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BIMMERPOST Universal Forums General Automotive (non-BMW) Talk + Photos/Videos Anybody here own, or have owned a 04+ Honda S2000?

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      12-31-2006, 03:40 PM   #1
obLu
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Anybody here own, or have owned a 04+ Honda S2000?

My wife, sorta kinda gave me the go ahead to look at sport cars when she gets her Q7 ... Q7 will be family truckster and then all I need is a commuter/sports car. No need for the e90 anymore.

Always wanted an S2000, but I've never actually test driven one. Am I going to find the interior too chintsy for a 32k+ car (msrp 35, but there's no way I'm paying that much for it)? How's it like living with it as a daily driver? Experience any mechanical issues or are there any known issues?

I've been checking out the s2ki forums, but it all seems to be mod related.

Thanks.
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      12-31-2006, 05:36 PM   #2
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I own a 04 Silverstone. And I will miss it dearly.

The interior is by no means chintsy. It's very simple and plain. Honda followed 1 simple rule when making this car: If it doesn't make it go, stop or turn better, it doesn't belong in the car. Now that may be a little extreme, but there is much truth to it. I've driven all the roadsters with exception of the new M roadster, and nothing comes close to the S2000. Out of the box it's ready to rock and roll. the F22C is a great little engine. You can beat the piss out of it all day long at the track, and start it up with zero issues the next day to go to work. The sound it makes is unreal. However, driving it is a humbling experience. I've seen make people bang them up because they "think" they know how to drive. There are no electronics to save you in this car. The 04+ don't have nearly as much snap-oversteer, but I suggest you go into a large parking lot or autoX and really see where your limits in the car are.

I've driven mine daily for almost 3 years with exception of winter. It is small but not uncomfortable. However, honestly, it makes a great 3rd car. Can you make due as this being your only car, absolutely. There are a couple of TSBs on the 04 that are tranny related, but Honda makes good on them without question. Pretty much this little car is bulletproof as long as you change the fluids (esp the diff fluid). And it loves to be driven hard.

I think the best thing about the car is the people. The S2ki'ers are the nicest bunch of people I've ever had the pleasure to drive with. They are always helpful and really have a great sense of community. We always wave to each other on the roads. We hold TechDays at each of our homes for clinics and work on each others cars. The meets are the best. You don't drive to a parking lot and hang out, you drive drive for hours with 10-20 S2000s on open roads, and stop for food, gas and laughs.

Right now i'm looking for a good home for my AP2 Stoner, and I will own a S2000 again.

Luke
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      12-31-2006, 05:39 PM   #3
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Jason had a S2000.



So did mava330. AP2suzuka is soon selling his.



Mava's S2000 dyno:
http://livedigital.com/content/420965/u45976

Check out this thread:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ighlight=s2000
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      12-31-2006, 05:46 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ksfrogman

My Old BBS LMs are on Jwocky's Car...
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      12-31-2006, 05:49 PM   #5
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Although I don't own one personally, I had the pleasure of driving this little car for about 2 months while a friend went on vacation. As specialque mentioned, it's not really "chintsy" but do remember this is not a luxury vehicle in any sense so expect things to be a bit spartan. You are relatively comfortable in it and sit low to the ground, and everyone has their own preference, I just wouldn't like to drive this car everyday. A great 2nd and 3rd car imo. Engine is fantastic if you like to beat on it and shift gears all the time, but as expected, don't think you can pass people easily unless you wind the motor out. The transmission is a thing of beauty and almost everyone I know loves the short shifts, precise and bionic.

Handling is spot on but becareful with the limits of the car. With the top down, the wind deflector does a decent job but there is still a lot of wind swirling around. The soft top is easy to use and works well in the rain with just a little wind noise when its up.

Depending on where you live, find a garage to park it (S2000s gets stolen or damaged where I live) and expect teenage kids to come up to it gawking at it and possibly little ricers wanting to race you. I found it annoying at times when I was just accelerating mildly and people would think I'm trying to race them because the car can get loud. But the engine does sound sublime when it's revving
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      12-31-2006, 05:54 PM   #6
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To add, if you do get an S2000, I would recommend the Greddy E-manage unit. On stock cars, they dyno 230+whp and 160+wtrq. Add yourself a set of 4.56R gears and have a blast! Next add intake and exhaust and header, you could be reaching 250whp. Remember the car weights less than 3000lbs with you in it.

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      12-31-2006, 06:02 PM   #7
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^^^
+1 for the gears
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      12-31-2006, 06:26 PM   #8
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I went from an s2000 to an e92. I still miss the s2000 alot and planning on buying one down the road!

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      12-31-2006, 07:01 PM   #9
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Thanks guys, that's exactly what I wanted to hear. I'm all about spartan and purposeful; I find modern BMWs to have just too many gadgets. But I don't like cheap and chintsy either.

I've actually driven an s2k before, I just didn't have any time to look around at the quality of the materials. It was a buddies, and I didn't have much time to "test drive". It was night and I was having to drive his drunk ass home.

