Like many others it has taken me many years to take the plunge on a S. My criteria were, rightly or wrongly, a late model, middle to low mileage in as good a condition I could find for my budget. In Feb I bought an 09 roadster in Bermuda blue with 36k miles. Tax is huge but I plan to use it in the warmer months only and SORN it for the rest of the year.

The car had a lot of service history in dealership paperwork form but the owners Manual and service booklet were missing. Not to worry as I was happy with the documents. On checking and driving it was very clean and had been garaged. Clear oil and the brake and clutch fluid were clean. Roof is in excellent condition externally but there is some mildew on the inside. Anyone recommend a cleaner that won't damage the inside?

Of note, from the mileage records the car has done only a few hundred miles in the past year or so. Cars need driving so what issues can lack of use cause in a S?

However, as with every car there are some issues. First off, the wrong oil filter had been fitted. I have changed that. The tyres, whilst in good nick are 11 year old Bridgestone potenzas. Time for a change I feel. PS 5s?There are a few stone chips on the bonnet (normal).

Now, after my first few drives I have begun to hear a small rattle just after start up. It's not too loud but noisier in the cabin. In the engine bay it seems to be from the TCT area so I guess, even at this relatively low mileage, the tensioner is on its way out already.

From research on the forums it seems that the Ballade sports TCT is highly regarded.

Other, not unexpected, issues include the crashy ride and the battery flattens itself after 2 days. I have used my jump pack to get things going and it is now on my Ctek for a reconditioning cycle and trickle charge. How long should batteries last? The one in the car is not an original Honda item so must be a replacement. Are there any common causes that flatten the battery so often? Alternator seems ok.

Re the ride. It improves with speed, which is good but I can't drive around my area at 9/10ths all the time

 

Mine both get limited use, it's no issue.

PS5 are reportedly great. I have PS4 on my daily, brilliant tyre.

Check your crank end float

 

I have had mine for 22 years. They do rattle for a second at cold startup, it's OK. I had my TCT changed in 2005, but that changed nothing. I think the TCT issue is a bit of a red herring. I find it hard to believe Honda would not engineer it well, as they do with everything else.
The "Honda" battery is allegedly not a Honda battery, they get what they can get hold of and stamp Honda on it. I also had flat battery after a few days. So I changed to this https://www.gsfcarparts.com/za042669?ibt=1 a few weeks ago. Much better. You know there is an inbuilt battery tester, if the driver's window goes down or up automatically the battery is fine. I have that all the time now and I only drive it about twice a week if that.

 

Sounds like a great car you've purchased, welcome.
Niggles these, and all easily rectified.
Tyres : definitely go PS5, had them on my 06 reg. Get them from Costco as they're usually on a deal of some sort. Wet weather they are epic! Dry even better.
TCT : it can be likely the worm gear inside the current TCT has glazing , or hardened oil deposits. That's how they start to get sticky, resulting in the piston not retracting then the chain slaps the guides. You can whip it off and sandblast / Dremel / sandpaper. Did that with mine and had no issues since. Otherwise, a standard Honda replacement is fine unless you want to splurge for the USA heavy duty one. If you have a stretched chain (unlikely on those miles), swapping the TCT won't fix anything. If doing yourself, read the USA tutorial and take care !
Battery : Yuasa 5000 is the battery of choice, will last you years and years.
Suspension: lots on that subject right now - personal choice. Total refresh with OEM feel, most opt for Bilsteins , those living with their parents spend more and go Ohlins. Bling bling !

Lack of driving means your rear calipers will probably throw the towel in at some point, very easy to replace. Rear Toe arms bushings can go tired and show play, as will your front drop links. You'll need to cut the drop links off when replacing (as they rust and will spin around when attempting to unscrew).
Make sure you Shinetzu your roof seals and window seals... Keeps em plump and will protect you from leaks. It's the best stuff.
I'm sure there's more you'll encounter... Good luck

 

2009 in Bermuda Blue is beautiful -- even though you didn't post the required photo!

1. Keep reading! Ballade sports TCT is NOT highly regarded. (Nor anything peddled by Ballade).
2. Tires aged out several years ago. Best handling are the Extreme Summer (TW200) type) tires. They wear faster but you probably won't wear them out .
3. Honda never made batteries. Just their label.

Do all the preventive maintenance -- and have fun!

-- Chuck

 

As you can probably tell I have done quite a lot of research over the years and it's easy to get carried away or even confused. Thanks for putting me right re the TCT.....I will take my time. Tyres are Def a priority so Costco in Leeds is my target for PS5s.

Re the coilovers.....I have the kids living with me!!! Boomerang generation...so my aim is save up my beer tokens (look after my liver!!!

Here she is.....

 

Small batteries on the S2000 50AH and the alarm takes a fair amount,keep it on your Ctek

 

Yes saw this car for sale for a while. Bermuda blue is a beautiful colour for an S. (I’m not at all bias)

Quality tyres and lots of petrol, then you’ll know your car better!

The UK 08/9 variant has the Type S suspension set up and as such offers the best mix for living with and for pushing on hard. It’s very competent.

TCT rattle is only evident when the car is warm and at 2-3000 rpm. On start up the F20 engine, especially the later ones, is a bit noisey with a characteristic rattle.

Something that might help is catching up with a local S2000 group. The UK S2000 owners club have groups dotted around the country, some more active than others. The NE group is probably the handiest to you. Meets and driving with other owners will help you glean more knowledge about your car………and whilst enjoying the car!

Enjoy your new stead.

 

Thanks for your comments. It was along schlep down to Norfolk to seal the deal!!
Interesting re the type s suspension. Makes sense as it's very settled when pushing on.....I plan to go with it and see how things go.
The rattle is on start up. Weirdly, it's louder in the cabin but goes away. Nothing in the rev range you mentioned.
Sadly it's raining so no 98 Ron burning today...

 

It was a long schlep to Norfolk to seal the deal!!
PS5s on the shopping list and it's interesting re the type S suspension. She definitely feels much more stable when pushing on. Just wish the roads in Yorkshire were smoother.....a UK disease I know.
The rattle is on start up and weirdly louder in the cabin but goes away. Nothing at the revs you mention.
I have joined the club and am looking for meets etc as you suggest. Would love to attend the Ace Cafe one but it's a long way south.
Thanks for the reply
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