Discussion
Gibbo205 said:
Prices rocketed in the US last year, UK is now catching up.
I've just listed mine up for sale, thought I'd never do it as they are so much fun and so unique, but I've recently purchased a Porsche 987.2 Spyder which is nothing short of sensational apart from the stupid roof. Also put a bid on an Exige 410 so something has to go.
Interesting. I had a 987.2 Spyder, manual, carbon buckets, Spyder wheels etc. It was a lovely car, confidence inspiring on track and great to drive - apart from when the ECU thought it knew better than I did and cut the power during an overtake. One of those cars that crossed the “too clever for its own good” line - for me. It was the closest I’ll ever come to owning a supercar. I've just listed mine up for sale, thought I'd never do it as they are so much fun and so unique, but I've recently purchased a Porsche 987.2 Spyder which is nothing short of sensational apart from the stupid roof. Also put a bid on an Exige 410 so something has to go.
I sold it and via a 996 got into my S2000. It’s a completely different car obviously, but I have to say in terms of usable accessible fun on the road, the S2000 takes the win. It helps it’s only worth 20% of the Spyder of course.
If at all possible, try living with the Spyder before parting with the S2000. In my experience, with the Spyder, weather forecasts suddenly become a lot more interesting…
griffter said:
Interesting. I had a 987.2 Spyder, manual, carbon buckets, Spyder wheels etc. It was a lovely car, confidence inspiring on track and great to drive - apart from when the ECU thought it knew better than I did and cut the power during an overtake. One of those cars that crossed the “too clever for its own good” line - for me. It was the closest I’ll ever come to owning a supercar.
I sold it and via a 996 got into my S2000. It’s a completely different car obviously, but I have to say in terms of usable accessible fun on the road, the S2000 takes the win. It helps it’s only worth 20% of the Spyder of course.
If at all possible, try living with the Spyder before parting with the S2000. In my experience, with the Spyder, weather forecasts suddenly become a lot more interesting…
Never had any issues with my Spyder with it pulling power away but I always drive it in sport mode or PCM off and on the road I can make full use of the power just like I can in my S2000 as neither car is horsepower crazy and both are lightweight under 1300kg so the power they have makes them plenty fast whilst been lots of fun. I sold it and via a 996 got into my S2000. It’s a completely different car obviously, but I have to say in terms of usable accessible fun on the road, the S2000 takes the win. It helps it’s only worth 20% of the Spyder of course.
If at all possible, try living with the Spyder before parting with the S2000. In my experience, with the Spyder, weather forecasts suddenly become a lot more interesting…
The S2000 roof is of course much better, up or down at press of a button whereas the Spyder is a pain in the rear, if the weather looks unknown I just take out the back item and keep the sunshade as Porsche calls it up, if the weather looks 100% dry roof comes off. The Spyder also has a lot more luggage space than the S2000 due to two boots.
I've not followed the market closely, I recently picked up a car that's been sitting a for 7 years, currently re-commissioning it and wonder where it sits value wise?
It's a black 1999, with a hardtop, 77k miles red leather interior (good bolster), rust free, new brakes all around. Paint work is good but not mint, 8/10. Standard car except for a cat back exhaust.
Are early ones sought after or considered the runt of the litter?
It's a black 1999, with a hardtop, 77k miles red leather interior (good bolster), rust free, new brakes all around. Paint work is good but not mint, 8/10. Standard car except for a cat back exhaust.
Are early ones sought after or considered the runt of the litter?
Escy said:
I've not followed the market closely, I recently picked up a car that's been sitting a for 7 years, currently re-commissioning it and wonder where it sits value wise?
It's a black 1999, with a hardtop, 77k miles red leather interior (good bolster), rust free, new brakes all around. Paint work is good but not mint, 8/10. Standard car except for a cat back exhaust.
Are early ones sought after or considered the runt of the litter?
