2004 Honda S2000 - Consumer Discussions

Honda S2000

• What to look for in a used S2000?

  Written by: rebmo on Sep 27, 2008 7:30:03 PM

  I'm looking to buy a used 2004-2005 Honda S2000. What are the things to look for that might be a problem? A stock no winter lower miles silver not kiddie beaten is what I am basically looking for. I am in no hurry either, just looking for tips on any issues or hints of abuse. TIA, Reb

Honda S2000 Lease Questions

• Re: trading up? [yinzer1]

  Written by: dwynne on Oct 6, 2007 4:15:48 PM

  I did this - traded in my 2001 for a new 2005 2.5 years ago. They gave me what I needed for the 01 and sold me the 05 for invoice (at that time there were no dealer incentives). If Honda brings back cheap S2000 leases again I would try to do the same deal again to get a newer car. Trade in value for a 2004 with 30k in excellent ... Read More

• trading up?

  Written by: yinzer1 on Oct 6, 2007 3:01:15 PM

  Wonder if a lease guru could help me out... I am playing around with an idea of trading up to a new s2000 because of the falling demand. I have a 2004 silverstone with red/black interior. It has 30,000 miles and i have pay off of 19,500 which seems to be in the neighborhood of trade in value. I'm thinking of leasing rather than my current finance to get one of ... Read More

Honda S2000 vs. Nissan 350Z

• Re: S2000 torque? [tgeen]

  Written by: habitat1 on Jun 5, 2007 11:34:05 AM

  "Speaking of which, can anyone comment on driving a pre-2005 Boxster with a more recent S2000" After trading my Honda S2000 for a replacement sedan in 2004, I got back into the "fun car" market in 2005 and test drove and nearly bought a 2005 Boxster S (280 hp version). That car was quicker than the S2000, but not be a huge margin. It also would have been a bit more ... Read More

• Re: Z Vs. s2k [trucktricks]

  Written by: montrose on May 30, 2007 12:38:51 AM

  Been skimming through this thread and wanted to add a bit of my own experience in general, not really in response to any one post. I've driven the Z and the S, not the Sky. I think just based on the specifications of each car, it should be obvious how each will drive. The Z is going to be a brute with a lot of torque that tappers off by redline ... Read More

• Re: s2000 vs. 350z [biancar]

  Written by: habitat1 on Apr 30, 2007 5:36:59 PM

  "And even habitat switched out of his Honda after only 2 1/2 years to get a much more expensive car." Actually, I traded my s2000 on an Acura TL 6-speed in 2004 after my Maxima turned 150k miles. It wasn't until a year and a half later that I got the sports car bug again and had an opportunity to splurge. I was considering the Boxster S, but after several test ... Read More

• s2000 vs. 350z

  Written by: biancar on Apr 27, 2007 9:19:27 PM

  You're quoting from some pretty old stats there. But you're absolutely right about one thing, the 350Z is definitely cool-looking! ;-) Look, if you like the Honda better, good for you. I'm trying to point out the differences between the two for people who are still shopping and still considering one over the other. It's not so much which is "better," because that's really subjective. It's more which is better for ... Read More

Honda S2000 Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• Re: 2006 S2000 [khanderton]

  Written by: drewpa on Jan 22, 2007 7:54:25 AM

  Khanderton - You're absolutely right - Scott Honda did have a silver (now mine!) and a black leftover '06 s2000. We have been very pleased with Scott Honda - have bought a 2004 CRV, 2006 CRV, 2006 Civic and now the 2006 s2000 there. It sounds like you got a great deal. How do you like the Musiclink? I have heard mixed opinions about its usefulness, but I've been thinking about ... Read More

• Re: 2004 - 2005 S2000 [prime time]

  Written by: spursfan2007 on Jan 13, 2007 11:35:41 AM

  i saw one in san antonio at gunn honda it was yellow with 25k miles and was like 24 or 25k....while i was picking up my pilot.

