Hi everyone. I'm new to the forum. I want to get a S2K, a used one. Any suggestion which year not to get ? Or it doesn't matter.

 

I'd say don't get a 2000 or 2001, simply because they have a plastic rear window which can be a hassle to maintain. Other than that, I don't have any recommendations. Get what you can afford.

 

I got a 02 model since I didn't want to pay for the premium on an 04. Torque wasn't that huge of concern for me and I found an 02 that was in awesome condition.

 

maybe you can get a good deal on a remaining MY04....if you can get one for $28K might be worth it

 

MY03 if you can, has all of the latest updates and still has the 9,000 rpm engine.

Advantages over 00-01:

Glass rear window with defroster
Updated oil jet bolts inside engine
Revised suspension (smoother, more rear grip)
Updated engine ECU (for a little more power and driveability)
Updated clutch (fixed TSB issue)
Updated tranny (fixed TSB issue)
Silverstone interior accents
Nicely finished center console
Upgraded stereo (still weak though)

MY02 is almost the same as an 03, but the early 02 models might not have the updated engine oil bolts.

MY04 is the biggest change, mostly because of the engine changes. You should drive both to see which you prefer.

 

you got several dyno #s comparisons form s2ki owners to back up the HP claim?? I think they all dyno at high 190s or 200 stock for all pre 04s even 00-01.

 

If you're looking at a used one I'm guessing you're on a budget. What you're willing to pay will likely dictate what years to get.

The S2000 has been pretty reliable so there are no years to avoid, per se, and the changes from year to year haven't been particularly radical. When I asked the same question people said get an '02 because of the upgrades previously listed. The biggest one for me was the glass rear window to get the defroster. I dug into my pocket and paid about $2,000 more than the '01 I was looking at. The fact that the '02 was my choice of color (the '01 was Silverstone) and had several thousand fewer miles took the sting out of that decision.

A lot of the decision depends on what's available in your area. Where I live used S2000s for sale are rarer than spotted owls. In fact, in the end, I had to get a car transferred from Memphis!

 

After about VIN# 5386 (2002 1/2) the bolts began showing up. If you can afford a 2003 just to be safe, I would do it, especially since that would leave you with over a year of warranty left (2002 would leave you with only a few months of warranty to take care of anything that comes up or that the previous owner neglected).

After 2002 1/2 it's all about money and personal preference, no so much about reliability. Good luck.

 

good

 

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