Older S2000 or 04 S2000

[YellowS2K]

In the buymode for my car and wanted the club's feedback on which to look at and why?:confused:

[s2 kwkslvr]

Both are great cars,it depends on your automobile objectives.I have had both.
rick

[YellowS2K]

I am sure both are plenty of fun. I have always wanted this car and like what I read about the 04. Just wanted to know if the exitment level really is that much lower in the 04 model?

[Grainger49]

I bought a 2000 S-2000 a year ago. It had 29,000 miles on it. I bought the extended warranty. I wanted to balance price and protection.

I like the glass window (2002 and above) but the prices of them had not gotten low enough for my cheap streak.

There are a lot of cherry S-2000s out there that have been used as weekend cars.

As always, YMMV.

[Cyclon36]

I am sure both are plenty of fun. I have always wanted this car and like what I read about the 04. Just wanted to know if the exitment level really is that much lower in the 04 model?Excitement level is definitely not low. You get more torque and a nicer inside, but you lose 1k on the revs. Supposedly, that doesn't make a difference since the power curve has been shifted to the left. Other highs include lower vtech point, faster 0-60 (marginal), more elbow room, bigger wheels/tires, and stiffer suspension.

Lows include lower rev limit, lack of accessories (although catching up), and uhh...that's about it.

I would think the big decider would be the price. atleast $10k difference I would say if you go back to 01 and 02 depending on mileage. It is a Honda though so you should be able to squeeze out 200k on the odometer no problemo unless it was ragged out by the old owner.

...of course I am partial.

[S2k Dude]

Each year has its strengths and weaknesses (minor weaknesses).

With the '04 you get:

added torque but a lower redline.
slightly softer suspension but sticks a little better in the corners.
styling differences both exterior and interior
17" wheels
slightly deeper exhaust note
2.2L engine (but that ugly gold plug cover)
LED rear lights
Carbon syncros in the tranny
Slow clutch take up (seems to be somewhat of a complaint by some)
0-60 time of the '04 is slightly worse since 2nd redlines at 58 mph and you have to add in an extra shift
Overall I still like the '04 but not enough to give up my '02. I'd say that the excitement level is approx. equal.

[Sebringer]

I'm a little biased, too. There is a long list of improvements with the '04. Aside from what's been mentioned, the transmission change to carbon synchros and beefing up the rear diff stand out with me. To me, the extra power curve makes up for the 9k. And I like the cosmetic changes and color combo choices.
Costs are relative since an '04 is worth more in 5 years. Assuming you can afford either, I'd say an '05. ;) '04's are technically a year old and you should be able to get an '05 for about the same price. Again, worth more in the end.
There is nothing like being the owner of a virgin S2000. Knowing where it's been since day 1....
At the end, you'll love it either way. If $$ are a concern, if you can get a great deal on a pampered '02 > bought privately from original owner. Go for it. No tax.

[Sebringer]

Rear springs are softer, front's stiffer but alot more rubber on the road. Plus the fantastic RE050 tires.

Revised headlights, too.

The clutch has the extra valve for more progressive actuation and protection. A little softer on the track but for day to day I wouldn't call it slow.

And the best feature of all- real horns that go BLAT! instead of beep-beep. For when you're trying to get Dave out of the way....

[YellowS2K]

This is great info. Please keep it coming. I will let you guys know what the outcome is.

[wpriller7]

I've always been told that newer technology is always better. I have a 2000 S2000 that I got in August of 2000. Last month I went out to Gwinnett Place Honda and test drove a 04. I done some modifications to my car, and after testing driving the 04, it was hard for me to part with my car. Yes you have the new carbon syncho's and more low end torque and also inside room.
The key is finding the best car for what your pocket can afford. If an 04 or an 05 is the way you want to go, go for it. If you do decide to look at an older S2000, make sure that all the service records are available and what modifications may have been done to the car. I've had to 911's and both were learning experience when I brought them and expensive to maintain. One think about Honda they are reliable and fun to drive, and I can afford to take my wife on a date.:fro:

[tmelch]

I agree with all of the above, but you have to determine what your goal is. The '04 is more forgiving (and a beautiful car), but I don't want a car that forgives, I want a car that gives me feedback so I can learn to drive it. If you've had an S before, then get the 2004. If this is your first S, get an earlier model that's been taken care of and learn how to drive it. The 9K redline is just plain fun! IMO

[Dewain27]

Either is good... I would suggest getting the one that you can get the best deal on. You just can't go wrong with either!!

