UK spec 2007 Honda s2000 buying guidance

UK spec 2007 Honda s2000 buying guidance

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Danbal360

Original Poster:

2 posts

5 months

Saturday 8th June
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Hi there, looking for some guidance on purchasing a 2007 honda s2000 local to me. I am wondering if there are any common issues or problems with the 2007 year that I should look out for and if there are any changes from the 2007 to the 08-09 models. The car in question has rust bubbling on the rear right panel which I'm aware will need some work done to it.(Will have to thoroughly inspect before potentially buying) Other then that, the car seems in very good condition externally and interior wise with a new soft top fitted a year ago. It has 114k miles which isn't high or low but any help on what to look for in these cars would be very much appreciated too! It's my dream car since a kid and it's a decent price so would love if it worked out well for me, thanks

griffter

4,030 posts

262 months

Monday 10th June
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Rust is the killer. Fortunately most of the usual places are visible - also get underneath (or lift the tool tray) and inspect the boot floor.
BUT if it’s visible it’s bad, and it won’t get better once you dig deeper, so proceed with caution. A bit of googling should help out, or check out the S2000UK Facebook group and/or the Honda forum on here.
Otherwise miles are ok if it drives alright and has history.
People will say beware seized suspension adjusters but this can be sorted and probably won’t need touching anyway. If original, rear shock absorbers will probably be past their best. Try to see if they’re oily = leaking.
Clutch master cylinders can be problematic, but if it works it works.
Beware post March ‘06 is £700+ a year road tax.
These are great cars, in part because there really is very little to go wrong if looked after and left largely original.

sam.rog

901 posts

85 months

Monday 10th June
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Rust, rust and more rust. If it’s visible from the outside the. Be prepared for a whole lot more that you can’t see.

They are very sensitive to geo set up and tyres but there’s a good following for these so plenty of specialists.

Engines are pretty bulletproof but expensive if they go wrong. Gearboxes are reliable but I think 3rd gear can give issues.

06 onwards are £700 a year tax.
I would search out a jdm import, the tax is £300 ish and most of the time the underside will be rust free. Beware of ones dosed liberally with underseal, ask for pictures before it was applied to make sure they aren’t hiding any issues.

Prices are al over the place but for known good ones expect to pay top dollar. A cheap one with rust issues soon becomes expensive quickly unless you can do the repairs your self.

Danbal360

Original Poster:

2 posts

5 months

Monday 10th June
quotequote all
Thanks for the information, I'm still learning all I can about these cars. I plan not to go ahead with the local one having rust, I'd rather take the time and money and get a good example that doesn't require much after purchasing but I don't have too many options here in Ireland other than coming over to England and VRTing one

rotaryjam

655 posts

108 months

Monday 10th June
quotequote all
Check which year has the electronic throttle, I think that might be 07.

I had one and I really didn't like the throttle response, it was like driving an auto with a slight delay before it went.

There is also the traction control which came in around the same time I believe, which you might see as beneficial or not