IMO the S2000 will always be a 'collectible' in any market because it has such a wide range of appeal to all age groups and is so highly thought of by the majority of the auto mag's. But I don't see the first generation car being anymore sought after then the upcoming next generation. This car will not make anyone rich but it will hold it's own down the road price wise - say 15 years from now. The points about new car vs used car deals is right on; most people would forego a 20% or whatever savings on a used car in favor of a new one which then ensures they had a brand new car with a full 3-year warranty, that they know has not had any abuse - which runs a higher probability in sports car than normal ma & pa cars. Finally, the cycle thing as far as price generally extends out much further than most think. Many cars of the 50s, 60s, and 70s are valuable now (ie 10 times or more there original price) but it's taken 30 to 50 years for that to happen, not two. In fact, more often than not the low point in value is about the 10 year mark based on my experience... and then the slow climb back begins.

 

How about when new car prices will climb, so will the used prices of the S and some other cars. Go back four years; did you see low/no interest financing and huge rebates? No. If it weren't for those perks, new cars sales would be in the gutter. Since you can get low financing and rebates on most new vehicles, it makes used ones much less appealing. To make them more appealing, prices must fall. You typically have no warranty and the interest rate is higher. In some places, you can get an S under MSRP, just like an STi, etc. Buyers want rebates, under MSRP, low financing, etc. to get them to buy a car. The manufacturers and dealers wither oblige or they will sit on the lot. When the economy stabilizes and the real vehicle demand (no the artificial demand based upon the incentives) returns, prices of new will rise and supply may no longer be far ahead of the demand.

Even when the economy is in full swing, the manufacturers will not pull the plug immediately on the incentives. If they do, demand will fall and they know that.

Thanks dlq04.

 

yes.. normally, with any other cars, I wouldn't be happy if a newer model comes along right after I bought mine. For example, my brother bought a 2000 maxima(3.0 VQ and 222 HP) and just a year after that 2k2 models came along with a (3.5 VQ and 255 HP) and we wished we had the 2k2 maxima. But with my 2003 S2000, I DO NOT CARE about the 2004 model. I am perfectly happy with my 2003 and I dont want the 2004 one. really. If I had to choose between a 2003 and a 2004, same price, I think I'll go with the 2003. I LOVE THIS CAR and it is perfect IMO. Especially for me, since I used to drive a smooth V6 (if you have never driven a maxima, do yourself a favor and go drive one!!) What I wanted was a high revving 9000RPM roadster. I did not want another iVTEC or whatever or the RSX-S style "refined" VTEC 4 cylinder or its variants. I'm happy I snatched my brand spankin new 2003 before they were all sold out !

 

As I'm sure is the case for many S2K owners, I bought mine as a 2nd car, mostly for driving enjoyment on weekends, etc.
A no-compromise 2 seater roadster like this will never go out of style, is beautiful to look at, fun to drive and makes a statement about its owner.
I do not recommend it as an investment. It's possible that it will hold its value a little better than a miata because of its "relative" rarity. (Supra MKIV numbers were MUCH smaller than S2K, try about 11 to 12,000 TOTAL cars from mid '93 to its final year in 1998). But 10,000 cars/year is still a pretty small volume car.
It is an enthusiast's car, and anyone digging a little below the surface will soon find out that it is a much better car IMHO than most roadsters out there.
Most car mags seem to agree on this point, and that's without taking into account the fact that the car is largely hand made, 100 % japanese parts and assembly, no shared engine or platform with other models, etc. which should really be considered an added value.
This makes for a future classic, no doubt, but as many have stated above, there is a latency of who knows how long before it will begin to appreciate in value.
So, all in all, if you love cars, this is a very good investment only when the dollars/pleasure ratio is considered, it is pretty much a bargain, actually.
Cheers,
Daniel (Yes, I plan on keeping my S for many, many years).

 

I would never buy a car thinking that it would be a good investment. Unless it's super rare, ie: Porsche GT, Enzo, Mclaren, etc...

But after owning the S for almost a year now, using it as a daily driver, I'm thinking of getting a beater to put less miles on it.

I just think that the MY2000-03 has the making of a collectable/classic. I guess I'm just trying to be optimistic.

I too plan on passing this magnificent car to my son, who by the way has the car gene like his dad (favorite cartoon is Speed Racer).

I feel lucky owning an '02. Lets see what happens in a few years.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by simons2k
[B]I would never buy a car thinking that it would be a good investment. Unless it's super rare, ie: Porsche GT, Enzo, Mclaren, etc...

But after owning the S for almost a year now, using it as a daily driver, I'm thinking of getting a beater to put less miles on it.

I just think that the MY2000-03 has the making of a collectable/classic. I guess I'm just trying to be optimistic.

Simons2K: I agree completely. You should definitely get a beater for the "wear and tear" days. It will pay for itself in no time and will make driving your S even more fun.
Cheers,
Daniel

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by RazorV3
[B]i am so glad i got the original s2000, the way it was meant to be.

 

I'm going to "Ride it till your wheels fall off" - Martin Lawrence, Run tell dat

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by dlq04
[B]

 

HELLO?????

Do you really think that Honda is going to make a S2000 / 2200 that is slower, with worse skid pad #'s?

I am a PROUD owner of an 03' but I am not kidding my self by pretending that Honda is in the business of going backwards. I bought the car because I love it, but I am sure if money were no object that when the next S2000 or S2200 or S4400 comes out I will like or love it, as much or more than the one that I have now.

Honda, I'll gladly be a beta for the S4400...