S2000 people, need insight
Type-R; Tight Car
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Seattle, WA
Re: S2000 people, need insight
Cman-
So you are just a BMW fanboy opposite of me being a Honda fanboy. I could argue with you for hours about this but you still fail to prove me wrong or give examples why the S2000 fails to be an automotive masterpiece. Did I say you drove a BMW? Or did I ask if you did and used it as an example? I'm pretty sure I asked if you did. I'm glad you are getting so worked up over this to go out of your way to bold and increase the size of your font to hopefully make me mad? Sorry kid. As I stated you are ignorant when it comes to the S2000. Giving me details about a Bmw that you drive does not prove your statment that the S2000 falls short of anything. Give me examples as to why the S shouldn't be considered a masterpeice.
Yes I LOVED the snap oversteer. If I needed to use it I could. This is a skill I don't expect you to understand. It does not become an issue if you know how to drive the car and feel it talking to you. I knew exactly what my car wanted to do at all times. After having snap oversteer happen to me for the first time and me almost hitting a guardrail, I decided it was in my best intrest to learn how to prevent it and eventually use it. That car did what I told it to do. And there are plenty of people on the forum that will back me up on that. Some of us cocky S2000 owners actually used our cars and became VERY good at driving them.
So you are just a BMW fanboy opposite of me being a Honda fanboy. I could argue with you for hours about this but you still fail to prove me wrong or give examples why the S2000 fails to be an automotive masterpiece. Did I say you drove a BMW? Or did I ask if you did and used it as an example? I'm pretty sure I asked if you did. I'm glad you are getting so worked up over this to go out of your way to bold and increase the size of your font to hopefully make me mad? Sorry kid. As I stated you are ignorant when it comes to the S2000. Giving me details about a Bmw that you drive does not prove your statment that the S2000 falls short of anything. Give me examples as to why the S shouldn't be considered a masterpeice.
Yes I LOVED the snap oversteer. If I needed to use it I could. This is a skill I don't expect you to understand. It does not become an issue if you know how to drive the car and feel it talking to you. I knew exactly what my car wanted to do at all times. After having snap oversteer happen to me for the first time and me almost hitting a guardrail, I decided it was in my best intrest to learn how to prevent it and eventually use it. That car did what I told it to do. And there are plenty of people on the forum that will back me up on that. Some of us cocky S2000 owners actually used our cars and became VERY good at driving them.
Super Secret Agent
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 13,681
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From: 562 Long Beach KNUCKLE
Re: S2000 people, need insight
Wow.
Bowtie Bound?? ;)
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Ft. Story,Virginia Beach,VA
Re: S2000 people, need insight
Go and test drive one. I'm 6'1, and I fit fine. The hardtop def gives more head room. I also prefer the 00-03 over the 04+.
I'm not really sure what you are talking about? I've had my S2000 over 2 years, it has 65,000 miles on it, and my convertible top hasn't failed yet. No rips, no wear marks, works as good today as it did in 2003. I also have a 4.77's in the rear end, and it is def not as weak as some people think. But, I do agree with you saying that it takes a substantial amount of money to modify it tastefully, with quality parts.
I'm not really sure what you are talking about? I've had my S2000 over 2 years, it has 65,000 miles on it, and my convertible top hasn't failed yet. No rips, no wear marks, works as good today as it did in 2003. I also have a 4.77's in the rear end, and it is def not as weak as some people think. But, I do agree with you saying that it takes a substantial amount of money to modify it tastefully, with quality parts.
^ Obviously has never owned an S2000. Alot of wrong info right there.
The small tear in the soft top that occurs is easily prevented by a piece of felt apllied to the frame skeleton. Also, mine was an 01 had 80k on it and no tears what so ever. I also had 4.77's and and drove the car car without any problems over the 3 years I owned it. And I drove it hard.
Yes failing diffs have been heard of, but it is usually user error that cause them to break. Just like any other car. Just remember with the S2000, you are buying a honda, so you get all of the reliability, but unlike DC's/ Ek's ect. you are getting a very high quality car too. S2000 do alot more than just "look nice". They are pure function.
The small tear in the soft top that occurs is easily prevented by a piece of felt apllied to the frame skeleton. Also, mine was an 01 had 80k on it and no tears what so ever. I also had 4.77's and and drove the car car without any problems over the 3 years I owned it. And I drove it hard.
Yes failing diffs have been heard of, but it is usually user error that cause them to break. Just like any other car. Just remember with the S2000, you are buying a honda, so you get all of the reliability, but unlike DC's/ Ek's ect. you are getting a very high quality car too. S2000 do alot more than just "look nice". They are pure function.
