If there was one piece of advice or recommendation on keeping a S2000 in good shape (aesthetically, mechanically, emotionally!) - i.e. things to avoid wearing out, things to be proactive about, or anything else - you could give to a new S2000 owner, based on your many years of S2000 ownership, what would it be?

And a little more specifically, for those with some decent miles and years on their S2000 at this point, what parts of the interior have started to wear out or take a beating?

 

By far the cheap crappy Honda leather. I had not but 800 miles on my car before I already started to notice some wear. Also the front bumper is extremely prone to rock chips and road debris. Perhaps some Perma-plate and a 3M bra might be a good investment to consider for new owners.

 

My leather has kept up fine (& I don't do much to keep it looking good).

-Park her in the garage and avoid car covers. All that dust getting brushed around the paint can't be good.

-Don't follow close behind trucks.

-Back into parking spots with curbs or those cement blocks.

-Do not park near cars with wide opening doors (F-bodies are the worst). Do not take more than one spot (you'll piss people off). If you have to park next to someone, park on the culprits passenger side.

 

Who you callin' old!?

Some advice:
1. Read the owner's manual cover to cover.
2. Follow proper break-in on new cars.
3. Learn the limits of the car in a safe place like a track event or auto cross.
4. If you get a check engine light, check to make sure your gas cap was put on with at least THREE clicks.
5. The S2000 (like almost any nice car) is a taget for vandals and theives. Protect your investment as you see fit.
6. The Stock tires (S02) are GREAT tires, but they are VERY soft and will wear faster than you think they will. The '04 comes with different tires. No info yet exsists on how well they will wear.
7. Check your oil at EVERY fuel stop and check your tire pressures regularly too.
8. Do not go to synthetic until the engine has been FULLY broken in (around 10,000mi.)
9. The differential and clutch were not designed to handle much beyond the stock setup. If you "abuse" the car these are likely to break first. There are people with over 100k mi on their stock parts, one with a supercharger too. There are also people that have completely blown up their diffs with no mods, just insanely abusive driving. YMMV.
10. Check the FAQ at the top of this forum. It goes into a LOT more detail and info on these and a lot more things too.
11. BONUS TIP: Use the search function of the board. A TON of incredable information is there to be found if you spend a little time. You are likely going to find the answer to your question, and answers to questions you didn't know you had.

Good luck.

 

Add the windshield to the list of "fast wearing parts" on the S2000...it scratches, chips and cracks fairly easily. My MY01, with just shy of 31K miles, is getting close to looking like my MY95 Accord beater with 190K.

 

The windshield attracts rock very easily. Also be ready for the stares, try to keep your eyes on the road.

 

If you are in a relationship, take caution. The car will attract women.

If you're not in a relationship, take caution. The car will attract clueless (gold digger) women that think that car is more expensive than it really is and that it is something that it's not. Especially if you rebadge it. My advice, in the morning, roll over and say to them, "Baby, it's just a Honda."

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by EVAN_In_A_SPA
The windshield attracts rock very easily.

 

Don't do unto others...

 

Ancient chinese man said: "IF BACK END STEP OUT DON'T LET OFF GAS."

And maybe put a pice of felt or soft velcroe under the point where the seatbelt meets the seat bracket. Mine was sqeaky. I also had to add some glue to the windscreen to keep that thing from squeaking as well. At 29,000 miles, no rattles or squeaks