4-5k to spend S2000 & alternatives
Discussion
After getting knocked off motorbikes one too many times to enjoy it any more I'm looking to use my bike as a track bike only and get a car (already have another car in the house but that's the Mrs). I've enjoyed running an old shed for 12 months which has cost me bugger old butit's getting to be too much of a shed.
I have a 20 mile round trip commute every day and in summer cycle when I can be arsed, and have very little need for more than 2 seat or a huge boot, despite looking at some huge barges with lugging the dogs around in mind (but the Mrs car does that). That's got me thinking of having something 'fun' that will get me around and also capable of taking us up to Scotland to visit family (around 550 mile round trip maybe half a dozen times a year).
Always liked the S2000, never driven one-how are they when crusing on motorways etc? Will also consider other alternatives, used to bigger/tourquey engines so need to find a S2000 local to see how I get on with the VTEC.
I have a 20 mile round trip commute every day and in summer cycle when I can be arsed, and have very little need for more than 2 seat or a huge boot, despite looking at some huge barges with lugging the dogs around in mind (but the Mrs car does that). That's got me thinking of having something 'fun' that will get me around and also capable of taking us up to Scotland to visit family (around 550 mile round trip maybe half a dozen times a year).
Always liked the S2000, never driven one-how are they when crusing on motorways etc? Will also consider other alternatives, used to bigger/tourquey engines so need to find a S2000 local to see how I get on with the VTEC.
SSBB said:
Are these really that cheap now? Or is it for total sheds? I don't need one, but at that money...
Starting to spring up at <4k for early carshttp://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3962318.htm
One with a hard top for 4k
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3999654.htm
If I get one at the lower end providing it wasn't shagged I'd have something left in the budget to tidy up bodywork, and fix anyhting minor.
a311 said:
Starting to spring up at <4k for early cars
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3962318.htm
One with a hard top for 4k
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3999654.htm
If I get one at the lower end providing it wasn't shagged I'd have something left in the budget to tidy up bodywork, and fix anyhting minor.
Though the one with hardtop is actually 4.5khttp://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3962318.htm
One with a hard top for 4k
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3999654.htm
If I get one at the lower end providing it wasn't shagged I'd have something left in the budget to tidy up bodywork, and fix anyhting minor.
The Crack Fox said:
Compared to a bike, an S2000 will feel ike a limo, they have 6 gears so won't be too buzzy on the Motorways[/i]. Great cars, some bargains about now too, let us know how you get on 
I think 80mph is still about 4,500rpm, which isn't Lexus like. But yes, it should certainly leak less than a bike 
They aren't great on the motorway - fixed steering wheel, rubbish stereo, high NVH. Not bad enough to put me off one in your situation though, I drove mine to Cornwall and back from Kent and I felt fine at the end.
In terms of power it is fine. You don't need to drop three gears and rev to 8,000 to make progress (but good Lord it is fun if you do...).
In terms of power it is fine. You don't need to drop three gears and rev to 8,000 to make progress (but good Lord it is fun if you do...).
I had the pleasure of using an S2000 for a week, so will try and give as much information as I can.
The model I was driving was a silver pre-facelift with the 247hp 2.0 F20C engine. The Engine is a real work of art. It's nice and dosile when below 4k, as well as frugal (40mpg can be had on a run). Take it up into the revs however, and VTEC comes into play. This one sounded immense, especially with an induction kit. I never had any issues with lack of torque really. Sometimes the car would hesitate to "go", but that was my fault for selecting the wrong gear for the conditions. Treat it like any other 4-cyl petrol and you'll be fine.
Refinement? Well, it's pretty average. Barely a whisper when on normal roads, especially if it's on 16's like the pre-facelifts, but there can be a bit of road and wind noise when on the motorways. To be fair to the S2000, it was on Toyo T1-r's (Which aren't the queitest tyres) and the owner said it was queiter with the hard top in place. Bare in mind it is a convertible made for fun not motorway hauls, and a cloth roof. Its no Maybach, but very easy to live with.
Stereo and speakers are utter tosh, which coming from my Accord (which has a brill stereo!) I was shocked. Try and find a model which has been fitted with aftermarket replacements.
The ride is good. Firm, but nothing uncomfortable. Took my Gran to the Doctors in it, with the only complaint being how to get in and out of the thing, solved by putting the roof down
. Handling is very good. Pre facelifts are known to be twitchy, but this one felt really good and inspired confidence, apparently due to the full geometry and alignment setup done a few weeks previous. Pushed to hard, it would "safety understeer", but a quick dab of power and a clutch kick would solve that. In real world terms, I had no issues keeping up with an E46 M3 CSL and a Mk2 Focus RS on some twisty roads in the dales.