I'm 6'1" and I fit perfectly. I don't even have the seat all the way back, so you should be fine.
And as everyone has said, go for the 00-03. I personally like the 03s best, because I believe they have a different ECU (someone correct me if I'm wrong). Also try to avoid the 2000 model, I've heard before a certain serial number, they have transmission problems.
And as everyone has said, go for the 00-03. I personally like the 03s best, because I believe they have a different ECU (someone correct me if I'm wrong). Also try to avoid the 2000 model, I've heard before a certain serial number, they have transmission problems.
Ignorant? hahahaaahhaahhaha
Awesome, another idiot S2000 driver who seems to think his "automotive masterpiece" is God's own gift to the fucking geniuses who drive them. If you're of the opinion that thinking the "automotive masterpiece" statement isn't something to lol at, I'm sorry: you're the one who has no clue what the fuck they're talking about.
Okay:
You admitted the top and the diff are common issues, and yet you call me "ignorant" based on the fact that you alone have had no issues with either?
So I'm wrong that the diffs are weak? I may not have ownership experience of an S2000, but I DO have ownership experience with the diff.
Hmmm, how's that work? Well, you see, I had a turbocharged Miata. Miatas, as it so happens, use the same differential as the S2000. It's known far and wide in the MX5 community that these diffs have issues, especially when venturing into the 300+ whp range. While you and your automotive masterpiece may not have had issues, there are PLENTY of instances where that's not the case, and if you try to say anything otherwise, you're nothing but an ignorant fuck yourself.
I've driven S2000s, and really, to be honest, they're nice cars. But they're FAR from automotive masterpieces. Trust me, I drive a car that actually IS one.
I'd love to hear what kind of bullshit excuse you come up with to work your way around the AP1's snap oversteer and gutless engine. Yeah dude, those are DEFINITELY earmarks to a masterpiece.
Awesome, another idiot S2000 driver who seems to think his "automotive masterpiece" is God's own gift to the fucking geniuses who drive them. If you're of the opinion that thinking the "automotive masterpiece" statement isn't something to lol at, I'm sorry: you're the one who has no clue what the fuck they're talking about.
Okay:
You admitted the top and the diff are common issues, and yet you call me "ignorant" based on the fact that you alone have had no issues with either?
So I'm wrong that the diffs are weak? I may not have ownership experience of an S2000, but I DO have ownership experience with the diff.
Hmmm, how's that work? Well, you see, I had a turbocharged Miata. Miatas, as it so happens, use the same differential as the S2000. It's known far and wide in the MX5 community that these diffs have issues, especially when venturing into the 300+ whp range. While you and your automotive masterpiece may not have had issues, there are PLENTY of instances where that's not the case, and if you try to say anything otherwise, you're nothing but an ignorant fuck yourself.
I've driven S2000s, and really, to be honest, they're nice cars. But they're FAR from automotive masterpieces. Trust me, I drive a car that actually IS one.
I'd love to hear what kind of bullshit excuse you come up with to work your way around the AP1's snap oversteer and gutless engine. Yeah dude, those are DEFINITELY earmarks to a masterpiece.
I've owned a few s2000's and countless honda's (over 500), and the thing about the 4 door is that its an economical 4 door. No style, no comfort, no immenities, it was made for a middle class family on a budget. Why dump money into it? Just buy an m3, is300 or something similar that will give you style, comfort and speed. I was not impressed with the 4 door si at all, but maybe a few more thousand dollars and you might be happy.
As far as the s2000, its an affordable kids sports car. If you are a middle aged guy like me, once you had one for awhile you'll be ready to trade it in for a g35. At 6'3" you might be able to slide in there, but you'll be at your limit. You'll love driving the car, it reminds me of a slow corvette convertible. But one major draw back that nobody here has mentioned....and maybe i'm getting old, but it sucks climbing in and out all day. I really prefer the rsx-s over the s2000 as an everyday driver. i'm 5'9" 195 muscle. Maybe the little skinny guys wouldn't mind. If you are a fatboy, gonna need an engine hoist. At over 6 foot, i would think it would get old for you.
As far as the s2000, its an affordable kids sports car. If you are a middle aged guy like me, once you had one for awhile you'll be ready to trade it in for a g35. At 6'3" you might be able to slide in there, but you'll be at your limit. You'll love driving the car, it reminds me of a slow corvette convertible. But one major draw back that nobody here has mentioned....and maybe i'm getting old, but it sucks climbing in and out all day. I really prefer the rsx-s over the s2000 as an everyday driver. i'm 5'9" 195 muscle. Maybe the little skinny guys wouldn't mind. If you are a fatboy, gonna need an engine hoist. At over 6 foot, i would think it would get old for you.
