I am new to the s2000 world but am reading and learning as I go. I had a 99 mazda mx5 which I sold and after driving an 02 s2000 I know this is the direction I want to go.

I have decided that 00-03 cars fit my price range I am trying to stay in. I have an 01 with approx 51k miles, upgraded glass window top, ap2 wheels, black interior, upgraded stereo and appears to be in great shape. I also have an 02 with 55K miles, original top, red interior and stock wheels and also appears to be in great shape. I have read about the transmission changes in 02 as well as the suspension changes to help with oversteer. They want more for the 01 than the 02.

My question is, are the changes to the transmission or suspension significant enough to concern myself with? I do have concerns about oversteer.

Advice is welcome as...again....I am learning the ropes.

Thanks!

 

Doesn't really matter. To me, not worth the price difference. Besides minor comestic modifications, not really. IIRC, the 00-01 run a little more richer. That and also, may want to look to see if the oil jet bolts are in the range that needed to be replaced. The recall was on some 02s but I believe the 00 and 01s are all affected.

Wheels, wouldn't really worry about, you'll probably end up picking up a new set. Stereo if it bothers you that much, I'm sure that you can upgrade it.

The full red interior is limited, so if you don't want it you can always trade interiors with someone else.

All in all, it's all up to you. Drive them both and see which one speaks to you. Also, there is a thread that outlines the details of each year. I believe it's in the Intro section.

Good luck and welcome to S2ki.

 

https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/599...001-2002-2003/

Here's the link

 

To the OP, if you're worried about oversteer please consider autocross or other driving school. Knowing how not to get into an oversteer condition (i.e. weight transfer) will help you be prepared if it happens. We have lists of S2000 members who are involved in autocross across the nation. Where are you located?

 

Thanks for the link. I'm in southern Indiana. I have had some "personal fun" playing in situations with every vehicle i have owned that have prepared me overall. However that is something I plan to do as I don't want to be arrogant about it. I have heard the 02s were more forgiving.

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If you are worried about oversteer but fancy the '01 you can get and install an '02 rear sway bar in the '01. There are plenty stock sway bars that are on the market(heck, I got the front and rear sway bars from an '02 for free here in town cause the owner upgraded to aftermarket ones.

 

Cool. I appreciate everyone's input. Nice to have a forum like this.

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The most important practical difference between the '01 and '02 models is the glass window, which is an important increment in terms of durability and visibility (except for the slightly larger blind spot with the smaller '02 glass window). The glass window does have those electric defogger elements built into the glass. Does the modified '01 have a control installed which makes the defogger functional? That makes a big practical difference, in my opinion.

 

Not sure if the 01 has an electric defogger or not, will ask. I just found out the 02 has a hole in the top about the size of a dime that the material looks different on. He says its fine now but I dont know. That turns me off a lot, should it? I should note I will DD my car for the most part...obviously not if it snows.

 

I wouldn't let minor aesthetic or suspension changes (you probably wouldn't be able to tell unless you're an excellent driver and really pushing the car) between an 01' and 02' be the difference... especially since the 01' already has the glass top upgrade. Does it have the leather center console upgrade as well? Get whichever one is the better deal/in better shape.