If you had a choice of any model year S2000, which would you choose? For argument's sake, let's say each car is in mint condition with the same mileage. Forget about the issue of resale value. Everything is equal in other words except for the physical differences between the model years. I'm curious if there's a consensus about which model year (or couple model years) is considered the most 'ideal' S2000. If you have an opinion, tell why... looks, performance, comfort, reliability... whatever...

 

I think maybe 02 or 03. 9k and glass back. I LOVE the int and ext of the 04-05 though. Hmmm.. I guess if I could be handed to me a new version of any year. I would take and 05, Moonrock, with red/black int... yeah..... mmmmmmmmmm

 

I don't have the experience with the pre-'04 models to comment on them and mind you, I'm completely happy with my car but if it got totalled tomorrow and I found a set of S2000's within the conditions you set and I could have my pick, I think I'd take the '03.

Why? Because it's the newest version of the car with the 2.0 engine that's available in the States. I like the idea of the bragging rights on the 120hp/L and 9k red line specs. As I said, I'm completely happy with my '04 and it's 2.2 engine. It's a great car and there's no way I'd sell it "just" to get the 2.0 engine on a car that's a year older. But if something happened to my '04 model, I think I might try to find a low mileage '03 just to see what the other guys have been talking about.

Drive Safe,
Steve R.

 

I would take an 03.

It has the rear glass, updated ecu, oil jet bolt update, still revs to 9,000.

I think the 04+ does look better for the most part though.

 

Man, thats a really tough one. I loved the 9k on my '00 (I haven't driven an '04+ though). I personally prefer the carpeted center console and I love the earlier red/black interior.

BUT, I also love the front end on the newer models with the OEM lip. I like the 17" wheels. The molded rear bumper ain't bad looking.

I think its a toss up. I'd probably have to drive a newer one to be able to say with certainty. However, I'll take whichever you want to give me if its free!

 

05 Silverstone or Blue

Why, I don't care that much about the 1000k in rpm as long as it is quicker and has more power. Improved handling (depending on taste but less likely to slide the rear end) improvements to transmission and differential, oil jet bolts, glass window, slightly nicer interior, better wheels, etc.

All the things my 2001 does not have including a non-expired warranty. The slight difference in looks makes no difference to me at all.

 

I had a 2001 and it got totalled (by a DUI driver). I chose a 2003 as its replacement. Don't the 02-03 cars have 5-10HP more than the 00-01?

If I could pick anything, I'd get a 2003 with the AP2 cosmetics.

 

No way will you get a consensus.

 

my own personal consensus is definitely the 03

glass window, 9k RL, newest old body style

If I ever sold mine and upgraded, I would go with 03

the looks on the post 03 are a little too aggressive for me and the 8k RL is a drawback

I like it clean and conservative

 

I'd take the original. The '00 is the purest form of the car.