ky335i

So recently been looking at a s2000 ap1 gen. i was wondering what people have experienced with with the production year being 99-2003.

Recent recalls? or which year might have a slight advantage over the other as in reliability or performace.

thanks

Chance EG

Owned a 2001 S2000 for over 3 years. Was boosted for half of that.

Starting in 02+, you get glass back convertible tops from the factory, so that's DEFINITELY an improvement over the 99-01 plastic backs (mine actually cracked while I owned the car, glass will not do this).

Starting halfway through 2002 (So hit or miss on the MY02 cars, all 03+ have it) Honda changed to a 4 port oil jet design for the piston squirters which supposedly help cool them better.

General consensus on S2KI is that 04/05 is the best S2000 years. F22C engine, still cable throttle body, least amount (no) factory issues really to date. You can't really go wrong on any of them though.

TL;DR - For an AP1, try to get a 2003. Maybe a 2002.

S2k@9K

iTrader: (3)

Also, I believe the 02-03 Ecu's were leaned out a tad vs. the 00-01's, the spring rates were changed too to discourage the more "snap" oversteer prone 00-01's and I don't think the 02-03's had the clutch buzz on deceleration either. There are also a few cosmetic upgrades that the 02-03's got like the leather center console etc...

I had a 2000 for 5 years, but, did alot of the upgrades (oil squirters etc...) myself. I would say get an 02-03' for an Ap1, unless you're looking the build or replace alot of the stuff anyways, then it really comes down to price.

Chance EG

^^ I agree with him as well. The whole "snap oversteer" thing really isn't bad at all though... My 01 had stock suspension, and handled beautifully around corners. You could DEFINITELY kick the rear end out, but any stories you hear about people with S2000s going sideways unintentionally and wrecking are 120% a result of driver error and not an issue with the car. Yes, the AP2 models are a bit more tame and planted, but the fact of the matter is either way you have a lightweight, RWD car with a short wheelbase, so if you're not paying attention and put gas into the car halfway through a turn, the *** end can definitely kick out.

Anyway, to OP: You really can't go wrong with ANY S2000. They're all rock solid for the most part. The biggest thing I personally would look for is just good exterior condition, well maintained (preferably even with service records), and a nice glass back convertible top.