Honda S2000

jkgreer2

Hondahead: I decided to go with West Side Honda, Knoxville, due to availability, great service & low price. More '06 S2000s are on their lot (silver, dark blue, white & red). Does anyone have a favored web site for ordering plush floor mats, flaming red, to match the red trim interior of a silverstone S2000? Thank you in advance.

njexpress

Folks,
Is it okay to get the S2K washed at car washes (with the convertible top in place, of course )?
Someone probably asked this question already but if they did, I could not find it. I have the hard top and I can always get the car washed with the hard top in place but, It will be a pain installing the hard top just for this, once every month and then going thru' the pain of wrapping the hard top in blankets and comforters once uninstalled etc... Also, I still have to get the conertible top washed occasionally at least..
I did get some cheapie Blue magic vinyl convertable top cleaner/protectant in one (Could not find 303) at the (un)friendly neighborhood pepboys - They do not carry 303 vinyl top cleaner or protectant.
Can I get it car washed and spray the Bluemagic cleaner / protectant to keep it preserved? How about Armor All original?
Any advice would help.
Cheers!!
--njexpress

speedman

this message is for habitat 1. i like your comment in this forum,just want your opinion on this subject .
i m thinking to put an intake,which brand do you like or what are good choice.maybe just an air filter,i dont now yet.
i want to make some minor transformation,cause i want my car to be close to stock.
I have a 2003 red with 5000 original miles.i was thinking to change it for a 2006 (because it might be the last year)but my 2003 is also the last year of the 2000cc, and i think will become a more classic s2000.
i had more than 60 cars and nothing beat this car.
thank you in advance
regards

habitat1

Sorry, I know nothing about aftermarket add-ons for the S2000 (or my new 911, for that matter).

One thing I thought was interesting about the S2000, however, was an article I read a long time ago about models that had been supercharged and had other performance enhancement options added. Not much of a performance gain for the $ invested. The conclusion was that Honda did a pretty good job of eeking most of the power possible out of the 2 liter engine.

topspin628

So to all of you S2000 owners, what is the real deal with the noise in everyday driving? I've read some negative reviews about the engine noise getting tiresome.
Any comment?

habitat1

Everyday driving with the top up will test your tolerance for noise, especially in pre-2004 models with the 2.0 liter 9,000 rpm engine. The 2004+ models with the 2.2 liter 8,000 rpm engine are somewhat quieter.

But as with much about cars, you need to test drive one yourself with the top up and see how much it affects you. there aren't many alternatives under $50,000 that will gie you as much fun with the top down.

hondahead

All, I've been driving my 2004+ S2K as often as possible, maybe 3-4 days a week to work, and no issues with me. Of course, it's not my wife's Camry, nor my mom's Caddy, or my Dad's brand-new Oddity. er, I mean Odessey..or however you spell it. Bottom line, I still keep my '87 Accord for crappy weather, which volume-wise is about the same.
Guess my point is, if you want the experience and feel of a roadster, you shouldn't worry about the noise, unless you've got a cell phone stuck in your ear, in which case, I wish you'd pull off to the side and get out of the way

jkgreer2

As a new owner of a 2006 S2000, there is more noise during driving the S2000 than driving a Honda Accord or Acura TL. So what. I did not buy the car for anything else than pure joy of driving. Remember the old British saying, "A sports car has nothing else on it that does not make the car go faster." This car is flat-out fun to drive. It is as much fun as some motorcycles I've had, but LESS noise, more safety, and as much 'fun factor' as a cycle. If you want a car that does everything near perfect, buy a TL. If you want a 'statement' car, buy a BMW or Benz. If you want pure enjoyment for 2 people, buy a S2000. Regardless of which car is for you, have fun, because life is short.

topspin628

I would love to hear your "full review" of the car.
What others did you cross shop against? I am considering the Boxster, Z4 and Vette.

Did you also drive any of these?

jkgreer2

Topspin628:
Compared S2000 to Audi TT (electrical problems, see Edumunds Audi discussions), Nisson Z (mechanical problems, see Edumnds Nisson discussions), Boxster (more expensive & bend over when maintenance reqrd), and Vette (preferred car but $20,000 more). Did not drive Vette or Boxster, due to risk that I would love both. S2000 was best value for $$, assembled in Japan (high quality control), and expect minimal maintenance problems. Hope to have '64 Vette someday, or new one if quality control at KY factory is maintained. Good luck w/right decision for you. JKG

njexpress

Topspin - Lemme ask you this - Will a parent ever tire of being told "I love yu daddy" by the child (Unless the parent is actually Mommy and is annoyed at being called daddy, of course! )Of course not!!!
You get to think about noise and any aesthetic displeasures only when the weather is bad and you are not smiling and marvelling at the way the S handles - Other than that, who cares, my friend???
Happy S2000ing!
Cheers!!
--njexpress

habitat1

You didn't ask me, but I'll give you my 2 cents on your list - as well as a couple of others:

