Discussion
Fancy one of these but having done some reading I am none the wiser.
Would be a pre 2006 car to avoid costly tax, around £14k but cant help thinking they are too much money now. Would just be a dry weather weekend car.
Early cars described as a bit frisky handling wise but that is the way they were set up, I am not a racer on the public roads but still a concern.
Cramped cabins for someone 6 foot and quite broad.
Tiresome due to the nature of the engine.
Corrosion a concern.
Just a few things I have read about them, seem to be mostly negative reviews on here really but obviously some positive from current owners.
Other options are back to a nice sorted Chimaera or a Boxster S but the latter does not really excite me, BMW Z4 maybe an outsider into the mix.
Considered another MX5 but would like a little more grunt and that can get expensive.
Would be a pre 2006 car to avoid costly tax, around £14k but cant help thinking they are too much money now. Would just be a dry weather weekend car.
Early cars described as a bit frisky handling wise but that is the way they were set up, I am not a racer on the public roads but still a concern.
Cramped cabins for someone 6 foot and quite broad.
Tiresome due to the nature of the engine.
Corrosion a concern.
Just a few things I have read about them, seem to be mostly negative reviews on here really but obviously some positive from current owners.
Other options are back to a nice sorted Chimaera or a Boxster S but the latter does not really excite me, BMW Z4 maybe an outsider into the mix.
Considered another MX5 but would like a little more grunt and that can get expensive.
I think with S2000's you either love it or just don't get the hype. In my opinion it is slightly overhyped, but having a roadster with a vtec engine, double wishbone suspension all around and great manual gearbox is pretty unique. And it stills looks and sounds great.
I've had my '00 model since the start of 2011. The first years as my daily driver (which I wouldn't recommend), now just as a summer fun car. The handling on the earlier models isn't nearly as spicy as some people claim it to be. The first years came on pretty hardcode tyres from the factory which didn't really work in wet conditions. It's also very neutral in balance and doesn't have a lot of feel through the steering wheel, which can make it difficult to feel where the limit is. WIth a good geo setup and modern tyres it's absoluly fine though.
I've had my '00 model since the start of 2011. The first years as my daily driver (which I wouldn't recommend), now just as a summer fun car. The handling on the earlier models isn't nearly as spicy as some people claim it to be. The first years came on pretty hardcode tyres from the factory which didn't really work in wet conditions. It's also very neutral in balance and doesn't have a lot of feel through the steering wheel, which can make it difficult to feel where the limit is. WIth a good geo setup and modern tyres it's absoluly fine though.
S2000’s are good cars but they lack torque and all
Of the fun happens at high rpm’s. They’re juicy on fuel and cramped and the early ones can be spiky on the handling front - blame the Torsen LSD and SWB for that. MY06 models introduced traction control but I think MY03 - even MY02 had different alignment settings to stave off lift off oversteer.
In my view, an MX5 NC is the closest to the S2000 in terms of stiffness of the chassis and feel, but they lack power with circa 160bhp for the 2.0 sport models. A BBR kit would sort it out.
Lots of choice for your budget. My choice would be an SLK 55 (171) no manual option though, or a Z4MR.
Of the fun happens at high rpm’s. They’re juicy on fuel and cramped and the early ones can be spiky on the handling front - blame the Torsen LSD and SWB for that. MY06 models introduced traction control but I think MY03 - even MY02 had different alignment settings to stave off lift off oversteer.
In my view, an MX5 NC is the closest to the S2000 in terms of stiffness of the chassis and feel, but they lack power with circa 160bhp for the 2.0 sport models. A BBR kit would sort it out.
Lots of choice for your budget. My choice would be an SLK 55 (171) no manual option though, or a Z4MR.
