I've been seeking s2k for about whole month, and after researching and reading up many posts here it looks like ap2 seems to be more reliable. Not hating on ap1 which revs higher. It's just that if I'm spending 20k on a car I'd like to know car is well built.. Otherwise its disgrace to honda and its customer like us.

having said all that, I looking at 04~05 model with 25k~50k miles, I plan to keep this car forever.. within family tree.

Here's my question;

do ap2 have any major issues? like gearing/tranny or even engine itself.

Thank you so much and I hope to join ya'll for group ride.

 

Both ap1 and ap2 are very reliable and very well built. However, when buying used, always go for the newest lowest mileage car you can afford.

The most "common" major issue that is mostly ap2 specific is the tranny. A very few have an issue with 2nd or 5th gear popping out. Only remedy is a rebuild...and rebuilt s2k trannies are rarely as good as new.

Otherwise, there are issues common to both ap1 and ap2. Always get a compression test done...this car is very easy to mechanically over rev and the damage may not show for years. A compression test may show an issue.

Good luck...show us pics when you purchase!

 

Thanks for your input, hopefully they will let me check the compression before buying.

lastly, doesn't ap1 have more issues with tranny? i know honda rear diff isn't good in both ap1 and ap2; prbly honda isn't used to making rearwheel driven cars.

after seriously debating over between 350 and s2k, I'm willing to go with s2k, even with high maintnance requirement.

Thank again and will have the pic up when i get it reaaal sooon.

 

and welcome......

 

The ap1 tranny has been more reliable. Only issue the owners complain of is that you can beat the synchro shifting to 2nd. 99% driver error. The ap2 suffers from this but not as much. But from a reliability stand point the ap2 tranny more frequently needs a rebuild...but still very rare.

The s2k will have much lower maint costs than a similar mileage 350. But the 350 is much easier to live with as a daily driver.

 

AP1's are very reliable. 2002/2003 were the best years for the AP1 where Honda fixed all nuisances, especially by adding a glass rear window.

The car's reliability is primarily based on how the previous owner treated it...