Over the years, the automotive industry has come up with a number of vehicles that are highly appreciated by the car enthusiast community. Honda developed more than one model that was every enthusiast’s dream to own and drive. One of these models was the Honda S2000, which was purposely designed for Honda’s 50th yanniversary.
Even after more than 20 years since it was revealed, Honda S2000 models are still extremely popular due to their high-quality build, performance features, and amazing looks. However, given that the S2000 is a 20-year-old car, there are some things you should know before buying one, and this S2000 buying guide should help you get the most bang for your buck.
Common Issues To Look For In a Used S2000
The Honda S2000 was revealed in 2000 and production lasted until 2009. Over the course of production, it was sold in a little bit more than 100,000 units. There was a facelift in 2004 with minimal changes compared to the original design.
The S2000 is known for its incredible durability, however, every car has its flaws. When it comes to the S2000, you won’t go wrong with any year, as long as the car was well maintained by the previous owner. Although there are minimal exterior changes and a slightly different engine in the newer version, it all comes down to personal preference.
Common issues are the same for the AP1 and AP2 versions of the S2000 and include faulty wheel bearings and a bubbly dash which is much more common in the AP2 version. Although it doesn’t seem like a big issue, replacing the wheel hubs can cost up to $2,000.
Thankfully, the S2000 isn’t prone to rust and corrosion, however, you should always check for signs of an accident. You can do this by inspecting the space between each panel, and its color.
Even with their famous durability, S2000s aren’t immune to low-quality parts and irregular maintenance. Although these cars don’t break down often, repairing damage from using low-quality parts and skipped maintenance can be costly. This is why it’s recommended to only look for S2000s with a proven service history. Heavily modified cars should also be avoided.
The Difference Between Honda S2000 AP1 and AP2
Although the differences between the original and facelifted S2000 are minimal, the differences are still there, and you should know what they are before you decide on buying the AP1 or AP2 version of this incredible sports car.
The first and most noticeable difference is engine size. The original S2000 was fitted with a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine that could rev all the way up to 9200RPM while the AP2 had a slightly increased displacement and lowered rev range.
Secondly, the suspension components between the two versions are completely different. The AP1 is known to be much firmer, for some even too uncomfortable. Some enthusiasts still prefer this over the more comfortable suspension in the AP2 because it’s raw, and gives a much better feeling of the road. The AP2 is more comfortable with improved springs, better tires, and stability control that was fitted from 2006 onwards, however, the softer suspension doesn’t offer the same sports car feeling as the stiffer one does. Regarding quality, both are made to last, so it’s a matter of personal preference and what you like most.
Lastly, the S2000 went through a small number of cosmetic changes when it transitioned from AP1 to AP2. The initial S2000 model was designed as a sports car for the masses. It had a simple design, raw power, and just enough additional equipment to make it easy to drive. Once the AP2 was released, it had a different headlight set, front and back bumper, and was fitted with a number of features that made it more modern. Thankfully, these aesthetic changes weren’t over the top so the facelifted S2000 still had the iconic look it became famous for.
What’s The Average Price Of a Used Honda S2000?
As a highly reliable and dependable car that offers superb performance and incredible looks, the S2000 is bound to be a classic. Even now, the prices of S2000s in good condition are increasing by the day.
At the moment of writing this guide, the entry price for an AP1 Honda S2000 in decent condition is around $20,000, while the facelifted version is just a tad more expensive. The 2008 year model is the most expensive and popular option, especially in the Club Racer (CR) trim line. There were only 699 S2000 Club Racer units made, which explains the significantly higher price.
Why Should You Consider Buying A Honda S2000?
The S2000 is one of the greatest creations from Honda. It’s exactly the sports car the automotive world needed, and up to this very day, there are thousands of enthusiasts dreaming of having it in their garage.
One of the first reasons why you should consider buying a Honda S2000 is because its value will only go up. A few years ago, a decent S2000 could be bought for around $5k, however, if you look at the classifieds now, the entry-level S2000 will set you back more than $15k. In the future, the S2000 will become a rare-to-find classic that will only cost more. If nothing else, buying an S2000 will be an investment with great returns.
Even if you’re looking for a Honda S2000 as a daily driver, it’s a great choice. It has enough power, torque, and speed, and it’s as reliable as cars get. It requires regular maintenance, but the simplicity allows almost anyone with the required tools to perform an oil and filter change.
Lastly, the S2000s design is simple, yet timeless. Even 20 years after it was revealed to the public, this model still turns heads. Many use them as daily drivers, some modify them and use them as track cars, while others drive them just during the weekend, and keep them in the best condition possible for future generations to appreciate this classic from the Japanese carmaker.