The earlier cars like the one you've picked up had a very snappy rear suspension but which then got revised 2002/2003. That was also when the rear plastic screen of the soft top was replaced with a glass screen. The plastic rear screen i believe can now be replaced with a glass screen.It's a black 1999, with a hardtop, 77k miles red leather interior (good bolster), rust free, new brakes all around. Paint work is good but not mint, 8/10. Standard car except for a cat back exhaust.
Are early ones sought after or considered the runt of the litter?
Aside from that, i believe more upgrades to the styling and driver aids came in 2004 and revisions to the engine much later with more torque down low but a lower redline point.
Values will always be based on mileage and condition and with your relatively low mileage and rust free example, it should compare well with the market. A hardtop if it comes with it will also add to the value.
Escy said:
I've not followed the market closely, I recently picked up a car that's been sitting a for 7 years, currently re-commissioning it and wonder where it sits value wise?
It's a black 1999, with a hardtop, 77k miles red leather interior (good bolster), rust free, new brakes all around. Paint work is good but not mint, 8/10. Standard car except for a cat back exhaust.
Are early ones sought after or considered the runt of the litter?
I wouldnt say the early ones are more sought after, maybe the 04-06It's a black 1999, with a hardtop, 77k miles red leather interior (good bolster), rust free, new brakes all around. Paint work is good but not mint, 8/10. Standard car except for a cat back exhaust.
Are early ones sought after or considered the runt of the litter?
This snappy back end thats always mentioned, I dont know why it is, apart from its written in the changes/differences of the s2000 over the years.
I dont find them massively different to warrant it as a fault.
The yare all pretty much the same, changes for me arent obvious, barely anything from my 03 to my 07
I do prefer the newer ones 06+ as they are a bit quieter, the year 2000 I had did have clutch buzz though
Unless helped to prevent near new the rear arches go first
The engine was never changed for the UK market. We never got the F22C (2.2 litre) with more torque and lower peak rpm.
See here for all UK model year differences:
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/uk-ireland-s2000-commu...
Between 2007 and 2009 there were only cosmetic changes IIRC; just wheels and colours.
See here for all UK model year differences:
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/uk-ireland-s2000-commu...
Between 2007 and 2009 there were only cosmetic changes IIRC; just wheels and colours.
Edited by F20CN16 on Tuesday 30th November 06:34
F20CN16 said:
The engine was never changed for the UK market. We never got the F22C (2.2 litre) with more torque and lower peak rpm.
See here for all UK model year differences:
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/uk-ireland-s2000-commu...
Between 2007 and 2009 there were only cosmetic changes IIRC; just wheels and colours.
Yes, you're right regarding the engine - good to refresh the memory on these. See here for all UK model year differences:
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/uk-ireland-s2000-commu...
Between 2007 and 2009 there were only cosmetic changes IIRC; just wheels and colours.
Edited by F20CN16 on Tuesday 30th November 06:34
Another link here outlining brief changes.
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/uk-ireland-s2000-commu...
My very much personal view is that the early cars, particularly the first 500 (Honda’s first UK batch), are worth seeking out. Bear with me.
The 04- cars (facelift) have a strong following and some updates which benefit usability. The glass rear screen is one, allegedly improved ride and handling is another. 06- cars got traction control which for an all weather daily might have some appeal to some people, but they also get drive by wire throttle which is one step removed from mechanical engagement. 04/05 cars get the usability and facelift updates but not the top band road tax which is why they are generally referred to as the pick. For a daily that is probably reasonable. I find the 02/03 cars neither fish nor foul with diamond cut 16” alloys and a glass screen. Just not my taste.
Personally, then, I prefer the very early cars. But I am basically a classic car person, not a JDM scene fan.
I like the fact that my 99 has the ride and handling, lively rear end and all, that Honda’s engineers designed, not that the mass market later dictated. I like the plastic rear screen. It’s hard enough to see out of when changing lanes; the smaller glass screen must be a nightmare. I actually look through the perforated headrest when looking over my shoulder. Very late cars had solid headrests which I can’t begin to fathom.
