Debating getting an S2k, what are some Pros/Cons/owner reflections of the car???
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From: R.I.P. Dimebag Darrell, Norman, OK
Debating getting an S2k, what are some Pros/Cons/owner reflections of the car???
got a new job and have more $ to play with, so why not get something a little more expensive? the only couple of things i can come up with is a 97+ prelude and an s2k. well, i drove a lude today, and was not impressed at all. very nice car, but definitely not me. so i kinda have my sights set on an s2k.
i'm not a complete noob on the s2k scene, one of my close friends owned one for like 2 years and i have driven a couple. the main thing i am worried about is buying one, and not having the $ to fix stuff that breaks on it. i don't plan on racing it too much, maybe just a couple of road racing track days with my local club here. other than that, this car will be my daily whip. so what are the main problematic things that happen to them, if any, and what are some pros/cons of owning one? all good input is greatly appreciated
i'm not a complete noob on the s2k scene, one of my close friends owned one for like 2 years and i have driven a couple. the main thing i am worried about is buying one, and not having the $ to fix stuff that breaks on it. i don't plan on racing it too much, maybe just a couple of road racing track days with my local club here. other than that, this car will be my daily whip. so what are the main problematic things that happen to them, if any, and what are some pros/cons of owning one? all good input is greatly appreciated
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From: TX
Re: Debating getting an S2k, what are some Pros/Cons/owner reflections of the car??? (CHONCH)
Looks like you are in the used S2000 market, and in that case, should be reliable, but... time is passing quickly and things might need to be fixed here and there or maintained very well. If you don't have the extra dough, don't streach your budget just for a car. Word of advice: live below your means, and you'll come out ahead.
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From: R.I.P. Dimebag Darrell, Norman, OK
yeah, thats good advice, but im used to owning supras and M3's. i dont think a $15k s2000 is gonna break the bank for me. i just dont want to buy one and then find out that all kinds of **** is gonna break on it in the next year.
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From: Sykesville, md, us
Re: Debating getting an S2k, what are some Pros/Cons/owner reflections of the car??? (CHONCH)
I have an '01 with 72K miles. I change the oil, tranny & diff fluid regularly and I have had to replace the tires. The back plastic window is crap, but I wouldn't consider that a deal breaker. I drive it to and from work everyday(70 miles round trip) and have had no problems. It's a Honda, what else would you expect?
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From: R.I.P. Dimebag Darrell, Norman, OK
Re: (Honda S2000)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Honda S2000 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Dont buy a 2000-2001
so you wont spend 15k.....
Look at a 2002 or 2003 less problematic
2000 have tranny issues, water gets into the passanger and driver seat fromt he AC, its hard to get into first, the clutch make a buzz noise, plastic rear window</TD></TR></TABLE>
what exactly are the "tranny issues" that you speak of, and do you know what they changed in the tranny for the later years?
so you wont spend 15k.....
Look at a 2002 or 2003 less problematic
2000 have tranny issues, water gets into the passanger and driver seat fromt he AC, its hard to get into first, the clutch make a buzz noise, plastic rear window</TD></TR></TABLE>
what exactly are the "tranny issues" that you speak of, and do you know what they changed in the tranny for the later years?
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From: R.I.P. Dimebag Darrell, Norman, OK
Re: Debating getting an S2k, what are some Pros/Cons/owner reflections of the car??? (TrboInteg)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by TrboInteg »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I have an '01 with 72K miles. I change the oil, tranny & diff fluid regularly and I have had to replace the tires. The back plastic window is crap, but I wouldn't consider that a deal breaker. I drive it to and from work everyday(70 miles round trip) and have had no problems. It's a Honda, what else would you expect?</TD></TR></TABLE>
thats good to hear. i have about a 60 mile round trip every other day with my school & work schedule. i always stay on top of the maintenance schedule with my cars, so hopefully i will have your luck and have no problems with mine when i get one.
thats good to hear. i have about a 60 mile round trip every other day with my school & work schedule. i always stay on top of the maintenance schedule with my cars, so hopefully i will have your luck and have no problems with mine when i get one.
