The clutch was replaced. Let me guess, the dealer? Same dealer that prolly charged you $$$ for a shock you didn't need, that didn't fix the issue, and made handling worse since now one shock is new and one partially worn on that end of the car, right?

Stop going to the dealer for service!

My guess is they didn't lube everything that needs to be lubed, or worse, used tbe wrong grease, when they did the clutch.

Diagnosing the suspension squeak would require someone good at troubleshooting reproducing it and hearing and feeling it. Unfortunately, not all mechanics are good at that. Especially, I find, dealer service techs.

Service Writer writes up what to do, they blindly do it.

 

No. Scott at Ballistic Motors in NH did the clutch. I have had several people look at the squeak. No one has found it. I don’t think the handling is worse.

 

Regardless the car, an older vehicle will need more maintenance as it is old and used. Things will wear out, age out, and need to be replaced. The good news is the Honda S2000 is not only reliable but easy to work on and parts are cheap.

I'd set a yearly budget of $2k and plan for repairs at this age. I didn't spend a penny on my S in 2020, but in 2019, I did spend about $500 replacing brake lines and calipers that were worn, and a rubber seal to stop an oil leak. In 2021, I expect to replace the CMC again as it is leaking. Regarding your CMC, are you sure the fluid isn't leaking along the inside of the firewall, and going under the carpet? Its the one thing that leaks into the car, vs onto the ground.

That's life with an older car, but even $3k a year is less than a new car payment for anything close to what he S provides in experience.

 

I've done the upside-down-footwell-dive a few times now. It all seems dry. I'll go back and focus on the carpet. I agree the CMC and slave are cheap and I'll probably replace both of them. I just wish I saw something that says "this is it!"

I appreciate the analysis and it makes sense in general. But I already have an antique 1965 sports car that I fully restored. I have a list of maintenance and upgrades to do on that thing right now. I bought the S2000 in 2002 to be my "hop in and go" sports car. And it has certainly served well in that role. I'm just not sure I want two vehicles in the maintenance and repair category. It all comes down to what sort of repairs and maintenance issues I can expect.

 

Nice choices Bill, good luck with whatever you decide.
Levi

 

These are all inexpensive and easy maintenance jobs. This car is very simple and easy to work on and nothing should really be too expensive.
I do valve adjustments every 2 years...minimum. All fluids changed yearly. Bushings I did last year. Engine mounts etc... just pro-actively. Cheap and easy to do...
If you love the car then it's all worth the while and part of the pleasure of owning it. If you are ready for a change then have at it. Nothing wrong with that.
I would not call this car a high maintenance car though... to the contrary.

 

Thank you Levi. Good luck to you as well, my friend.

 

Thanks.

 

Yeah, if that is the case, it may be time to buy a Miata as its the closest thing to an S2000 in today. Its certainly hop in and go, with heated seats, Bluetooth, and more that make it easy to live with. But I don't think an old S2000 will do anything to leave you stranded.

 

I saw your picks for new cars, the new vette or new Porsche. Personal opinion is that you would have more fun and it would be less of a dent on your wallet to just tend to all the things on your car. Suspension refresh, hydraulic flush with new CMC/CSC, brakes, tires, valve check, would cost what?... sub 5000 and you would be good for a very long time. Polish the paint, detail the car, put on some new wheels - maybe some later AP2V2 wheels, change it up and refresh it.

Im not a fan of the new Vette style wise and the Porsche will be very pricey when it starts to need maintenance. It comes down to what you want really - not what we think. Not to mention, as an original owner, assuming your car is clean you have a nice investment car on your hands.