Boxster: At the time I bought my 2002 S2000, the closest competitor in driving dynamics and performance was the Boxster S. When I was back in the market last September, I drove the new Boxster S. Great car, but $60K+ the way I would want it. The new base Boxster is not quite as quick as the S2000, but is a damn nice car with Sport Chrono, PASM, etc. Options which take it up to about $51k. There is no better deal than the Honda S2000, but the Boxster S is the best roadster on the market.

BMW Z4 - BMW makes the best sports sedans in the market, but the Z4 isn't much better than the old Z3. Too heavy, funky design and interior, and performance that feels like a cross between a sedan and roadster. Maybe it's because BMW thinks it's OK to use a SUV/5-series/3-Series engine in the Z4. Not a bad engine, at all, but not the visceral performance of the S2000 or Boxsters. It was a non-contender for me.

Corvette - Big, powerful and built like a Chevy. End of discussion for me. Fit and finish are a big factor for me and the S2000 is light years ahead of the Corvette in that department.

Mercedes SLK 350 (6-speed) - The luxury contender that, with a sport package, was a decent performer. But still not the real sports car roadster I was looking for.

This last go-around, I ended up going for a 911S Cabriolet that is all the sports car I could ever want, and my kids fit in the back. But if I were recommending a two seater roadster, I'd go for the Boxster/Boxster S if my budget allowed, or the Honda S2000 if it didn't. And, even if your budget allowed the Porsche, the S2000 is still a hell of a good "prudent" choice. I love my 911, but the S2000 was a spectacular car for $32k. This is one Porsche owner who has nothing but respect for the little Honda.

estreka

Check out Discount Tire (www.discounttire.com).

I can't remember their rating, though, in all honesty, I don't often top 165 mph (electronically limited).

estreka

Actually you'd want the donut on the back. Despite the fact that having a rear mounted donut will wear quickly, you'll want two good tires up front because that's where the majority of your braking and handling are derived.

anythngbutgm

Actually, it looks like habitat was correct. The donut is undersized so if you put that on the back, the unequal diameters will screw up your rear diff.

Putting it on the back does apply to most conventional cars though so your logic applies.

sphinx99

Hello everyone,

Long time no post. I am having a great time with my '04 S2000 which has clocked nearly 60,000 miles now. There may not be as many '04+ vehicles with as many miles under their belt. The car has been flawless through three winters, two summers, and with great anticipation for the third. It's taken a couple of minor beatings (got lightly rear-ended, then lightly side-swiped) but repair costs at the local upscale shop actually turned out to be fairly nominal.

The engine runs great, and really does improve with age.

I highly recommend this car. It's been a true blast. I'm looking forward to switching to Potenza RE-01R tires for the summer... could be a disaster for all I know but... *shrug*

Like habitat I've been contemplating the "next step" and Porsche keeps rising to the top among the field of choices. I drove the new Boxster S but just couldn't justify the cost, even with the dramatic discounts. The playing field seems as sparse as it was when I bought my current car... Miata is still what it's always been, everything else is either 60% more expensive for 10% more fun, or 40% heavier for 5% less fun. I find myself wondering if I am best served by staying put until the next gen sports cars from Japan arrive here. Everything German seems heavy, expensive and comparatively unattractive in cabrio forms (versus their coupe counterparts) and everything American still has the interior of a Chevy Cavalier.

In the meantime, I figure I'll be within spitting distance of 100K miles within a year or so...

dominos

Greetings,

The only s2000 in my price range are year 2000 with about 60,000 miles on them.

Please share your experiences with High mileage s2000's and what is starting to fail or wear and tear problems I will be facing with a high mileage s2000(if anything)

I'm concerned because these high-revving machines take constant abuse from MOST owners (since they are meant to be driven hard) and i'm concerned with what problems might arise from purchasing a high mileage sport car.

example: Valve clearance adjustment
head gasket leaks
Distributor/Ignition
Rear End/Clutch
Suspension (Ball joints, shocks)
Water pump, fuel pump, injectors

I feeling that getting a larger displacement/lower rpm redline car like the 350z will result in less maintenance, yet my heart is in getting an s2000.

Thank you for your input

p.s hard to find any problems with these cars via google, but i'm sure when the miles pile up parts need to fail

jessie2000

Hi there. I am new to this forum so I thought I would ask for some opinions and advice. I bought a black 2000 S2000 a couple of years ago and just love it.