I prefer the early interior with the “titanium” gear knob and single colour dash trims - that’s a huge part of the tactile enjoyment for me. Later cars got a clutch delay valve and slower steering, again no appeal for me for pure driving pleasure.
Frankly I don’t even like the facelift changes and I prefer the 16” wheels but those are subjective points and I seem to be in a minority.
Time will tell and it is usually the earliest variants (and often the very last) that are most sought after. For the S2000 I suspect that may be the case, but it’ll take a while.
At the end of the day all model years are very very similar. Condition and for some originality are far more important considerations and harder to find to satisfaction.
Your black car sounds good, particularly if it starts, stops and steers. The brakes are prone to seizing (usually the guide pins) so give them a good going over and enjoy!
The 04- cars (facelift) have a strong following and some updates which benefit usability. The glass rear screen is one, allegedly improved ride and handling is another. 06- cars got traction control which for an all weather daily might have some appeal to some people, but they also get drive by wire throttle which is one step removed from mechanical engagement. 04/05 cars get the usability and facelift updates but not the top band road tax which is why they are generally referred to as the pick. For a daily that is probably reasonable. I find the 02/03 cars neither fish nor foul with diamond cut 16” alloys and a glass screen. Just not my taste.
Personally, then, I prefer the very early cars. But I am basically a classic car person, not a JDM scene fan.
I like the fact that my 99 has the ride and handling, lively rear end and all, that Honda’s engineers designed, not that the mass market later dictated. I like the plastic rear screen. It’s hard enough to see out of when changing lanes; the smaller glass screen must be a nightmare. I actually look through the perforated headrest when looking over my shoulder. Very late cars had solid headrests which I can’t begin to fathom.
I prefer the early interior with the “titanium” gear knob and single colour dash trims - that’s a huge part of the tactile enjoyment for me. Later cars got a clutch delay valve and slower steering, again no appeal for me for pure driving pleasure.
Frankly I don’t even like the facelift changes and I prefer the 16” wheels but those are subjective points and I seem to be in a minority.
Time will tell and it is usually the earliest variants (and often the very last) that are most sought after. For the S2000 I suspect that may be the case, but it’ll take a while.
At the end of the day all model years are very very similar. Condition and for some originality are far more important considerations and harder to find to satisfaction.
Your black car sounds good, particularly if it starts, stops and steers. The brakes are prone to seizing (usually the guide pins) so give them a good going over and enjoy!
I owned a 1999 example many years ago and now own a 2008 car.
The 99 had a more crisp/edge handling feel, but was not as confident inspiring and the handling was somewhat spikey at the limit.
The 2008 car is more or less on parr when it comes to the crisp and sharp handling, but it is way better at the limits, it also has VSA which works very well for those wanting a safety net but is easily disable with press of a button.
Having owned both I'd take the 2008 car every time, it is just in another league, those little tweaks here and there over the years really do improve the car. Now of course most the tweaks Honda made owners can do themselves to any model year within reason.
For me the 2008 out the box was very good, now its got Ohlins and modern performance tyres it is simply superb car!
The 99 had a more crisp/edge handling feel, but was not as confident inspiring and the handling was somewhat spikey at the limit.
The 2008 car is more or less on parr when it comes to the crisp and sharp handling, but it is way better at the limits, it also has VSA which works very well for those wanting a safety net but is easily disable with press of a button.
Having owned both I'd take the 2008 car every time, it is just in another league, those little tweaks here and there over the years really do improve the car. Now of course most the tweaks Honda made owners can do themselves to any model year within reason.
For me the 2008 out the box was very good, now its got Ohlins and modern performance tyres it is simply superb car!
Gibbo205 said:
Having owned both I'd take the 2008 car every time, it is just in another league, those little tweaks here and there over the years really do improve the car. Now of course most the tweaks Honda made owners can do themselves to any model year within reason.
