I would go with an MY03 I think.

Last of the classics I don't think I really want to have to give up the 9K revving engine, but I think at some point in the next 6 years my AP1 will retire to the track and an AP2 will be added. Who knows, maybe I won't get an AP2 and go with a Porsche or something. Would love a GT3.

 

MY03, the last of the real S2000's. After that, I'd get a MY05 for the added torque w/o the electronic sissy parts

 

i may get a different color. keyword being MAY

 

i'd throw in a ap2 tranny into my car, although i already have an 2.2L, but it rev's to 8500... so i've got a AP1.5... I like the suspension setup of my ap1, but don't like some little things... but ill just add or change them on my one! I wouldn't upgrade for the sake of newer...

 

I'd still get an 04; I got to choose between 03s and 04s originally when I was looking to buy, and the 04-05s are still my favorites. Overall I think AP2s are better as daily drivers, and that's what mine is.

I'd get a new one (2009 maybe) if I could get Imola as a factory color though.

 

2008 CR

 

I had an 03.. Currently have an 07. I like the 07 better in every way.

 

Gotta have '06 for the LBP. Also, can always turn off the VSA if you don't like it, not much of a reason to avoid a Model Year IMHO.

 

I bought a MY06 new this summer and got a steal. I love it, and I don't regret it at all. It's my DD, and I will hit snow on occasion, so VSA is my friend. And DBW I like, but that has nothing to do with performance--it's just because I design aircraft for a living, and FBW (fly by wire) is what I'm used to.

Some of the highlights

I know I'll miss something, so just read after this when people correct me. I ignored suspension changes for most of it; I think AP2s have softer suspension than AP1s. Also, don't bother asking if AP1 is faster or AP2. They're so close that it comes down to who can drive better.

MY00-03
AP1: 2.0L, 9000 RPM redline
Probably the lowest cost to get the car
Sound of 9k
MY00-01 have plastic rear windows, not glass. I think MY02 has glass, but I know MY03+ do.

MY04-05
AP2: 2.2L, 8000 RPM redline
More torque at low RPM--nice for cruising
Slightly more HP (typically dyno ~210WHP vs ~200)
New gearing
Different rims, lights, dash, other nuances. I like the look better.
No more 9k
Usually costs more money

MY06-07
Similar to MY04-05 but different rims
DBW--doesn't affect driving much but it does affect tuning for better and for worse
TCS--if you drive in the snow, traction control is nice
Costs still more money

MY08
Basically the same, but different rims, dash, spring rates
I think the rims look like a Miata
Costs still more money

MY08 CR
MY08, but:
Loses a few pounds
Stiffer car, new suspension bits
Faster at Tsukuba Circuit
A/C and radio are not free anymore; soft top might also be sold separately, but I forget
Hardtop is free
Big wing (love it or hate it; I hate it)
Costs the most money

 

'99