Hope that helps OP. I'm not too clued up on what you need to look for in these cars, but from what I can remember....
All the one above needed over 65,000 miles was consumables and a new boot seal.
The model I was driving was a silver pre-facelift with the 247hp 2.0 F20C engine. The Engine is a real work of art. It's nice and dosile when below 4k, as well as frugal (40mpg can be had on a run). Take it up into the revs however, and VTEC comes into play. This one sounded immense, especially with an induction kit. I never had any issues with lack of torque really. Sometimes the car would hesitate to "go", but that was my fault for selecting the wrong gear for the conditions. Treat it like any other 4-cyl petrol and you'll be fine.
Refinement? Well, it's pretty average. Barely a whisper when on normal roads, especially if it's on 16's like the pre-facelifts, but there can be a bit of road and wind noise when on the motorways. To be fair to the S2000, it was on Toyo T1-r's (Which aren't the queitest tyres) and the owner said it was queiter with the hard top in place. Bare in mind it is a convertible made for fun not motorway hauls, and a cloth roof. Its no Maybach, but very easy to live with.
Stereo and speakers are utter tosh, which coming from my Accord (which has a brill stereo!) I was shocked. Try and find a model which has been fitted with aftermarket replacements.
The ride is good. Firm, but nothing uncomfortable. Took my Gran to the Doctors in it, with the only complaint being how to get in and out of the thing, solved by putting the roof down
. Handling is very good. Pre facelifts are known to be twitchy, but this one felt really good and inspired confidence, apparently due to the full geometry and alignment setup done a few weeks previous. Pushed to hard, it would "safety understeer", but a quick dab of power and a clutch kick would solve that. In real world terms, I had no issues keeping up with an E46 M3 CSL and a Mk2 Focus RS on some twisty roads in the dales.Hope that helps OP. I'm not too clued up on what you need to look for in these cars, but from what I can remember....
- Rust, especially around the rear arches.
- Worn bushes. The back end especially.
- Worn chain tensioners or noisy valves.
- Sticky rear calipers.
All the one above needed over 65,000 miles was consumables and a new boot seal.
a311 said:
Starting to spring up at <4k for early cars
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3962318.htm
One with a hard top for 4k
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3999654.htm
If I get one at the lower end providing it wasn't shagged I'd have something left in the budget to tidy up bodywork, and fix anyhting minor.
Seems like ridiculously good value, even given the mileage!http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3962318.htm
One with a hard top for 4k
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3999654.htm
If I get one at the lower end providing it wasn't shagged I'd have something left in the budget to tidy up bodywork, and fix anyhting minor.
a311 said:
After getting knocked off motorbikes one too many times to enjoy it any more I'm looking to use my bike as a track bike only and get a car (already have another car in the house but that's the Mrs). I've enjoyed running an old shed for 12 months which has cost me bugger old butit's getting to be too much of a shed.
I have a 20 mile round trip commute every day and in summer cycle when I can be arsed, and have very little need for more than 2 seat or a huge boot, despite looking at some huge barges with lugging the dogs around in mind (but the Mrs car does that). That's got me thinking of having something 'fun' that will get me around and also capable of taking us up to Scotland to visit family (around 550 mile round trip maybe half a dozen times a year).
Always liked the S2000, never driven one-how are they when crusing on motorways etc? Will also consider other alternatives, used to bigger/tourquey engines so need to find a S2000 local to see how I get on with the VTEC.
Boxster's might be a good thing to look at too. Not as speedy maybe, but would seem great VFM at the mo.I have a 20 mile round trip commute every day and in summer cycle when I can be arsed, and have very little need for more than 2 seat or a huge boot, despite looking at some huge barges with lugging the dogs around in mind (but the Mrs car does that). That's got me thinking of having something 'fun' that will get me around and also capable of taking us up to Scotland to visit family (around 550 mile round trip maybe half a dozen times a year).
Always liked the S2000, never driven one-how are they when crusing on motorways etc? Will also consider other alternatives, used to bigger/tourquey engines so need to find a S2000 local to see how I get on with the VTEC.
And as always, I'd also be looking as some American muscle. £5k should land you in an early C4 Vette for some V8 rumble
If you do go down this route, please refer to the buyers guide on the UK section S2ki. You want to be looking a little north of 5k for a good example.
The main problem with all S2000's are seized bushes. Honda only supply these fitted to new arms, so in the worst case you'll be forking out £1000 to rectify them, or be left with unadjustable geo. (Some polybush as an alternative, but I don't recommend that. Tad harsh ride!)
