I've had fun in a few Hondas throughout high school up to my first year of college, but since moved on to Audis. All of my cars were pretty modded, with the exception of the 2 Audi's. I've always been a fan of Honda cars yet never thought I'd buy another. But after driving my friend's new Sebring/Blk 03 S2K, I'm in love! I forgot how good it felt when you hit VTEC in a twincam Honda, and the top down feeling was just icing on the cake! To be honest, I never even considered an S2K thinking the 153lbs of tq would get on my nerves, but the VTEC and 9000K redline is insane and the car is just so flat out fun to drive. The gearbox is probably the best I've felt period, and that engine/exhaust note just gives me an ear-to-ear grin. I love my GIAC chipped A4 quattro, but have been in a sedan too long! I'm lookin' for a more sporty car and my first choice was an '03 Audi TT 225HP coupe or new S4, but the S2K blows away the TT in terms of sportiness and the new S4 is going to be a too much dough (about$46K base). Next option was a used M Roadster but don't really want to look for a used car. I thought about a Z4 for about 5 minutes but after driving a coworker's brand new one it doesn't even compare to an S2K in terms of bang for buck, and I'm not much of a BMW fan (except for M cars). Also thought about a 350Z, which another friend of mine let me borrow for a weekend. He has a new Touring silverstone w/orange leather + navi, and I must say the engine is a torquey beast. Contrary to popular opinion I've read here and on Audiworld, it is a very capable car, just doesn't have the soul of an S2000. And I just prefer Honda to Nissan.

Coming from the Audiworld board, I'm happy that S2KI exists and have found it to be a great place for research and info regarding this lil' rocket. I'm in SoCal and checked with Norm Reeves, Honda World, Nelson, Long Beach, Community and Goudy. Of these, only Norm Reeves and Goudy have Berlinas in stock (1 each). Best quote I've got so far is $31,700+tax w/free "paint & fabric sealant protection package" (whatever this means) from Goudy Honda. I am also going to purchase the OEM hardtop, front chin, rear spoiler, and strakes to go with it which my rep says he can give me a killer deal on.
By the way I've decided my S2000 will definitely be Berlina Black/Black.

Got a few questions for you guys:

1) I know about the upgraded '04 model, but is this a good deal for SoCal? Do you think I can do much better if I wait till '04 info is released?
2) Will I have problems locating a Berlina/Blk '03 if I wait too long? not sure how many of these are available/left
3) Can I buy the OEM accessories cheaper somewhere else, other than dealer? what's a good deal if I buy all at once?

I look forward to joining you guys as S2000 enthusiasts! Already have my mods list ready to go...



ps. JohnsS2K, if you're listening, your car is my inspiration! simply amazing.

 

AUDIdriver, many people will let their own pride and prejudice get in the way and tell you that you should not buy an '04 model. I disagree. The '04 (exact hp/tq specs have not been released) will have a substantially better torque curve, and I would venture 10-20 more hp.
There has been no info I am aware of regarding the weight of the new model, but coming from German cars this will be a lightweight to you anyway . For the sake of my argument, I think the '04 will weight rougly the same as the current '03. It also seems that the interior will get a pretty substaintial redesign, with new door panels for more room, updated instrumentation, and different audio controls. I think I heard somethign about different seats, also??
There has been NO word on price for the '04, but even if the price comes up $1 or 2k, i think it will be worth it as the the '00-'03 will be devalued by the release of an updated model (some will argue this, but they either didn't take an economics course in college or are pridefully ignoring basic economic theory, better = $$).

Now, you mentioned SoCal, and yes, if you are dead set on purchasing from a soCal dealer, you will likely have trouble. It seems that SoCal honda dealers are intent on seperating you from every cent you are worth. Are you opposed to buying the car out of state? If you get on the phone, I'm sure you will find LOTS of dealerships that have no clue there is an updated S2000 coming out, and you could almost certainly get your name first on the list to buy the car at MSRP (with perhaps a couple $k deposit). Whatever you do, get it in writing.

I am only scratching the surface of the knowledge on this board, but I think this is a fairly thorough intro. Good luck

david

 

also, I'll be picking up one of these babies 1st week of June! black 600RR is on back order at my bike dealer...
this should supplement my future Berlina S2K pretty nice!

 

damcgee,

At what increased price for an '04 S2X00 do you think the resale of the '00-'03 S2000's would just be left alone on average vs. Honda just selling cars identical with '03's as '04's?

