You are here: Forums Coupes & Convertibles Honda S2000 Honda S2000 Life Expectancy

Honda S2000 Life Expectancy

15 messages,  Last post on Feb 08, 2008 at 8:25 AM

You are in the Honda S2000 Forum. Your Host is claires

What is this discussion about? Honda S2000, Convertible

Messages Page 1 of 2 1 2 Prev Next Last

Go To Msg # Search This Discussion

#1 of 15 Your advice... by jclemmer Mar 16, 2007 (12:12 pm)
Hello,   I'm in search of a new car and the honda S2000 is very appealing. I wanted to know what some owners would estimate as its life expectancy ? Would I be better off purchasing a used S2000 with high mileage, if its in good condition, or is it not worth it to save the money ? Also, are the improvements made from the 00 01 models to the 02 very important ? (i.e glass rear window )   thanks Replies to this message: habitat1 (Mar 19, 2007 8:22 pm)
#2 of 15 Depends... by accelerator Mar 16, 2007 (12:59 pm)
I recomend the glass... There are "kits" available for you to replace the plastic with a glass but I'm not sure if that is only for selected models years or if you can do the replacement on any year. You should be able to google "s2000 rear glass replacement" or something like that and find get some ideas. As for the S2K itself, supposedly this is the last year they are producing this model. There is anticipation that they will be replacing it next year. Yesterday, I attended the Dallas Auto Show and the Honda S2000 was tucked away in the corner, I actually felt bad for her. I sat in every convertible there and for me, the S2000 still fits the best (I'm 5'9"/140lbs). The sky/soltice were nice fit but the reviews don't seem to be that stellar as they always are with the S2000. I expected more from the Miata based on it's reviews. The speed at which putting the top up/down doesn't really concern me, I'd prefer tight fit, smooth operation. It just so happens the S2K can do top up/down in < 5 sec. I don't think I've answered your question regarding price yet. You may want to look around AutoTrader.com and see what you can find. You may be able to obtain a new 2006 still at the dealership at a better price, still have a warranty, more financing options and a 2006 would give you an insurance break to boot. Regarding which year to get, depends on your driving style. The red-line/torque differences may be enough to make you rule out one year or the other. The best way to decide is to drive each - it is a feeling not a textbook answer. For me, the S2K is a daily commuter so I prefer the "softer" style of the newer models; I also like the drive-by-wire.
#3 of 15 Re: Your advice... [jclemmer] by habitat1 Mar 19, 2007 (8:22 pm)
Replying to: jclemmer (Mar 16, 2007 12:12 pm) The 2002 S2000 not only had the glass window improvement, but a redesigned and strengthened transmission (previous models had 1-2 gear grinding problems) and several cosmetic upgrades (dash, center console, rear taillights, etc.). It also had a moderately more powerful stereo head unit that enabled the installation of rear speakers (did that through a kit).   I had a 2002 S2000 that I traded in the summer of 2004. According to the Acura dealer I traded it to, the purchaser has run it up to 55,000 miles with 0 problems.   It is possible to purchase a new S2000 for $30,000, so price a used one accordingly. For example, I would NOT consider a 1 year old one with 10k miles for $25k+, simply because proper break in is absolutely critical with this car and you'll be spending close to $1,000 for new tires at 15k +/-. At that price, I'd just buy new. If you can get a 3-4+ year old one appropriately discounted, that might make more sense. Just make sure you have the service records and don't buy a car from a boy racer.
#4 of 15 Go with an '01 or '02 by ga_king Apr 24, 2007 (2:23 pm)
Just my opinion, but it seems to me that Honda is now trying to make the S2K something it wasn't intended to be (a lux roadster). I have driven the 2000 and 2004 models and the '00 was much more spirited and fun to drive. If your intended driving is weekend only, i have a difficult time rationalizing $35k for 2 days a week when you can get a used '01/'02 for about $16K. Again, Just my opinion. Replies to this message: habitat1 (Apr 26, 2007 4:10 am)
#5 of 15 Re: Go with an '01 or '02 [ga_king] by habitat1 Apr 26, 2007 (4:10 am)
Replying to: ga_king (Apr 24, 2007 2:23 pm) There is a BIG difference between a 2001 and 2002 model. There were the glass (vs. plastic) rear window, more powerful stereo and other aesthetic upgrades introduced in the 2002 model. More importantly, however, the 2002 had a revised/strengthened transmission that eliminated the "grinding" that had been a problem in many '00 and '01 models.   I would NOT recommend a 2000/2001 S2000. The 2002/2003 have the 2.0 liter, 9,000 rpm engine. The 2004+ have the 2.2 liter 8,000 rpm engine. Personally, I like the 9,000 rpm engine, but either one is a fun car to drive.   And even a brand new 2007 isn't a bad deal - just heard of someone buying one for $29,000 even, thanks to the $2,000 dealer cash incentive. That's $3,000 less than the $32k I paid for a 2002 in November 2001 - and I got a very good deal at the time. Many were still selling for $2,000-$4,000 over sticker ($36,000+).
#6 of 15 My experience by bagoo May 03, 2007 (5:12 pm)
I own a 2000 S2K and have put over 128K miles on it and I put a workout on the V-Tech daily. It hasn’t given me a bit of trouble and is still running strong (and I don’t baby it). I do have the plastic window and envy the people with nice clear glass. I also have the occasional scratch between first and second gear but it is only on occasion and not the norm. To date I’ve replaced tires, brakes, clutch and wheel bearings (one started to make a little noise) but haven’t needed any “repairs”. I’m sure it won’t be long before I start replacing this and that because of age but it is a sound car. I’ve never driven the 03-04 models but do know the 2k model runs extremely fast and I love the 9k redline. I would say it still pulls as hard today as it did the day I bought it.   Keep in mind a used car is used but from my experience the S2K keeps with the Honda reputation of long lasting and reliable. Good luck
#8 of 15 Life of BMW X5 by oldbee May 24, 2007 (8:08 pm)
Really dont need a car, and could use one for weekends or a bit otherwise - say 4 to 6 thousand miles a year. There is a X5 that has done 120,000 miles on the highway and I know to be kept reasonably fine (mostly highway driving, regularly maintained and by BMW only, non-smoker, parked indoor, etc). Any ideas about the engine life, or other things I should be careful about? Is reliability an issue after these many miles? Thoughts from the guys who hold onto their cars for a LONG time!?!? Replies to this message: accelerator (May 25, 2007 5:42 am)
#9 of 15 Re: Life of BMW X5 [oldbee] by accelerator May 25, 2007 (5:42 am)
Replying to: oldbee (May 24, 2007 8:08 pm) You'd probably get more of a valid response if you posted this in a BMW forum.   Do you just need transportation or do you need a BMW? Just b/c you may not drive much, you still have oil to change, insurance, etc and SUV's are more expensive to operate, IMO.
#10 of 15 by s2k boggs out a 7 thousand rpms by hectors2k May 28, 2007 (8:25 am)
i was trying to red line my car but as soon as i hit seven thousand it just started bogging, i tried it again but it did the same thing, it wouldn't let me go to 9 thousand and then i notices a check engine light came up. why is this? Replies to this message: accelerator (May 29, 2007 5:19 am) anythngbutgm (May 29, 2007 6:30 am) accelerator (May 29, 2007 7:32 am) and 1 more...

Messages Page 1 of 2 1 2 Prev Next Last

Go To Msg # Search This Discussion

You are here: Forums Coupes & Convertibles Honda S2000 Honda S2000 Life Expectancy