• 2006 S2000

  Written by: drewpa on Jan 2, 2007 8:56:08 AM

  I'd like to share my recent buyer experience with you. I just bought a new 2006 S2000 from Scott Honda in West Chester, PA. This is the fourth Honda I've bought from them since May 2004, and I've been very happy with the car-buying experience there. Before I shop there, I get quotes from other dealers in the area. Scott does not seem to participate in the various "get an online ... Read More

Honda S2000

• Considering buying a S2000

  Written by: tametiger on Sep 28, 2006 10:28:56 PM

  This would be my first sports car. I have lots of questions, but I will submit just a couple for now. I live in Phoenix (no snow) and the cost of a S2000 will be on the outer limits of affordability for me. My question is whether it is realistic to think I can use the S2000 as my primary vehicle — for commuting to work, etc? How many S2000 owners ... Read More

Honda S2000 Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• Re: 2004 - 2005 S2000 [prime time]

  Written by: habitat1 on Jul 11, 2006 3:41:15 PM

  Have you considered a new 2006? They can be purchased at around $31,000, whereas a used, low mileage 2004/5 will probably sell for $25,000+, at least in our area. For that relatively nominal savings, I'd rather have a new one with a full 3/36 warranty and the ability to break it in properly myself. I do know of someone who bought a low mileage 2003 for $23,800, but he specifically wanted ... Read More

Honda S2000

• Honda S2000 - Noise, Oil Changes

  Written by: kwinter on Apr 30, 2006 5:50:29 AM

  :) 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 ... Read More

Honda S2000 vs. Nissan 350Z

• Re: Test Drive [tnjrobi1]

  Written by: habitat1 on Apr 14, 2006 2:52:29 PM

  Some large dealers do/did keep a test car. Or at least had used cars that were fully broken in that could be tested. But, unfortunately, in the case of a limited production car, it can be hard to find one to test drive. I suggest shopping dealers for a used 2004+ with the 2.2 liter engine. Think of it as preparation for when you hit it big. There aren't Ferrari 430s ... Read More

• Re: S2000 vs' 350Z [tnjrobi1]

  Written by: njexpress on Mar 21, 2006 11:36:20 AM

  While I am not too technical, I have gone thru' my share of ownership / test drive experiences of some fine automobiles in the US and I am sure that entitles me to consider myself a serious auto buff :D - Here are my 2 cents: I was waiting for the redesigned Mini S convertible for a while. When it became apparent that it was not going to be released until ... Read More

Honda S2000

• Re: honda s2000 [speedman]

  Written by: lostcount on Jan 27, 2006 9:22:11 AM

  http://www.streetsmarttechnologies.net/ these enclosures look good, but are a bit expensive, less than factory though and you can use your own speakers. also, 2004 and up models are prewired for headrest speakers, making installation easier....

Honda S2000 Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• 2002 S2000 - 24,600 Miles - Bought from Private Seller

  Written by: njexpress on Feb 22, 2006 6:48:56 AM

  Formula Red , Babied by previous owner (God Bless him!!), (nearly) new tires, Injen cold airflow intake, Optional Hardtop (which makes it driveable 300 out of 365 days a year- as long as the pavement is dry), CAR COVER, GrillCraft Grill Inserts in Black, detailed on a regular basis. Condition is immaculate and my mechanic gave it a 10 over 10. :D ON ROAD PRICE was $22,125, incl. TTR Cheers!! --njexpress ... Read More

• Re: What? [isellhondas]

  Written by: habitat1 on Nov 16, 2005 5:03:05 AM

  I'm guessing that the previous poster forgot the word "not". Last weekend marked the 4th anniversary of my purchase of a 2002 S2000. I bought it for $32k ($880 under MSRP), which was a great deal at the time, considering the Edmunds TMV was still $36,000 ($3120 over MSRP). I traded it 2.5 years later in May 2004 with 19,000 miles for $23.2k on an Acura TL, but could have sold ... Read More

