hi everyone,

im getting an s2000 in January, was thinking of getting a 53/04 and would like to know from the people that have owned them to give some advice, i know that 04 cars had new suspension and cosmetic stuff done but ive been told that the first s2000 were the best, what do you all think?

thanks
nik

 

search will come up

But 04's are better,

early ones have no glass screen and are scary

02's have glass screen few suspension mods

04's have different bodywork, bigger interior, 17's and better suspension!

FAQ will tell you all!

go for 04+ if you can!

 

You won't get much sense out of that question, as everyone thinks the car they have is the best.

However, one member, TINTOP, went from an newer model to an 02 and said he preferred it.

 

Tell us what you'll be using the car for, what your budget is and what is essential for you

Then we can help.

The FAQ is a great place to start if you own/will be owning an S

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=301506

 

Early ones considered more hardcore apparently. The later models have different bumpers and suspension. DBW throttle in the later ones too which makes modding a bit more difficult. I'm not an expert sure the others on here will explain it all. Look in the FAQs too.

 

There's very few early one's left. All the owners are dead after flying off the road for no apparent reason.......

 

white ones are by far the best...fastest too.

 

Hi Nik,
Welcome to the forum.

Modding a MY06+ is only difficult if you want to add forced induction as no one has developed a solution that works with the Drive By Wire throttle.
With an 04 model you have all the options and an glass rear screen!

If I was buying again I'd go for a Red 04 or 05 in good condition and suspension bolts that aren't seized.

Having said that I'm happy with my Moonrock 07.

A lot of it is personal preference. If you can get along to a local meet and talk to a few owners and check out their cars for ideas. They'll be more than happy to give you their opinion. Check the meets section to find out where your nearest ones will be.

Don't be put off by the doom mongers the S2000 is fine to drive as long as you are sensible especially in the wet and drive to the road conditions.
A word or warning though if you do buy one for the first few weeks its difficult to get the smile off your face after you've driven it and you can't stop popping outside to look at it on the drive.

 

The glass rear screen is the main thing missing on early cars (pre 02) in my opinion. Also the 17's on 04+ cars are much better.

Can't really comment on suspension differences as I've only driven an 02.

 

As I remember, the MY00 I had was "sharper" and more fun (slightly) than the MY03 I have now although in the scheme of things, nothing that noticeable. However, the extra bits, including the glass rear screen etc. I value more than a slight loss of "sharpness".

Having said that, I don't know if this is down to tyres? When I had the MY00, it was S02s' all round, now on the MY03 it's RE050As.

All I would say is, from what I've experienced and read, is that it gets (slightly) more "refined" each version. Only you can decide if this is for the better or for worse.