Which model year S2000 to buy?

[davey68]

Hi all, i'm interested in getting an S2000 in the not too distant future. I'm just wondering for those who have owned different model years which is the best to go for? The last revision 2009 apparently has stiffer suspension and VSA standard, but im not keen on the alloys and there are stories of engine failures on late cars. I'm thinking a 2006-2007 might be best as it has some interior/exterior improvements (new steering wheel, seats, roll bar speakers, 10 spoke alloys). Anyone with any thoughts? cheers

[gbduo]

The Pre 04 are the most hardcore, 04-07 are the softcore versions and then the 08-09 go back to similar levels of hardcore as the pre-04 in terms of suspension.

Also the 2007 onwards suffers from £400 tax band. So it is a case of really test driving a MY02 and MY 04+ if you ask me.

MY02 had a glass heated rear screen and a few improvements to the suspension over the MY99. Then the MY04 came with the facelift, new alloys (10 spoke) but softer suspension.

You will have to test drive both versions though and see what you prefer as it is very subjective!

[davey68]

Thanks for the reply. My only concern about the older models is wear and tear due to the age of the car. A ten year old S2k could be pretty tatty (thinking the convertible hood, leather, stone chips etc). A newer car would hopefully be in better condition. I'd like to keep the car 2+ years and it would be a daily driver.

[gbduo]

Could be...but equally it could be a garage queen.

Just to give you an idea of costs, a new roof is about £800 with S2KUK discount from Monsoon Automotive, this is an upgrade as it is made out of mohair rather than the stock Vinyl.

Tyres on 16s are cheaper, but the 16s don't look as good as the 17s.

Stonechips and wear on the seats can be more related to mileage than age, so if you found a mint 2002 with 42k miles on it with only dry weather running, it would be a far superior car to say a 2006 with 80k on it.

Horses for courses and all that. Judge a car on its own attributes and to be honest, you can't go too far wrong. But as I say, test drive a 2002 and a 2004 to see which suspension you prefer.

Also check out the members cars for sale on S2Ki UK Section.

[TaylotS2K]

Maybe a slight factor but 04-05 models are cheaper on tax than 06 onwards if you're looking for a facelifted version. Cosmetically 04-05 are the best imo as they have the nicest alloys. Pre 04 look dated with the smaller wheels, front and rear lights and interior.

[jsl20]

buy an older one with low mileage. spend a bit making it pretty with the 17" wheels and new hood (£730 with discount!) and you'll probs save a bit of cash and end up with a modern looking S2k. that's what i did anyway.

[russy01]

I'm running a '55 plate car. IMO it looks the nicest with the facelift and the best alloys, the small interior changes also make the car feel less dated inside.

I went for the '55 as it just escapes the '06's £400 tax band. As previously said the 04-07 cars are the softest, but don't be fooled, it's still a stiff sports car. IMO its more suited to our crappy roads and it shifts some of the twitchiness most people don't want.

Good luck, fantastic motors.

[davey68]

Lot's to consider and research! thanks for the comments everyone. I am torn between a late pre tax hike car and a 2006-7. Will keep you all posted

[tozerman]

Good luck with your search, I have worked at a Honda dealer for many years now and between 2005 } 2009 honda claimed "minor suspension revisions" every year the basic rule of thumb is the newer the car then the more "supple" the suspension is, in my opinion the last 09 cars had a bit of a lardy feel to them. Personally though I wouldn't tie yourself up in knots too much about it really, I would say buy on condition / history alone, as I have posted on here recently I found a 99 car (my preference) which I could put in our showroom, so the good early cars are out there, hope it all goes well for you, whatever year car you go for you will love it

Cheers.....Tony..

[davey68]

Thanks for the replies. It sounds like its best to buy on condition/history rather than get too hung up on MY or revisions. They are all cracking cars. Tony, can you tell me what the service intervals are on the S2k? Is it 12mths/9000 miles alternating minor/major? what sort of approximate costs are involved and are all Honda dealers still trained up to service the S2000?

[tozerman]

davey68 said:

Tony, can you tell me what the service intervals are on the S2k? Is it 12mths/9000 miles alternating minor/major? what sort of approximate costs are involved and are all Honda dealers still trained up to service the S2000?

You are correct on the 9000 mile / 1 year interval between services, every Honda dealer will have slightly different servicing costs depending on what labour cost they charge etc, working from memory (I'm at home) a standard service costs about £220 rising to £450 for a major service where all is done including tappets etc. all dealers should be fully up to speed on the s2000 as the newer ones are still under warranty, we have technicians at our place that have been servicing Hondas since 1985, All dealers will have a master technician (who doesn't do servicing work) who can oversee even an appentice doing the work, certainly worth picking up the phone and ringing your local dealer's service advisor for a chat and seeing how you go from there, good luck

Cheers.....Tony..

[davey68]

Thanks Tony much appreciated! your car looks lovely by the way!

[gbduo]

I always get my car serviced at Honda, but there are specialist S2000 centres around the country which are very good for setting up geometry and doing some work on the car, these are:-

TGM Racing, Fleet, Hampshire http://www.tgmsport.co.uk/category/racingblog
DMS Racing:- Dartford, Kent http://www.dmsracingltd.co.uk/
TDI North:- Warrington, http://www.tdi-north.com/

Geometry Specialists (in addition to above):-

Centre Gravity, Warwickshire, http://www.centergravity.co.uk/

There is a huge list on S2Ki UK Forum as well. (http://www.s2ki.com/s2000/forum/25-uk-s2000-community/)

Graham