Heres what I gathered from everything :
1. You admit that the S2000 has problems. You just re-worded what I said to make it seem like the problems were insignificant.
2. You are trying to defend the S2000 and its known problems against someone who has had a little experience with them. Whats worse,is your fellow S2000 buddies even admit that some of these problems are in fact true,yet you still downplay them.
3. The S2000 believe it or not,is a DEAD END CAR unless you have the money to build it up. The high compression,light weight rwd chassis thats NOT made for drag,and weak diff just isnt a good canidate for what most car enthusiasts are after. Can you take it on backroads and get brave on the curves? Yes. Is that fun? Yes. But dont confuse taking turns on elbow road,with performing at road course events,and lining up with high horsepower vehicles at the 1320.
4. The value of S2000's suck. I remember when you had to have "money" to get one. Now people are shelling them off for 8500,9500,and 10,000. Shit,you have guys selling 92-99 cars for that much with built motors and turbo setups. Whats wrong with that picture? On top of the fact,that ive seen more people get rid of their S2000 for another type of vehicle on this site,than any other popular modified vehicle on this site.
5. Why do you have to get a CERTAIN YEAR S2000,just to have a decent car. ECU problems for the first few years would turn me off to S2000's period. That means there should have been more R&D done.
Thats what ive gathered. Is the S2000 a nice car? yes it is. Would I buy one if I were you? I sure wouldnt.
Super Secret Agent
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 13,681
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From: 562 Long Beach KNUCKLE
Re: S2000 people, need insight
So you love snap oversteer? Sounds like you have no clue what the fuck you're talking about. Ask any professional if they want snap oversteer in a performance car, and they'll look at you like you're fucking retarded. There's no arguing that.
Originally Posted by cman, dude.
the AP1's snap oversteer and gutless engine. Yeah dude, those are DEFINITELY earmarks to a masterpiece.
Last edited by Archer; Nov 27, 2008 at 06:44 PM.
Fanboi
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 24,919
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From: Virginia Beach
Re: S2000 people, need insight
I'm 6'4" 240 and fitting in a car properly is a big deal for me... it's what's kept me out of a Viper. Go drive one and see if it's fun to drive. To me... if I can't properly execute a heel/toe downshift then I don't fit in the car.
I sat in Cargee's S2K once... it was a joke... I was way too large.
I sat in Cargee's S2K once... it was a joke... I was way too large.
S a D u B
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,990
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From: Harrisonburg, VA
Re: S2000 people, need insight
Interesting convo here.
The s2000 was made to handle and does it pretty well for the price range/class it was built in. Is it an automotive masterpiece, I don't know if I would go that far. A ferrari enzo is an automotive masterpiece. An acura NSX was an automotive masterpiece, an s2000? Not quite, but it was a very good performer for sure.
The truth is tho, the potential for these cars is very poor. You have to spend thousands of dollars just to approach 300whp and that probably won't come with much reliability. Someone earlier said they are a dead end car, and I completely agree. They are a lot of fun for what they are, but don't expect to do much more without spending a ton.
The s2000 was made to handle and does it pretty well for the price range/class it was built in. Is it an automotive masterpiece, I don't know if I would go that far. A ferrari enzo is an automotive masterpiece. An acura NSX was an automotive masterpiece, an s2000? Not quite, but it was a very good performer for sure.
The truth is tho, the potential for these cars is very poor. You have to spend thousands of dollars just to approach 300whp and that probably won't come with much reliability. Someone earlier said they are a dead end car, and I completely agree. They are a lot of fun for what they are, but don't expect to do much more without spending a ton.
HHIC
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 19,087
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Re: S2000 people, need insight
Wow... I'm not going to get into a pissing match with everyone here, but I'll give a little info.
1. You're on the taller end for comfortably fitting in an S2000, but not over the top at all. You'll fit just fine. If you'd like a little more room, there are aftermarket seat rails for the stock seats that lower them about 1-2".
2. I've owned 2 S2000s now. My first one was an '00 model year that was stolen with ~85k miles on it. I never had a single problem with it and my top never got a tear. I drove the ever living piss out of that thing and it took the abuse in stride.
3. Between S2000s I built myself a ~450whp economy box. I hated it. For a daily driven car, 450 hp going to the front wheels in a chassis that was designed for no more than ~200 just doesn't work. It's fun at first, but it gets old quickly. With less than half the hp, a stock S2000 is FAR more fun to drive..... which brings me to my next point....
