So just yesterday I bought a 2003 S2000. It has only 21000 miles on it. I used a lot of the information found in https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/775...-a-used-s2000/ to determine it was a good car with no noticeable problems . The car had clearly been garaged all its life. I could not find anything wrong with the vehicle. Compared to the other S2000's I have test driven and seen it was brand new. I had to have it.

Now its the next day and I have been reading a lot of the threads on the forums. I am extremely worried about my engines cylinder compression. I have not been able to find what causes the compression to lower. Does the problem only occur in the later miles? Is there any type of steps I can take to prevent this from happening? Am I worried for nothing? Is it worth it to get it taken to have a test done so early?

Another quick question should I upgrade to AP2 retainers now? Or wait to see if the stock ones will hold out.

Lastly will there be any possible problems that I will encounter with the engine being so old and having been used so little? Honestly seems like a stupid question to me... but I just want to be extra careful and make sure I know everything I need to know.

 

The car has 21,000 miles that's very very low. Does the car drive and run good? Yes? ENJOY THE CAR AND RELAX

 

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The car has 21,000 miles that's very very low. Does the car drive and run good? Yes? ENJOY THE CAR AND RELAX
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The car runs great! Far better than any of the other S2000's I have test driven. I am just paranoid from reading all these stories about the engine compression. Not sure if I should follow through with a compression test. I still need to know what I can do to prevent any future harm even if its good for now.

 

Valve adjustment, retainer inspection, and spark plug torque check are all you need to do. And don't allow the oil to get low.

 

You can get a compression test done for very little money. If your mechanically able do it yourself. Rent the kit from auto zone it's super easy to do and you can know for yourself the compression numbers. With the mileage you have I would replace all your fluids including brake and clutch fluid based on time. Check your drive belt and your spark plugs even though the mileage is low wouldn't hurt To replace them. I would just enjoy the car besides that Remember you spent a premium I'm sure for the low mileage of the car.

 

Personally I would only upgrade the valve retainers if you plan to track the car heavily and bang gears. I put my 150k mile AP1 into second gear at 75mph after missing 4th and didn't find a single cracked retainer when upgrading. If you mostly street the car I wouldn't bother.

 

Thank you, appreciate it!

Thanks for the advice I will be following it all.

I have no intention of tracking the car. However that doesn't mean I wont put the pedal down every now and then.

Thanks for all the advice guys I feel a lot better now.

 

Invest in good engine, tranny, and diff oil. Use OEM filters. Change at recommended intervals.

Good luck with the new ride!

 

Don't forget the often overlooked limitation: 23 seconds at full power in any one gear.

 

Don't become all paranoid when u see a few threads pop up because people are having issues. If your car runs great then don't worry about others misfortunes. When people have problems there gona post em. Like any other car forum. This car is very reliable with the proper maintenence. Alot of problems on here also arise just from people's stupidity/neglect. Not checking oil, not keeping up with proper maintenence, over reving the engine. There all posted on here.