Just wanted to see if I could get some input. I've been looking at S2000's for about 3 months. I drove a co-worker's a few months ago (nothing like the at-work test drive). I had been debating the whole 911/M3/S2000 question and the test drive reminded me how much I loved Hondas (first car was an '89 LX-i coupe). So I'm gearing up to tell the wife that the Toyota Sequoia is just not going to cut it anymore. I'm looking to get a hard-top (which is a $5,000 extra,correct?). So my main questions are:

New vs. Used
Differences in model year (no change since 2001, correct?)
Trusted mechanics in the area
Miscellaneous stuff (things you wish you'd known when you were making your pre-purchase decisions)

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

'00-'01 the '01 added a center wind screen that was optional in '00.

'02-'03 the rear window was changed to glass instead of plastic. Center consol was changed to leather instead of carpet. Added tweeters to doors. Minor suspension changes.

'04-05 engine changed to 2.2l from 2.0l. Several external styling changes including the front and rear bumpers, head and tail lights. 17" wheels. Suspension changes, clutch delay, different center consol and door panels.

'06 Different seats, stability control, passenger airbag disables

New vs. Used depends on what you want. Hondas keep their value pretty well so you will be paying a premium if buying used. You can get a new S2000 at invoice which make new even more attractive.

Hardtops can be easily found for less than $3k.

Todd Marcucci at Marcucci Motorsports is the only person I would let touch my car.

 

Wow. Thanks for all the detailed information. I didn't realize there were that many differences between model years. Any suggestions about dealerships? An '06 at invoice would be nice. I'm assuming Marcucci Motorsports would also be a good place for after-market installations as well as maintenance, correct?

 

Other '06 differences include wheel design, DRL's, Roll bar Speakers, "Glove Compartment", DBW, External temp. display, and "Maintainence Minder"

 

Well I'm sure rioyellows2k has already PM'ed you about the dealership part. He's a good guy to work with and I know he will give you a killer deal. Remember do not walk into a dealership unless you've already have agreed on a price over the phone or internet. I also suggest having outside financing arranged before going to the dealership. That way it puts the financing manager at the dealership in a position that he has to compete for your business. I recommend www.capitaloneautofinance.com for outside financing.

The S2000 is a really easy car to work on and I suggest you learn how to do all the regular maintenance yourself. However if you do need help and you don't want to take it to the dealer, Marcucci will take care of you.

 

Internet pricing is the only way to go!!

I have shopped an bought my last 3 cars that way. To be safe I also went into each dealership and the salesman on the floor was unable to match the internet price.

Hardtop? Fuggetaboutit!

Too much hassle for the limite time it is useful AND you have the hassle of where to store it and getting it all scratched up.

When hard top is on the car you cannot go top down without a lot of hassle and going back home to store the top.

Mid summer would be about the only time a hard top would be extremely useful. It's too hot to go top down then. As far as noise, the soft top is pretty quiet

 

I think it goes 911, M3, S2000 but they're all incredible cars. Of course price also goes in reverse order.

 

A key difference in AP1 vs AP2 that hasn't been mentioned here is that the redline dropped to 8200 from 9150 with the introduction of the 2.2 L.

Also in the current model year with the introduction of VSA and drive by wire (DBW), 60% of available aftermarket parts aren't compatible.

 

If you find a used one you like, be sure to check it out at CARFAX before buying. A good friend has been shopping for a used MB SLK. He found one he liked that drove and looked great. When he checked it w/CARFAX, he discovered it had been totaled and rebuilt. Eventually he would have discovered it on the title, but that saved him a lot of grief. And his insurance company said they would only insure a car like that for liability coverage.

GeneB

P.S. Avoid Bankston Honda.

 

Carfax's are okay - but they are not the gospel. CarFax can be avoided by staying off the insurance grid for major repairs. Some States track VIN histories differently so, a salvage Title car in one state may not show up as a salvage in another State.

p.s. Don't avoid Bankston Honda. Gene B's experience was unique since we had our Resource Center changeover, and other issues with the lienholder(s).