S2000 questions for new buyer

[wixy]

Thinking of getting an early S2000, have a few questions:

1.) What are the servicing intervals (minor and major) and how important is it to change oil on time? Do they have a timing belt that needs to be replaced?
2.) What's the long term reliability like? Worth looking at models with 170,000+ km's?
3.) What sort of prices should I expect to haggle in today's market, particularly for high km examples?
4.) Any differences between the 1999 - 2003 model years?

Appreciate any assistance, cheers.

[VeYzZii]

1.) What are the servicing intervals (minor and major) and how important is it to change oil on time? Do they have a timing belt that needs to be replaced?
This should give you an idea. http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16544&page=12
2.) What's the long term reliability like? Worth looking at models with 170,000+ km's?
Prolly not
3.) What sort of prices should I expect to haggle in today's market, particularly for high km examples?
High km S2000s with corresponding high kms problems and wear and tear are worth less then 18.
4.) Any differences between the 1999 - 2003 model years?
Oh gawd. Google that question.

[JN7]

don't mind smart asses like him ^

Difference between the 99-03 AP1
99-01 AP1
No tweeters in doors
No clock
Black radio door
Cd stacker in boot
Plastic rear window
16" 5 spoke matt wheels with lip
Black headlights
Black tape around front window
Carpet centre console
Aluminium knob

02-03 AP1
Tweeters in doors
Silver radio door
CD stacker located in secret comparment inside cabin
Glass rear window
16" 5 spoke polished wheels with no lip.
Chromed headlights
Chrome ringed rear tail lights
Leather centre console
Aluminium knob wrapped in perforated leather
Has no color coded badges
Wind deflector
Silver bits on top of seats
Upgraded head unit with clock
Upgraded clutch
Coin pocket in centre armrest

[VeYzZii]

^ LOL i misread the question anyway. I was thinking another AP1 vs AP2 question. Oh well Cheers JN7 :)

[wixy]

Thanks for the replies guys!

[VeYzZii]

Read this when you get the chance: http://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/775801-what-to-look-for-when-buying-a-used-s2000/
Its really specific and tight, will definantly help.

[AusS2000]

02-03 AP1

Coin pocket in centre armrest

Coin pocket? I thought the 02-03 had the same centre console as 99-01?

The coin slot I have is from the USDM.

[black8thgen]

are there any engine or mechanical differences between say an 99 and 00/01 model?

just noticed that a lot of ebay parts and parts on manufacturer website only say S2000 00-03 and leave out the 1999 year model. Is this just people being retarded/lazy or is there a legit reason the 99' year model is rarely included in part descriptions under what car the part is for?

[sae]

nope all the same. 02 has the clutch buzz problem addressed however.

[AusS2000]

It's a matter of ignorance - yours.

Cars delivered in 99 are MY00. This is common to all manufacturers. The new year model starts shipping late in the previous year.

[AusS2000]

Oh, and there are very few, and subtle, mechanical differences. Mid 2002 some banjo bolts for oil squirters were changed from 2 hole to 4 hole for example.

[dlai5552]

Why get a high km car when the resale is going to be a b**ch, more wear and tear and possibly more issues (yes I know all cars can have issues, ev?
May as well, negotiate a genuinely low km car, feels better to drive and can resell easier later for around $2-4k higher.

[Vicks]

I'd rather a well maintained high km car over a low km which has been through a hard life.

[dlai5552]

^ that's why you keep looking, wait and be patient :)

[AusS2000]

I'd rather a well maintained high km car over a low km which has been through a hard life.

Or the clock wound back.