Honda S2000 - Would you?
Discussion
Al U said:
For - It looks like it will fit me perfect and the ergonomics look bang on. I think it's a nice looking car without being too "look at me". It's a genuine 2 seater sports car which is what I am after. Honda reliability (so i've heard). It's considerably cheaper to buy than a Z4M that I would prefer, i.e the head rather than heart choice. Revvy naturally aspirated engine. Convertible when summer comes. Depreciation over a year or 2 looks like it won't be much.
I looked at these, but ended up going with my heart choice, which was a Z4M. I sat in an S2000 and it felt similar in cockpit size to my Mk1 MX5, i.e. a little tight for a tall chap. The Z4M was much roomier, had one of the best engines of all time and from what I've heard of the S2000, is way easier to drift and has bags more low-down torque (if you like that sort of thing).
Just a question for the people here who have owned an S2000 then sold it - How was it adapting your driving style back to more 'regular' engines?
Just curious how you felt it - list the car you swapped for too though as if you've replaced it with an Aventador it might not be a problem!
Just curious how you felt it - list the car you swapped for too though as if you've replaced it with an Aventador it might not be a problem!
I think on balance I am going to go for one of these. I will just wait until the right one comes up at the right price, definitely set on going for an 06 one now for the cheaper tax.
I hear what people are saying about the Z4M and trust me I would definitely prefer one but it would need to be a coupe, with black leather with less than 60k which isn't going to happen for under £15k and I think if I can bag an S2000 for £8-9k I'll still have a good time and my bank balance will thank me for it!
I hear what people are saying about the Z4M and trust me I would definitely prefer one but it would need to be a coupe, with black leather with less than 60k which isn't going to happen for under £15k and I think if I can bag an S2000 for £8-9k I'll still have a good time and my bank balance will thank me for it!
Al U said:
I think on balance I am going to go for one of these. I will just wait until the right one comes up at the right price, definitely set on going for an 06 one now for the cheaper tax.
I hear what people are saying about the Z4M and trust me I would definitely prefer one but it would need to be a coupe, with black leather with less than 60k which isn't going to happen for under £15k and I think if I can bag an S2000 for £8-9k I'll still have a good time and my bank balance will thank me for it!
Why are you considering an S2000 but only a Z4M coupe, rather than the roadster? From what I've read of the roadster, it is very nearly as rigid as the coupe and probably even more fun as a result of the increased engine noise in the cabin. I've also considered an S2000, but hope to buy a Z4M roadster in the new year. I hear what people are saying about the Z4M and trust me I would definitely prefer one but it would need to be a coupe, with black leather with less than 60k which isn't going to happen for under £15k and I think if I can bag an S2000 for £8-9k I'll still have a good time and my bank balance will thank me for it!
Al U said:
For - It looks like it will fit me perfect and the ergonomics look bang on. I think it's a nice looking car without being too "look at me". It's a genuine 2 seater sports car which is what I am after. Honda reliability (so i've heard). It's considerably cheaper to buy than a Z4M that I would prefer, i.e the head rather than heart choice. Revvy naturally aspirated engine. Convertible when summer comes. Depreciation over a year or 2 looks like it won't be much.
Against - Over £10k to buy what is a 6 or 7 year old honda. £485 for a years RFL (I know that the 06 and earlier ones are cheaper but not many of them about and prefer to have a low 05 onwards one). Only 240bhp for what is high RFL. 28mpg the best I will see? Potentially costly repairs on fabric roof and/or mechanism? Quite old looking typical jap interior with exception of the digital speedo.
Talk me in or out of it, if you will.
Have you driven one? I never get these posts as without trying one out you won't know if it's the car for you or not regardless of people's opinions. I looked at one a few years back and whilst it was a nice car it wasn't really for me (I bought a Chimaera instead).Against - Over £10k to buy what is a 6 or 7 year old honda. £485 for a years RFL (I know that the 06 and earlier ones are cheaper but not many of them about and prefer to have a low 05 onwards one). Only 240bhp for what is high RFL. 28mpg the best I will see? Potentially costly repairs on fabric roof and/or mechanism? Quite old looking typical jap interior with exception of the digital speedo.
Talk me in or out of it, if you will.
Edited by Al U on Thursday 6th November 21:31
Al U said:
e21Mark said:
As it's your first RWD car, maybe book an airfield track day and get some experience of finding the limits in relative safety?