• Closing out the 2005's

  Written by: okwiater on Oct 20, 2005 7:33:49 AM

  If you're looking to get an S2000 on the cheap, you can get great deals now that we are heading into winter. I was offered $29,000 on one, which is a little less than the dealer's cost, even taking into account the holdback. They want to clear them out to make way for the 2006's, which I fear you may not ever be able to get a great deal on, because ... Read More

Honda S2000

• Re: Want to buy an early model S2000 [rattlecage]

  Written by: habitat1 on Oct 4, 2005 3:34:44 AM

  A couple of comments: First, Honda made several improvements for the 2002 model year (which I owned): glass rear window, more powerful 4 speaker stereo, cosmetic upgrades, AND, revised stronger transmission. I believe the new transmission in 2002 took care of the gear grinding problem on the earlier models - I certainly had no such issues. If there is any way you can afford a 2002 over a 2000 or 2001, ... Read More

• Want to buy an early model S2000

  Written by: rattlecage on Oct 3, 2005 9:01:03 PM

  I drove a 2004 S2000 at a dealer and fell in love, however my budget is limited. I noticed 2000 and 2001 S2000s are below $20k, and in some cases around $15k, so I am looking to buy one in the next 3 months. Any recommendations on what to look for in a $20k S2000 ? What mechanical problems should i look for? Someone mentioned gear grinding between 1st and 2nd ... Read More

Honda Extended Warranties Pricing and Info

• Old plan VS New Honda Care Plan

  Written by: dwynne on Sep 8, 2005 6:27:57 AM

  Biggest difference is $100 deductible VS $50 and cars with more than 6k (and 2004 or newer) can no longer get the $0 plan. It looks like Bernardi is still the cheapest by a little bit, but the price has gone up. It looks like pre-9/1 VS now you get 5k more miles on the 7/75k/$0 plan but pay $50 more for the coverage. The $100 deductible plan sells for more ... Read More

Honda S2000

• Re: Daily driver? [topspin628]

  Written by: habitat1 on Aug 9, 2005 9:26:11 AM

  I had a 2002 S2000 for about 30 months from November 2001 throguh May 2004, during which time I put approximately 18,500 miles on the car. Live in the Washington DC area. The S2000 doesn't like snow. The tires were the biggest issue. I had a Nissan Maxima that I used in poor weather, so I never tried switching to snow tires on the S2000. But even with snow tires, the ... Read More

• Re: Questions on storage... [anythngbutgm]

  Written by: habitat1 on Aug 2, 2005 11:26:00 AM

  And my two cents on the advantages (or not) of storage: I bought a 2002 Honda S2000 in November 2001. We live in DC and the car was parked outside. I did get a high quality car cover for periods when we traveled or I thought I wouldn't be driving the car for several days. However, I did get many opportunities to drive the car thorughout the winter months and found ... Read More

Honda S2000 Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• Re: anyone looking for a 2004 s2000 [mford]

  Written by: dwynne on Jun 25, 2005 2:41:21 PM

  At the right dealership, you can get a new 05 for invoice or maybe a touch under. About the best the dealer is likely to do is sell you this 04 with ZERO profit - which is about $1,000 under invoice - without money from Honda they would just be losing money at a lower price. To me, this is way too little a savings to give up one model year. ... Read More

Honda S2000

• Re: Discontinued Honda S2000 [zelda3]

  Written by: vinny1961 on Jun 10, 2005 8:35:01 AM

  Hi Zelda, I had the 2003 S 2000 and when I traded it in for my 2004 Accord I was sick! I really missed the car. Now I just purchased the 2005 S 2000. This may be the last one they will make because Honda will bring back the revamped Prelude next year. Because of the resale value of the S 2000 you are much better off getting a new one. ... Read More

Honda S2000 Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• Re: 2005 Honda S2000 - gray [habitat1]

  Written by: dwynne on Jun 1, 2005 6:54:09 AM

  Selling price has little to do with how much money Honda made on the S2000, unless there was dealer money on the car the dealer paid invoice less hold back no matter what they charged. Now the price you COULD get is a direct reflection of how well or how poorly the car was doing, sales-wise. With limited production each dealer knew they would only get a few so would not ... Read More

• udpate...

