What's the best year?
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 15,342
Likes: 103
From: Raleigh
The Honda s600 ran to 10,000rpm...does that make it better than the s2000? 
Both are awesome cars and it all depends what you want to do with them. Want a raw feel at the track? Get an AP1. Wanna tool around town and then go canyon carving? Get an 06-07 AP2. Want to do all of the above and spend a lot of money? Get an 08-09. Want a unicorn? Get a CR.
Both are awesome cars and it all depends what you want to do with them. Want a raw feel at the track? Get an AP1. Wanna tool around town and then go canyon carving? Get an 06-07 AP2. Want to do all of the above and spend a lot of money? Get an 08-09. Want a unicorn? Get a CR.
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,097
Likes: 1
People are going to try and sell you on 9k rpm, fastest around the track, easiest to tune, VSA, DBW.... blah blah blah. What I can tell you is this. Buy the one that feels the best to you, because at the end of the day its what you'll enjoy the most. Joy is what you're looking for, find the one that brings you the most. For me it was the 03'. The 04/05 just didn't feel that good to me and I didn't try the 06+. I think they got it right in the AP1. Yeah almost all cars improve over time but that's not everything. I'd much rather have a 70' Stingray than a 2013 Corvette. It can't hold a candle to the 2013 but a car is more than the sum of its parts...
I've had a '00 and currently own an '05. I love my GPW AP2 but truthfully, I enjoyed driving my '00 better.
In addition to what others have said, one thing I was looking for too when I was in the market (both times) was the 2003: 9k + STOCK glass rear window.
Yes, many people have had to replace the soft top in their '00-'02's with glass because they were about ~10-12 years old at the time but I just wanted a stock model that had both of these options.
If any of you do own an AP1 with plastic still, I can tell you it's a gutwrenching sound when that %^*&ing plastic gives way. It's not a not-so-friendly sound of "hello. mother %^&*er... you owe me $600-$1,000!" and I
and yes there was a clear, distinct "POP"
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 4,378
Likes: 444
From: um, a house
The best s2000 is the one your garage.
But, you aren't looking for that answer. I'm guessing you have an unlimited budget so, that being said either a low mileage '03, or CR. Why? the '04 to '09 "base" s2000 has too much "luxury".
luxury...that's a good one.
this is fun.
darcy
But, you aren't looking for that answer. I'm guessing you have an unlimited budget so, that being said either a low mileage '03, or CR. Why? the '04 to '09 "base" s2000 has too much "luxury".
luxury...that's a good one.
this is fun.
darcy
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,094
Likes: 18
From: Sacramento, CA
Things I miss about my 02:
Shorter lock to lock steering
cable throttle
lighter flywheel
more time in vtec
engine sound between 8000-9000 rpm
Seat rail slide control is on the correct side for me (right side). Inexplicably moved to the left side on the newer seats (solid headrest version)
Center console seemed more comfortable? Hard to explain, but I can't find a good spot for my arm on the ap2 console, and the perforated leather thing is rock hard. Don't remember this on my 02.
Things I appreciate about my 06:
Styling
.
.
.
.
thats it???
I don't believe their is any bad year, but I do love this question, its soooo original and not beat to death at all.
Shorter lock to lock steering
cable throttle
lighter flywheel
more time in vtec
engine sound between 8000-9000 rpm
Seat rail slide control is on the correct side for me (right side). Inexplicably moved to the left side on the newer seats (solid headrest version)
Center console seemed more comfortable? Hard to explain, but I can't find a good spot for my arm on the ap2 console, and the perforated leather thing is rock hard. Don't remember this on my 02.
Things I appreciate about my 06:
Styling
.
.
.
.
thats it???
I don't believe their is any bad year, but I do love this question, its soooo original and not beat to death at all.
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 3,299
Likes: 212
From: Greenwood, AR
I heard that MY2000-2001 runs the richest air fuel ratio from the stock ECU.
If you don't mod your car, that gives you the lowest combustion temperature, hence the best longevity.
If you improve air flow through the engine via mods, then you end up with more power without any ECU changes because the AFR will move closer to the ideal ratio and the max power point is just before you reach that ratio (the power does go down when you are right at that ratio though).
If you don't mod your car, that gives you the lowest combustion temperature, hence the best longevity.
If you improve air flow through the engine via mods, then you end up with more power without any ECU changes because the AFR will move closer to the ideal ratio and the max power point is just before you reach that ratio (the power does go down when you are right at that ratio though).
They got it right the first time!
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,663
Likes: 235
From: West Los Angeles, CA
I love how you even said it with a straight face too!For the OP:
https://www.google.com/#q=%22best+year%22+site:s2ki.com