Honda needs another $2,000 (using exchange rates of one year ago vs. today's) to make up for the weaker dollar, since this car is 100% Japanese content. (Of course, they may not be able to pass all of that along, so say a $1,500 rise.) They also will want some price increase to pay for engine mods, etc. As the S2000 moves closer to the Boxter in interior amenities and as Porsche must raise its dollar-based price to cope with a very strong Euro and weak dollar, Honda will get at least another $2K here and some might say double that figure. Finally, dealers will sell the car for what the market will bear vs. the discount off of MSRP available today. Initially, I'll bet that means another $2,000 markup over MSRP, vs. the current $1,500 discount. Finally, it's likely that key sales states like California will raise sales tax 1/2% and California at least will almost certainly triple car license fees. All that is worth $750, a small bite out of a $38 billion deficit--alas. (Yes, I plan to vote in the election to recall the governor, if it is held.)

Taken together, that's an increase of $7,750 in out-the-door price, vs. buying an '03 today, at least in California, if you think my bottom-up estimates reasonable. If you don't think the dealers can raise prices over MSRP, then it's still a rise of $5,750. For the sake of going forward, I'll split the difference.

It may be instructive to note that $6,750 is about a third of today's trade-in value of an '01 S2K in excellent condition with 35,000 miles (value from kbb.com).

I do not have the knowledge of the car market to say with any precisely how this increase would affect resale value. My gut tells me it won't hurt it for all but the newest S2000's (like I have) and might help it for most.

For someone about to make a purchase, it's a question of buying an '03 that is a racing car that Honda has somehow figured out how to license for the street vs. an easier-to-drive (engine torque band) car with some improved amenities for roughly $7,000 more out the door. It's a choice of the engineers' vision vs. that of marketing focus groups. Honda is expert in designing cars to be exactly what the public wants--the Accord is a perfect example, I have owned three--all were reliable, economical, comfortable, and boring as hell. I have no doubt that the appeal of the S2000 will be broader after the changes are made.

Of course, the 912 Porsche was more appealing than the 356SC (I just missed buying a perfect one) and the BMW 320i outsold their 2002 (I had a 2002tii for 150,000 miles) by a large margin as well. I'm also certain that the '58 T-Bird sold far more than did the '57. You might want to check today's resale value on these cars. You will find that, eventually, the engineer's vision makes the cars the collector wants.

 

Crabby Guy

Everything you say makes perfectly good sense. I am not concerned about the value of my MY2002. I too think the price increase will be substantial for exactly the reasons that you mentioned. Moreover, I am nowhere near ready to sell my MY2002 so its "book value" has no impact on me. Its "thrill" value will not change regardless of what happens to the MY2004. I intend to keep mine a long time.

My problem with all of these questions concerning whether to buy a MY2003 or wait for a MY2004 is that most everything about the MY2004 is pure speculation. We have one vague sentence indicating that there will be some changes, from that the whole thing has been blown out of proportion. There really is more hype than fact about the 2004. How do you make a good decision based on hype? I suspect that the changes will be less significant then we think.

AUDIdriver

Welcome back to Honda. Regardless of which MY you decide to buy, you are about to enjoy one of the most thrilling cars ever made. Think this thing (2004 vs 2003) through. You may come to the same conclusions that many of us have. The changes may not actually be as "big" as the hype.

I do suggest that you go to the currently running threads about the changes and read them beginning to end. You too will see how this whole thing "grew". It reminds me of the game "telephone" we used to play as kids. A little bit of fact grows into a major story very quickly.

 

just recv'd another quote from Westminster Honda World, $31,285. If I can get either these guys or Goudy to $30K flat, I will have an '03 in the next couple of weeks. Otherwise, I will wait for new info. Does anybody know when Honda usually releases official info about new MY models? Hope it's sometime before fall cause I'm starting to get the itch to just go out ond buy mine now!

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by AUDIdriver
[B]Got a few questions for you guys:
1) I know about the upgraded '04 model, but is this a good deal for SoCal? Do you think I can do much better if I wait till '04 info is released?

 

Welcome back to the Honda fold!

I recall an old saying:

"Where there's smoke, there's an Audi."

 

AUDIdriver,

My wife, who used to own an Audi 5000 Turbo, wanted me to ask you what you were going to do with all of the money you will save with a Honda?

 

Crabby Guy,

I am also in the process of buying a new black CBR 600RR bike. See pic in above post. I still love Audi's, and plan on purchasing a used 2001 S4 avant when prices drop a bit.