My biggest concern is that after a few months I'll wonder why I spent 30+k on it. Keep in mind, I got my 330 for a pretty decent bargain at 39k. I want a balls to the wall sports car. I'm just not sure I'm fully prepared to give up the e90 for a car that's only 6-7k less. Is it somewhat safe to look at pre-owned?

But can't complain too much, it's a nice decision to have to be making.
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      12-31-2006, 08:07 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by obLu
Thanks guys, that's exactly what I wanted to hear. I'm all about spartan and purposeful; I find modern BMWs to have just too many gadgets. But I don't like cheap and chintsy either.

I've actually driven an s2k before, I just didn't have any time to look around at the quality of the materials. It was a buddies, and I didn't have much time to "test drive". It was night and I was having to drive his drunk ass home.

My biggest concern is that after a few months I'll wonder why I spent 30+k on it. Keep in mind, I got my 330 for a pretty decent bargain at 39k. I want a balls to the wall sports car. I'm just not sure I'm fully prepared to give up the e90 for a car that's only 6-7k less. Is it somewhat safe to look at pre-owned?

But can't complain too much, it's a nice decision to have to be making.
Just buy it from a mature owner and you are set. I bought mine from a friend, and even though it had been tracked (a good portion of them are) it has been bullet proof. The good thing about S2Ks is that since most of them are 2nd or 3rd vehicles, it's not too hard to find one with low mileage and warranty left on them.

Even though mine is now coming up on 7 years old, the chassis is still rock solid, the interior has worn well, and the car has no issues. The gearbox is pure sex.

One thing with the car in general is that it is noisy. You are so close to everything, and there is no sound deadening (that would just add weight).
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      01-01-2007, 03:12 AM   #11
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Love mine, but parenthood calls and need a bigger car soon
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      01-01-2007, 03:13 AM   #12
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And it's very easy to get the car for invoice
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      01-01-2007, 03:23 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by specialque
Out of the box it's ready to rock and roll. the F22C is a great little engine. You can beat the piss out of it all day long at the track, and start it up with zero issues the next day to go to work.

Pretty much this little car is bulletproof as long as you change the fluids (esp the diff fluid). And it loves to be driven hard.

I agree.

Have had my 04 for three years. Daily drove it for two years before I got my company car and have tracked the car twice (Laguna Seca and Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch). Not one problem :rocks:
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      01-01-2007, 06:24 AM   #14
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Good lord I miss my S2k. Had a 2005 up until 3 months ago when it bought the farm in a nasty highway accident

What they say about sound deadening is correct. With the top up, you can forget about using your phone with or without a headset (I hope with) since the rag top with air pulsing over it makes the cabin into a virtual bass bin. But seriously, unless you're in a dire situation you will rarely feel the need to use a phone while driving this car.

I have a friend who drives an older model (2002?) and comparing them back to back I noticed 3 things

1) His ride was a little more "firm"
2) His clutch seemed to engage better (both cars stock)
3) I had more arm room in the door panel.

BTW, how tall are you? I'm 6'1" and I initially thought I would have issues with my size in the long run. Turned out, no other car fit me better.

I originally bought the car as a compliment to my FX35 and I'll swear to the day I day that buying that little roadster was one of the best decisions I ever made. Great fuel economy all things considered. Fun right out the box. Ok for the occasional trip to Vegas (really small boot). Sound system hardly got used either...damn engine was just too musical.

I'm going to have a drink now.
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      08-07-2007, 02:53 PM   #15
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Just curious, would anyone trade in a 325i for an S2000 04+, as their only car? I need some cash for an emergency and am thinking about it.
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      08-07-2007, 03:04 PM   #16
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I'd get another Evo IX and pimp it out with a 45 trim turbo and custom tranny before I got an S200 personally.

There are so many good options in the Japanese market, no sense getting tied down to just one idea. Evo RS, STI, S200, R33 Skyline, and many others are all great choice, not to mention an S14
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      08-07-2007, 03:19 PM   #17
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What is an S14??
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      08-07-2007, 03:23 PM   #18
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Nissan, otherwise known as a Sylvia, was a turbo car, very popular for swapping Skyline R33 engines into because of its ample engine bay.
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      08-07-2007, 03:23 PM   #19
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Nevermind, its a 240SX.
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      08-07-2007, 03:24 PM   #20
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200 and 240
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      08-07-2007, 03:55 PM   #21
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I like them quite a bit, although at this point I can't say I'd want to buy one as they won't be making them much longer and it'll look dated rather quickly. Fun drive though, best roadster for the price in my opinion.
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      08-07-2007, 06:25 PM   #22
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I had one. I miss the heck outta that lil car. When my lease is up, i'm going to have to get another one. There are faster cars, but there are not very many cars that are more fun. I personally loved the interior because it has very few distractions and has a very clean look IMO. There are a million things that i love about the car. The shifter is perfect, the engine when at wot sounds incredible (especially with an aftermarket intake), the handling is very quick and precise, but will get you into trouble if you are not careful and attentive.

Personally, I think the design of the car exterior and interior is very tastefully done, and will stand the test of time for a long time.

As far as issues are concerned, you shouldnt be worried about too much. there was a spark plug issue which caused an issue with the #4 cylinder in 00-02's, but was fixed in 2003+
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