  Written by: breld on May 18, 2005 10:05:30 PM

  Couldn't resist. Stopped by a local Honda dealer and tried the S2000 on for size. It's not like I had room to spare, but once I got my long legs in (I'm 6' 3" with a 35" inseam), the room was OK and I really enjoyed the test drive. I was particularly impressed with the headroom, though we dropped the top right away. The test drive was in what would be ... Read More

• Re: Model changes? [breld]

  Written by: dwynne on May 17, 2005 3:46:27 PM

  2000 and 2001 have the plastic window. For 2002 they replaced it with a smaller glass window. They also boosted power on the OEM stereo and were supposed to upgraded the transmission - some other minor trim type stuff. The 2002 cars have separate tweeters in the door, 2000 and 2001 cars have a single (coaxial) speaker. For 2004 they changed to a 2.2l I4, but it no longer revs to ... Read More

Honda S2000

• Re: Discontinued Honda S2000 [zelda3]

  Written by: habitat1 on May 11, 2005 11:58:57 AM

  I have also heard that 2005 is the last year for the Honda S2000, but that would not deter me from buying the car at all. Honda dealerships are not going anywhere and the company is likely to support the car with respect to parts and service for the foreseeable future. However, as a former owner of a 2002 S2000 which I kept for 2.5 years, I would suggest you consider ... Read More

• Discontinued Honda S2000

  Written by: zelda3 on May 10, 2005 1:35:18 PM

  My husband and I have been wanting to purchase a used convertible for a "fun" third car. After much research, we decided that a 2004 Honda S2000 with low miles would probably be our best bet. However, I have now found out that this model will be discontinued by Honda after 2005. My question for more experienced car buffs is this: is it a good investment (or idea) to purchase a ... Read More

Honda S2000 Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• Re: Honda S2000: Prices Paid & Buying Experience [ohiocarguy]

  Written by: ohiocarguy on Nov 6, 2004 2:45:02 PM

  New 2004 red S2000 at Jack Matia Honda in Elyria, Ohio is priced at $29,997. Retail is $33,290. I want it but can't buy it! OhioCarGuy

Honda S2000

• expected

  Written by: sphinx99 on Oct 6, 2004 10:07:40 PM

  As I recall, 2004 production volume was reduced significantly. S2000 demand has been dropping for a few years now. At the end of the day, Honda's amazing accomplishment is the fact that they can sell minivans at MSRP far more easily than they can sell posh, sexy convertible sports cars.

Honda S2000 Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• Re: Honda S2000: Prices Paid & Buying Experience [KarenS]

  Written by: ohiocarguy on Sep 8, 2004 9:53:51 AM

  FYI: A dealership outside Cleveland has often advertised new 2004 S2000's for $30,495. I mentioned this to another dealer here in Ohio and it seemed to be helpful (from my point of view!) in discussing pricing of the car.

Honda S2000

• Re: habitat1/sphinx99 [carliker]

  Written by: habitat1 on Aug 11, 2004 3:06:49 PM

  "If you drive both vehicles properly, the S2000 will edge out the Boxster S every time". Obviously, I am partial to the S2000, but I don't think that is a correct statement. I've seen a few road test 0-60 numbers that put the S2000 neck and neck with the Boxster S, but I've also seen a few that put the Boxster S slightly ahead of the S2000. Going to 100 mph, ... Read More

• For Good Measure

  Written by: carliker on Aug 5, 2004 11:37:17 AM

  Here's an Edmunds (First Drive) article concerning the 2004 S2000 stating the 0 to 60 time at 5.5 seconds. There's your references. http://www.edmunds.com/new/2004/honda/s2000/100348367/roadtestart- icle.html?articleId=100600&tid=edmunds.e.roadtests.content...- Honda* Quote: "Honda claims that 0-to-60-mph times slip down to "less than 6.0 seconds" with the new engine, and since Edmunds has had previous S2000s scooting to 60 in as quick as 5.8 seconds the carmaker is probably being conservative. The new S2000 feels quicker and likely ... Read More

