Hi there,

I'm looking at a couple of nice used S2000's in my area --- all AP1's --- what are some common problems to look out for?

What issues typically come up with these cars as they age? I'm looking at cars in the 50k mile range.

Thanks,

 

It's a reliable car if you find one that hasn't been beaten on too hard. I recommend getting a 2002-2003 if you can as the later model AP1s have fewer of the teething pains associated with the first two model years.

Specific benefits:
Glass rear window
Less tail happy with revised spring rates and sway bars (but still a hoot to drive)
Not too critical, but nice: Upgraded oil jet bolts from mid-2002 and later

Be sure the correct tires are mounted.

 

click here bro


A thread like this would be very well suited in the S2000 Talk Forum

 

I can't speak for all S2000's, but here have been the trouble areas that I have experienced on my MY'00:

Clutch Master Cylinder - failure ($50 to replace, did it in my garage)
Rear Brake Caliper seizure (this one seems fairly common - again, the part is $50 net of core charge for a rebuilt caliper from autozone/advance & easy DIY)

Check for noisy valvetrain or rear diff are my only other suggestions. Those can be big $$ fixes - the things I noted are cheap and easy :-)

Good luck !

(my car is for sale, btw, but with 102K miles)

 

-Bump-

Thanks for the info, guys - anyone else have good info or a link to a "buyer's guide"?

 

people selling their s2000 for something faster and cooler, but figured out the s2000 was badass.

so they try to come back.

 

Typical problems with this car?

Bad drivers.

 

16-20 year olds.

 

Spend $100 and have a dealer do a thorough inspection, about as safe as you can go when buying a 5-7 year sports car.

 

Good info - anything else?