woody12

Hi, I'm looking for some advice from the experts on a potential purchase of a yr2000 S2000 off a work colleague. I've had a quick look at the common issues thread but just thought i'd put this by some experienced owners before I take the plunge. I've taken the car for a test drive and really like it, on the plus side it had a new roof about 18 months ago, but his car is a bit tatty aesthetically, nothing significant (a few scratches and chips and tatty alloys) but I don't mind a bit of an on-going project to put these right. Though regularly serviced, Its not been serviced at a Honda dealer or specialist, so not sure if any of the S2000 specific service items have been done and the transmission seems to be quite noisy - no nasty noises in terms of grinding, klunking, knocking or any of the typical signs that might make you suspicious, just a general noise along the length of the transmutation, so i'm not sure if this is normal or not.

The car has been totally reliable for him, but on the test drive the most concerning thing is that as you accelerate quite hard through the gears, if at any point you lift off the accelerator, the car pulls to the left quite markedly - you have to put in a corrective steering input to keep the car on the straight and narrow. Its OK at normal driving speeds, but if you press on its noticeable. Is this something that is indicative of anything that needs attention e.g. suspension bushes, diff problem, tracking/alignment, driveshaft issue? Other than that the car feels tight and responsive.

Any specific ideas or advice especially on the noisy transmission and pulling to the left issue? I'm hoping that given its age and tatty appearance that the price will be good, but I clearly don't want to be buying a pup that's going to be a money pit, i'm hoping that the Honda Vtec reliability reputation holds good, but the lack of servicing by a specialist or dealer concerns me about any Vtec specific things that may have been neglected.

Thanks.

BenRNBP

Not sure about the noisy transmutation, but could simply be lack of/wrong transmission/diff fluid - as for the pulling left my first investigation would be a binding brake, failing that geo alignment / worn bushes. There was also a chap who had pulling on decelleration that turned out to be mismatched tyres (same brand and model but different manufacture dates/fab faclility)

Deep Impact Aaron

Hi Woody12,

I agree that more investigation into the transmission noise is needed if is really that noticeable, it may be just a case of a good service to replace all fluids would resolve any concerns.

The pulling to the left again could be one of the most common issues, Geometry, Ceased Brake Caliper or the Tyres, worth looking into each.

Worst case would be bushes, because replacing them is a bit of a pain if you do it yourself, and quite costly if you wanted to go down the route of upgrading all your bushes, circa £700-£1000 all in, you'd need the geo sorting out afterwards as well.

The calipers and tyres can be checked easily and I would seriously recommend and Geometry alignment anyway, depending on where you're located, Wheels In Motion based in Corby do this for £114.00 incl. VAT, try and haggle this off the price and you're sorted!

WinFreak

Might be worth test driving another one to compare the transmission noise with, remember you're sitting right on top of it so it's always going to be slightly noisier than a front wheel drive car.

woody12

Thanks, good suggestion on test driving another for comparison. I think I would give the car a damn good service all round and probably take a good look at the tyres as the alloys will want refurbing, so if they're mismatched or crap brands i'd probably replace all round. I've got a mechanic I use for general servicing of the family wagons who I trust so I'll make sure he gives it a good once-over, specifically concentrating on bushes, before I make a decision.

I've had an old 944 before and they had noisy transmissions and clutch bearings so could be comfortable with the noise so long as i've satisfied myself its not anything that's failing, but will look into it. Sometimes noises like that can add to the appeal of the car.

On the lack of Honda/Vtec specialist or dealer servicing are there any specific things I should check out engine wise? I'm aware the valve clearances need checking and setting but is there anything else I need to specifically check for?

thanks.

Themikewoo

Welcome.

If you get one check out the link in my signature.

WinFreak

Wonder how many times you said that now