This sounds look good advice that I will probably listen to.Nice one here
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HONDA-S2000-with-LOW-MIL...
Not too far away from me so in the sticks :-)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HONDA-S2000-with-LOW-MIL...
Not too far away from me so in the sticks :-)
Definitely test drive one.
I loved mine: had one of the first in the country in 1999.
Interesting that you raise the subject of ergonomics. IMHO it had the most user friendly driving environment of any car I've come across.
Living in town, I found the schizophrenic nature of the engine very useful: having relatively low power & torque at low revs was perfect for pootling in traffic - you were never going to accidentally run into the car in front (as happened to more than mate who owned a TVR in London in the 90s...).
I loved that engine.
I loved mine: had one of the first in the country in 1999.
Interesting that you raise the subject of ergonomics. IMHO it had the most user friendly driving environment of any car I've come across.
Living in town, I found the schizophrenic nature of the engine very useful: having relatively low power & torque at low revs was perfect for pootling in traffic - you were never going to accidentally run into the car in front (as happened to more than mate who owned a TVR in London in the 90s...).
I loved that engine.
I bought my S2000 last April after some time mulling over alternatives and looking and trying various ones.
First thing to say is the road fund license point. It's unfair that the same car costs more simply because it's newer, and I was a bit obsessed with getting a 05-06 model. I ended up getting a 07 model as I found one that was the right car at the right price. I'm not a millionaire by any means, and I'd rather have the extra £250 in my pocket than the government's but on the other hand it costs what it costs and if that extra cost puts the car into the unaffordable bracket then I'd suggest that you probably shouldn't be looking at running a fairly niche-interest sports car. I don't mean that in a nasty way, simply that the additional cost each year isn't a bank-breaker and you should consider buying the car that seems in best condition for your money rather than one that is in a cheaper RFL category. The overall running costs in my experience are fairly low and the demand for 05-06 cars is such that they (again in my experience) cost more to buy than a 07-08 anyway.
Only you know whether the car is the right one for you. Drive a few and form your own opinion. I don't claim to be an awesomely talented driver but the handling seems good to me. The general comment about the slightly dead steering I agree with to an extent if we're comparing with Porsches and the like but depending on what you're used to I'm not sure it's really an issue. Excellent grip, sharp responsive chassis. A lot of nonsense is talked about S2000s inevitably reversing through hedges or being widow-makers; in my experience all bullsh*t assuming you drive the car in a sensible way and don't take liberties with it, a comment that applies to any car really. The engine is indeed mental and to be fair there are few opportunities where traffic, roads and the law allow you to properly exploit it, but that applies to any performance car nowadays. When you do get the chance, it's worth it. 'Lack of torque' is a common complaint, I can understand the point but again I kind of see that as a side-effect of the car's positive aspects. All you need to do is use your eyes and brain to anticipate and change gear (itself a pleasure). The reality is that perceived lack of torque or not, again a S2000 is significantly quicker to accelerate than the vast majority of cars and drivers on the road. The perceived negatives of the car I feel are rather irrelevant in normal driving conditions; if you're doing track days you might have a different take. The ride is hard, the roof can be a bit rattly when up, it's a fairly unpleasant car on the motorway, the standard stereo is a bit pants, there's very little storage space in the cabin. Again I think these complaints while valid, simply go with the territory; if you want a more comfortable convertible get a A5 cabrio, but don't moan when it bores you to death.
Suspension geometry and tyres; do what you can to get one that has had the geometry recently done and has proper-brand tyres on it. Of all the cars I've driven, the S2000 is by far the one that is most sensitive to things like tyre pressure. There is a lot of chat on the S2000 forums in respect of this tyre and that tyre.
Overall, I don't claim the S2000 to be on any objective means the best car ever, and it has niggles that annoy me, but it's certainly 'the best' car I've owned and its personality, relative rarity and the nerdy aspects like the engine in conjunction with Honda's engineering pedigree appeal to me. It is a special car to drive, rewarding when the sun is shining on an open road, but generally a pleasure to own and use. I'm sure there are cars out there that do many things better, but I doubt there are many available for the price and that have the same character, enthusiast appeal and personality. It's a great car.
