Greetings - new Forum member here, long-time sports car enthusiast, currently lusting after a new experience...

Here is my current daily driver:







Been driving Fieros since 1990 and spent the last 8 years or so perfecting the one I've wanted since the beginning, a PPG 'Giallo Modena' 1988 Formula with an extremely limited Automoda convertible conversion. Had a new engine & clutch professionally installed last year and the car is in great shape - turns heads everywhere I go, and at least a couple times a week, I'll get positive comments from complete strangers.

All of that said, 24 years is a looooong time to be driving essentially the same car (I also still have my original Fiero, a 1988 Coupe, currently with just under 300K miles on it - I bought this one as a hardtop in 1999 and had the convertible conversion done in about 2006.)

So, at 46 years old, I'm looking for a change, or at least researching it, which brings me here.

I was wondering if there might be an S2000 enthusiast or two in the Raleigh NC area (Cary/Wake Forest/Garner/Clayton/Apex/Holly Springs, etc.) that would like to get together sometime and (first and foremost) let me see if I even fit in one. *chuckle* There's more legroom in a Fiero than you would realize, and at 6'-1" or so, I need to know I will be able to be comfortable in an S2000.

I'd also love to know about the factory upgrades over the years - what year they started with the glass rear window, for example - and other details to discover. I read up on the wiki, so I'm aware of some of the differences between the AP1 and the AP2, but haven't seen any in person except for what's in traffic.

Since it would be replacing the above Fiero, the one I opted to buy would have to be yellow with black interior, (hopefully) low-mileage, working A/C, a glass rear window (neither of which my Fiero has) and be as close to stock as possible. I don't need the extra supertuning bells and whistles - stock is A-OK with me, and heck, even the electric top will be a luxury to have. *chuckle*

Looking forward to meeting people in the area and learning more about these great cars.

Appreciatively,
- Patrick W. Heinske

 

In a nut shell.

2000-2001

plastic rear window, some claim this is the rawest version of the car. Watch out for clutch buzz on these. Its just an unpleasant sound though.

2002+

glass rear window, upgraded oil banjo bolts (you can upgrade your 00-01 with these).

2004+

this is the AP2, 2.2L from now on. Horsepower is the same, more torque. 8,000 rpm redline instead of 9,000. Wheels are now wider and bigger at 17".

2006+

no more cable throttle and introduction of traction control, minor other updates such as wheels, more speakers, outside temp display, seats changed a bit, among other things

Welcome to the forum!

 

Welcome.....

 

It's fortunate that yellow is the color you would like, as those tend to be the ones around with the lower mileage. They are out there, just be patient. I lucked out on craigslist. I am 6'1" also and can fit inside fine. Note though that the steering wheel is fixed and will not telescope nor tilt. I have owned both AP1 and AP2 versions and like both. Personally, I'd go with what you can find that is in the best shape. A lot of parts are interchangeable between the two, so if there is something you like on one versus the other it can probably be swapped. Someone correct me if I'm misstating, but the AP1's have brass synchronizers in the transmission while the AP2's have carbon fiber. You can still get "crunch" regardless of year if it was abused. A lot of what you have really depends on the condition and how the previous owners cared for it. There's a lot of advice and more knowledgable people than me on here, but above all else, when buying really inspect the car and pull the carfax. Stick to a clean title (someone will prob argue this point for a rebuilt title lol). Check for all vin stickers and ask for all records. Ask what parts have been replaced and are aftermarket or OEM. A lot of guys will put parts from different years on to customize, so be aware. Nothing wrong with it, just factor it into your offer if the original parts are gone. (My AP1 came with an AP2 center console and rims). Generally, the more original, the higher the value.

 

Excellent advice and information - thanks very much!

 

Hi there and welcome to the forum!

As long as Adrenalize gave all the rest of the info (good because he has put it from the American side, I've got and AP2 -08 model and it is 2.0 for example
so I'll have confused you..) I can firmly say to you that you DON'T need to WORRY about your height!
You will fit just fine and you will love it! That is because we have the same height and I had this concern before buying.
(just keep in mind that s2000 seats go back up to a ball point and then you need to use the recline feature to get that extra bit of space)

Takes some time to get inside 'in one go' but you 'll get used to it.

As someone else mentioned you need to be patient to locate the ideal one (took 6 months for me here in the UK to find mine) and be prepare to go the extra mile
(literally and metaphorically) in order to find it.

Best of luck in finding yours and we will be waiting for pics when you do find it!

 

PM Brett screen name RedCelica. He could help you out man.

 

 

Thanks again, all!

 

Welcome.

Check out the link in my signature.