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From: Sykesville, md, us
Re: Debating getting an S2k, what are some Pros/Cons/owner reflections of the car??? (CHONCH)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by CHONCH »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> hopefully i will have your luck and have no problems with mine when i get one.</TD></TR></TABLE>
You should as long as you stay on top of your fluid changes and your not taking it to 9K everytime you shift. I run mine fairly hard. Mostly, going around on/off ramps and merging.
You should as long as you stay on top of your fluid changes and your not taking it to 9K everytime you shift. I run mine fairly hard. Mostly, going around on/off ramps and merging.
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From: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Most problems are associated with driver abuse. The most common are:
- mechanical over-rev due to either mis-shifting or downshifting at too great a speed.
- diff problems due to high rpm clutch drops
Apart from those there are very few problems that require repairs. Deceleration clutch buzz was a common noise on pre02 cars, but the new springs in the updated clutch are meant to have fixed this. Although noisy it was not something that would hurt the car.
Service the car at all recommended intervals and change the oil between intervals.
The stock S02 tires are grippy in the heat, but when cold or in the wet they can lose their bite, particularly when worn. Many drivers complain of snap oversteer, and this is mostly attributed to worn rear S02 tires in wet weather.
04+ models have revised suspension settings that favour understeer a bit more.
A UK alignment setting can also help settle the rear down a bit.
The transmission in the car is great, although particularly in earlier models, it can clunk when changing into 2nd gear when cold. Just taking a little longer to change into 2nd gear when cold is all that is required, and when warm it should be as smooth as butter.
The other big problem with this car is stolen seats. They cost a lot to replace, and many times the method of entry is to slash the roof.
- mechanical over-rev due to either mis-shifting or downshifting at too great a speed.
- diff problems due to high rpm clutch drops
Apart from those there are very few problems that require repairs. Deceleration clutch buzz was a common noise on pre02 cars, but the new springs in the updated clutch are meant to have fixed this. Although noisy it was not something that would hurt the car.
Service the car at all recommended intervals and change the oil between intervals.
The stock S02 tires are grippy in the heat, but when cold or in the wet they can lose their bite, particularly when worn. Many drivers complain of snap oversteer, and this is mostly attributed to worn rear S02 tires in wet weather.
04+ models have revised suspension settings that favour understeer a bit more.
A UK alignment setting can also help settle the rear down a bit.
The transmission in the car is great, although particularly in earlier models, it can clunk when changing into 2nd gear when cold. Just taking a little longer to change into 2nd gear when cold is all that is required, and when warm it should be as smooth as butter.
The other big problem with this car is stolen seats. They cost a lot to replace, and many times the method of entry is to slash the roof.
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From: R.I.P. Dimebag Darrell, Norman, OK
Re: (Yobz)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Yobz »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Most problems are associated with driver abuse. The most common are:
- mechanical over-rev due to either mis-shifting or downshifting at too great a speed.
- diff problems due to high rpm clutch drops
Apart from those there are very few problems that require repairs. Deceleration clutch buzz was a common noise on pre02 cars, but the new springs in the updated clutch are meant to have fixed this. Although noisy it was not something that would hurt the car.
Service the car at all recommended intervals and change the oil between intervals.
The stock S02 tires are grippy in the heat, but when cold or in the wet they can lose their bite, particularly when worn. Many drivers complain of snap oversteer, and this is mostly attributed to worn rear S02 tires in wet weather.
04+ models have revised suspension settings that favour understeer a bit more.
A UK alignment setting can also help settle the rear down a bit.
The transmission in the car is great, although particularly in earlier models, it can clunk when changing into 2nd gear when cold. Just taking a little longer to change into 2nd gear when cold is all that is required, and when warm it should be as smooth as butter.
The other big problem with this car is stolen seats. They cost a lot to replace, and many times the method of entry is to slash the roof.</TD></TR></TABLE>
great info!!!! you deserve a beer
- mechanical over-rev due to either mis-shifting or downshifting at too great a speed.
- diff problems due to high rpm clutch drops
Apart from those there are very few problems that require repairs. Deceleration clutch buzz was a common noise on pre02 cars, but the new springs in the updated clutch are meant to have fixed this. Although noisy it was not something that would hurt the car.
