Discussion
I was listening to todays Chris Harris podcast earlier, and Neil was saying you need to spend £25k to get a good one now which surprised me, a good low mileage one was £12k when I was considering one before I bought my 996.
Having just had a look, there’s an incredible spread of values, seems lots of chancers trying for £25k+
Having just had a look, there’s an incredible spread of values, seems lots of chancers trying for £25k+
Yes a lot of cars have been for sale forever though, i have a lead on a nice 2006 low mileage standard car and the seller wants £15k.
I wouldnt want to spend anymore than that tbh.
Thought the AP2 was a bit more stable which is why it appealed, im guessing the AP1 was just a bit more raw?
I wouldnt want to spend anymore than that tbh.
Thought the AP2 was a bit more stable which is why it appealed, im guessing the AP1 was just a bit more raw?
The spread’s been £10k-£30k for a few years now for anything rust free and undamaged IMHO. Clean high mileage cars were once available from £5k but that was probably 15 years ago.
The biggest values are for low mileage examples of the last 100.
To say you’ve got to spend £25k for a good S2000 is bananas IMO. That sounds like pretentious trader talk from someone who doesn’t know what they’re looking at and doesn’t know what to do with it. Low mileage examples pop up for £15k upwards and I get that you’d want low miles for potential investment purposes, but these cars wear the miles so well, and the biggest problem is rust, so condition, modifications, age and use (storage) are more of an issue.
The early cars are very special I think. Cable throttle, full curve tachometer, “titanium” gear knob. I also think they look better on the 16” alloys but I’m in a minority. They have a reputation for spiky handling but that’s the way the engineers designed them. When the public started crashing them and journos wined Honda had to pander to the market. All S2000s have adjustable double wishbone suspension all round so the handling can largely be adjusted to suit with a four wheel alignment.
I don’t think values are still rising though. They seem to have been stable for 4 or 5 years now. Because these were available in the USA they won’t benefit from being 25 years old either.
The biggest values are for low mileage examples of the last 100.
To say you’ve got to spend £25k for a good S2000 is bananas IMO. That sounds like pretentious trader talk from someone who doesn’t know what they’re looking at and doesn’t know what to do with it. Low mileage examples pop up for £15k upwards and I get that you’d want low miles for potential investment purposes, but these cars wear the miles so well, and the biggest problem is rust, so condition, modifications, age and use (storage) are more of an issue.
The early cars are very special I think. Cable throttle, full curve tachometer, “titanium” gear knob. I also think they look better on the 16” alloys but I’m in a minority. They have a reputation for spiky handling but that’s the way the engineers designed them. When the public started crashing them and journos wined Honda had to pander to the market. All S2000s have adjustable double wishbone suspension all round so the handling can largely be adjusted to suit with a four wheel alignment.
I don’t think values are still rising though. They seem to have been stable for 4 or 5 years now. Because these were available in the USA they won’t benefit from being 25 years old either.
Belle427 said:
I've started to look at these, particularly the AP2 cheaper tax variants.
I have not followed prices but it would seem you need to spend £15k to get something nice.
Are they worth still spending that kind of money on?
Would just be a weekend car.
The 04-06 cars are the most sought after and so relatively the highest price (last 100 excepting). As above I disagree these are the best but I am in a minority!I have not followed prices but it would seem you need to spend £15k to get something nice.
Are they worth still spending that kind of money on?
Would just be a weekend car.
They’re absolutely worth it! After TVR Griffith, Lotus Elise, Porsche Boxster & 996 I now have a 1999 S2000 and I’ve had it longer than any of the others. No incentive or intention to sell. It’s just brilliant at what it does. Simple, thrilling, engaging fun. Ok it isn’t as good at any of the single things the other cars are best at, but as an any weather any road sports car - jump in and go - it’s hard to beat. Very straightforward and cost effective to run too.
Whilst I love the car, I’m not so keen on the scene, so ask yourself if that matters. It gets a fair bit of love at cars and coffees though; it has wider appeal than just the JDM crowd (the bit I’m not so keen on).
Hippea said:
I’ve never sat in one, what are they like for space?
I’m a tall chap and for example struggle fitting in a NC Mazda MX5
There’s enough space in them although they can feel cosy. The biggest issue is no adjustment on the steering wheel which if you’re tall can brush your knees. The solution is to lower the seat squab (not the whole seat) with aftermarket seat rails or by modifying the brackets on the originals. You’d have to try one and see. I’m a tall chap and for example struggle fitting in a NC Mazda MX5
The Rotrex Kid said:
Belle427 said:
I've started to look at these, particularly the AP2 cheaper tax variants.
FWIW - All UK cars are AP1, facelifted yes, but all are AP1 codes. The AP2 is a US spec model that got a 2.2 engine, the UK (and possibly all EU, not sure) cars stuck with the F20 2.0.
I know the OP has bought something now but having owned a 1999 red S2000 back in 2006 I have a hankering for another one.
Prices are indeed all over the place but from looking on FB Marketplace and filtering by the ads that are worded by a human / enthusiast it would seem a decent one can be had for £12-£14k. Most if not all of the ones cheaper than that have issues, or don't read well in terms of ownership / maintenance.
Of all the cars I have owned it's the only one I have a strong desire to have another one of.
Prices are indeed all over the place but from looking on FB Marketplace and filtering by the ads that are worded by a human / enthusiast it would seem a decent one can be had for £12-£14k. Most if not all of the ones cheaper than that have issues, or don't read well in terms of ownership / maintenance.
Of all the cars I have owned it's the only one I have a strong desire to have another one of.
Belle427 said:
Yes it is a bit of a minefield, was a case of right car right time for me.
I set my limit at £13k, I was offered a few via the Facebook S2K group but one didn't really stand out for me.
I've seen your Reader's Cars thread - looks like you've bagged a lovely example, good work.I set my limit at £13k, I was offered a few via the Facebook S2K group but one didn't really stand out for me.
As with all older cars, the best ones tend to come from owners groups, buy on history etc etc.
I have a few saved on FB. A lovely yellow one sold this past week, I think it was up at £14k, or thereabouts.
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