I've driven a few NA mx5's in stock and moderately modded form (suspension, wheels, etc) and they definately have much better steering feel and are easier to drive on the limit. The S2000 is bigger and heavier and feels a bit more serious and grown up. I still love how it rotates and how nimble it feels compared to most other cars. Coming out of a corner at high revs and pushing on to 9k revs really never gets old. Just don't expect it be fast compared to most modern cars, although once over 6k revs it feels and sounds pretty rapid.
maz8062 said:
S2000’s are good cars but they lack torque and all
Of the fun happens at high rpm’s. They’re juicy on fuel and cramped and the early ones can be spiky on the handling front - blame the Torsen LSD and SWB for that. MY06 models introduced traction control but I think MY03 - even MY02 had different alignment settings to stave off lift off oversteer.
In my view, an MX5 NC is the closest to the S2000 in terms of stiffness of the chassis and feel, but they lack power with circa 160bhp for the 2.0 sport models. A BBR kit would sort it out.
Lots of choice for your budget. My choice would be an SLK 55 (171) no manual option though, or a Z4MR.
The NC with some tweaks is a good option but the opinions on BBR are very mixed online so I'd be a bit sceptical about using them.Of the fun happens at high rpm’s. They’re juicy on fuel and cramped and the early ones can be spiky on the handling front - blame the Torsen LSD and SWB for that. MY06 models introduced traction control but I think MY03 - even MY02 had different alignment settings to stave off lift off oversteer.
In my view, an MX5 NC is the closest to the S2000 in terms of stiffness of the chassis and feel, but they lack power with circa 160bhp for the 2.0 sport models. A BBR kit would sort it out.
Lots of choice for your budget. My choice would be an SLK 55 (171) no manual option though, or a Z4MR.
A rather nice NC Turbo came up for sale recently on Facebook for £10k which looked a bargain but it's now gone.
It’s never made sense to me when people say the S2000 lacks torque. It has the same size engine as the NC and as far as I can tell from online sources it has slightly more torque:
https://www.automobile-catalog.com/curve/2000/1129...
https://www.automobile-catalog.com/curve/2006/1688...
Certainly my ‘99 S2000 feels like any other decent 2.0 petrol below 6k rpm. The difference is that above that it has another 50% rpm range and 65bhp to go. There’s no downside!
https://www.automobile-catalog.com/curve/2000/1129...
https://www.automobile-catalog.com/curve/2006/1688...
Certainly my ‘99 S2000 feels like any other decent 2.0 petrol below 6k rpm. The difference is that above that it has another 50% rpm range and 65bhp to go. There’s no downside!
griffter said:
It’s never made sense to me when people say the S2000 lacks torque. It has the same size engine as the NC and as far as I can tell from online sources it has slightly more torque:
https://www.automobile-catalog.com/curve/2000/1129...
https://www.automobile-catalog.com/curve/2006/1688...
Certainly my ‘99 S2000 feels like any other decent 2.0 petrol below 6k rpm. The difference is that above that it has another 50% rpm range and 65bhp to go. There’s no downside!
I always thought that my V8 M3 lacked torque, however it felt like that because max power was at 8300rpm for example, so naturally the engine would feel flat at low revs because of that, and I'd imagine that the S2000 is very similar in that regard too. https://www.automobile-catalog.com/curve/2000/1129...
https://www.automobile-catalog.com/curve/2006/1688...
Certainly my ‘99 S2000 feels like any other decent 2.0 petrol below 6k rpm. The difference is that above that it has another 50% rpm range and 65bhp to go. There’s no downside!
At 6000rpm plus the M3 did feel epic though, but you don't drive around everywhere at over 6000rpm though for me, and that is the problem in some ways in my experience.
I think fitting in one is the only issue for me at the moment, I'm going to try and find one locally first to try out.
I've seen something that interests me but it's 4 hours train ride and it's nurburg blue which although isn't a popular colour I do actually like it.
The engine characteristics will be similar to the Elise 111R I've just sold and I didnt mind that but I will say that I didn't get It into the 2nd stage very often and obviously it's a bit lighter.
I've seen something that interests me but it's 4 hours train ride and it's nurburg blue which although isn't a popular colour I do actually like it.