Service the car at all recommended intervals and change the oil between intervals.
The stock S02 tires are grippy in the heat, but when cold or in the wet they can lose their bite, particularly when worn. Many drivers complain of snap oversteer, and this is mostly attributed to worn rear S02 tires in wet weather.
04+ models have revised suspension settings that favour understeer a bit more.
A UK alignment setting can also help settle the rear down a bit.
The transmission in the car is great, although particularly in earlier models, it can clunk when changing into 2nd gear when cold. Just taking a little longer to change into 2nd gear when cold is all that is required, and when warm it should be as smooth as butter.
The other big problem with this car is stolen seats. They cost a lot to replace, and many times the method of entry is to slash the roof.</TD></TR></TABLE>
great info!!!! you deserve a beer
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From: Atlanta, GA
Re: (Yobz)
Looking at the cars that you've owned, and being used to a car that provides a torquie response (especially the Supra) i think you're going to be a little wary of the S2000 when you first get it...it is NOTHING like those cars, my brother owns a 1998 M3 so i know first hand what its like compared to the E36, and my friend owns a Supra which ive driven several times and can give a fair comparison...this car requires a certain kind of driving style to really get anything out of it...and that means constantly running it up into VTEC at high rpm's...something that you may not be used to given your history of cars.
Its a fun car, dont get me wrong...it just lacks torque, badly...but it doesnt really need it if you drive it properly...but i wanted to give you fair warning, since im a bimmer guy myself, that you may be a little less than satisfied with the peakiness of the engine.
You ARE a bike rider though, which is kind of fitting since this car has been called the closest thing to bike characteristics on 4wheels...
Its a fun car, dont get me wrong...it just lacks torque, badly...but it doesnt really need it if you drive it properly...but i wanted to give you fair warning, since im a bimmer guy myself, that you may be a little less than satisfied with the peakiness of the engine.
You ARE a bike rider though, which is kind of fitting since this car has been called the closest thing to bike characteristics on 4wheels...
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From: Tallahassee, FL, USA
Re: (j87w)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by j87w »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">So pretty much, dont buy an 00 or 01 S2000? Im looking into getting one also, and mainly the 00 or 01s were in my budget. They didnt fix it for free at the dealer or something?</TD></TR></TABLE>
Like he said earlier, this isn't neccesarily true, it's car to car, the only thing that really sucks about the 00,01 cars is the plastic rear window...no amount of care can keep it pretty....other than that, treat the purchase of it like you would any other sports car, check the clutch, check the under-carriage to see if the original owner drove it like hell....and if you're looking used, I would definately suggest going to a Honda dealer and buying a Certified car to get not only the 7yr/100k powertrain warranty, but also to know that the car underwent a 150 point inspection before it was certified. *** Note on this, because I'ma dealer and have seen what I'm about to explain happen.....make sure they can provide a copy of the Certified check-list to you that shows it was done sometime before the DAY you go to buy it....a lot of dealerships don't certify anything until you ask them to, and then all they do is an oil change and wax it, charge you about 600 bucks and say "It's got a warranty"....just make sure it's a reputable dealer and an excellent way to check their Certified status is to go to Honda's website and search for that dealer's Certified inventory, if it lists most if not all of their used hondas then they're probably doing things right, but if you know the dealer has 200 used hondas and the website shows 5 certified cars, he's up-selling the certification which is detrimental to him and possibly to you....just be careful, don't get impulsive, and enjoy the sh** out of your new s2000, might not be the fastest car you ever own but it'll be the most fun to drive...