4. If you're a magazine racer or a "paper racer", don't buy an S2000. They're not incredibly fast cars in a straight line. You can also go around a corner faster, for cheaper. What numbers don't tell you however, is how fun they are to drive. I cross shopped EVOs, STIs, and a Cayman when I bought my second S2000 and liked the S2000 more just because it's more "raw". The other choices were faster and more capable, but less involving. Also, I bought this S2000 from my father who bought himself a new 911 turbo to replace it. Even he admits that he wishes he would have kept the S2000 and bought the 911. The "go kart" feel just isn't there with the new car. It's really hard to put into words, but there's just something about driving the S2000 that I really like.
5. It's often overlooked, but if you really want to get down to it... it's a convertible. I happen to enjoy a convertible so that also ads some points to the S2000 as far as I'm concerned.
6. There was a point brought up about people selling there S2000s for other vehicles... I'm guilty of that as well. I came back to an S2000 though because nothing else I owned was as fun to drive. Go drive one for yourself and decide. Don't let a bunch of biased opinions in here make your choice for you. It's really odd to me why so many people have such an agenda against S2000s. They're FANTASTIC cars.
7. Final though..... I hate saying this because I was a hardcore AP1 9000 rpm guy. But, I recommend an AP2 (2004+). After owning both I can tell you that they really are better cars. The interior is a bit more roomy, the bodywork changes look WAY better, the transmission is even smoother than an AP1 (which is still an incredible transmission), all AP2s have the glass rear window, the motor is easier to live with and a bit more powerful, and the chassis changes have made it an incredibly easy car to drive fast. Snap oversteer is gone now and it's easy to tip-toe around a corner on the throttle. (don't listen to those who defend snap-oversteer as a good thing that "good drivers" want. )
If you have any questions about them, please feel free to ask. I'm pretty sure I've got more miles in S2000s than anybody here.
1. You're on the taller end for comfortably fitting in an S2000, but not over the top at all. You'll fit just fine. If you'd like a little more room, there are aftermarket seat rails for the stock seats that lower them about 1-2".
2. I've owned 2 S2000s now. My first one was an '00 model year that was stolen with ~85k miles on it. I never had a single problem with it and my top never got a tear. I drove the ever living piss out of that thing and it took the abuse in stride.
3. Between S2000s I built myself a ~450whp economy box. I hated it. For a daily driven car, 450 hp going to the front wheels in a chassis that was designed for no more than ~200 just doesn't work. It's fun at first, but it gets old quickly. With less than half the hp, a stock S2000 is FAR more fun to drive..... which brings me to my next point....
4. If you're a magazine racer or a "paper racer", don't buy an S2000. They're not incredibly fast cars in a straight line. You can also go around a corner faster, for cheaper. What numbers don't tell you however, is how fun they are to drive. I cross shopped EVOs, STIs, and a Cayman when I bought my second S2000 and liked the S2000 more just because it's more "raw". The other choices were faster and more capable, but less involving. Also, I bought this S2000 from my father who bought himself a new 911 turbo to replace it. Even he admits that he wishes he would have kept the S2000 and bought the 911. The "go kart" feel just isn't there with the new car. It's really hard to put into words, but there's just something about driving the S2000 that I really like.
5. It's often overlooked, but if you really want to get down to it... it's a convertible. I happen to enjoy a convertible so that also ads some points to the S2000 as far as I'm concerned.
6. There was a point brought up about people selling there S2000s for other vehicles... I'm guilty of that as well. I came back to an S2000 though because nothing else I owned was as fun to drive. Go drive one for yourself and decide. Don't let a bunch of biased opinions in here make your choice for you. It's really odd to me why so many people have such an agenda against S2000s. They're FANTASTIC cars.
7. Final though..... I hate saying this because I was a hardcore AP1 9000 rpm guy. But, I recommend an AP2 (2004+). After owning both I can tell you that they really are better cars. The interior is a bit more roomy, the bodywork changes look WAY better, the transmission is even smoother than an AP1 (which is still an incredible transmission), all AP2s have the glass rear window, the motor is easier to live with and a bit more powerful, and the chassis changes have made it an incredibly easy car to drive fast. Snap oversteer is gone now and it's easy to tip-toe around a corner on the throttle. (don't listen to those who defend snap-oversteer as a good thing that "good drivers" want. )
If you have any questions about them, please feel free to ask. I'm pretty sure I've got more miles in S2000s than anybody here.