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s2k owners speak up!

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Old 10-01-12 | 10:33 PM
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From: soCAL
Default s2k owners speak up!

Its about that time I'm getting bored of my 2gs and want something sportier, faster and a DD with more reliable MPG. Any s2k owners in here and can speak of pros and cons for s2k?

thanks in advance!
Old 10-01-12 | 11:03 PM
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What do you want to know other than the obvious?


If you commute on the freeway a lot, then the S2000 will be annoying. It's quite loud, but decent in the city. My daily commute is 3 miles each way (city). The engine does not even reach optimal temperature so mpg suffers, yet I still average 20-21 mpg.
Old 10-01-12 | 11:09 PM
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Originally Posted by GSteg
What do you want to know other than the obvious?


If you commute on the freeway a lot, then the S2000 will be annoying. It's quite loud, but decent in the city. My daily commute is 3 miles each way (city). The engine does not even reach optimal temperature so mpg suffers, yet I still average 20-21 mpg.
Whats the obvious? I'm pretty new to S2K's.

Ive driven an EK back in the high school days. As with sounds I don't mind I plan on getting an Individia exhaust the first day I buy the car.
Old 10-01-12 | 11:24 PM
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Originally Posted by GSteg
What do you want to know other than the obvious?


If you commute on the freeway a lot, then the S2000 will be annoying. It's quite loud, but decent in the city. My daily commute is 3 miles each way (city). The engine does not even reach optimal temperature so mpg suffers, yet I still average 20-21 mpg.
3 miles! henry you need to move further out!

1sWt2GS, you sure not nsx?
Old 10-01-12 | 11:26 PM
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Practically, space, quietness, etc..


It's a completely different animal than the GS. I only drive my GS twice a week, just so it gets driven, but I lost interest in modding it. Great cruiser, but the S2000 is tons more fun, even if my commute is short. I still need practicality so the GS stays, but I always get a big smile when I run through the gears.

Do you want an AP1 (00-03) or AP2 (04-09)?
Old 10-01-12 | 11:58 PM
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Originally Posted by GSteg
Practically, space, quietness, etc..


It's a completely different animal than the GS. I only drive my GS twice a week, just so it gets driven, but I lost interest in modding it. Great cruiser, but the S2000 is tons more fun, even if my commute is short. I still need practicality so the GS stays, but I always get a big smile when I run through the gears.

Do you want an AP1 (00-03) or AP2 (04-09)?
Probably going to look for an AP1 due to price range, being cheaper.

All I know different from ap1 to 2 is mainly cosmetic, and 9k vs 8k rev.

I am exactly like you. the GS would be garage queen for practicality that sits in driveway while I drive S2K daily for the MPG and fun.

Originally Posted by rominl
3 miles! henry you need to move further out!

1sWt2GS, you sure not nsx?
i wish I can afford an NSX. Can't justify paying that much for such a high mileage old car.

For now having 2 cars is a luxury.

I was going to pick up a bike (motorcycle) but I figured a s2k would be more safe.

Last edited by 1sWt2GS; 10-02-12 at 12:03 AM.
Old 10-02-12 | 12:34 AM
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Don't go too cheap on an S2000. If a deal sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. A lot of older AP1s are beat up. If you must get an AP1, look into the 02-03. They're the better examples of an AP1. They have rear GLASS as oppose to the older plastic stuff that will yellow/rip over time. 02+ also gets carbon-coated synchros as opposed to brass. It's more durable and allow for a slightly smoother shift. Every year that the S2000 has been out, Honda made some tweaks. You can search the s2000 forum for the difference between years.

When I bought my Honda, I never looked at the AP1. 9k RPM is an arbitrary number for me. The broader torque curve of the AP2 was more suitable for me.

Last edited by GSteg; 10-02-12 at 12:38 AM.
Old 10-02-12 | 07:12 AM
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Cracked valve seats are not too rare on AP1 because of mis-shift over rev. I'd try to go with a car that looks like it's been pampered by the owner but unfortunately the only way to check for this is open up the valve cover and look.
Old 10-02-12 | 08:14 AM
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I've.been looking at s2000 recently as a commuter car too. I also have a commute that's around 3 miles. What I noticed was that the tops on a lot of the cars can be in pretty bad shape at this point. The cost of replacement is north 1400 from what I gather. Also for reasons that escape me, the glove box is located between the two front seats. Handles like a go kart tho :-)
Old 10-02-12 | 08:34 AM
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Handles well, ride can be a bit on the firm side. If the commute is 3 miles in "city" traffic the mileage probably won't be all that much better, cars just don't do well in the city. So I would likely take that out of your equation if that's how you're trying to justify it.
Old 10-02-12 | 09:39 AM
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yes i would be careful on some of the cheaper AP1 as well, a lot of them are beat up and you don't want to deal with all the uncertainties. personally if you ask me, i would say try to get the AP2. the tq curve makes it a bit more practical imho
Old 10-02-12 | 01:02 PM
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i bought a 2001 s2000 and put 140k miles on her and sold it about 2 years ago.for me i had to put rear tires on her every 5-10k miles as i drove it like i stole it most of the time.
highway driving is pretty loud.high test is required
best part is and i still miss it is the gear box is the best in the business.
only thing i did other then reg upkeep was change the clutch mastercylinder and put a new drivers seat foam in.and of course the 9k red line is the iceing on the cake..these are picture of her when i sold her for $6800 2 and half years ago.
i bought a 350z.
Attached Thumbnails s2k owners speak up!-p1140016.jpg   s2k owners speak up!-p1140015.jpg   s2k owners speak up!-pa220094.jpg  

Last edited by jimbosr1; 10-02-12 at 01:36 PM.
Old 10-02-12 | 08:11 PM
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^^^what do you like better?
Old 10-03-12 | 04:02 AM
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no question,the s2000 is the better car.when you cross a railroad track the 350 is a wet noodle as the s2000 is like a hard top
also the interior of the s2000 is miles ahead of the 350.cornering is also way better then the 350.
i sold my s2000 because i have a problem with my clutch foot so i needed a auto.

Last edited by jimbosr1; 10-03-12 at 07:25 AM.
Old 10-03-12 | 10:14 AM
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so i started looking at some of the s2k's for sale and people want ridiculous prices for them. most are beat up and the conditions of the seats and tops are terrible in some.

I definitely want the top down, (no hard top here) as its a convertible and would like to drive it as such.

the ap2's are upwards of 15k thats really expensive just for a DD.

beats me how much more expensive s2k's are than the GS I bought. in most cases they are greatly more expensive for same year and mileage.

On the plus side, I got to drive my friends AP1. Sound quality is terrible (compared to my DDIN amp and setup in the GS ) even though he had a sub in the back with an AMP, Individa exhaust sounded amazing with the top down and HUGE drone, he was on Megan EZ's and ride was terrible (I'll have to find a new coil over setup) I was able to fit fine (I'm 6' even) but overall I loved I still loved the car.

Last edited by 1sWt2GS; 10-03-12 at 10:22 AM.


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