- Patrick Williams
Proctor Honda
Tallahassee, FL
Like he said earlier, this isn't neccesarily true, it's car to car, the only thing that really sucks about the 00,01 cars is the plastic rear window...no amount of care can keep it pretty....other than that, treat the purchase of it like you would any other sports car, check the clutch, check the under-carriage to see if the original owner drove it like hell....and if you're looking used, I would definately suggest going to a Honda dealer and buying a Certified car to get not only the 7yr/100k powertrain warranty, but also to know that the car underwent a 150 point inspection before it was certified. *** Note on this, because I'ma dealer and have seen what I'm about to explain happen.....make sure they can provide a copy of the Certified check-list to you that shows it was done sometime before the DAY you go to buy it....a lot of dealerships don't certify anything until you ask them to, and then all they do is an oil change and wax it, charge you about 600 bucks and say "It's got a warranty"....just make sure it's a reputable dealer and an excellent way to check their Certified status is to go to Honda's website and search for that dealer's Certified inventory, if it lists most if not all of their used hondas then they're probably doing things right, but if you know the dealer has 200 used hondas and the website shows 5 certified cars, he's up-selling the certification which is detrimental to him and possibly to you....just be careful, don't get impulsive, and enjoy the sh** out of your new s2000, might not be the fastest car you ever own but it'll be the most fun to drive...
- Patrick Williams
Proctor Honda
Tallahassee, FL
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From: Atlanta, GA
Re: (Honda S2000)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">but it'll be the most fun to drive...</TD></TR></TABLE>
I gotta disagree...its fun, but not the MOST fun car to drive...not by a longshot.
I gotta disagree...its fun, but not the MOST fun car to drive...not by a longshot.
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Tallahassee, FL, USA
Re: (hypnosisracing)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by hypnosisracing »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
I gotta disagree...its fun, but not the MOST fun car to drive...not by a longshot.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Well ok, let's say for 30 grand....
I gotta disagree...its fun, but not the MOST fun car to drive...not by a longshot.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Well ok, let's say for 30 grand....
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From: Atlanta, GA
Re: (Migraine777)
You'll have to put a few more stipulations really (atleast in my opinion)...maybe NEW for $30,000 in certain aspects...i can tell you, the STi and Evo are both a BLAST to really push if you ever get a chance, not just driving them on the street, im talking REALLY pushing them, they are hardcore handling cars...without a doubt.
For $30,000...if being a "new" car isnt considered, theres about 20 i could think of that are more fun, but again, just my opinion.
For $30,000...if being a "new" car isnt considered, theres about 20 i could think of that are more fun, but again, just my opinion.
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From: Atlanta, GA
Re: (Honda S2000)
^^^ You sir have no clue what your talking about. Have you ever driven an STi? lol, i can promise you that an STi would lay waste to you and your S2000 on a road course if it got the chance. And getting laughed at? lmao...dude, what the **** are you smoking?
Im a very big S2000 fan, and i own one, and even i can admit that while i wouldnt call it BETTER, the STi is a bad *** car, with incredible handling characteristics, AND it accelerates very fast...AND it has a ton of room, AND its awd...
Dont make yourself look foolish kiddo...i never said anything about them being better in every aspect, i never said they were better in ANY aspect...i was commenting on cars that were just as fun to drive for the price...and it is quite obvious that you have never driven one, so before you go spouting off again, know your role.
Modified by hypnosisracing at 1:48 PM 8/8/2005
Im a very big S2000 fan, and i own one, and even i can admit that while i wouldnt call it BETTER, the STi is a bad *** car, with incredible handling characteristics, AND it accelerates very fast...AND it has a ton of room, AND its awd...
Dont make yourself look foolish kiddo...i never said anything about them being better in every aspect, i never said they were better in ANY aspect...i was commenting on cars that were just as fun to drive for the price...and it is quite obvious that you have never driven one, so before you go spouting off again, know your role.
Modified by hypnosisracing at 1:48 PM 8/8/2005
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From: Atlanta, GA
Re: (hypnosisracing)
LMAO...you owned yourself...
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Its not worth it. I want to move up to a nice 540i, 330ci or maybe even a WRX which is at least practical. I was going to buy an evo and it was much cheaper to insure at 1600 every 6 months.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Quoted from a "i want to trade my S2000 in for a new car" thread you started...notice the bolded. hahahahahahah...and you mentioned you were going to buy an Evo, the STi is a better car in nearly every outlet over the Evo, yet you argue against it...lol. Dont bother replying bud. Your own words spoke enough.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Its not worth it. I want to move up to a nice 540i, 330ci or maybe even a WRX which is at least practical. I was going to buy an evo and it was much cheaper to insure at 1600 every 6 months.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Quoted from a "i want to trade my S2000 in for a new car" thread you started...notice the bolded. hahahahahahah...and you mentioned you were going to buy an Evo, the STi is a better car in nearly every outlet over the Evo, yet you argue against it...lol. Dont bother replying bud. Your own words spoke enough.
