Hello. Looking to buy my first S2000 very soon. Already had a look at a couple in the flesh and searched the internet. There seems quite a few available and prices vary as to the location. My local area seems to be near the top for prices. What I would like advice on is what are the main differeces between year of manufacture, should I buy trade or private, how far is it reasonable to travel to get a good one, should I go newer or older. Many thanks.

 

Have a look at the FAQ, there's a wealth of info in there, collected over the years. The usual advice is to try and buy one from a known member of this forum who has cherished their car and can tell you its history. But if you can get the history and know what to look for (there are many threads asking this question, have a search) then you can buy wherever you see a good deal really. And the distance to travel depends on your inclination. Some poeple wait for one to pop up nearby, others don't mind driving the length of the country to get the car they want in the condition they want at the price they want.

If you have any specific questions about particular cars, firstly have a search, then feel free to ask on this forum, plenty of people will be willing to offer advice. Some even useful!

Happy hunting.

 

From the FAQ, from March 23rd 2006 the road tax went up to an eye watering £445 PA, if you can affort that OK if not go for an earlier car.

Model Year differences

There are a few differences between the MY99 - MY01 models and the MY02 - MY03. The MY04-MY05 and MY06-MY07 have further changes and a slight facelift from the earlier models. Note: The wind deflector became standard from MY01 onwards.


MY02 differences

• Glass Rear Screen
• Cd player with tweeters built into the door
• Slightly restyled polished alloys
• Chrome rings around the rear lights and chrome front light surrounds
• A softer suspension setting which makes the car slightly less "pointy"
• Repositioned headlamp washer switch

Some like the suspension changes and others do not, it is probably best to try both cars if you are in the market for a used S2000.


04 Differences

• New front and rear bumper design
• 17" wheels with different Bridgestone tyres
• New front and rear lights
• Facelifted interior
• Some suspension changes which include a slight ride height change and a little softening of the rear end.
• Colour coded headlamp washers
• Factory fitted alarm
• New colours...


Insert Colour Chart


06 Differences

• New Colours - Deep Burgundy Metallic, Bermuda Blue Metallic
• New Interior Colour - Brown Leather
• Drive-By-Wire Throttle System. Ues a computer sensor to input throttle as opposed to pulling on the throttle cable
• Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with traction control. A combination of computer controlled throttle and individual wheel braking to control sudden changes in vehicle behavior. VSA has a turn-off switch where the defrost button (moved) used to be.
• 20 lbs heavier
• Redesigned road wheels
• Redesigned steering wheel
• Brake Assist, which helps drivers apply full braking pressure in an accident avoidance situation via the ABS actuator. Braking pressure is maintained momentarily after the driver's initial braking action to help the driver stop promptly. It deactivates when the driver releases pressure on the brake pedal
• Exterior temperature gauge
• New seats (interfaced to air bags for weight and position)
• 4 of the 8 speaker audio system are integrated roll bar speakers
• New intake manifold, fuel rail, intake support bracket, and injector cover
• Only one cam sensor
• New style map sensor
• IAT sensor has moved to the rubber intake tract
• Fuel line at engine is now a quick-release type
• Air pump, associated lines and and control valve, have been eliminated
• Fan switch in the radiator has been replaced with a second CTS, in turn the fans are now computer controlled
• HO2S in the header is now referred to as an Air fuel ratio sensor
• New exhaust center section


EDIT- Just looked at your profile as you are of a mature status (as am I) insurence wont sting too much, I just renewed with Hastings via Money Supermarket for a very good price.

 

If you're driving far to get one from a dealer, think about the distance as a excess on their warranty. I'm in Kent and bought mine last week from Peterborough which is 120 miles away. One of the shocks is leaking and it will cost me £60 to do two trips to the dealer to get it replaced...which is now £60 towards coilovers ....just something to keep in mind!

 

Many thanks for the replies I will take all the points on board and I will have a look at FAQ. Initial insurance quote of £400 but I haven't shopped around yet.

 

I've just bought a 53 plate. I knew I wanted a 02+ car as these seem to be a big leap forward over the my00 models. My advice is just find a genuine example whether it be private or trade. From my experience the private cars were in better condition than the dealer cars. Make sure you have full service history and all receipts.

Enjoy the search!