Honda S2000 useable all year round?

[davey68]

Hi all, was just wondering if an S2000 around 2005 vintage would be useable through our no doubt long and harsh winters? I imagine with care they are no worse than any RWD sporty car, and as the power comes in at high revs its not likely to get you in trouble. also, how well do the hoods last? Do they leak? I don't have a garage and not sure i have anywhere to store a hardtop. Do any of you convertible guys (even on boxsters?) leave them in the elements? cheers

[Mr Sparkle]

I used mine through the snow last winter on full summer tyres with absolutely no problems so unless you are in an isolated area you should be fine. I haven't had any problems with the hood either, the heater is also quite good if you would like a bit of fresh air. Just make sure you have good tread and you could always fit winter tyres if in doubt.

Edited by Mr Sparkle on Tuesday 20th September 19:54

[DomBertone]

Mine was left in the elements and it didn't seem to affect it to any level that I noticed, my hood did eventually begin to leak but only at a joint when it really was a heavy shower.

As for driving in winter it's a doddle, as you said the power comes in so high if you stay low in the revs (which is still up to 6k!) it shouldn't get out of line.

Worth mentioning though this is from my experience in a 99' I imagine an 05' is a little more tame. Actually thinking about my old one I want one too now!

[Badgerboy]

Any leaks on the seals can usually be rectified by greasing the seals regularly with ShinEtsu. Any leaking into the cabin is usually down to block drain holes in the roof gutter, so make sure these are cleared out every now and then.

My S2000 will likely be going away for the worst of the winter, so I have just bought a rather nice car cover for it. http://www.specialisedcovers.com/car-covers.html

[mikey P 500]

The plastic rear window cracked on my on one cold day, but get a newer one with a glass (and heated) rear window and you should be fine for all year round use. Cant beat the top down on a nice winters morning.

[bencollins4]

My 2005 model was much fun in the snow last winter! Traction was not great but my tyres were almost ready to be replaced so that didn't help.

The heater on mine was fantastic though and I see no reason why you couldn't use one all year round.

[Steve H]

The heater on my S was spot on, hood down in winter and still warm enough. No leaks on the roof either.

[poing]

My old soft top MX5 came with a removable hart top, it got used once then decided that it was too much fun with the top down in the snow so the top was left in a bag in the garage for the rest of my ownership.

It managed fine in the worst of the Scottish winter with all the mega high winds (that took down my fence in the back garden) and loads of snow sat on the soft top, this was snow heavy enough to pull down gutters and smash the glass in the greenhouse.

Best thing I ever did was get winter tyres for my current MX5, nothing puts a smile on your face (and freezes it there) better than dropping the top on a snowy day!

[The Megapode]

I use mine throughout the year.

I saw minus 10 in each of the last 2 winters (roof down - hard core!) and had no issues. The heater is brilliant.

I fitted heated elements to the seats and that's a great upgrade. The only cold bit of me was the top of my thighs so popped onto eBay for thermals. Job done!

Traction on hard packed snowy inclines was ... non- existent.. Great fun though!

Go for it..

[davey68]

Excellent, thanks for the comments guys! With some tlc looking after the soft top and seals hopefully it would be all good for all weathers! I'd probably be looking at a 2004/5 pre tax hike car. Does the drive by wire/vsa make much difference on later S2000s?

[russy01]

I have a 55reg S2000. You wont regret it, when its wet you just have to think twice about using the loud pedal too hard.

Pre '06 tax hike wont have the options of DBW/VSA. Its great with a cable, very responsive.

Look after your roof and it will look after you. Regularly proof it and grease the seals, with a car this age you'll have a decent glass rear screen aswell.