Many owners have had the bolts removed before they seized and had them lubricated like Honda should have done from factory. Finaly, as with any revvy Japanese engine, regular oil changes are a must. If the last owner can't tell you when the last oil change was off the top of his head, walk away.
The main problem with all S2000's are seized bushes. Honda only supply these fitted to new arms, so in the worst case you'll be forking out £1000 to rectify them, or be left with unadjustable geo. (Some polybush as an alternative, but I don't recommend that. Tad harsh ride!)
Many owners have had the bolts removed before they seized and had them lubricated like Honda should have done from factory. Finaly, as with any revvy Japanese engine, regular oil changes are a must. If the last owner can't tell you when the last oil change was off the top of his head, walk away.
I had an 04 plate (face lift) for 4 years. It was brilliant. Never let me down, had many great times in it including 3 visits to isle of man when mountain section was one way.
Nothing wrong with it on motorway apart from a bit of noise.
I'm not going to spout the usual things to look for but I can tell you it was a brilliant car and servicing it at honda was at times cheaper than servicing a civic (£110), major one about £400 ish.
Nothing wrong with it on motorway apart from a bit of noise.
I'm not going to spout the usual things to look for but I can tell you it was a brilliant car and servicing it at honda was at times cheaper than servicing a civic (£110), major one about £400 ish.
a311 said:
Thanks for the replies, will visit some of the owners forums to get some buying guides etc. I've found one in a local Honda dealership so will try to arrange a test drive and report back. Bit wet up here today!
If you buy from a dealer, do it on the proviso that the geo bolts are free. (They will say yes regardless). Take it for a geo setup, and if they are seized get the Honda garage to rectify it for you. (Get this in writing)You do not want to be driving an S2000 with funky geometry!
I was in a similar position, short commute that I can, and do cycle, bought a 944 Cabriolet, not quite as quick as an S2000 but not that far off, the bonus is it shouldnt depreciate if kept in good condition, doubt the S2000 will drop much more for nice ones but there are a lot more about.
I have an S200 and it's just a treat to drive. My first I drove and serviced from 50k >130k, the second, I bought at 30k > 63k (current) and it's just outstanding.
The UK segment of the www.s2ki.com website contains a wealth of information and you will find it most useful. Four good quality tyres and an alignment check is the first thing I would do with any S2000 that I purchased.
I've driven mine in all weathers - snow included - and it's performance has been exceptional. It took a drive around Europe (3,000 miles) in its stride and 11 years old has just gone through an MOT with no advisories.
Feel free to ask away, i'd be happy to help. I regularly get 300 Miles from a tank of V-Power costing £60 and i've just taxed it for 12 months @ £220 - mine is a 2000 X Plate.
The UK segment of the www.s2ki.com website contains a wealth of information and you will find it most useful. Four good quality tyres and an alignment check is the first thing I would do with any S2000 that I purchased.
I've driven mine in all weathers - snow included - and it's performance has been exceptional. It took a drive around Europe (3,000 miles) in its stride and 11 years old has just gone through an MOT with no advisories.
Feel free to ask away, i'd be happy to help. I regularly get 300 Miles from a tank of V-Power costing £60 and i've just taxed it for 12 months @ £220 - mine is a 2000 X Plate.
I went from a motorbike to an s2000 and I really did not like it.
As you're a motorbike man, a fast(ish) car will seem really slow. I found it very frustrating because you never seemed to have enough power to overtake enough people to make progress
That's probably more because of my location than the cars fault by all those easy overtakes on the bike that you may be used to doing turn into idiots in diesels speeding up/moving across to stop you making progess and annoying the hell out of you.
As you're a motorbike man, a fast(ish) car will seem really slow. I found it very frustrating because you never seemed to have enough power to overtake enough people to make progress
That's probably more because of my location than the cars fault by all those easy overtakes on the bike that you may be used to doing turn into idiots in diesels speeding up/moving across to stop you making progess and annoying the hell out of you.
Absolutely brilliant car, nearly bought one last year but I went for a 350z in the end as it had:
a) Torque
b) Lower NVH
c) Traction control for the winter/ wet summers (!)
But was a bit pricier given your budget. I would still have one though, I drove a '99 that was clearly past it's best (100k miler, 5495 last summer as it happens) but engine, steering and that bolt-action gearbox was superb.
a) Torque
b) Lower NVH
c) Traction control for the winter/ wet summers (!)
But was a bit pricier given your budget. I would still have one though, I drove a '99 that was clearly past it's best (100k miler, 5495 last summer as it happens) but engine, steering and that bolt-action gearbox was superb.
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