Potential s2000 buyer

So I have been thinking about getting another toy, I like the look and reliability of Honda. But when looking for a used S2K, what should I be looking for? i would want to buy something close that stock I can.

@yamba6 @rugsr @SOLITUDE @Skurge … I’m sure I’m missing a few others who could answer your question as well.

With how reliable this car has been for me, the biggest thing I’d like to know is that fluids have been kept up with. (Usually a given on any car though)

Really the 2 biggest money grabbers I’ve run into so far - I needed a new roof which cost me about $1400 when all was done. I’m about to replace the clutch. If fluids are bad be careful as the motor and trans can cost a fortune.

Expect the driver seat to have some wear on the left arm bolster.

If you get an AP1, I highly recommend going with aftermarket rims sooner than later if you enjoy driving harder. The wider tires and bigger rim will help with grip and not having the car feel like it wants to skip more across the road but rather feel locked down to the road.

When you go into reverse, listen for a click coming from the back. If you do hear this don’t be very alarmed, just expect to immediately tighten the Axle nuts as this is a common problem.

Make sure you fit in the car as well. lol

What he said^

About the fluids, I would make sure to ask about the rear diff? Has it been changed, when and how often?
oh and bring deep pockets. Us Honda boys know our S2k’s are made out of gold lol

there are some differences between models and years with in models so know what you want and know you’ll pay for certain things
2000 AP1. Plastic rear window and no door tweeters.
02 I believe they went with glass rear window with defrost and door tweets
04 AP2 I believe they switched to 8000k redline (S2k community fights over this all day) but interior is nicer and the headlights tail lights and bumpers were upgraded

Not a S2K owner but did a lot of research on tracking one before I ended up getting my Lotus. If you plan to autocross it in SCCA street class, take the AP2 every time because SCCA doesn’t let you run wider wheels in street class on an AP1 due to SCCA rulebook for better or for worse. If you’re going to just cruise, have fun with it, mod it, etc, fuck it, get whatever but definitely upgrade the wheels as suggested on an AP1. That’s the summary.

If you plan on doing SCCA-you should reconsider what you value as fun. A ball on a sting is more fun than autocross.

Ap1 motor with ap2 esthetics! Turbo the shit out of it!

To each their own. Drag racing bores the shit out of me, so I probably differ from most of this board in that context.

So I couldn’t run my 225/45/17? (I believe that was the number on the side wall) Haha I’ve been good recently and letting my tires last more than a half or full season. I’m making it about a season and a half now so I need to look again.

Haha, Street class legal allows for +/- 1" on the wheel diameter, but wheel width must stay the same. Tire size has no bearing on it as they figure the tire size is limited by the wheel size since too large of rubber will just lose grip advantages when crammed on a narrow wheel. If you’re on stock wheel widths you should be good.

Great information thanks all.
I just want a small convertible with good looks and reliability. no racing, track, or turbocharger for me.

That or Miata. But I’ve owned them and a S2000 is way better, so do that.

I fell an S2000 would be a fun car if you want a stock car that is good. If you want to have a reliable and cheap car to have fun with modding the way you want… you can get a miata for cheap and from my understanding, parts are a dime a dozen so you should have no problem finding good parts for cheap to personalize it and have lots of fun.

If you are mid pack in Novice I think everyone would be some what lenient on wheels and tires. Just don’t show up to Divisionals with 17X9 255/40 square and say that it is stock.

Also agree w/ this, just stating rulebook more than “regional leniency” especially in novice haha.

Sounds good. I’ve been wanting to try this out for a long time and have yet to pull the trigger to make a trip.

You’ll have a good time. I’m usually at most local events in WNY and half or so in the FLR (Rochester) - I switched to rocking a Krypton Green Lotus Exige this year which will almost definitely be the only one at the events, so if you swing by, say hi and maybe I’ll ride along for a run or two, or you could jump in my car. Pre-register for some events here (you pay when you get there in WNY region): WNY SCCA – Western NY Region SCCA

Most of the important items have been covered already as far as what to look for. Fluids, maintenance, etc… Honda reliability. AP1 vs AP2 is a matter of opinion. Huge aftermarket culture if thats what you’re into. Just a really fun car to drive.

Don’t know how serious you are but mine is still for sale. Currently in winter storage. Happy to answer any questions you may have.

-Tom.

I’ve been trying to work with Brian V. who I believe helps run the Lotus club and whose father is the rep for Caterham, he is trying to get me as a photographer for the Watkins Glen track Lotus does. If you get the magazine, I took the photos they have for the Caterham Ad in there. Hoping this can happen as it sounds like a great thing to photograph in my eyes.

(Sorry to OP for the offtopic comment.)