Honda S2000's?
Discussion
Hi guys,
I'm doing a bit of searching for my next car. At the moment I'm not sure what direction I want to go, Drivers car / flash car so my options are endless but hey.
Lookign at the S2000's and they could have a bit of everything... In Grey with red leather I think they look great, especially with the right wheels and a bit of work on the stance. From what I know they're also a great drivers car. The S2000 is probably the only quick Honda I've not had a fair bit of driving time in (I have a lot of Honda nut mates with Type R's). But I love V TEC the way you can drive tamely and then have all the power at the top end using the gearbox.
What's the down side about them though???
I would like a convertible but I want it to be weather proof (so not looking at VX220's!).
Why are MX5's considered so highly yet these don't get mentioned much?
I'm doing a bit of searching for my next car. At the moment I'm not sure what direction I want to go, Drivers car / flash car so my options are endless but hey.
Lookign at the S2000's and they could have a bit of everything... In Grey with red leather I think they look great, especially with the right wheels and a bit of work on the stance. From what I know they're also a great drivers car. The S2000 is probably the only quick Honda I've not had a fair bit of driving time in (I have a lot of Honda nut mates with Type R's). But I love V TEC the way you can drive tamely and then have all the power at the top end using the gearbox.
What's the down side about them though???
I would like a convertible but I want it to be weather proof (so not looking at VX220's!).
Why are MX5's considered so highly yet these don't get mentioned much?
How tall are you, because if you're over 5 Foot 11" OR you have long legs, you simply won't fit in one. The seats don't go far enough back.
They're also a bit marmite, in that they're unremarkable if driven normally and need to be revved hard to get the benefit of that amazing engine. It sounds like you already know that and they would suit you.
They also had slightly wayward handling in the first generation, which was sorted with rear suspension tweaks in later models at the expense of some steering feel (apparently!)
However, all that considered, I think they're ace cars, and if I could fit into one, which I can't (and I'm only just Six foot, adamantium boned, stubble you can light firelighters off, lean as a whippet) it would be on my "must own" list.
They're also a bit marmite, in that they're unremarkable if driven normally and need to be revved hard to get the benefit of that amazing engine. It sounds like you already know that and they would suit you.
They also had slightly wayward handling in the first generation, which was sorted with rear suspension tweaks in later models at the expense of some steering feel (apparently!)
However, all that considered, I think they're ace cars, and if I could fit into one, which I can't (and I'm only just Six foot, adamantium boned, stubble you can light firelighters off, lean as a whippet) it would be on my "must own" list.
Killer2005 said:
Another reason why it would get overlooked by the MX5's would be insurance. The S2000 was in old group 20 IIRC, whereas the MX5 was in groups 12/13.
I was quoted £2k for an S2000
This was a serious consideration for me as well.I was quoted £2k for an S2000
I was considering Boxster/S2000 or supercharging my current MX-5; looked at an S2000, but it was more to insure than a Boxster S so that was straight off the list.
WeirdNeville said:
How tall are you, because if you're over 5 Foot 11" OR you have long legs, you simply won't fit in one. The seats don't go far enough back.
I'm 6 foot 4 and I fit in mine!You have to play around with the driving position. I have the seat most the way back and slightly reclined. Part of the problem is that the steering isn't adjustable. Plenty of headroom though.
However, it will depend on where your height is (i.e. long legs or long torso, arms etc.) as to how well you'll fit.
The only way to really know is to try one but have a good play around with the seating position if you are tall.
Wasn't being rude about the vx220, my brother worked for vauxhall and from feedback from customers and from what I've heard they basically have to be kept in a garage, otherwise the roof leaks.
Are S2000's that small? A mate of a mate had a yellow one years back and I swear he was taller than me and I'm 6 ft.
Insurance I guess is a lot more than the S2k but I'm 23 and it's coming back slightly more than what I'm paying for a sodding Clio!
I can get comfy in a 172 I'm sure the s2k wouldn't be an issue.
In terms of running costs, are they expensive for what they are?
I like the fact you have to work the engine. I'd use the car every day so I like the split personality of vtec.
Are S2000's that small? A mate of a mate had a yellow one years back and I swear he was taller than me and I'm 6 ft.
Insurance I guess is a lot more than the S2k but I'm 23 and it's coming back slightly more than what I'm paying for a sodding Clio!
I can get comfy in a 172 I'm sure the s2k wouldn't be an issue.
In terms of running costs, are they expensive for what they are?
I like the fact you have to work the engine. I'd use the car every day so I like the split personality of vtec.
Dracoro said:
WeirdNeville said:
How tall are you, because if you're over 5 Foot 11" OR you have long legs, you simply won't fit in one. The seats don't go far enough back.
I'm 6 foot 4 and I fit in mine!The only way to really know is to try one but have a good play around with the seating position if you are tall.
Grovsie26 said:
have you done a quote for yourself. If you're only 23 and not driven anything quick before, i can see it being a lot.
This.As mentioned, get a quote before you even consider one.
It was north of £2k for me at 23 with 5yrs NCB (I think!) with an SP30 last year. My modded '5 (at around a planned 210bhp) was quoted at comfortably under £1k!
WeirdNeville said:
Dracoro said:
WeirdNeville said:
How tall are you, because if you're over 5 Foot 11" OR you have long legs, you simply won't fit in one. The seats don't go far enough back.