• titan

  Written by: carliker on Aug 3, 2004 7:57:25 AM

  I still have no idea why anyone would despise the stock Honda wheels. Do you want 18" tires, new rims, "never die" ultra tread? What's the deal? The tread may wear, but that's the case with most sports cars. There is NO reason to spend $2K on new tires. I haven't put enough miles on mine to determine any long-term tread issues, but there isn't any other vehicle that handles better ... Read More

• Re: First S2000 Test Drive (Part 2) [blacktalon #69]

  Written by: habitat1 on May 27, 2004 3:16:29 AM

  I'm somewhat sorry to report that after 2.5 years of a most enjoyable relationship, I am trading my 2002 S2000 as part of a deal to get a 2004 TL (6-speed of course). There will, undoubtedly, be some significant moments of remorse; especially when I see someone else, top down, shoot by me in a spa yellow S2000. But when I got the S2000, I intended for it to be a ... Read More

Honda S2000 Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• When's the Best Time to Purchase S2000

  Written by: smiley4 on Jul 11, 2004 8:40:20 PM

  After looking, test driving, researching various convertibles - the Mazda Miata, Honda S2000, BMW Z4, Toyota MR2, and the Nissan 350, I've finally made the choice of the S2000!!! I'm pretty excited and it was by far the best in looks, and to a woman, what else matters:+)!! Oh, yeah, and my husband mentioned something about "RPMs" and "red lining" and "speeding tickets" when I hit 6th gear cruisin' down I-95 ... Read More

• no title

  Written by: jwharding on Dec 14, 2003 11:47:37 AM

  I got 1k off sticker and paid $32,300 for my silverstone metallic 2004 S2000 at Curry Honda in far northern Westchester County, NY in mid November. I had car fever in extremis, and didn't haggle very hard. A tougher persona probably could beat them down a bit more now that the winter snows have begun. Also, I was disappointed to find that neither my saleman or the "business" closer seemed to ... Read More

• no title

  Written by: acura_fantacy on Dec 2, 2003 9:09:37 AM

  I saw this from another forum: "here's a pretty good deal on a new 2004 Honda S2000 for $30,995 that I came across: http://marketplace.s2ki.com/docs/2004S2000/index.php Unfortunately, it's only at a dealer in North Olmsted, OH. However, if you live elsewhere, print this out and use it as negotiating leverage!"

Honda S2000

• no title

  Written by: habitat1 on Nov 26, 2003 3:37:22 AM

  I've been given a 2004 S2000 to drive for the next 3 days while the Honda general manager is out for the Thanksgiving holiday. I know the owners of the dealership and they still joke that it's their goal to get me to drop my spot (#2) on the Elise list and get an S2000 instead. Something about someone my age shouldn't be trying to get in and out of an ... Read More

• Improved?

  Written by: habitat1 on Nov 17, 2003 2:08:41 AM

  I had the opportunity to test droive the new 2004 S2000 and chat with a Honda regional rep who is a serious enthusiast. My take - echoed by him - is that the new S2000's impprovements, while looking good on paper, are almost indetectible. In my opinion, the "more torque" and "more useable power" were not as evident to me as the lower redline. The 2004 did not seem as quick ... Read More

• 2004 S2000

  Written by: blacktalon on Nov 16, 2003 7:44:02 PM

  From everything I've read, Honda has managed to do the near impossible -- make the S2000 a much better daily driver while keeping it just as fast on the track and through the twisties: - More torque - More usable power - Better ride - Greatly reduced tendency for snap oversteer - More rigid body - 17" tires - Similar or better 0-60, 1/4 mile, and track times - Similar or ... Read More

• Redesign

  Written by: mhenderson1 on Sep 25, 2003 8:57:50 AM

  Does anyone know if Honda will be completely redesigning the S2000 in 2004 or 2005. I like the S2000, but I am 6'6" and I can barely fit in it. I recently heard that more room will be placed in the redesign. I hope that also comes with a telescopic/tilt steering wheel.