Pulling the trigger on a S2000. Anything I should watch out for?

[Timmah]

Hey Guys,

I know quite a few of you came over from the S2000 and some of you still have one. I was wondering what I should watch out for when looking for a used s2k?

I'm not sure whether I'll go AP1 or AP2 so info on each would be great.

Thanks,

Tim

[Noisycow]

I assume you have been here also - S2000 Forums

[Timmah]

ya I'm a member of that forum too. I just wanted some info from a more trusted source. I didn't necessarily want a bunch of fan responses

[mrcarcrazy]

+1 to the S2k forum website.


normal car stuff based on my limited experience w/ the car. check oil, look for obvious signs of body work. a good one is feel the underside of the hood's edge (windshield side) if its smooth on that seam its original hood (most likely). if it has paint bumps its not orig.

drive it. any issues? address those before pulling trigger.

Any aftermarket parts? (this may be good or bad depending on your taste)...but remember someone who mods likely drives hard...someone who doesn't mod, may or may not....all speculation but it seems to be true more than not.

[xtn]

Originally Posted by Timmah

Pulling the trigger on a S2000 anything I should watch out for?

Lotus traffic.

[doug_porsche]

the rear ends are known to break on the ap1 if abused.
been a year or so, but thats all I remember.
Actually a really good car. Enjoy

[PhlypSide]

AP1 02-03 model so you get the glass rear window and have 9K redline.

[skibum]

Here are the top 5 things I would look for:

1. The leather seats can turn to crap if not properly maintained. Check the thigh bolsters.
2. The front bumper & fenders have vin tabs on them. Make sure they all match. You can find them by popping the hood.
3. Check for no signs of tears on the soft top, inside or out.
4. Make sure the top operates smoothly and the latches are snug.
5. The 06+ is DBW and makes it a little more difficult to get a good turbo/sc setup on the car and it also limits your exhaust choices. An 04-05 is your best bet for styling and modicications.

[good2go]

Check with trackhq.com forum also since there's a lot of S2000 owners drive them on tracks and they work on them!

[Noizemaker]

Watch out for valve retainers cracking, they tend to do so on overrevs and not fail until they feel like it miles and miles later.

[Noisycow]

Judging from his sig, I'd trust what SkiBum has to say. 378 whp? Man, I bet that car is fun.

[SIIK2NR]

1. Check the shifter to make sure all the gates work and determine if the 1st to 2nd shift is really notchy. (skip shifting will cause you to get locked out of gears depending on which gears they are skipping due to damage to the synchros) (AP1, AP2)

2. Check the oil drain bolt and make sure that it's the OEM bolt w/washer and that the pan is not leaking oil.

3. Check the diff bolt and make sure it's the oem bolt with washer.

4. Check the slave cylinder bolt and see if the blue powder color is on the bolt. If it is no longer blue, most likely the clutch delay valve has been removed. (AP2)

5. Reverse slowly from park and listen for a "click" or "tick" sound from the rear axle. If you hear it, most likely you will need to remove the axle nut and replace with a new one.

6. Check the crossbeam in the enginebay UNDERNEATH the OEM airbox. If it's bent on one side, it has been boosted by a Comptech Supercharger at one point.

7. Check the oil pan, if the pan has been tapped with an additional outlet/drain it has been boosted by a Vortech Supercharger at one point.

8. Check the crank pulley and see if it has holes around the edges. If so, it is a OEM crank pulley modified by Comptech for the supercharger pulley.

9. Check the inner/outer CV boots for wear and tear and if they have been replaced/maintenanced. Vibration at speed is known to be because of the inner CV joint being worn down. This problem can be magnified or excelerated by someone using wheel spacers or incorrect wheel fitments.

10. Check the hood line when it's closed to make sure its even on all sides.
If it is not, it has been replaced at one point or another by another hood. Also lift the hood and check the hinge bolts for various markings which will show the hood was taken off.

11. Check the rubber exhaust hangers underneath and make sure they are all there. Missing hangers could mean an aftermarket exhaust was used.

12. Check the soft top striker plates and make sure they are in fairly good condition. When the top is closed and the latches are in place, there should be no movement. If there is movement, you will not have a good seal when you are at high speeds. Something you would not necessarily notice on an inner city test drive.

13. Retract the soft top and make sure the frame is not damaged or bent and it folds correctly.

These are just a few I would check.

Great cars... which is why I own one.

Good luck!

Tim

[wings & wheels]

two more points, one major:

1) there is an s/b on the original spark plugs ('00-'03?) requiring replacement with an updated part and torquing to 19ftlbs as opposed to the original 13ftlbs. there were issues with plugs loosening and some eventually blowing out. i believe there should be a punch near the vin on the firewall if the s/b was done by a dealer. the s/b was not done on my "Honda Certified" 2001 S2000 and when I checked it myself at 11k miles (!), the #4 plug was noticeably looser than the others and there was evidence of leakage by the threads.

2) if you plan on using the soft top cover, ensure that the soft top retracts enough to properly fasten the cover, otherwise it will partially detach. not a big project to adjust it yourself, just need the right crowfoot and an extension. I believe this is also a s/b

I am partial to the Ap1 for the 9k red line and its less frills experience. I had the plastic window and actually preferred it....it is a bit bigger than the glass. A few hours cleaning and polishing once a year and it will stay clear. Which ever one you buy, the S2K is a great car.

[ACE51]

V-Tec, it'll sneak up on you

[Hello Kitty]

[Timmah]

Thanks everyone for the feedback. I'm going to print out the list of things to check and take it with me when I go look at the cars.

There is one is Houston I'm 90% sure about pulling the trigger on. Its still under its certified pre-owned warranty.

[Timmah]

I picked up the car this weekend. White with tan interior '04, OEM wing, front ground effects, still under warranty (CPO). Clean, not too "ricey". Fun to drive but it's going to take some getting used to after driving my Xterra for 4 years. I haven't taken any pictures yet.

Thanks again for the help,

Tim