The engine characteristics will be similar to the Elise 111R I've just sold and I didnt mind that but I will say that I didn't get It into the 2nd stage very often and obviously it's a bit lighter.
Edited by Belle427 on Thursday 20th March 08:37
Yes and I think a lot of it comes down to personal preference. I'd take a Chimaera over an S2000 because I'd enjoy the more lazy torque from the V8, whereas others would prefer the higher revving nature of the S2000 in comparison.
I'm fortunate that I have a bit of a mix with my cars though, and I have the torque/low down punch in the F82 M4, but I also have the more revvy nature and you have to work for the performance in the 370Z and Caterham as well though.
My general rule is if it is a weekend car then a naturally aspirated engine works fine, but for a daily driver, I think that you appreciate the torque more from either a larger capacity engine or turbo's in comparison for me.
I'm fortunate that I have a bit of a mix with my cars though, and I have the torque/low down punch in the F82 M4, but I also have the more revvy nature and you have to work for the performance in the 370Z and Caterham as well though.
My general rule is if it is a weekend car then a naturally aspirated engine works fine, but for a daily driver, I think that you appreciate the torque more from either a larger capacity engine or turbo's in comparison for me.
Driving style is definitely a factor with these. I ran one for a number of years and I loved it, but I was a Honda head growing up so was well used to the power delivery. If you're stepping into one from a succession of fast diesels, or torquey V6s/V8s, it will definitely feel limp below the 5k range.
The engine is a gem though, and some of my favourite memories are wringing it's neck on quiet back roads near me in the summer with the roof down - the car might not be hugely fast by modern standards, but with the open air hitting you and 9k rpm screaming in your ears, it doesn't feel boring.
Mine was supremely reliable too, the only issues I had were the common ones - plastic rear window in roof got very cloudy and needed replaced (I ended up buying a hardtop for winter anyway), and the front calipers would sometimes stick - which to be fair is an issue on many vehicles. Just needed to regrease them and then eventually I got reconditioned ones.
I think they still remain a very handsome car, and I always preferred the look of them to the comparable models like the Z3 and Boxster. The S2000 is more angular but looks very purposeful. And it has some neat interior touches, the radio cubby hole, digital dash, etc.
The engine is a gem though, and some of my favourite memories are wringing it's neck on quiet back roads near me in the summer with the roof down - the car might not be hugely fast by modern standards, but with the open air hitting you and 9k rpm screaming in your ears, it doesn't feel boring.
Mine was supremely reliable too, the only issues I had were the common ones - plastic rear window in roof got very cloudy and needed replaced (I ended up buying a hardtop for winter anyway), and the front calipers would sometimes stick - which to be fair is an issue on many vehicles. Just needed to regrease them and then eventually I got reconditioned ones.
I think they still remain a very handsome car, and I always preferred the look of them to the comparable models like the Z3 and Boxster. The S2000 is more angular but looks very purposeful. And it has some neat interior touches, the radio cubby hole, digital dash, etc.
Belle427 said:
I think fitting in one is the only issue for me at the moment, I'm going to try and find one locally first to try out.
I've seen something that interests me but it's 4 hours train ride and it's nurburg blue which although isn't a popular colour I do actually like it.
The engine characteristics will be similar to the Elise 111R I've just sold and I didnt mind that but I will say that I didn't get It into the 2nd stage very often and obviously it's a bit lighter.
I had one.. I'm 5'11 and 90kg... I had 'backyard' seat rails fitted and that dropped the seat an inch or so and meant I was "in" the car a lot more....I've seen something that interests me but it's 4 hours train ride and it's nurburg blue which although isn't a popular colour I do actually like it.
The engine characteristics will be similar to the Elise 111R I've just sold and I didnt mind that but I will say that I didn't get It into the 2nd stage very often and obviously it's a bit lighter.
Edited by Belle427 on Thursday 20th March 08:37
I adored mine.
