The prior owner is the most important factor to think about before purchasing an S2000. What driving style was used? Was it well maintained, and were there records to back it up? Has the vehicle ever been in a collision? Although not unique to S2000 ownership, sports cars like this one were frequently driven aggressively.
Crash damage ought to be a major warning sign. These cars are uncommon, but there are enough of them that you can find one that doesn’t have mismatched fender colors, doors that don’t fit properly, wheels that have curb rash, or sills that have been broken due to improper jacking. A large portion of this damage may be concealed beneath an S2000’s surface. If you’re going to spend real money on an automobile, it’s equally crucial to have a body shop perform a pre-purchase inspection due to their mechanical dependability.
The wheel bearings on Honda’s S2000 can become bad and are expensive to fix, which can cause problems in all model years. Similar to other vehicles, these ones have a tendency to use too much oil. Honda released a technical service bulletin in response to complaints concerning clutch buzz on deceleration in early AP1 vehicles (TSB 00-054, November 27, 2001). The previously noted banjo bolt problem was resolved for the 2003 model year. After a mechanical over-rev, AP1 vehicles’ valve retainers frequently shatter. Spark plug torque levels must be regularly checked because they can also back out. Axle nuts may also go loose.
The S2000 had a propensity to bounce out of second, fourth, or sixth gear after the transmission was altered for the AP2 generation. Dashes in vehicles manufactured in 2006 or later may bubble, wrinkle, or blister.
Regardless of whether the top is up or down, these automobiles shouldn’t have a lot of wind noise during a test drive. These vehicles have undergone wind tunnel testing, so the interior should be quiet as you drive. Be on the lookout for gearbox noises, especially in early AP1 cars that were the focus of the TSB. Firmly accelerate in every gear, then let off the throttle and allow the vehicle coast. Does it suddenly shift out of gear while accelerating or braking? If so, there are gearbox problems to deal with.
All S2000s were produced after the dates stamped on the sidewall of tires as mandated by DOT. You can determine the precise tire age from the final four digits, but you should visually check for sidewall cracks, cracks between the treads, uneven wear, and sidewall cuts from hitting curbs or potholes.
Hardtops are an extremely uncommon option because hardly anyone bought these cars with them when they were brand new. A color-matched top that came with the car can easily increase the asking price by hundreds of dollars. Factory hardtops are pricey to purchase separately.
In This Article...
What year is ideal for purchasing a Honda S2000?
What years are ideal for purchasing? Truth be said, there is no undisputed “best year S2000. On paper, the 2002 and later versions should be chosen because they have updated suspension and glass back windows.
Is the Honda S2000 a good investment?
A fantastic high-performance roadster that is practical for regular driving is the Honda S2000.
For aficionados of sports cars and roadsters, the late 1990s and early 2000s were a brilliant time, as numerous fantastic models, including the Nissan 350z, Mazda MX-5, and of course the Honda S2000, were debuted. The Honda S2000 is still extremely desirable because it is still one of the best sports cars you can buy.
It’s a fantastic alternative for anyone seeking for a used roadster because to its renowned VTEC engine and classic design. There are a few drawbacks to purchasing an automobile that is 22 years old, though, because of its age. Before purchasing a Honda S2000, consider the ten items listed below.
What drawbacks does the Honda S2000 have?
Primary Honda S2000 Issues
- Issues could arise with convertible tops.
- When the AC is turned on, the AC expansion valve may make a whistling sound.
- A manual transmission could suddenly stop in fourth gear.
- tire wear on S2000.
- Oil is dripping from the engine’s top.
- Burning oil odor under the hood and engine oil leaks.
- Leaking Engine Oil
How durable are S2000 engines?
The S2000 continues Honda’s tradition of building some of the world’s most dependable automobiles. The S2000 has shown to be a dependable mode of transportation, whether you use it daily or as a weekend warrior, despite its high-revving engine and aggressive suspension. Even better, because the S2000 is still a Honda, replacement parts are still widely accessible and reasonably priced.
On its reliability assessment, Repair Pal even gave the Honda S2000 four out of five stars. The only maintenance required, according to CarZing, is an oil change around every 6,000 miles, which serves as additional support. Of course, once the automobile has accumulated 150,000 miles, other maintenance tasks like clutch replacement, brake work, and perhaps strut replacement may be required. However, there have been numerous accounts of S2000 owners logging 300,000 or more miles on their vehicles without any significant problems.
In fact, a Road and Track editor just bought a Honda S2000 with more than 300,000 miles on it. He claimed that the vehicle runs “amazingly” and that no significant repairs are required because everything is “tight and calibrated.”
Which AP1 or AP2 S2000 is superior?
