As an AP2 owner, the car is absolute bliss to drive, easy to maintain, and very reliable. Will go down in history as one of the best “affordable” sports cars ever made.
I love my 2003 AP1. It's the most fun, engaging car I have ever owned. It may not be fast, but it sure feels fast and is so much fun. In fact, I just got a speeding ticket just yesterday, because I can't resist hearing that 9K redline. Apparently a yellow S2K screaming at 9K RPM attracts attention....lol.
Yes, it isn't "Fast" by today's pure sports car standards, but when it was first released, Car and Driver was able to get 0-60 times around 5.4 seconds and top speed just over 150mph. That is pretty quick for such a well balanced pure roadster. And if you look at some of the best driver's on closed tracks with a lot of twisties, we can see how fast it is when it is hanging with cars costing 5x as much until the long straight aways of course.. lol
I've had my 2002 AP1 (all stock) for 12 years and have no desire to replace it. Ever since the S2K was introduced people have been making comparisons with the Porsche Boxster. I would like to know how many Boxster owners hang onto their cars for 12 years. Even a amateur mechanic like myself can change all the filters, fluids and even the plugs. Other than replacing the break pads and having the valves adjusted, it has not needed any shop time. Honda truly got it right with the S2K.
I have a model year 2000 AP1 with 42,000 miles on it in excellent condition. You have to take care of an S2000, and use OEM parts, no cheap crap. I would not sell mine. I have mine properly maintained at LHT Performance.
My S2000 is a 2nd car that I enjoy driving when I can be out with the top down. Back in 2017 I opted for an AP2v1 car specifically (ironically because I knew that I would be keeping it all-original). At the time I generally felt that S2K's were worth the cost and AP2's weren't too much more than AP1's back then. The value of my S2K has nearly doubled since, in part because I bought one in Grand Prix White which strikes me as a bit crazy. The worth or value of anything comes down to each individual's own life situation and preferences. I can understand why some might struggle with the prices for S2000's (and many other cars) these days. The flip-side is to look at what S2000's are selling for now and ask yourself what else you could buy for the same money or less. Given the way I use the car, it is hard for me to think of another car selling for the same price or less that I would trade the S2K for. That said, I do understand that the S2000 is not for everyone. There are plenty of drivers who aren't comfortable revving an engine all the way through its RPM range repeatedly. Many would rather have more torque down low, preferring short shifting over needing to work for the power. I get it, that's not meant to be facetious. We simply don't all like the same things. Then there are those in need of an only car to serve as their fun daily. I imagine that the appeal of something like the current GR86/BRZ or Miata (that comes with a warranty and can be financed) would be much greater for them than for me. Different strokes and all that.
2001 AP1 R-510 23K miles Purchased in 2008 with 6K miles Just put Cont DWS06+ also tires still on jack stands Hope I don't hate them Less tire selection if you have the OEM 16-6.5 / 16-7.5 like we do. Sure wish they still made Hankook Ventus V12 loved that tire Wore well not to hard on cold mornings Still make Dunlops Dizerra but I burned through a set in a year Expensive
Picked up my ap1 last November. Bone stock. Fixed a couple things over winter. Going under the knife next month for the retainer swap, jet bolts, and a clutch. cant wait till its done!
This is excellent question. I’m at the same crossroads with this thought process. I feel like good S2Ks will always be a gem. Miatas are slowly becoming that way too as the move towards EV hence people wanting more of the NAs, Nbs, hell the NC now. Miatas are easier to find and it depends what the car is being used for. Daily commuter maybe Miata more later models, pure bliss driving S2K, or turbo out NA-ND. Cheaper parts, car warranty Miata. Car collection purposes S2K then Miata. Ideal situation perfect world is having both.
Put the clutch in all the way to the floor. Adjust accordingly. For me, I like to clutch in all the way, get the seat as far as i possibly can while the clutch is to the floor. Then scoot forward 1 notch (so during hard driving, yyoure not stretching for the clutch) TLDR; something comfy
9000 RPM redline reduced to 8000 and increased displacement to 2.2 liters vs 2.0 for increased low-end torque, and adjusted suspension as the AP1 was prone to snap oversteer at times. In addition to that they sorted a few common problems with the car and updated the styling. I think that's about it
8200 redline for the AP2, stronger differential, stronger transmission, better components on the cylinder head, differential wheels and bumpers and headlights, taillights.. 2 cup honders and different cluster, exhaust tips are also different between ap1 and ap2.. The best years for the S2000 is the 2004 and 2005.. those offer the best of both ap1 and ap2. 2006 and up offer that electric throttle and vsa.
@@civicpride1986 what are the downsides? Not counting the traction control cause you could easily just turn that off if you want. Was thinking about getting an AP2 and preferably 06 and up but not sure about any downsides
