Hello first post for me on these forums.

Whilst I was out looking at cars a couple of weeks ago, I happened to see a bright red sports car, that I really liked the look of, and it turned out to be a Honda S2000 (with a hard top). I was really taken with this car, and regret not looking at it in further detail as it's now gone

I usually buy saloons etc with a reasonably powerful engine and have never really got into the sports car thing until very recently. I currently drive a remapped Mondeo TDCi which is very nice and I like a lot, but it is, well, a bit boring.

So I've decided that, subject to finances I'd like to look seriuosly at buying a Honda S2000. I've read on the forums, and also read the Technical FAQ, but I still have a few questions...

1. I do around 12-14k a year, about 75% motorway driving. Clearly the Mondeo is ideal for this, but how will the Honda fair in comparison over the same mileage. I realise it won't be as good for the motorway, but what can I expect.

2. Taking the above into account, how essential is the hard top? I'd ideally like a model with this, but they are quite rare not to mention more expensive. I've seen they can be bought and fitted but this is quite costly and is not money I'm willing to spend.

I've looked at 2 cars so far, at a Honda dealer. I really liked them and think they are fantastic looking but have yet to drive one. Obviously the Honda dealer will be top money, but is it worth buying from one. I've seen quite a few cars for sale privately, but I'd need to sell the Mondeo first. Is the extra peace of mind worth the extra cost, given the very good customer survey results the S2000 has enjoyed?

Finally what should I look for when buying one. Both of the above cars were 06 plates and both were in great condition but both had a small tear in the roof in the same place. I'm after a post 04 model with the 17" alloys, not overly fussed aobut the colour though.

I'm hoping to get a test drive tomorrow (was going to look at the red one above but it's gone!!), and obviously need to check the finances.

Thanks for your help.

 

1/ S2000 is fine for motorway driving. Not designed for it. But it will cope easily and it is comfy too. You will do more miles as it loves B roads as you will find out.

2/ You do not need a hardtop. It is certainly nicer in winter. But not essential. You can easily add a hardtop. Budget £1000 for aftermarket.
But really - you don't need it.


Look at the FAQ manual. The S has faults. eg The roof tears etc.
Just gem yourself up with a knowledge.

Folks here will be willing to look at an S with you to spot the obvious issues.

If you are buying from a dealer - get a guarantee that all the bushes are not seized and get them to grease them. Trust me on this

99-03 cars need oil checked every 300 yards. It burns through the stuff like a cow shites poop.

Budget £800 for a new roof every 4 years.


Enjoy.

 

Or £707 from Monsoon if you are a member of S2KUK...not this forum, but this club:

http://www.s2kuk.com/s2kuk/index.php

I reckon mine will last longer than 4 years

 

Oh...

Less than 6000 rpm the car is useless. It a bog standard 2 litre car.

6000 - 9000 rpm - it is a beast.

You WILL need to learn how to drive properly to get the best out of the car.
It just rewards you when you get it right.

At times, you will get the gear wrong or brake too heavily etc.


Porkers etc - make much more power way low down. eg Lazy. Just boot it and away you go, but many racing drivers love the S characteristics.


It's like marmite - you will "get it" and love it or find it frustrating and "hate it"

 

So an 06 plate car will be due a new roof?

I've read about the issues with the bushes, and I guess nothing with a fabric roof will last forever.

It doesn't seem like a particularly dear car to run, although I'm used to diesel economy (never had one that does more than 40mpg though).

I have to say it's the best looking car roof up or down in it's class.

 

I'll take that bet.

£10 says it starts to wear in the usual places before 4 years.
Says me who had 3 roofs in 18 months

 

Where does it wear?, mine is 9 years old and still looks in good nick. Maybe it hasn't been used much

 

Yours were sh1tty Honda ones.

Mine has protection up to the max

I'll see your tenner, and raise you ten

Back OT: The S won't be as good on the Motorway, but do expect to see ~ 32 MPG with sensible driving and fair traffic conditions.

 

Thank you for you swift replies! Traffic nearly always good for my journey to work.

Just been reading up about the bushes, I think I will check but won't be a deal breaker if the car drives OK. How can I trust some Arfur Daley if he says they're all done?

 

Ask him for a printout of the geometery


Figures should be nigh identical on each side of the car.