1) I seriously need to replace my tires. Should I stick with the stock Potenza S02's or can anyone recommend another high performance tire? I live in Ontario Canada and never drive the car in winter.

2) My rear windshield is now all cloudy. I have read a few forums but can not get a definitive answer. Can you replace the whole rag top of a 2000 year model with the new glass window tops. I don't necessarily want to do it myself, I just want to know if it can be done. My local Honda dealer had no clue.

nyccarguy

I see you've been a busy boy! You've got almost 60K on your S2K? WOW! I'm glad you're still enjoying it!

dominos

1) From what I understand the stock Pontenza are great tires.

2) here a Bulletin on how to maintain and repair your windshield:
http://www.s2ki.com/Home/content/view/6/5/

To upgrade your roof, I belive you will need a '02+ top frame and the top itself. There is alot of info on how to do it, just need to search more. I would find it but i'm on my way out. If you dont have any luck let me know.

btw. How many km's on it and have you had any problems with you car?
(see above post)

jessie2000

Thanks for the info. She has 71k km, and is working well. I have had no serious problems yet. I had to replace my MAP sensor last year, but that was all.

dominos

I found the document on how to upgrade a 2000-2001 roof over to a 2002+ roof. What is your email address and i'll send it over.

Well documented and has pictures for each step, but looks like it's not for the squimish.

zack_s

Anything definitive from Honda on the status of the S2000 for 2007 and later. Would something have been released by now if they were going to discontinue the car?

anythngbutgm

http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=543950

Looks like color changes are the only thing. S2000 soldiers on for another year. :shades:

eliyale

I'm new car shopping, and I've got my eye on the S2000. I've done a couple of test drives, and wow, if I get the car, I see speeding tickets on the horizon.

Here's the question (which I'm sure has been asked before). If I bought an S2000, it would be my only car. Is that advisable? I am single, have a short commute to and from work in very limited traffic. I live in a relatively snow and ice-free area. I don't haul a lot of stuff, so the limited storage space wouldn't bother me. The things that really worry me about having the S2000 as my only car are (a) the noise and (b) the ride quality. Can you live with them as a daily driver?

Claires

Folks, please don't post your email addresses in the Forums -- this leaves you vulnerable to people who might misuse that information (nobody likes spam). You can always make your email address viewable in your profile -- only registered members can see it that way.

habitat1

"The things that really worry me about having the S2000 as my only car are (a) the noise and (b) the ride quality. Can you live with them as a daily driver?"

Those are highly subjective questions that only you can answer. I had an S2000 for 2.5 years and 19,000 miles. It was a third car, but got used about 90% of the time the weather and my (lack of) passenger requirements permitted. Porsche makes a big deal about our new 911 (997) being a daily driver, and although it is much more so than previous models, it doesn't have any spare tire. At least the S2000 won't leave you completely stranded.

Look back for some perspective. 20-30 years ago there were quite a few single persons in their 20's would have Alfa's, Fiat's and MG's as their only car. The S2000 is a heck of a lot more comfortable and infinitely less finnicky than those vehicles of the 70's. Hell, I drove a Datsun B210GX without ari conditioning as my only car from 1978 to 1983 when I was single. The S2000 would have been considered a luxury car by comparison.

anythngbutgm

I use my '04 as a daily driver but I do not drive it in the wintertime, or the rain for that matter. But those choices are because I want to keep the salt off, not because the car can't be driven in those conditions.

dennis21

I use my 05 as a daily driver. Snow is not a concern since I live in Alabama. My commute is 25 miles each way. To me the issues you mention fall into an acceptable level for me. I enjoy driving this car.

kwinter

I have read just about every post on this forum about the S2000 and particularly those regarding the noise. I did get to drive a 2004 used at a dealers but didn't get to take it over 40 mph due to the location. The handling was fantastic and the sound at 40 mph wasn't annoying. The salesperson was annoying. When does the noise concern kick in? Over 70 mph? I saw one post where someone states how noisy the old MG's and TR3's were back in the day. Is the noise of a S2000 so much more annoying than those cars? I had a TR3 and MG and they never phased me. Someone stated their ears were ringing after a day trip? Also, oil changes. There was a comment made by someone that said one reason folks don't want this as a daily commute is because the avg person doesn't want to check their oil each time they get in the car. What's up with that? Does this car go through oil like water? The most expense for this car on a yearly basis is the tires/oil? I have a deposit on a 2006 which is being delivered in June. Silverstone/black interior Anyone have any comments on the latest features of the 2006?