An early 06 is pre-tax climb but has the newer geo set up...I'm no track god either so I never experienced the wayward rear end, or had any concerns at all with the handling.
My previous cars were quite dull so the EPS wasn't an issue for me.
And as a weekend car I was more than happy to spend the majority of time above 4500rpm...where I had had the 'vtec change' adjusted to. Working that glorious lump was never a chore and as such I didn't notice the lack of torque. That said it really isn't a fast car... but it "feels" fast and thats important when surrounded by cameras...
Ive said it on numerous chats.... but to get a legendary NA engine, mated to RWD, mated to one of if not the best gearchange action, with comparatively bullet proof reliability, solid residuals, and open top....9000rpm... and timeless-ish exterior and wonderfully focused digital interior...
If Ferrari made this, can you imagine the hoo-har.
991 Speedster, or 458 Spider... those are the next 9000rpm open tops I think... might not be a forever car, but quite the experience imo..but then I've little re-world experience of anything else. I test drove all the usual suspects at the time, and for me it felt more special and alive, despite having flaws of course.
I've a 981 Spyder now. I miss the S2000's rawness.... and the digital dash...
If Ferrari made this, can you imagine the hoo-har.
991 Speedster, or 458 Spider... those are the next 9000rpm open tops I think... might not be a forever car, but quite the experience imo..but then I've little re-world experience of anything else. I test drove all the usual suspects at the time, and for me it felt more special and alive, despite having flaws of course.
I've a 981 Spyder now. I miss the S2000's rawness.... and the digital dash...
Quickmoose said:
I had one.. I'm 5'11 and 90kg... I had 'backyard' seat rails fitted and that dropped the seat an inch or so and meant I was "in" the car a lot more....
I adored mine.
An early 06 is pre-tax climb but has the newer geo set up...I'm no track god either so I never experienced the wayward rear end, or had any concerns at all with the handling.
My previous cars were quite dull so the EPS wasn't an issue for me.
And as a weekend car I was more than happy to spend the majority of time above 4500rpm...where I had had the 'vtec change' adjusted to. Working that glorious lump was never a chore and as such I didn't notice the lack of torque. That said it really isn't a fast car... but it "feels" fast and thats important when surrounded by cameras...
I miss my Cerbera for that as well, and that was as much fun at 30mph as it was at 130mph for me. Lots of noise and theatre even when you were going slow. I adored mine.
An early 06 is pre-tax climb but has the newer geo set up...I'm no track god either so I never experienced the wayward rear end, or had any concerns at all with the handling.
My previous cars were quite dull so the EPS wasn't an issue for me.
And as a weekend car I was more than happy to spend the majority of time above 4500rpm...where I had had the 'vtec change' adjusted to. Working that glorious lump was never a chore and as such I didn't notice the lack of torque. That said it really isn't a fast car... but it "feels" fast and thats important when surrounded by cameras...
I like my 370Z Roadster in similar ways as well, and that isn't a very quick car on paper, but it is noisy(it isn't on the standard exhaust), so you don't have to be going quickly to appreciate it/enjoy it for me.
I've had mine for a few years, move from a mk1 eunos roadster that was modified and much stiffer than stock.
I absolutely adore mine, it's been epic car to own and very special, but daily driving it will wear that off. Mine is a weekend/fun track toy at this stage.
exige
911 rs
cayman rs
etc level of things.
I absolutely adore mine, it's been epic car to own and very special, but daily driving it will wear that off. Mine is a weekend/fun track toy at this stage.
- engine / gearbox combo is great, box must be the best manual I've driven
- 9k redline genuinely makes me smile each time, especially with a decent intake/exhaust system
- yes it is a two character car and below 6k there's a half boring honda but above 6k it opens up and screams. Exactly what NA cars are about. If you come from a lazy big diesel it'll feel odd but drive it hard - like it's designed and it'll reward you.
