dhill

Hi,

I'd like some advice. I'm looking to buy an S2000 for between £5k and £6.5k. I've found out so far that the post 2002 model had a good few tweaks including glass rear screen and suspension mods etc.

I've ben looking on the usual websites and its clear that a pre-2002 model with between 45k and 70k on the clock is easily obtainable for between £5 and £6k and there's quite a large selection to choose from.

The post 2002 models start at around £6.5k for the very cheapest high mileage models (120k+).

Now do I go for a high mileage (between 90k and 120k) post 2002 with all the upgrades to the suspension and glass rear window at the top end of my budget. OR do I go pre-2002 and get a lower mileage example but suffer the inferior handling and plastic back window?

How much worse was the handling on the pre 2002 models? Was the radio much worse than the post 2002? Should I worry about having a plastic rear window?!

The other thing worth mentioning is that my girlfriend will be using the s2000 for commuting. The safety conscious side of me thinks I should make sure she gets a post 2002 so she doesnt end up in a hedge! Or am I being over cautious?!

Thanks

Dave

s2k aok

hi dave.

i'd say ap2 > ap1, but that's me, the newer the better but with a tighter budget it's more likely that you'll end up with an older model (pre-2004).

but, it also depends on how much the differences mean to you, there is a thread about the differences throughout the year. the ap2's have a revised front bumper, headlights, tails, and center console. the ap2's have a slightly larger engine, better gearing, and better handling. but do you want to pay $10,000 more for the difference?

berlinablackie

I would vote post '02 but pre '04...a nice 2003. I'm biased.

Good luck in your search, there are a lot of helpful threads on s2ki outlining the many differences...unfortunately asking the general question to the general population is going to get you biased results...

Welcome!!!

takeshi

As usual: test drive. We can't tell you what you'll prefer.

8_ball

I'm not so sure that the suspension was changed, at least not a major change, between MY01 and MY02. MY04 was a major change to suspension as well as engine. The big differences between MY01 and MY02 were glass rear window and some interior trim. Radio was a minor change (actually speaker configuration) but most people agree that the radio is crap no matter what year so that shouldn't be a big deal. If its going to be a dd and you are in an area that would benefit from the glass rear window (w/defroster), than yes the price premium would be justified between MY01 and MY02.

dfvs2k

I would recommend to test drive whichever S you decide on. I would say to go with a Post 2004 models

K1LL3R 1NS1D3

personally i would say go with an '02 or '03 but it depends on what you personally want. test drive both an ap1 '00 - '03 and an ap2 '04+ but became dbw(drive by wire) in '06+ and find out what suits you best

K1LL3R 1NS1D3

also if your overseas the '04 - '05 ap2 chassis are still F20C correct? in that case i would go with an 04 or 05 then you get the best of both worlds. oem ap2 looks with the 2.0l 9Krpm engine

Jimmy Roadster

Dave, I noticed your use of pound sign rather than $. As asked above, are you in the UK? If so, you have the 2.0 9k rpm motor in all model years. However, I believe the AP2(04 and up) suspension, updated body work, and interior changes all carried over.
The changes in 02 were fairly subtle and there are several threads to document this. The suspension changes between 00-01 and 02 were minor to the point that I doubt the average driver would notice. I've driven both pre and post 02s, and I couldn't tell a difference.
As with any used car, buy the newest low mileage example you can afford. I would take a low mileage, good condition 2000 model over a ragged out 2003. Your first consideration should probably be the condition of the individual car rather than the model year.
Both a glass rear window and an aftermarket sound system can be added later, and they are much cheaper than repairing a poorly maintained engine.
Best of luck on the purchase.