First thing to say is the road fund license point. It's unfair that the same car costs more simply because it's newer, and I was a bit obsessed with getting a 05-06 model. I ended up getting a 07 model as I found one that was the right car at the right price. I'm not a millionaire by any means, and I'd rather have the extra £250 in my pocket than the government's but on the other hand it costs what it costs and if that extra cost puts the car into the unaffordable bracket then I'd suggest that you probably shouldn't be looking at running a fairly niche-interest sports car. I don't mean that in a nasty way, simply that the additional cost each year isn't a bank-breaker and you should consider buying the car that seems in best condition for your money rather than one that is in a cheaper RFL category. The overall running costs in my experience are fairly low and the demand for 05-06 cars is such that they (again in my experience) cost more to buy than a 07-08 anyway.
Only you know whether the car is the right one for you. Drive a few and form your own opinion. I don't claim to be an awesomely talented driver but the handling seems good to me. The general comment about the slightly dead steering I agree with to an extent if we're comparing with Porsches and the like but depending on what you're used to I'm not sure it's really an issue. Excellent grip, sharp responsive chassis. A lot of nonsense is talked about S2000s inevitably reversing through hedges or being widow-makers; in my experience all bullsh*t assuming you drive the car in a sensible way and don't take liberties with it, a comment that applies to any car really. The engine is indeed mental and to be fair there are few opportunities where traffic, roads and the law allow you to properly exploit it, but that applies to any performance car nowadays. When you do get the chance, it's worth it. 'Lack of torque' is a common complaint, I can understand the point but again I kind of see that as a side-effect of the car's positive aspects. All you need to do is use your eyes and brain to anticipate and change gear (itself a pleasure). The reality is that perceived lack of torque or not, again a S2000 is significantly quicker to accelerate than the vast majority of cars and drivers on the road. The perceived negatives of the car I feel are rather irrelevant in normal driving conditions; if you're doing track days you might have a different take. The ride is hard, the roof can be a bit rattly when up, it's a fairly unpleasant car on the motorway, the standard stereo is a bit pants, there's very little storage space in the cabin. Again I think these complaints while valid, simply go with the territory; if you want a more comfortable convertible get a A5 cabrio, but don't moan when it bores you to death.
Suspension geometry and tyres; do what you can to get one that has had the geometry recently done and has proper-brand tyres on it. Of all the cars I've driven, the S2000 is by far the one that is most sensitive to things like tyre pressure. There is a lot of chat on the S2000 forums in respect of this tyre and that tyre.
Overall, I don't claim the S2000 to be on any objective means the best car ever, and it has niggles that annoy me, but it's certainly 'the best' car I've owned and its personality, relative rarity and the nerdy aspects like the engine in conjunction with Honda's engineering pedigree appeal to me. It is a special car to drive, rewarding when the sun is shining on an open road, but generally a pleasure to own and use. I'm sure there are cars out there that do many things better, but I doubt there are many available for the price and that have the same character, enthusiast appeal and personality. It's a great car.
SuperVM said:
Why are you considering an S2000 but only a Z4M coupe, rather than the roadster? From what I've read of the roadster, it is very nearly as rigid as the coupe and probably even more fun as a result of the increased engine noise in the cabin. I've also considered an S2000, but hope to buy a Z4M roadster in the new year.
To put it simply I prefer the look of the Z4M coupe to the roadster, there is absolutely no competition and the side profile of them is so different. The side profile of the Z4M is quite close to what I consider as perfection from a styling point of view. If I bought a Z4M roadster every time I see the coupe I will wish I had got one of those. The only good thing about the roadster is they are cheaper than the coupe.St John Smythe said:
Have you driven one? I never get these posts as without trying one out you won't know if it's the car for you or not regardless of people's opinions. I looked at one a few years back and whilst it was a nice car it wasn't really for me (I bought a Chimaera instead).
No I haven't driven one. The reason for my post is for me to gauge whether other people think it's a good buy or not. To be honest once I get my mind set on a car, it would have to be something pretty severe to make me walk away from that particular model like not being able to fit in it or pedal position etc.johnS2000 said:
Do not buy an S2000.
I prefer the exclusivity of not seeing another one for weeks on end .
Bms,boxters and slk's are far more common .
S2000 exclusive, get a 350Z convertible if you dont want to see any others like your own.I prefer the exclusivity of not seeing another one for weeks on end .
Bms,boxters and slk's are far more common .
I do like the S2000, loads of people end up in the S2000/Boxster/Z4 dilemma, all great in their own ways, all have downsides.
Who said the S2000 is underpowered, 240 bhp in a sports car is plenty to go very quickly indeed !
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