I was planning to buy a 2004-2007 Honda S2000 or a Bmw z4. I was wondering what your opinions are and which one would hold value better? Thanks a lot!!

 

I've actually seen some Z4s for CHEAP. However, people in the Honda community often over price their vehicles! So list and buying prices may differ.

 

Do some more research on the S2000 before lumping the 2004 thru 2007 in one group. They're all "AP2" cars but Honda introduced drive by wire (DBW) in 2006 and that includes a flashable ECU and vehicle stability assist (VSA) and traction control. I consider both extremely valuable and the purists who like the tail breaking loose frequently can simply switch VSA off.

Flashable ECU will allow tuning the car to gain much more mid-range power and is absolutely required of you want to add forced induction later on. A flashable ECU can be fitted later on but will cost about $2000. My VTEC now engages at 3,600 rpm giving me about 4,500 rpm on the high power cam. 221 bhp at the rear wheels with just the typical intake and exhaust bolt-ons.

-- Chuck

 

But returnless fuel system

 

Just sold my '06 AP2 for $21K. I think it held its value really well. That said, I treated her like a total princess so she was in mint shape.

Truth be told... I miss her.

 

I've always wanted to own an S2000 but I'm priced out on them because they hold their value so well. That being said, if you're thinking a Z4, they are two very different beasts. It doesn't totally seem like a fair comparison.

Keep in mind you can't put a price on pleasure, though. If you love driving the Z4, and only moderately enjoy the S2000, weigh the Z4 more heavily. At the end of the day you want to be paying for something you enjoy, even if it's an asset that's constantly depreciating.

And now that I feel old...

 

Well both are RWD and convertible cars,and it stops there. Unless you are getting an M, BMW value will keep on dropping. As far as value, many AP2s have maintained value. If you own a CR its going pretty much go up and up, certain color and features help price stay the same or go up in value. I bought my S2000 with 54,ooo miles and now have over 90,ooo, its '06 OEM hardtop option, white and full black interior only offered this year. If I put it for sale I get same price I paid for. Over all most AP1/2s that are cheap are higher mileage or been modded to lame degree.

 

That's not entirely true. Some of them are priced very low, especially right now because of the impending winter. People are looking to unload them ASAP so they don't have to hang on to them for the entire winter. You just have to keep your eyes open for the right deals.

 

What year did you sell your 06 AP2 for 21K is the real question...

 

stick with s2000, i miss my CR

 

s2000, if in great condition and unmolested.

i say this because the z4, after the factory warrenty is up, be prepared to pay an arm and a leg for any type of service/maint.

even with the extended warrenty...

i work for bmw service.

i did want a z4 but im not ready to dish out the $$$ for a simple oil change or if anything goes wrong with it. yes i could have leased a new one but for what? to own the car just for 2 years. And nobody wants a BMW that's out of warranty. People bring in nice BMW they got for cheap because warranty is up and 90% 9of the time the customer won't get service done because it's expensive.

How is the car holding value if you spending big $ on the maintenance?

the s2000 is a vehicle you can maintain yourself and if need be, it wouldnt be so expensive if you decide to take it to a honda dealer to have something repaired.


oh and i own a 2004 ap2, 2nd owner, never modded with 44,5xx miles. and i guess you can say im a purist in a way because I don't know if I ever want mod it...the car is perfect in stock form.

If u had a nice z8, that's a different story.

 

s2k. the z4 will fall apart imo.

 

I just bought a 04 ap2 last year. 27k miles for $21k :] if i can get my hands on another daily i can garage this bad boy and let it build value.

currently has 455xx miles.

 

Been thinking of picking one of these up ,
Only thing stopping me is the one I'm looking at is very high
Mileage.

 

i shopped around for a little over a month before i bought mine. dont just jump the gun and buy one in crappy condition just because you want an s2000. there are some really nice ones out there still.

 

S2k will most likely hold its value better, and be lighter on your wallet during ownership. I'm not sure what year you're looking at, but the M54 and N52's both have their share of issues.

 

Entirely different vehicles of course, but folks are holding on to good condition examples of S2000 now and they are way easier/cheaper to maintain than BMW.
An 06+ AP2 (with DBW and glass HRW) in good shape easily go for $20K+. More with an OEM hardtop. This car is a classic!