ForeverCar

Hi all, I have already learned a lot from this great community and am excited to be part of it. I recently bought my very first S2000 on BaT. As many of you likely know, I do think the current prices are high relative to the true value. On the other hand, time is still the most valuable resources. So, I figured YOLO.

I probably won't have better photos of it anytime soon. For those curious, here is the auction result on BaT: https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2006-honda-s2000-91/

I didn't get the chance to experience the S2000 when it was still available new. Well, better late than never, right?! Originally, I bought the car for a fun event that I wanted to ship the car to before shipping it back home. However, logistics didn't work out and I ended up shipping my 2022 Miata RF Club instead. I'm anxiously waiting to experience the S2000. On one hand, I think my romantic bubble might get bursted. On the other hand, I think I am going to love it. As I do more mods to the Miata, I realize I need a backup car for when I miss the Miata!

Overall, I am grateful that I get to enjoy many cars (and hopefully many more to come). In a sense, I hope to share useful information & perspectives with the community. My current plan is, get the car inspected and address all maintenance items as soon as possible upon arrival. Then, drive it 100% stock (assuming the car is stock) and see how I like it and go from there. I will probably share comparisons to other cars and random musings too.

2006 S2000

Car Analogy

Inspection and addresski maintenance items? Don't go to Honda dealership. They don't know these cars.

Look for the thread on things for new owners to do and check.

Top of list, fresh fluids, the axle nut retorque, and especially a valve adjustment (since its a dbw car, notorious for early exhaust valve tightening up, which will lead to engine damage. Also retorque spark plugs, as original torque spec was too low.

Best to diy. But if bringing to a shop, ask in yoir local subforum for a recommended shop with S2k experience.

USN_MSC

I think you did great and it looks like an awesome example.

ForeverCar

Thanks, @Car Analogy

i already found a few items that I wasn’t planning on addressing from your tips!

+1 on not taking it to Honda dealership. I have a good shop in mind but will be doing more research as well. I’d like to do most of it myself but finding time is always tricky. I find working on my own car to be very fulfilling.

With limited time, I plan on using the time I can find on building an engine (current thought anyway).

ForeverCar

Thanks, @USN_MSC

Overall, I think I “overpaid” a bit. Fees, transport, and auction excitement all adds up!

I view the extra cost a bit like spending money on great food and vacations, I’m expecting the driving joy will soon help me forget the “pain”.

As much as it appears to be a great car, I’d probably still do lots of the usual maintenance to be 100% sure.

V3rtigo

I agree on the valve adjustment. Its an every 30-40k thing on the dbw cars.

ForeverCar

@V3rtigo I appreciate the information. I’ll probably get it done “early” just in case.

V3rtigo

You'll get burnt exhaust valves if they are tight because they won't spend enough time in contact with the head to transfer the heat out of them.

The s2ks are probably one of the most reliable performance cars, with proper maintenance. Enjoy the car, there's not much to worry about if you're not an abusive driver.

Bri

Congrats on the car!

Where are you located? Members might be able to suggest s2000 shops near you.

ForeverCar

Thanks, @Bri

I am in Seattle, WA, USA and certainly open to shop recommendations! Regional forum doesn’t look particularly active but I’ll likely try there (and search) as well.