How to Know What to Consider When Buying a Honda S2000

When I see the other Honda S2000 owners in my suburb on the road, we always give each other the "knowing nod". To an outsider, this mysterious, secretive communiqué may reminisce of a Masonic handshake. What is the big secret? We know that we have a roadster that will stand up to (and in most cases, out perform) the Audi TT, BMW Z4 and Z3, Nissan 350Z, and Porsche Boxter... and for a fraction of the cost. But this article isn't about comparing the S2000 to the competition. It's about parting some wisdom to potential S2000 buyers, namely buyers who are thinking about purchasing a used model. The points outlined below are things to consider and look for before purchasing a Honda S2000.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. If you are buying a used S2000, make sure it comes with a tonneau cover. Car dealers have a sleazy reputation for a reason; they will try to pull a fast one on you any chance they get. One way dealers will try to deceive a S2000 buyer is to "forget" to include the tonneau cover (also called a "boot" cover). The S2000 tonneau cover is the large, vinyl strip that snaps in over the collapsed, convertible roof that hides the mechanical workings. Dealers and the Honda factory sell these covers after the fact for several hundred dollars, so it is an easy way for the dealer to scam you. However, If you ever purchase an S2000 without a tonneau cover, you should be able to find one in excellent condition for about $110 (including shipping costs) on Ebay.
2. Make sure the dealer gives you two sets of keys. A spare key is another item dealers will "forget" to include when selling a used S2000. Get the spare key up front. If the dealer says he has to order one, get it in writing that the dealer still owes you another key.
3. It specifically states in the owners manual and on a warning sticker on the gas cap flap that S2000s require premium-grade gasoline. Dealers never mention this. The S2000 gets good mileage (20-25 mpg), but you will be paying an extra 20 cents at the pump for each of those gallons.
4. Plan on investing in a better stereo. The S2000 gets bashed by critics and S2000 enthusiasts alike for having a horrible factory stereo. This handicap is exacerbated by the fact that the car is a convertible, so the sound dissipates completely at high speeds. A set of high-quality door speakers will greatly help. If tunes are an important part of your driving experience, you may want to look into investing in headrest speakers. The aftermarket headrest speakers are pretty expensive for what they are ($400), but for $250 you pick up a pair of S-Pod speaker holders, each of which hold a 5.25" speaker. You will, of course, need to also buy a four-channel amp if you take this route. Keeping the factory head unit (the radio itself) is recommended; there are stereo controls to the left of the steering column. Installing a different head unit makes these controls obsolete if you replace the factory head unit.
5. Try to buy from a used "Honda" dealer if you are interested in a used S2000. Used Honda dealers include a twelve-month, bumper-to-bumper warrantee with their vehicles and a 120-point pre-purchase inspection. The dealer may try to charge you for this service, but you should be able to easily negotiate it into the purchase for free. Negotiate it into the purchase after you have had the dealer agree on a price for the car, so that he does not quote you a higher price.
6. If you buy a used S2000, try to buy one that is well below 60,000 miles. Tires are typically replaced at 60,000, and a new set for an S2000 will cost you $800. However, if you buy from a used Honda dealer, they will replace them for free if the dealer includes the 120-point inspection and the tires are near the end of their road life. According to the S2000 manual, you will also need to have a full-service tune-up at 63,000 miles, which will set you back a couple hundred dollars.
7. Check for the tow-tools. There are a set of tow tools underneath the carpet in the trunk. Make sure that all of the pieces are included prior to buying.
8. If you are looking for a car to modify, the S2000 includes a plethora of aftermarket parts, making it an ideal choice the "Fast and Furious" crowd. It is also a rear-wheel drive, which makes for quite a thrill when up-shifting during a turn (think "Tokyo Drift").
9. Check with your insurance agent about the rise in premiums prior to purchasing. Although the S2000 has excellent crash-test ratings, your insurance premiums can easily double if you previously drove an older sedan. On a related note, one serious drawback to S2000s is the lack of a proper rollbar.
10. S2000s evolve little between years, but be aware of the major difference between the '00, '01, '02' and '03 models and later models. Early models included a 2.0 liter engine, but a higher redline (9,000 RPMs). Later models included a 2.2 liter engine, but a lower redline (8,000 RPMs). Supposedly, this transition was made to make for a smoother ride. Also, the '00 model included a plastic rear window, where later models include a glass rear window.
11. Buy a model that is three or four years old. Although these cars are known to hold their value, an S2000 will still depreciate nearly 50% over the first three years. However, the depreciation in subsequent years is typically in the high single digits. If this will be the first time that you will buy an S2000, buy a model that is three or four years old, and then trade it in later. Also note that cars that are four years old (or older) have a slightly higher interest rate than cars that are three years old (or newer).
12. Don't buy a blue or white S2000 unless it is well below suggest retail. Models in these colors are harder to turn over than red, silver, or black models. It may be a good idea to also avoid yellow, as buyers have very strong opinions - good and bad - about the appearance of these models. Also note that black interiors really bake in the summer time, especially when they are leather. A silver model with red interior is a good bet when considering resell potential.