Hello everyone

just picked up my s2000 yesterday just in time for tier 4 lockdown it’s taken me a long time and lot of searching for cars but I finally got one!

Question

the car is 2002 45k low mileage and has been serviced at Honda all its life.

Do I keep servicing at honda to maintain full Honda history or take to private garage non Honda for service?

I’m based n London..... thanks in advance

 

I would review what has been done each year, look at the service schedule (on here in the tech faq) and then get the stuff and get someone who knows what they are doing to service it for you.

I use genuine Honda stuff like diff and gearbox oil but ime the honda dealers just randomly do stuff rather than following the schedule.

i service myself and follow the schedule
Might do my valve clearances over Xmas

 

"Service" mainly consists of changing the engine, gearbox, and differential oils on a mileage/time schedule plus less frequent brake/clutch fluid and engine coolant change every few years. It's all in the Owner's Manual. Everything can be done in your garage or driveway at home with simple hand tools or by any independent shop. The oil filter needs the "genuine Honda part," the lubricants are generic and the specs are in the manual. You can get the Honda-branded stuff over the counter at any dealer.

-- Chuck

 

A trusted independent is just as good and far cheaper than a Honda dealer, not many dealers have experienced S2000 specialists any more, i walked into my local garage and just said "what do you know about the S2000" replied "one of our guys has one" good enough for me. If you aren't bothered about honda stamps in the book you will save a fortune.

 

I get mine serviced at the dealer, mostly because I've had manufacturer's warranties in place, and it's a requirement. If you can find somewhere good near where you live, then use them.

Honda dealers will price match local garages, too, subject to a lot of conditions. Note, I've never tried to get them to do it:
https://www.honda.co.uk/cars/owners/...e-promise.html

 

Took mine to Honda earlier this year after buying mine. They put the wrong oil in.
Never agsin....

 

I took mine to a highly recommended indy. They failed to find a leaking head gasket. It works both ways and everyone makes mistakes. It's how they handle mistakes that's important.

 

As above, I’ve had my S serviced by the dealer from new to keep my extended warranties honoured. Having had the joy of engine failures nothing has ever been turned down on my warranty claims. The prices I have paid for servicing have been very reasonable. I admit to always specifying one particular mechanic to work on my car, his competence and thoroughness give me the confidence in my dealer. I know dealers knowledge can vary greatly over the UK so not everyone will necessarily share my dealer experience.

I have recently acquired another 08 S complete with a full Honda service history. Reading through it as a comparison to my 09 servicing history, the prices are very similar despite being 100s of miles apart. Not all Honda dealers are robbers!

 

In assessing your local Honda dealerships competency, perhaps you should check if they were selling S2000s long before 2009 and the run out of the car, in that they had mechanics of the cars era. Your local S2000 owners will be the best guys to ask. There are plenty of good independents who can give good service and attention to detail, you need to do some local homework to make your decision.

It helps that our cars aren’t overly complicated.

 

Congrats on your purchase! Sounds like a great car.

I have a similar example (05 facelift 40k miles full Honda history). Since buying in June 2019 I have only used Hondas in Aylesbury (Bucks). I wanted to maintain the Honda service history etc. I have been very impressed with the service to be honest. The first time they serviced it shortly after purchasing the car I explained it had only covered 700 miles since the previous service by the former owner 12 months prior. Instead of ripping me off they did an oil service for £99 with a complimentary inspection of the car. At this point I thought here we go they are going to find things wrong to make some money out of me but actually they printed off the full check sheet saying everything was excellent and id bought a mint car. From that point on they had my trust. Since then I have been back for this years service (oil, brake, clutch fluids) plus MOT. I am also aware that they look after several other S2000s from the area which is good to know. Dan who works on the sales desk there told me the S2K is bullet proof... The only thing to look out for is the TCT...

Hope you enjoy the car. Mine is currently SORNd and in the garage but will be back out from March. I cant wait