kevineaton

hi guys and girls.

i got my car back today after the insurance company have been messing me about for 4 weeks...

and its not fixed, looks like it will be written off.

so, i need a new s2000. well, a new second hand one. have thought about defecting to a 350z ...any thoughts??? yeah, ok, easy! im not defecting yet...

anyways...2 things really....

1) how much better is the AP2 chassis (2004 onward) thatn the previous (mine is a 1999 model, AP1). i dont think i can afford a 2007 model with the traction control and suspension changes, i could maybe just about stretch but is it worth it? ( i am not a track enthsiast, but did get a little bit worried about the handling of my car - back end happy a bit....)

oh yeah...if anybody has one they want to sell, i wanna buy this weekend.


2) where / what do i do to sell the written off car that i have? how can i find out roughly what i should be asking for it? its a 1999 import, 70k miles, rear end collision, write off, cost me 8k in january. i need to get some amo for the upcoming "insurance says your car is worth 5 pounds according to parkers and the scrap value is, well, yuou should get 6k in its current condition, so actually, you owe us

MB

Hi Kev, AP1 and AP2 are USA definitions to describe the 2.0 agaisnt the 2.2

The MY00 chassis was a bit more snappy than the later ones. The 04 model had quite a few exterior changes so looks a bit fresher. I like the banzai handling of the early car though Check the FAQ for main differences.

Traction control isn't worth buying an 07 for IMO.

You could go for an 04 ish car with the nicer wheels and if you really feel you need TC then you can get it fitted by racelogic afterwards. I think it's prob overkill personally.

I'd love to try a 350Z - I think if you're not fussed about roof off these sound like one hell of a good handling car.

kevineaton

350z do have a drop top...wouldnt buy a car without it!

kevineaton

this is from wikipedia...not neccesarily true but it does say there is a handling difference as well as the engine difference?


The 2004 model year incorporated several revisions to the S2000 and was given the chassis designation of AP2. The 2004 model introduced newly designed 17 in (43 cm) wheels and Bridgestone RE-050 tires along with a retuned suspension that reduced the car's tendency to oversteer. The spring rates and shock absorber damping were altered and the suspension geometry modified to improve stability by reducing toe-in changes under cornering loads. In addition, cosmetic changes were made to the exterior with new front and rear bumpers, revised headlight assemblies, new LED tail-lights, and oval-tipped exhausts.


Honda F22C1 engine found in the S2000 AP2.The AP2 also included the introduction of a larger version of the F20C to the North American market only. Designated F22C1, the engine's stroke was lengthened, increasing its displacement to 2,157 cc (132 cu in). At the same time, the redline was reduced from 9,000 rpm[11] to 8,000 rpm with a cutout at 8,200 rpm,[12] mandated by the longer travel distance of the pistons.

Gaspode

That's the US cars :-)


Europe still have AP1's.
( never take Wikipedia as gospel for anything )

Suspension setup in the 04 cars onwards has been adjusted.
Many here say the older ones are more raw
Honda designers say the new setup improves the car

I have an 07 - but beefed up the Anti roll bars a bit - it handles just fine for me


How much money do you want to spend?

kevineaton

yup - cant afford that much

i'd say 12 or 13 would be my limit

..could go higher but dont really want to unless its really worth it.

i have to say, i was really happy with my car, although the rear end was a bit happy...i had a westfield before (well, ity still in the garage....) and it was much more stable (althoguh i was always worried that it was about to explode or snap or break something...)...less power though

i got mine for a lot less than 12k and i can see there are a lot of s2000 for a lot less than that - but i was always curious about the next model up.....wheter its worht it or not is another question....

by the way...what does the "MY" bit stand for in the MYxx year designator?

MB

I know they make a convertable, but they look horrible

MY = Model Year.

kevineaton

model year...ahh...stupid me.

how is that different form just the year?

MB

It's just used beacuse your car might be one year, but the atual revision year might be different.

For example in Subau world you could be driving an MY97 but it may have been built in 97 or 96 or 98 in some cases.