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Tallahassee, FL, USA
Re: (hypnosisracing)
I'm not disagreeing with you at all about that last one, I think the STi is head and shoulders over an EVO, but if you read Car and Driver 's article that directly compares the two they actually pick the Evo! ....well it was the MR version, but still...that thing is like 38k.....I was agast.... And yes, if you have ever driven an STi they run like a sumbich....fuuun car to drive. I still love the S overall, mostly because I couldn't get over the 4 door thing, but the STi is a serious machine!
- Pat
**** Just to add my reply to vvvvvvvvv since I'm at my post limit for the day, (damn n00b rules) ....I agree...sadly enough now that the s2000 is getting into the generally everyday affordable range and so will the STi in about 2 years.... INCOMING!! RICE! ....
- Pat
**** Just to add my reply to vvvvvvvvv since I'm at my post limit for the day, (damn n00b rules) ....I agree...sadly enough now that the s2000 is getting into the generally everyday affordable range and so will the STi in about 2 years.... INCOMING!! RICE! ....
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,861
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From: Atlanta, GA
Re: (Migraine777)
^^^ And that is a totally fair and legitimate asessment, unlike the other guy a few posts above with his comments about getting laughed at...which actually made me laugh, and i bet theres about 100 hardcore WRC drivers in STi's that would love to hear him say that...not to mention the scores of fans of trans am racing and stuff, where the STi was just allowed into contention...lol. Oh well...its people like that that are really making me see just a general decline in the class of S2000 buyers/owners, especially on this website as of late. Hardly any old school S2k guys post anymore. Damn shame i tell you...DAMN shame.
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From: R.I.P. Dimebag Darrell, Norman, OK
Re: (hypnosisracing)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by hypnosisracing »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Looking at the cars that you've owned, and being used to a car that provides a torquie response (especially the Supra) i think you're going to be a little wary of the S2000 when you first get it...it is NOTHING like those cars, my brother owns a 1998 M3 so i know first hand what its like compared to the E36, and my friend owns a Supra which ive driven several times and can give a fair comparison...this car requires a certain kind of driving style to really get anything out of it...and that means constantly running it up into VTEC at high rpm's...something that you may not be used to given your history of cars.
Its a fun car, dont get me wrong...it just lacks torque, badly...but it doesnt really need it if you drive it properly...but i wanted to give you fair warning, since im a bimmer guy myself, that you may be a little less than satisfied with the peakiness of the engine.
You ARE a bike rider though, which is kind of fitting since this car has been called the closest thing to bike characteristics on 4wheels...</TD></TR></TABLE>
yeah, as i said earlier, im not looking into buying one cuz i think they are fast - cuz i think an s2000 is nowhere near a "fast" car. an stock S2000 is a ****-bag, dragging nuts, hooker compared to what im used to. s2k's are quick at best unless you dump tons of money into them, which is not gonna happen with me.
i jsut want a nicer daily than my civic that is still fun to flip around the corners, and has a little more get up and go than my civic does. i'll do the occaisional track day in it, but this will mainly be just a nice daily whip.
Its a fun car, dont get me wrong...it just lacks torque, badly...but it doesnt really need it if you drive it properly...but i wanted to give you fair warning, since im a bimmer guy myself, that you may be a little less than satisfied with the peakiness of the engine.
You ARE a bike rider though, which is kind of fitting since this car has been called the closest thing to bike characteristics on 4wheels...</TD></TR></TABLE>
yeah, as i said earlier, im not looking into buying one cuz i think they are fast - cuz i think an s2000 is nowhere near a "fast" car. an stock S2000 is a ****-bag, dragging nuts, hooker compared to what im used to. s2k's are quick at best unless you dump tons of money into them, which is not gonna happen with me.
i jsut want a nicer daily than my civic that is still fun to flip around the corners, and has a little more get up and go than my civic does. i'll do the occaisional track day in it, but this will mainly be just a nice daily whip.