RobinA3

Hello

I have been looking for an S2000 to become my weekend toy, i am trying to decide on whether i should get a facelift model (post04) or save some money and get a pre 04 model, i understand that there are a few changes that were done on the update but just wondering if anyone has owned or driven both and could tell me how much of a difference there is between the 2 driving wise?

Sin_Chase

Most people will agree that the glass rear screen is the most important update along side suspension changes (latter will have some conflicting opinion but hey..)

I personally much prefer the facelift looks but there is not much in it. You get the revised LED rear clusters, front clusters and bumpers and of course the interior changes.

Personally I would pay more for the facelift, but that's just me. The essence of the car is identical from 00 to 09 and you will not 'lose' anything from the driving experience in any model.

loftust

The FAQ has all the model differences, and it is the 02+ that has the glass screen.

IME, the 02 is the one to get the earlier models are more hardcore as you will find in other posts if you search long enough It offers the best balance of comfort and handling IME

euan

My MY02 was sharper and more fun than my MY05 is, although the later car does grip significantly better on wet and poorly surfaced roads.

If it is an everyday driver in all weathers, then MY05 is the better bet - otherwise, pre 04 IMHO.

m1bjr

Nobody has mentioned the wheels.

Later models have 17" which apart from a handling improvement with oem tyres give you a MUCH bigger selection of rubber to pick from.
Worth it for that alone.

loftust

Not really, IMO. You can buy a set of 17s and fit onto the earlier models, enjoying the benefits of the earlier cars, combined with one of the later ones...and still have money left over

RobinA3

thanks for the advice guys

its going to be a weekend car mostly but will be used during the week occasionally.

euan its interesting how you say that the pre 04 cars are more hardcore, how hardcore is it? is the rear end very twitchy like a lot of people say they are?

MB

Early cars are for real men They can be a bit twitchy, but I never had an issue in over 20k of driving, a lot of it very hard.

loftust

IME, no.

Unless you drive like a twunt or on ice

m1bjr

Until you tell your insurance company as its an obvious MOD.

And that often doesn't come cheap, if they allow it at all.