I've had my S2000 for about 2 months now. It's got 24k miles on it now. I don't drive it hard. I get into Vtec maybe 4-5 times a week. And it's daily driven 30 miles each way to work in the country.

I've already noticed I have clutch/gear buzzing from TSB-054, a noticable ticking that seems to come from under the car when warm, and the rear axle pop when backing out of the driveway in the morning. All these plus the other noises, creaks and groans that are supposed to be ignored cause they are "normal". That coupled with the horror stories I've read here on the board of peoples valve retainers cracking, differentials dying, and trannies failing... I'm scared sh*tless of every little noise or wierd feeling vibration when driving. My car is out of warrantee and even if it wasn't, who's to say Honda would cover something breaking. I hear stories here of motors exploding and Honda saying it was from "hard driving". Or getting turned away from TSB-054 issues. I just can't afford to spend $1500-$9000 if one of these major components takes a dive. And from all the stories... the chances of them "diving" are pretty good.

I guess I'm just ranting. I thought by buying a Honda it would bring some reliability with it. I really enjoy my S2000... it's fun, eye catching, and really a well rounded car for a single guy like myself. But I am seriously considering selling her for a car I can trust more.

Anyone want to comment? Am I freaking out for no reason?

 

I think the ticking from under the car is just the sound of the car cooling down and not something to worry about.
I could be wrong, though.

 

when going in reverse in the morning the poping noise is usually not the axle, but the breaks when applying the pads for the first time. i think your only worry is the cluth buzz and it can be fixed.

 

is it normal that the break make that sound in the morning when you reverse?

 

No, I know that sound... like bb's individually being dropped on a cookie sheet. This is more a constant ticking sound that is heard through the rpm band. I'm crossing my fingers that it's just an exhaust seal leak. The car was from up north and when I did all my fluid changes a few weeks ago I noticed there was pretty heavy rust on all the bolts and mating surfaces. Crossing my fingers that the noise isn't coming from inside my motor. But that subject is for another forum catagory.

I'm more worried about BIG issues in the future. Like a differential failing, tranny failing, etc...

 

I have the same fears about every little noise I hear from my car. The difference is that I bought this car new, so I've been present for every moment of it's short life on the road. I can understand why you might be a little more worried about a car which was bought used.

I can only say that relatively speaking, the S2000 is a very reliable automobile. You can't get too worried about potential problems just because you see posts about them on this forum. The people who post their problems are a tiny minority of S2000 owners, and of course the vast majority don't bother to post when their car is running perfectly.

Try not to worry, and just enjoy the car.

 

the S2000 is a tough little car. its also a race car so its going to be noisy compared to something else. I wouldn't worry about it as long as you
maintain it on a regular basis.

 

I think you might be worrying a little excessively. I drive my '02 S2000 in a very similar fashion - daily driven about 35 miles to work (each way) with a handful of forays into VTEC everyday. It currently has over 69k miles on it and is doing fine.

No major components have died on me yet, although I did have to get a new clutch at around 55k miles or so. My only complaint with the car is the picky 1-->2 shift when cold. I do have a few very minor rattles, but nothing that I'm concerned about. All I do for maintenance is fluid changes, and even those are done at pretty moderate intervals.

As a street driven car, the S2000 is pretty reliable IMO. I've never tracked my car and can't speak for the many people who do, but I'd imagine that could maybe make a difference in reliability?

 

i think we're all rather spoiled......
the S2000 is one of the most reliable sports cars made to date.

 

though i did have one of my headlight bulbs go out