2000 Honda S2000 | Buyer's Guide

Hagerty’s Editor-at-Large Sam Smith explores what makes the 2000 Honda S2000 such a beloved classic sports car and details what you need to know about buying, owning, and loving this great roadster.

Follow us on social media:

Like what you see? Watch our other series including:

Contact us:

#HondaS2000 #BuyersGuide #NeverStopDriving

[comeconcon]

The way Honda designs its cars in both exterior and interior never fails to impress. you drive an S2000 in 2021 and it still turns heads out there in the roadway despite it's an old car.

[AGregariousPOS]

Like Hagerty's youtube page, but this isn't really a buyer's guide, more of a general review. Savagegeese has a true in depth buyers guide for this car that really tells you everything you need to know when considering purchasing one.

[michaelsautner]

I spun my AP1 after owning it for about 10 minutes. Respect the snap oversteer. Best car I ever owned.

[MrRarekiller]

I’m so happy i got my s2000 before they skyrocketed in price. Such an amazing car.

[protectandswerve]

Just bought an 05 AP2 a month ago. Low miles and stock great condition. Love it!!

[ChocoIatx]

My heart beats a little bit faster whenever I see or hear an S2000 😳

[bornagainmotoring]

Almost two years after this video, I'd like to say that the S2000 is still and "attainable" JDM legend.

[DirtDude]

Top Half of the cap? You mean VTEC's second cam profile
There are actually 4 variants of the S2000, essentially changing every 2 years.
AP1.1 (00-01), AP1.2 (02-03), AP2.1 (04-05), and AP2.2 (06-07) the 08-09 cars also had little changes but are still considered AP2.2s

1.1 cars have a (factory) plastic window, a richer tune ecu, slightly weaker synchros, and most importantly in the US 2 squirt oil jet bolts. These need to be changed to 4 hole banjo bolts to help lower oil consumption & on cars that see more time in VTEC also presently cylinder wall scoring. Some early 02s also still have the 2 hole banjo bolts so look out.
1.2 cars are the best of the AP1s, they have the updated synchros, banjo bolts, a glassback window, some interior and suspension rates changed but 03s also have a bigger oil pump from the AP2.

2.1 Is cable throttle of the 2.2L without VSA (traction control) and still is essentially a rawer car. These are considered the best year for a stock car as they don't have the AP1 or AP2.2 DBW issues. They do have an issue with 2nd gear popping out on 04s similar to the NSX snap rings, which isn't a fun fix if you have them.

2.2 is the car you want for a autocross, track, or modified car. The ECU is flashable so with a High Flow Cat you can use a lower VTEC tune for a ton of midrange torque without affection high RPM power. They can also have a safe fuel cut of 8500rpm for those sections you need a bit more speed in. HOWEVER they also run lien with a returnless fuel system so they tighten their exhaust valves over time causing you to need more frequent valve adjustments.

Hargerty, I could write a whole article if you'd like about the indepth stuff and the basics. My instagram is @130_James.Dean

[symbiotic_sk]

I was searching for 4 years for a low mileage AP2 with red interior. I'm glad to say that I found one 2 years ago. I've taken it to the canyons and auto cross multiple times.

My baby is now sitting there looking mint. Once in a while when I'm stressed out of my mind, I take out the car and once I'm driving it that stress is non-existent. For those of you that haven't driven one, drive one! You never know, you might just fall in love and join the S fam!

[porteuni]

Just bought my first one !!!! Can’t wait to drive it !

[MA-hohd]

Bought my '07 new in Jan. of '08, when so many had given up on this fantastic machine. You can have it when you pry it from my cold dead hands.

[xdjnoclux]

Got a 2000 ap1 model with 255k everything original beside battery tires and wheels, it is still running strong

[eyeswideopen]

There's also a version of the AP1 with out the air conditioning, saving weight and increasing the room under the boot . i got one since nearly 8 years now, 137 000 kms still with the OEM clutch, great car !!!

[marclebrun]

Got my '03 15 years ago and it will be in my will

[billzman]

Love my AP2 never going to sell it such an awesome experience everytime I turn it on

[pixelmixture]

this is the best car in the world and i drove a lot of different cars ... A LOT ... best 4 cylinder ever made / light / best shifter best gear box ever produced / wonderful chassis

[dadstoygarage]

Awesome Review of a great car! These things dominated our local autocross for the longest time. All the top drivers had them. Seeing less of them lately as they become older cars.

[TheEquationSlayer]

Was hoping for a more detailed guide. Like common problems and where to check for rust.

[musicalmcs]

I was able to get my 2011 TSX Sport Wagon because of an S2000. The former owner of my wagon had both cars, and his wife told him to get something larger to haul their kid around. He did the right thing and kept the S2000, which meant I got a great wagon. I've always loved how these looked and sounded!

[rileym]

This is not a buyers guide; this is a video of someone gushing about the car. Which is fine just make sure the title matches.