[Cyclon36]

Incase you're interested in an 04, I can let you talk to a sales rep that's will sell at $30,495 without haggling. I'm not sure if too many have gotten lower prices, but that's a good deal. $500 over invoice.

[Grainger49]

In case you're interested in an 04, I can let you talk to a sales rep that's will sell at $30,495 without haggling. I'm not sure if too many have gotten lower prices, but that's a good deal. $500 over invoice.
That's A VERY good deal! Consider it if you are in that price range. And it has full Honda warranty!

:cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers:
:cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers:

[suzukasue]

2000-2001 MY is a much more raw car IMO. It sounds AWESOME....I think the best out of all of them. 2002-2003 is a bit quieter and more refined (gotta love the glass back window and defroster!). 2004 has gorgeous cosmetic improvements (headlights, VERY cool LED tail lights, oval exhaust tips, etc.) and the way coolest cupholder EVER. It all depends on what you are looking for. If you go for the 2000-2001 MY, make sure the TSB's are done.

[WebGod]

Honda Warranty is over-rated.

[Sebringer]

Incase you're interested in an 04, I can let you talk to a sales rep that's will sell at $30,495 without haggling. I'm not sure if too many have gotten lower prices, but that's a good deal. $500 over invoice.

That's what I paid for my '04, but in October of '03...

see my point?...

[YellowS2K]

Thanks guys! Just bought 2004 Rio Yellow pick it up in Charlotte, NC on Sat. My brothere works for Hendrick hond got a great price. I will try to come next Tues to the meeting.

[F8d2Blk]

Congratulations! That's great news.

[tmelch]

So much for my opinion!!http://www.s2katlanta.com/%7Es2katl/forum/images/smilies/biggrin.gif But congratulations! Hang on!!

[WebGod]

Sweet! Congrats!! :goodjob:

[Sebringer]

Uh-huh! Yeah-Yeah! Another '04 in the ranks. You'll have to be careful not to swap with Doc T though...


Congrats and welcome...

[suzukasue]

WOW! Congrats - what great news! You've got MUCH to look forward to!!!!

[Cyclon36]

Perfect! Couldn't be a better color for the 04.

[S2k Dude]

As a Spa Yellow Pearl owner I really like Rio Yellow Pearl, the increased amount of metal flake looks really good. I'm even liking all the other styling enhancements, just can't get past not having a 9000 RPM redline to work with, really my only complaint. Maybe Honda will bring back the higher redline on some future model.

YellowS2k, welcome to the club and we hope to meet you soon.

[Aaron]

Perfect! Couldn't be a better color for the 04. Yes, I almost bought this color too when I was shopping....bet then I decided, with my driving habits, I could just mount a huge neon "Ticket Me!" sign on my Silverstone if I wanted that much attention :p

Welcome to the club!

[Dewain27]

congrads.... on the new ride...

[s2 kwkslvr]

I'm even liking all the other styling enhancements, just can't get past not having a 9000 RPM redline to work with

YellowS2k, welcome to the club and we hope to meet you soon.
great choice,don't worry about the redline,if you never had it you will never miss it,you could stand up against any stock pre 04 out there.

[YellowS2K]

I picked it up on Sat. This is the most addictive thing since crack!!! I had a CRX back in the day. Man has Honda really stepped it up. This is GREAT!!!

[S2k Dude]

I picked it up on Sat. This is the most addictive thing since crack!!! I had a CRX back in the day. Man has Honda really stepped it up. This is GREAT!!!
Yes, very addictive!!!

[suzukasue]

Friends don't let friends do crack. Do S.