I restored a Triumph TR7 in 2002, not a car with the renowned reliability of a Honda. I spent $10,000 on it then, & have done 78,000 kilometres, 43,000 miles in it. In those 18 years I have spent under $9000 on maintenance of the car.

After 18 years it is now due a complete change of all hoses, & other rubber components including engine mounts & belts, an overhaul of the brakes & clutch system, & with the drive train still great, & the body looking like new, she should be ready for the next 10 years for. about $5000 to $7000. 18 years motoring for no more than $16000 is pretty economical in my view, when you have a fully restored car at the end of it.

At the same time my 2001 S2000 had just clocked up 50,000 kilometres, 31,000 miles. Apart from the usual servicing the only expense was a new hood, [Australian for soft top], electric module. At now 20 years old I plan to replace all the same rubber components as on the Triumph, have the electric steering checked out by someone more knowledgable than me on such newfangled things. Add a new hood & this refurbishment should come in well under $10,000. & I believe I will have an as new S2000 to go on with.

In Oz today, S2000s are appreciating, so worth almost what I paid for it. TR7s have appreciated somewhat, so together I have virtually no depreciation loss, & for no more than $17,000 I will have 2 as new cars. My last 19 years motoring has cost about $10,000

Compare this to my ladies motoring for the same 19/20 years. 5 new cars, each of which have depreciated an average of $9000, giving her $45000 in cost, & at least $1000 a year in dealer servicing, so 20 years has cost her over $60,000, & she is planning on a $27,000 new Corolla this year.

With the above in mind, I suggest a restoration job on your lightly worked S2000 would be much more economical, & leave you with a better car than anything you are likely to replace it with. As someone said, buy a shopping trolley to save the Honda those nasty car parks, & enjoy your weekend motoring.

Personally I bought a low mileage hail damaged insurance write off Mazda 3 for peanuts. It is not unpleasant to drive, economical, & I don't give a damn if someone bashes it with their door or shopping trolley.

 

I recall some comments by Billman on rubber components under the hood. As long as they are OEM and you have not spilled brake fluid on them or mistreated them in some way, they will last a very long time. I keep an eye on my 2009 and frankly the hoses are quite supple and seem to be almost new.