Back to Honda - S2000
Discussion
After owning a DC2 Integra for a brilliant few years, I wanted a rwd fix, so changed to an M3 EVO. Great fun, but ended up spending a fair bit to get it how I wanted it. Then the dreaded Vanos started playing up and I decided to fix it myself and took the car off the road instead of spending extortionate amounts for a new one from BMW. In the meantime I bought a Panda 100hp, which was great fun, and practical, but having to drive it at full beans everywhere, I felt I needed a car that was more relaxing and involving to drive. One that needed some skill to extract its full potential. An S2000 came to mind, as I've always fancied one, and after owning the ITR and driving my Dad's Beat, I knew it'd be a good drive. So I started investigating. One criteria was being able to fit a guitar in the boot. After a visit to the local Honda dealer and a perplexed but helpful sales manager, I knew this was the car for me.
I had been searching out the right car for a couple of months, and came across this one; an '03 plate in silverstone silver with red leather, 52,000 on the clock for £9K. It had to be this colour combo, and be >2002 as I wanted the glass rear screen. The previous owner was obviously an enthusiast as the car has the AP2 silver radio door, and added bonus of Spoon front strut brace and air filter. I don't think the garage really knew what they were, so overall think I got a good deal.
I picked up the S2000 last Wednesday, and have to say I'm really enjoying the experiance. Opentop motoring is fantastic and adds a sense of speed and connection with the outside world - the smells and sounds and trees flashing overhead, its like sensory overload. The quality of the interior is a mighty step up from the Integra, much more solid and a nice feel to the rotary controls. The seats are very comfy whilst doing a good job of holding you in place, and the instruments are clear and easy to read. I like the fact the the tacho is inspired by the Honda Mclarens of the late 80's - a nice touch. I love the sculpture of the front wings which always get an admiring glance when I walk past. At 6'3 I feel a little tall for it, so may look at one of the lower seat rails, any one have experiance? Also a spoon airbox feed may find its way under the bonnet, and a civic gerknob may find its way into the interior in the next few months.
I'm finding that I'm driving slower than I did in the Panda, and enjoying taking in the surroundings, apart from when the road is open and I'm using the whole rev range. Very happy with the change, and just in time for summer, although I have popped a wooly hat in the top glovebox for those days where its a bit cooler. The top will be down if its not raining!
A few pics (better ones to come):
Integra
Beat
Panda 100hp
I had been searching out the right car for a couple of months, and came across this one; an '03 plate in silverstone silver with red leather, 52,000 on the clock for £9K. It had to be this colour combo, and be >2002 as I wanted the glass rear screen. The previous owner was obviously an enthusiast as the car has the AP2 silver radio door, and added bonus of Spoon front strut brace and air filter. I don't think the garage really knew what they were, so overall think I got a good deal.
I picked up the S2000 last Wednesday, and have to say I'm really enjoying the experiance. Opentop motoring is fantastic and adds a sense of speed and connection with the outside world - the smells and sounds and trees flashing overhead, its like sensory overload. The quality of the interior is a mighty step up from the Integra, much more solid and a nice feel to the rotary controls. The seats are very comfy whilst doing a good job of holding you in place, and the instruments are clear and easy to read. I like the fact the the tacho is inspired by the Honda Mclarens of the late 80's - a nice touch. I love the sculpture of the front wings which always get an admiring glance when I walk past. At 6'3 I feel a little tall for it, so may look at one of the lower seat rails, any one have experiance? Also a spoon airbox feed may find its way under the bonnet, and a civic gerknob may find its way into the interior in the next few months.
I'm finding that I'm driving slower than I did in the Panda, and enjoying taking in the surroundings, apart from when the road is open and I'm using the whole rev range. Very happy with the change, and just in time for summer, although I have popped a wooly hat in the top glovebox for those days where its a bit cooler. The top will be down if its not raining!
A few pics (better ones to come):
Integra
Beat
Panda 100hp
Great car, though personally I prefer the boring black interior like on my own car 
I'm 6"2 and I have Backyard Special seat rails on the driver's side, which lower the seat all the way to the floor pan in the rearmost position. That's low enough for the sun visor to be useful again for me - I had actually taken it off when I didn't have the rails.
I got these from japanparts.com .
HTH,
Marin
I'm 6"2 and I have Backyard Special seat rails on the driver's side, which lower the seat all the way to the floor pan in the rearmost position. That's low enough for the sun visor to be useful again for me - I had actually taken it off when I didn't have the rails.
I got these from japanparts.com .
HTH,
Marin
That be Keddleston Hall!
You be from Derby!
I have a DC2 at the moment but I love convertibles. The missus has an 03 MR2 which is okay but we don't love it. So now I'm getting the urge to swap both and get an S2000 to scratch both itches of convertible and quick/fun to drive. The Mr2 just isn't good enough!
You be from Derby!
I have a DC2 at the moment but I love convertibles. The missus has an 03 MR2 which is okay but we don't love it. So now I'm getting the urge to swap both and get an S2000 to scratch both itches of convertible and quick/fun to drive. The Mr2 just isn't good enough!
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