (need to store skiis or a mountain bike)

All these things aside, if you're in the market for a convertible 2 seater sports car, NOTHING is better than the S2000 at any price (almost).

My $0.02 here...

 

Thanks everyone.
The good on-line community is a big plus for the car.

Obviously this is a fast, great handling sports car. On the other hand, from what I can gather from your responses and from previous posts the problem areas are:
-the differential doesn't like hard launches
-the synchronization upshifting to second isn't great on early examples
-some sort of rich running problem related to the MAP sensor
-the top flaps in the airstream
-noisy or weak bearings in the clutch or the tranny input shaft
-poor stereo

Please correct me if I'm wrong or if I'm missing something.

How does the S2000 compare to the 240HP version of the M Roadster, or M Coupe?

Thanks.

 

It is better looking, a bit faster, and a bit cheaper than the 240HP M. Has it's own performance / handling quirks, but they both have them. After being to both I prefer BMW service, but it can be more expensive. You will see yourself coming and going all day in the BMW. Test drive them both before you decide.