Hi, I'm finally picking up my '04 AP2 in the beginning of July in the Memphis area, then driving it carefully all the way to Ventura, Ca right after. The car has been driven just a very little over the last year and only about 1600 miles a year for the last ten or so. Total mileage like 93000.... I know a good bit about cars in general(been collecting for 40 years now), but this will be my first s2k, and third Honda. The advise I'm looking for is what do you think is absolutely necessary to do before driving across the country? I'll have time and good shops in Ca, but not where I'm picking it up. Maybe I'll have just a few days to do the basics after transferring title and stuff. It was my first cousins car and I know he took good care but I have no real idea what's been done besides the info on carfax. Factory stock basically. He wasn't a gear head like all of us here on these forums. I've been watching all the amazing youtube videos for a couple months and know what to check before buying. Savagegeese is awesome as are sooo many others...Thank you all in advance!

 

I’d change the oil, and make sure the tires are good. Flushing the clutch fluid is easy, so I might throw that in there too.

 

@ripsdg Since you're dealing with family this gets easier but still fraught with peril. Peril? If the car self destructs between here and CA who's fault is it? I avoid selling or buying major items from family or even close friends to not risk the relationships.

What Dibsen said as a minimum. As long as the tires are not over 7 years old, have decent tread, and hold pressure I'd go with what's on the car. The S2000 prefers matching tires on all corners including the pressure. Any current concerns? You can join the performance tire discussion down the road (literally). Over 7 years old I'd just go all-in with Extreme or Max Performance Summer tires. Flat tire? The spare tire cannot be used on the rear of the car or it will damage the differential. Using a 22-year old spare isn't advisable either. I just replaced the 18 year old never-used spare. Thought it was time.

Change the motor oil unless it's "this year's." Specific S2000 oil filter (with proper torque) and full synthetic motor oil. Pull a warm oil sample mid-drain and send to Blackstone Labs. Their report will be there when you get home. Blackstone's recommendations/warnings on engine wear etc. are invaluable. They'll tell you how much longer you could have run the old oil which can range from change the oil ASAP (which you just did), to send another sample, to you're good for another 5,000 miles. If you have access to a lift I'd change the gearbox and differential oil too. You'll want to do those changes anyway so why not travel on fresh lube.

-- Chuck