Anyone well versed in S2000s?

[anonymous-user]

The initial message was deleted from this topic on 29 August 2022 at 22:07

[davidif]

For me it'd be an NC MX5 with some sort of BBR Conversion (220??)

Mainly for the much better steering and handling near to the limit.

And for context i consider myself a Honda Fanboy!!

[griffter]

S2KBrah said:

Bunch of questions for those who are in the know on S2ks or own one.

I've read extensively on the MYs, with 05-06 the one to go for to get the £330/yr tax and facelift. However IIRC these ones lack traction control. I'm specifically after a moon rock grey, with a grey interior but knowing how rare these are would settle for a red one. I also want a hardtop as I think it looks ace with one. However most examples don't seem to come with these. Do people tend to buy these aftermarket and then respray after?

The biggest thing putting me off is rust. Are all of them are rusted to some extent at this point? I've seen guys having the rear arches cut out, and rewelded. Seems like a lot of possible outlay. How much aside should I have for this, or does it only get this bad on poorly stored cars?

Otherwise I'm aware of the main issues that plague these such as the TCT/geometry. Hoping I can find something with everything documented. But any other caveats to consider, I am very interested! Have always wanted an S2000 and I'm determined not to get it wrong.

The facelift cars make sense if you’re going to use it daily. They have slightly more benign handling and slower steering than the prefacelift cars. Bear in mind they’re the car Honda produced in response to the market, not the car the engineers designed in the first place. There are some cosmetic changes too (not least the bumpers and wheels) and they have a smaller glass rear screen as standard. They also have a slightly different dash and some interior trim.

Personally I prefer the prefacelift in all ways - but it is personal and I don’t drive mine daily.

The tax thing is important to running costs but again may be less important for a daily (as it is a fixed cost). It does affect the market though.

For a hardtop you need an “GT” that still has its hardtop. Hard tops are worth over £1000 so they often get separated and sold separately. If a car was not originally a GT though you will need a hardtop fitting kit. Aftermarket hardtop are available but tend to be very expensive and designed for style - some so much so you can’t open the boot when fitted!

Moonrock is quite common, and popular. I’ve never seen a S2000 with a grey interior. UK cars got black, red or blue with some two-tone options, and brown available on the very last cars. JDM cars got a half leather/cloth option.

You’re right to fear rust. Fortunately most of the worst areas are easily visible - rear arches (inside the lip and on the outside), rear edge of sills and boot floor. Arch replacement runs to over a £1000 per side with the paint work required as well. Unless it’s done properly and the original water ingress is prevented it’ll come back. Personally I would avoid, including a car that’s been repaired - just get what you buy cleaned back and protected ASAP.

Nice cars with hardtops are available from about £8k, but if you start getting specific about year, colour, miles etc the pool shrinks quickly and the prices go up. Teens for a low mileage 04/05 car with a hardtop would be normal.

In summary, based on your usage and your preference, decide what year/spec you want, bearing in mind it’s a trade off and the internet isn’t always right. If you get a rust free car with a strong engine in a colour and condition you’re happy with, you’re off to a good start.

They’re brilliant cars - simple but sophisticated - and not expensive to run. They do need to be all working and set up well to get the best from them though.

[grudas]

04s are also facelift with all the same bits of 05/06.

I have an 04.

rust is an issue but lucky enough they rust in areas easy to spot.

arches/boot floor/sills

lucky for you, moonrock is a common colour. Not sure on interior, don't recall ever seeing that.

mine has been retrimmed in alcatara with some mods and is royal navy blue pearl which I love. Looks amazing in the sun.

price is literally on condition/miles.

a 30-50k mile example is around 14-15k

70-100 around 10k

and above miles you'll be able to find something for 8ish in decent nick. If you can wait a good one once in a while pops up for under market price.

some pics of my one, 04 GT