I have done some research and have found out that there are some minor differences in the 00 - 01 vs 02 - 03 models.

Question is, are the 00 - 01 really alot worse than 02 - 03 models? Are there any mechanical issues I should be aware of? Is the plastic rear window really that bad? Wouldn't the plastic window be lighter? What about transmission issues?

I have never owned a convertible of any kind. I was considering buying a 00-01 S2k just for fun. I am not hard on my cars either.

 

The transmission issues will be fixed by Honda for you free of charge but if you can find an '02+ for about the same price, I'd go for it since the glass window seems like it would be a lot more convenient...

Ah yes, not to mention the vinyl console cover, the tweeter pods and the slightly more powerful stock deck...

 

I went with a 02 for the glass window and improvements on the tranny (besides a great deal on the price!). Asthetics inside the cockpit has been improved with the tranny hump in leather instead of itchy cloth. Plus tweeters and a few other things.

Suspension has also been stiffened and the car has been allowed to twist a little more.

 

click me!

 

don't forget that the 02+03 had ECU changes so it makes 5 whp, dyno proven.

if possible, try to get a 02-03, thats what i did and im happy.

 

If the New S2000 has a dyno of 5 more hp...then why do they still say its 240 as opposed to 245?

 

I was trying to decide on an '00 for price or an '02 for glass window. I test drove both and in my opinion the plastic isn't that bad (just remember to keep something to wipe it off with if it gets wet) and don't forget the the glass window makes the rear window a smaller area. I like the cloth better and I dislike the "all red", so for me the '00 was a better choice. With prices like they are now, an 02 is relatively cheap compared to what most of us paid (and I bought mine only this past august). It's a personal opinion I think, there aren't any true mechanical problems that aren't a TSB. I do like that the 02/03 have tweeter pods, but I think they look cheap and don't flow...
like I said, matter of opinion

 

After having experience with owning both an '00 and now a new '02, I would say that if it's just for fun, look around and see what you can get the best deal on. The differences are pretty minor overall.

I wanted an '02 for a couple of reasons, mainly the glass window because it's going to be my daily driver. For the '00, we use a window tube to keep the plastic window from creasing, which can be a hassle if you're putting the top up and down daily.

Many of the '00 and '01 cars have been very well cared for and are still under original warranty, so it all boils down to your personal "wish list" and price!

 

this should help you a lot http://www.honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=410668

MAtt

 

'00 & '01 are alittle more racier & hardcore imo. They have carpet instead of leather on the center console. Shift knob isn't wrapped w/ leather. The tail-lights, & door handles aren't wrapped in chrome. No big tweeter pods or pocket on the doors in the '00, '01's. The H emblems on the '02 & '03 are alot bigger in size then the H's on the '00 & '01. Plastic window's instead of glass on the '00 & '01's. Dead pedal on '00 & '01 is black instead of aluminum on '02 & '03. Their is a couple more diff. but i can't think of them right now.