Something very small that I prefer about the earlier cars is that the rev sweep goes fully across the cluster and this is somewhat more symmetrical. I believe digital clusters are now available which would be an option if I ever bought another one.Escy said:
Interesting reply. I'm just about to re-build all 4 calipers as they are seized where it's been sat so long. My car is registered Jan 14th 2000, would it be part of the first 500?
It might be you know… They only sold 1250 in Europe in 1999, but 3969 in 2000. Sales didn’t begin in the UK until late May 1999. Those figures are from Honda themselves from the S2000 book by Brian Long. That’s people ordering them though, not delivery. Your car had to have been a 1999 order with a registration of 14th Jan 2000. So it was one of the first 1250 in Europe which isn’t bad…They were popular here but would the UK have made up 500/1250 cars in Europe I wonder? The last 6 digits of the VINs in the US started 000001 and in Canada it was 800001. Our UK cars start 200001. It’s possible UK VINs got lumped in with Europe as a whole (as sales figures are Europe as a whole) but that is only a guess. If your last 3 digits in the VIN are 500 or under you can be sure it’s one of the first in the UK, if not Europe.
Edit: Whilst I’m nerding out on the VINs (
) the T before the last 6 digits stands for the Tochigi factory, and the S on 2004+ cars is for the Suzuka factory.Edited by F20CN16 on Tuesday 30th November 18:42
Gibbo205 said:
I owned a 1999 example many years ago and now own a 2008.
Interesting and very valid perspective from someone who knows. I have no doubt the later car is objectively better - probably in every case. They just don’t appeal to me as much!
Edited by griffter on Wednesday 1st December 09:22
Gibbo205 said:
I owned a 1999 example many years ago and now own a 2008 car.
The 99 had a more crisp/edge handling feel, but was not as confident inspiring and the handling was somewhat spikey at the limit.
The 2008 car is more or less on parr when it comes to the crisp and sharp handling, but it is way better at the limits, it also has VSA which works very well for those wanting a safety net but is easily disable with press of a button.
Having owned both I'd take the 2008 car every time, it is just in another league, those little tweaks here and there over the years really do improve the car. Now of course most the tweaks Honda made owners can do themselves to any model year within reason.
For me the 2008 out the box was very good, now its got Ohlins and modern performance tyres it is simply superb car!
Mine is a 2003 and i actually prefer the styling to the facelift versions. I like the simplicity of the look plus never bothered with an additional lip or spoiler that a few tend to go for. The 99 had a more crisp/edge handling feel, but was not as confident inspiring and the handling was somewhat spikey at the limit.
The 2008 car is more or less on parr when it comes to the crisp and sharp handling, but it is way better at the limits, it also has VSA which works very well for those wanting a safety net but is easily disable with press of a button.
Having owned both I'd take the 2008 car every time, it is just in another league, those little tweaks here and there over the years really do improve the car. Now of course most the tweaks Honda made owners can do themselves to any model year within reason.
For me the 2008 out the box was very good, now its got Ohlins and modern performance tyres it is simply superb car!
The later models from the side have a slight chunkiness from the rear quarter panel plus the 17" wheels make it look a little awkward in the rear also - just how i see it. I've just had to replace all 4 tyres on mine and whilst there are better option tyres in 17", i stuck with the 16"s for the chunkier side profile of the tyres.
After a lot of research, i ended up with Yokohama Advan Sports and I'm very pleased. Give a lot of feedback and quite planted in the corners. I guess with the advancement on tyre technology, the earlier cars without VSA can now benefit from better tyres from when they were launched. Plus it keeps you on your toes knowing that it's all down to you and your driving inputs.
Previously had the Yokohama AD08R and Proxes R1R as recommended on the S2k forums but the Advan Sports are just as good- if not better.
If i was going down the coilovers route, i think Ohlins will be my choice also!
Little Bob said:
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