- linking a few corners on it, bouncing of the limiter etc is a great feel. Especially top down.
exige
911 rs
cayman rs
etc level of things.
Belle427 said:
I think fitting in one is the only issue for me at the moment, I'm going to try and find one locally first to try out.
I’m 6’1 and was a prop playing rugby.. so as you can probably guess, I’m pretty broad too.I typically struggle to find cars which have a seat that sits low enough to feel comfortable and like I’m sitting in the car rather than on it.
When I had my S2000 I was training/going to the gym regularly and in really decent nick (between 17-18st), I fitted in to my S2000 without an issue. It wasn’t a spacious vehicle, but I didn’t have an issue with comfort or getting my legs under the (non-adjustable) steering wheel.. which I did when I tried my friends S2000 at a stage where I was a few stone heavier and not training regularly.
In short.. do it.. I’m sure you’ll fit fine.
They’re fantastic cars providing you value the attributes they bring to the table over thumping straight line performance, because unless you buy one with forced induction, they’re quick rather than fast.
I'm 6 foot and don't have the seat all the way back. They are snug, yes, but in a good way. I find it very comfortable.
Yes, short gearing is a bit of a pain on the m'way.
Last two times I did a brim-brim test I got 37 and very nearly 40mpg which isn't bad and better than my brothers Mk1 1.8 MX-5, also better than you'd get from a Boxster or whatever, though I assume an NC/ND MX5 would be better.
I've had mine for 8 years now and I love it. One day maybe I'll swap it for a 987 BoxsterS (which are fantastic, probably better on track) but every time I drive the S2000 I lose interest in the Porsche....
Yes, short gearing is a bit of a pain on the m'way.
Last two times I did a brim-brim test I got 37 and very nearly 40mpg which isn't bad and better than my brothers Mk1 1.8 MX-5, also better than you'd get from a Boxster or whatever, though I assume an NC/ND MX5 would be better.
I've had mine for 8 years now and I love it. One day maybe I'll swap it for a 987 BoxsterS (which are fantastic, probably better on track) but every time I drive the S2000 I lose interest in the Porsche....
This looks fabulous, and launch colours. It’s a very early car:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18tD1ojU9S/?mibex...
Bang on budget, 40k miles, 3 owners, FSH and anything needing doing done (and more, I think).
If it was a 04-06 it would be 20k.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18tD1ojU9S/?mibex...
Bang on budget, 40k miles, 3 owners, FSH and anything needing doing done (and more, I think).
If it was a 04-06 it would be 20k.
Lots of complimentary comments on the S2000. I had one, a MY00 with a whole host of mods:
- 4.77 Final drive
- KW Suspension
- Buddyclub Header
- 70mm Single exit titanium straight through exhaust wit( 200 Cel cats.
- Lightweight JDM Forged wheels with semi- stick tyres
- Hard top
- AEM Cold Air induction
- Spoon ECU
It was a hoot and sounded like a fighter plane at WOT. I was always nervous of it though, as the forums that I used to frequent at the time saw a lot of posts where owners had binned them - mostly backwards into a hedge or the centre reservation. I think the Gen 1’s were lethal, especially the MY99, 00 and 01’s.
I’d buy another and have often considered it - a MY04 onwards, but there are way too many other options in 2025 and I’ve been there, done that.
- 4.77 Final drive
- KW Suspension
- Buddyclub Header
- 70mm Single exit titanium straight through exhaust wit( 200 Cel cats.
- Lightweight JDM Forged wheels with semi- stick tyres
- Hard top
- AEM Cold Air induction
- Spoon ECU
It was a hoot and sounded like a fighter plane at WOT. I was always nervous of it though, as the forums that I used to frequent at the time saw a lot of posts where owners had binned them - mostly backwards into a hedge or the centre reservation. I think the Gen 1’s were lethal, especially the MY99, 00 and 01’s.
I’d buy another and have often considered it - a MY04 onwards, but there are way too many other options in 2025 and I’ve been there, done that.
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