Hi everyone, I'm currently in the market for an S2000(AP2). I've been mainly looking at cars with about 80k and lower. I haven't found anything that has peaked my interest(Looking for mostly stock and in cosmetically good condition in and out.) I have found a few that have interested me but at about 120k and well maintained running well. My main concern is, how much longer is that going to last before it gives me any MAJOR mechanical problems?

At what mileage is it common for these car's to start giving you major mechanical problems such as perhaps the drive train starting to go out, major leaks(rear main seal/front, blown head gaskets, and excessive smoking(I know that oil consumption is normal for these cars). Perhaps even engine's going out. I know this all depends on many variables as well but I want to know what's the common on these. Should I go for a high mileage S2000 or just wait?

Thanks in advance.

P.S. I'm looking for something that could be daily driven for the next 4 years/60k without any major headaches.

 

I purchased my 04 just recently and it has 130k. Ive already put several thousand miles on it with extreme road trips through the mountains here in N. Cal, and have slowly pushed harder, as far as I know it runs like brand new, it screams .

 

Is there any issues you've encountered so far? Also did the previous owner mention any recent major repair? I just want to feel assured before I go spend $15,000 on a car(That I would love to have) and then within a year have a head gasket blow or some other pain in the a** problem arise.

 

These cars will run forever if you maintain them well. Just check if the previous owner took care of it, when you get it, change all fluids, change the TCT, valve adjustment and change the spark plugs. Do a compression check also while your at it. That would pretty much tell you how the motor is.
check your oil level at every fuel up and you should be good... I bought mine with 83k, I've done several road trips to Florida, couple of trips to the dragon, blue ridge parkway, Caesars head and most community drives organized on s2ki. I did have to replace my tie rods but that was my fault.
other than that your good.

 

If maintained, there's not much to worry about on them. Motor mounts and TCT are about the only things that will need to be replaced most likely. I got my car at about 123K and it now has almost 162K on it.

 

I'm a one owner ... But if I had to buy another s I would look for a one owner who looked like he took care of his car meaning changing fluids regularly ... And looks like they drive in cruise mode not to beat on the car ... My car has 230 k on the engine and all maintenance has been cause I really drive the car .mounts breaking , diffs blowing axels pitting and breaking . Never! Had a check engine light thank god... And now I'm boosted

 

Noob question but what's TCT? So none of you guys have experienced any major repairs? That's great! Anyone have an idea when the head gasket goes? That's a major concern I have. I tend to see a lot of cars have head gaskets that go around 150k

 

I have 140k on mine now and no issues at all. Had a valve adjustment done 10k ago and runs like a champ. Just keep up with regular maintenance

 

Timing Chain Tensioner, sits under he VTEC solenoid. Name is pretty self-explanatory, but they can fail as early as 20K. Billman250 sells upgraded units that won't fail (OEM will fail eventually and a lot sooner than it should). The engine mounts can fail as soon as 50K. Outside that, well maintained these cars can go for hundreds of thousands of miles without a major failure, especially if you just cruise around in them. I autox regularly with 10K+ miles of street driving a year too and mine still runs like a top.

 

TCT is the timing chain tensioner.

When it goes bad it sounds like a loud constant rattle, look on youtube; there are several examples there to sort of give you the idea.