As stated, I'm considering purchasing an S2000. I have a budget of $13k. I have a couple of questions and am requesting input from owners.

I owned a 2003 Track Edition 350Z so I know the "limitations" with regards to having a coupe/roadster/sports car as a DD. I have a WRX and Sequoia so this would be my primary DD/weekend racer...daddy needs his fun car .

That being said, what should I look for in purchasing an S2K i.e. common problems to look for?

How does your S2K fair in foul weather? light snow, rain - mainly a question for the Northern members

Maintenance costs?

Gas Mileage WITH modifications? Not really worried but curious to know.

How does the motor handle boost? Does it have to be built? Availability of parts?

Road trips? How is driver fatigue? I know in my Z there was a window of about 3 hours. After that I would need a break. It was definitely not a car you could just mindlessly drive. You had to watch it...lol.


Any input will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.

 

No need to answer the questions - just buy one and you'll be instantly in love. Trust me on this.

For the rest of your inquiries- check out the existing forms here and on s2ki.com

 

These cars are pretty solid, so make sure it has a clean title and you should be ok.

Only problem I have seen that has been consistent is the map sensor being a little wacky at times. Besides that, I can't really think of anything else that could cause a problem. Make sure the transmission is good as well as the differential.

Maintenance is not really big with these cars, just make sure you do your occasional valve adjustments, which seems to be the most common maintenance to do. Besides that, diff, oil and trans fluid changes are pretty simple.

Gas mileage will depend, with modifications of course, however its not that bad either stock or modified. If modifying, rely on a good tune to get you good gas mileage.

When it comes to boost, these motors like it, and have no problem holding the power. You can opt for the 3mm head gasket for more security, but they are known to fail quite often. Stock fuel lines can hold up to 550whp and there have been many high hp s2000s with little to no issues.

Tires, tires, tires. I can't stress that enough when it comes to safety in bad weather, such as rain or snow. They can be a little rear end happy and tend to kick out sometimes if doesn't agree with the weather. A good set if tires, especially a staggered setup, which they come with stock, helps tremendously. For the winter, it can be easily driven with some blizzaks, not a problem.

When it comes to road trips, it really depends on what you would consider comfortable and if you love the car. For me, its not a big deal, but there have been people complaining about the lack of comfort, especially with aftermarket suspension. However, the car itself, is very reliable, especially stock, for such long trips.

My advice.....GET ONE! Its a he'll of a car and you will not be disappointed.

 

Look around and try to find a low mileage car. Any year will be find. 1st generation had less torque but could rev to 9K. 2nd gen has more torque, but can only rev to 8K or 8.5K (cannot remember exactly). These cars are not made for snow. Stiff suspension + wide tires + very low = no good for snow/ice. I know, I live in NJ.

You can do most of the work yourself. Mostly putting good quality oil + oil filter + changing transmission/differential fluids. Stay with the factory plugs.

You should get in the low twenties mpg. A lot of people turbocharge or supercharge their cars. There are tons of vendors providing aftermarket parts for the S.

Driver fatigue = 0. You are having so much fun that you do not get tired. The NJ owners go on 6 to 8 hours drives on backroads.

This is not a powerful car (i.e. not as much power as your Nissan or a V8), but the handling + suspension + steering feel make up for the need for power.

 

^ you must have not driven your car for an extended period of time...im a smaller dude and any longer than a couple hours sitting in my S and my back starts to kill me...its not a very comfortable car, i mean i love it, but its loud (wind noise) and bumpy (aftermarket coilovers)...but everyone's different, i may just be getting old

 

dont buy one

 

if you like a Z, you'll love an S!

 

I must admit that my car is not a daily driver. It is mostly a dry weather fun car. I am 5' 9". Our local NY/NJ S2K club organizes extended drives that are flat out fun. Take off in the mornings (~9AM) for a 2/3 hrs drive, stop for lunch, and return home on another 2/3 hrs drive.

 

I'm 27 and have absolutely no issues with comfort in the s2000. At about 5' 10" I do squeeze to get in there, but once you're in the seat it's very comfortable and form fitting. I can easily do 5 hours in this car, no problem. My friend who's 6' 2" drove it and had no problems feeling cramped or uncomfortable. It's actually more comfortable than my '04 civic, stiffer suspension aside.

To each his own, but as far as roadsters go... I'd say the s2000 is one of the more comfortable rides.

 

Get a 2002 and up to avoid clutch buzz and glass rear window on your convertible. They like being driven at high revs cause they have low torque. If you lower it get quality full coil overs. If you put after market wheels and tires make sure you get the right fitments cause it can ruin your handling. Other than that maintenance is like every other car, change oil, transmission fluid, differential fluid, spark plugs air filter. I had a arc air cleaner and spoon test pipe and spoon n1 catback exhaust and ran real nice. Sorry to be biased but I prefer an ap1 over a ap2. Test drive both and see which one you like better

 

I just bought a 2000 S2000 what do u mena by clutch buzz. and yes that plastic window sucks but not a big deal for me. test drove both ap1 and ap2 love the ap1 better and could never change my mind on this car fell in love right away. im 6'1" and have no problems with the ride but i will say with the top on it does give my that kind of trapt feeling. but still love it. Just drive one and you'll fall in love with this car.

 

Im 6'4" and I drive from st pete florida to savannah georgia (about 5hrs) and I'm quite comfortable, clutch buzz will develop into a sound you dont reconize unless the radio is down even then you'll be use to it, the biggest weak spot for me would be the soft top, probably because Im in florida, with the sunny days and perfect evenings and nights hahaha, my top is up and down pending the day, opt for a hardtop if you can fit it into your budget

 

I'm 5'11 and fat and I drive it 7+ hours from Southern Illinois to Atlanta GA and it kills me

 

im 26 and 5'7 and any longer than a few hours i have to get out and stretch...i mean ive blown out my knee twice and got hit by a car at a street race so that might be part of the reason too...but i drove to D.C. one year (which is a 2 1/2-3 hour drive) and i was hurting a little after we got to where we were going...i do have one of the stiffer suspensions though, but i do love the car so i deal with it

 

did 13 hours one way without cruise control in my stock 01'. Never again without cruise control, otherwise no complaints. But honestly, I think I'm a bit more tolerant to discomfort from my car than most lol...

 

I prefer discomfort.

 

I'm 5'7 also and I will be going to San Francisco/Berkley in my AP1 with 25k miles.
4-6 hour drive; I will not be taking a break, only for gas.
Top down whenever possible. That is all, good day.

 

When you decelerate in gear you will hear the clutch buzz with a little vibration

 

it might not do it...my car has never made the clutch buzz noise...i think some s2k's have clutch buzz and some dont, kinda like luck of the draw

 

The reason I have clutch buzz is due to stage 2 clutch lightweight flywheel and the 03AP1 tranny I hear everything doing its job, AP2's are "less likely" to have clutch buzz they say...

 

I'm considering buying one too but what do you mean by the "limitations" with regards to having a coupe/roadster/sports car as a DD?

 

without beating around the bush. there is no ****ing room.