Hello,
I decided to buy S2000 but have few questions. I noticed there is a few versions such as GT, i-VTEC and Roadster. What are the differences? Also I noticed they have two different vehicle tax bands one in £430 p/a and another £735 why is like this?

Thanks
Marek

 

S2000's have regular old VTEC. No such car as an S2000 i-VTEC that I have ever seen or heard of.

In the UK I think they sold a "GT" version that had some different trim version stuff and included some options like the hardtop default (some other UK owners may chime in here on more details)

All s2000s are roadsters.

 

2004=lower tax band newer ones are higher

 

GT version came with the removable hardtop. No other difference to the standard car.

You might see AP1 v AP2 but there’s not really such a thing as a UK AP2 that’s the 2.2l engine that only US and Japan got. Some places say AP2 here but really just mean the facelift AP1.

Take a look in the sticky FAQ thread at the top of this board. It shows you what changed at each facelift.

 

Up to March 2006 - Tax is £430
April 2006 onwards - Tax is £735. Blame our daft government.
2006-2009 had DBW (Drive by wire) which is basically an electronic signal throttle. Still has a bit of cable however, but can "hesitate" as they age. Also many improvements, safer handling, (better suspension spring rates for that), 20% stronger differential casing, there's a fair list of minor changes. I believe it did make the car better overall, having owned all revisions.
Hardtops are at least a £2k premium these days, yet alot of owners don't use them. They usually rattle when fitted and take up space to store.

Fairly good buyers guide here....




Also this is worth a look too, below like also from SavageGeese. Both good videos, if a little bias. But to the point..

https://youtu.be/wNPj4InNEDw?si=T6KddDveHBKcd1OE


Good luck

Edit : be interesting to know your car history. Despite the cars modest power, albeit at the top, it's still got decent low end shove as a daily for the streets. But don't expect the car to save you, pre 06 models don't have anything to save you (no traction control etc). Seat of the pants feel in these, it's one to learn and understand and spend hours finding its limits (and flaws). Let us know how you get on

 

As Skiddy said, the only two 'versions' we got in the UK were GT and Roadster. All that referred to was the addition/omission of a hard top (and associated fitting kit). No such thing as an iVTEC S2000.

They tweaked the cars every 2 years, with the big change coming at 2004 with the facelift (but UK didn't get the 2.2L engine, so never officially designated as an AP2, even though people do use that term). I think the full list of changes are in the forum's FAQ.

 

There is a surprising amount of S2000 versions, but I think we’ll stand back from that old chestnut!

Basically you will be looking at a Pre-facelift (99-03) or a Facelift (04-09). The Facelifts are a more rounded car, the earlier Pre-facelift cars have a more raw nature to them. Everyone has their own take on that.

99-03 Pre-facelift AP1. 16” wheels

04-09 Facelift AP1 17” wheels

They are all AP1 (2 litre/9000 rpm engines). All have a soft top. A GT is just a hardtop. (A non GT car is referred to as a Roadster).

Every 2 years of production had changes, some minor, some more major. In the later cars, the wheels can help distinguish between the MY changes. Don’t think there is any point confusing you any more with all these differences as yet.

Colours, wheels, etc etc will all make you choose what you like. Don’t get too hung up on rad tax (VED), buy the best car you can for your budget!! Seek out an enthusiast owner, their cars are generally the best cared for. We can’t not mention the word “rust”. Take your time and look at several cars to notice differences, most especially levels of rust! Some of them are rotten, some are well cared for with little rust.

FYI the magic tax date is 23-3-06. Cars registered after this date suffered the much dearer road tax (VED)

Take your time and don’t buy the first car you see!!

 

Only one engine in the UK but there are revisions to it with later ones using less oil

All strong if looked after, some 09s had a build issue to be wary of

Just buy the best condition car you can, if you plan to use it all year round the high tax might annoy I guess.

One of mine is only taxed for 6-8 months of the year so it's £30 a month or so

The early cars are cheaper tax, the very earliest being the cheapest. My 99 one is cheaper than the 2001 car

Lots of facelift changes, suspension, wheels, seats, bumpers lights etc all the details on here in tech faq