I'm 6 foot 4 and I fit in mine!The only way to really know is to try one but have a good play around with the seating position if you are tall.
caterfields, Elise/vx220s don't (afaik) have adjustable steering either. Actually I really couldn't fit in an Elise, left leg wedged against gear lever etc. I fit in a Westfield (I owned one for a number of years!) and Caterham sv but not the standard narrow body ones.
Grovsie26 said:
have you done a quote for yourself. If you're only 23 and not driven anything quick before, i can see it being a lot.
I've done a quote, it's fine. I had a 200bhp Ibiza Cupra at 18, 270bhp TT at 19 - 20, 280+bhp 20vt converted polo gti at 22 so I've had experience of fast cars. I also had a 325 e36 with a 328 sport LSD so have a bit of experience with rwd not that I'm looking for a drift car! Just something a bit more composed. I'm bored with the front wheels struggling for grip and getting understeer as soon as you try to put some power down round corners.
I'm not going to get an S2000 and have it in vtec round every tight corner in the wet near lamp posts! If anything I drive like a complete girl now!
You will not be disappointed. Bought mine 18 months ago and love it. A bit tight, but once you find a comfortable seating position, and you will, youll get used to it!
Also get a hardtop if you can, rear visibility is rubbish. No much of an issue in the summer, but in the dark winter months it can be a problem. The factory hardtop has a much larger rear window which helps massively.
Also get a hardtop if you can, rear visibility is rubbish. No much of an issue in the summer, but in the dark winter months it can be a problem. The factory hardtop has a much larger rear window which helps massively.
SteveS Cup said:
I've done a quote, it's fine.
Who was that with, if you don't mind me asking?I'm a similar age, albeit without the performance car history and I wasn't getting anything below £2.5k for the S2000. It was what I really wanted, but simply can't justify that insurance spend. My 330ci came in at under half that and I could have had a VX220 insured for around £1.5k, though they were a bit much in terms of initial purchase price.
SteveS Cup said:
What's the down side about them though???
Insurance cost. Easy to check out before you buy.Noisy if you do lots of motorway miles. Cruise for 1 hour at 3 figure speeds and you probably want ear plugs. At 70 it's fine.
Tight cabin. For me it's not length, it's width. If you get an itchy foot whilst driving it's very hard to scratch.
Lack of steering feel. Common criticism but I'm still waiting for someone to explain exactly what they expect to feel through the steering wheel that you don't get.
Lack of torque. For some this seems to be the biggest deal breaker. The 9000rpm red-line means it is geared lower so 6th is more like 4th in other cars (i.e. 6000rpm at 110mph)
Pictures
alock said:
Common criticism but I'm still waiting for someone to explain exactly what they expect to feel through the steering wheel that you don't get.
Er, the road ? The tyres ? And the available grip ? Or rather that last 10th of communication you get from an Elise or a Cayman or (in terms of available grip) the MX5. Perhaps the last 5 100ths if the front geometry is tweaked. Not that it is bad, it is very good, but others are better. Never feel that the wheel is "alive" in your hands and telling you every last detail of what is happening, as happens with a Porsche or Lotus. Yes, it feels a little odd to start with having the thing squirm in your hand, but once you have had it you always want it 
I've had mine for 3 months (24, with 5 years NCB and paying a bit over 1K for comparison).
The cabin is small in terms of stering wheel and dial, but it does have a airy feel with loads of headroom.
2004 model has the revised lights, bumpers, interior and the suspension was dialled back to aid the swapping ends issue some people found.
The low torque figure is misleading as it is a relativly light car - the engine and gearing are surprisingly flexible.
2006 (my car) had the addition of traction control a couple of suspension tweeks and roll bar tweeters (mine doesn't have TC though) but other than that there isn't anything your missing other than a hard top is you don;t get one.
It's a great car and I can;t see me selling mine for a while...
ETA: Downside is poor visability (not great in europe on the RHS!), shorter servicing intervals, but these seem to be reasonably priced. Oh, and if you like your music then you may want a better head unit - the standard item is poor.
The cabin is small in terms of stering wheel and dial, but it does have a airy feel with loads of headroom.
2004 model has the revised lights, bumpers, interior and the suspension was dialled back to aid the swapping ends issue some people found.
The low torque figure is misleading as it is a relativly light car - the engine and gearing are surprisingly flexible.
2006 (my car) had the addition of traction control a couple of suspension tweeks and roll bar tweeters (mine doesn't have TC though) but other than that there isn't anything your missing other than a hard top is you don;t get one.
It's a great car and I can;t see me selling mine for a while...
ETA: Downside is poor visability (not great in europe on the RHS!), shorter servicing intervals, but these seem to be reasonably priced. Oh, and if you like your music then you may want a better head unit - the standard item is poor.
Edited by TommyBuoy on Monday 9th May 10:20
Great cars, can be twitchy in the wet but not if you drive sensibly, the lact of traction control is a bonus. I didn't find a downside to ownership. Reliable, good customer service (from my dealer anyway), calm when you want and fun when you want.
There's great owner support and a loyal following with S2ki so I'd get on there and ask as many question as you want then go and buy one
Edit - as above, change the soundsystem. The other slightly chavvy thing to do is remove the cover from the air filter and get a load more engine noise, skip the exhaust upgrade
Gratuitous photo opportunity:
There's great owner support and a loyal following with S2ki so I'd get on there and ask as many question as you want then go and buy one
Edit - as above, change the soundsystem. The other slightly chavvy thing to do is remove the cover from the air filter and get a load more engine noise, skip the exhaust upgrade
Gratuitous photo opportunity:
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