The AP1 is distinguished from the AP2 by its smaller weight and stiffer spring rates. By remaining as true to the race car design as feasible, weight was reduced. To reduce weight, items like a plastic back window were employed in place of a glass windowpane.
Can you commute on an S2000?
Absolutely, yes! Drive an S2000 or any other sports automobile that suits your needs if you wish to! There is nothing better than approaching every corner and motorway onramp like Ayrton Senna, aside from normal commuting. After all, life is too short to spend every day in a Honda Element.
Honda S2000s uncommon?
Honda sold only 700 S2000 CR models, making them exceedingly rare. Due to their scarcity and assortment of track-focused improvements, they have increased in value over the past five years from being $30,000 cars to six-figure collectors. In addition to having unique wheels, a quicker steering rack, stiffer suspension, revised aero, extra chassis bracing, and a one-piece detachable hardtop roof, CR models also received these upgrades.
This one, which has 123 kilometers on the odometer and is finished in yellow over black Alcantara and cloth, looks the part. The interior is in excellent condition, and the body panels and roof piece appear to be in flawless condition. The car’s engine compartment and underside appear to have never been touched by the outside world, which is not unexpected given that it has only traveled an average of 8.7 miles annually since it was first delivered in 2008.
Currently, a similarly equipped CR that sold for $122,500 on Bring a Trailer back in February 2022 has the distinction of most valued S2000 in the world. However, the mileage on that vehicle was 5500 when it was sold. At the time of writing, Rahal’s CR had received bids as high as $111,111, and there were still three days left to place them.
Rahal has relocated an S2000 using the Bring a Trailer platform before. The six-time IndyCar race winner paid $48,000 back in 2018 for a pristine 2000 S2000 painted in red with 1000 kilometers on the odometer. The next year, he earned $70,000 by auctioning off a 91-mile example.
What makes the S2000 unique?
First of all, that engine contributed to the mythology of the S2000. When you first start the car, this might not seem to be the case because it doesn’t seem to show anything exceptional as you wait for it to reach idle. You continue to apply some revs while pondering the fuss. However, the S2000 really starts to become truly unique until you find that redline and begin to drive it seriously. The S2000 had a normally aspirated production automobile engine with the highest specific output ever recorded. Remember that the engine produces 124 horsepower per liter—without a turbocharger or supercharging.
The engine is connected to the absolutely stunning manual transmission. For years, people have waxed poetic about this gearbox, but the truth is that it is just that amazing. According to publications like Top Gear, the mechanical connection you feel between the engine and the gears may perhaps be the greatest available right now. In the S2000, changing gear is an event rather than just a procedure. At high rpm, you can shift into the next gear quickly, or when softly cruising, you can shift into the next gear gradually. Honda did a fantastic job pairing the engine and transmission.
S2000: Will it be collectible?
Due to their high level of intelligence, today’s drivers view their vehicles as more than just means of transportation. Many people are searching the area to determine which vehicle will become the next collectible in the future. The worth of so many vehicles has recently taken us by surprise; these are vehicles that were taken for granted when they were new but are now fetching millions at auction. Here are some reasons why the S2000 is a sure thing to become valuable in the future.
Will S2000 continue to appreciate?
It’s difficult to believe that the value of a well-loved S2000 won’t keep increasing as long as it keeps up its good condition, even though not every ancient Honda is destined to have an appreciating path that drives its price to the moon. It’s not just your typical economy Honda, after all.
The Honda S2000, which debuted for the 1999 model year, is the company’s sports roadster from the 1960s, the S600.
According to Motor Trend, several Honda divisions collaborated on the development of the S2000, from motorcycle engineers who built the four-cylinder engine to racing team engineers who designed the chassis, which accounts for the redline of 9,000 RPM. Honda created the S2000 as a competitive alternative to vehicles like the Porsche Boxster and the BMW Z4. According to Motor Trend’s research, it not only holds its own in real-world testing but also outperforms both German rivals.
Is the S2000 priced too high?
From 2000 through 2009, Honda produced the sports automobile known as the S2000. This car’s initial introduction was in 2000, and it was afterwards discontinued in 2009. On the used automobile market, the 2004 model is still accessible, although it costs a lot.
The 2004 Honda S2000’s high price is a result of its cult status as a legendary sports car. It looks amazing, provides excellent performance for a 2-seater roadster, and is currently hard to find. The used Honda S2000 is quite pricey because of its high demand and limited supply.
The Honda S2000 is renowned for its high-caliber performance in addition to its rarity. It’s a well-liked option for racing enthusiasts and thrill seekers searching for an economical sports car with excellent features. The engine’s output, which may exceed 240 horsepower, is much higher than that of a Mazda Miata.