Im seriously thinking of buying an S2000 and this video seriously helped! Thanks!

My man out here with a red straw from McDonald’s and using it as a pointer 😂😂😂

These issues are so incredibly minor compared to what to watch out or when buying German or American. Gotta love Honda.

buy one, and never look back. thats all the advice you need to give people. ive owned my 2004 AP2 for almost 10 years. bought it at 27k miles, and now at 110,00 miles. few track days later, and still puts a smile on my face. actually have a track day at the end of January and looking to upgrade suspension. great car honda has built. ill replace the engine 3 times before i sell this car.

I love my AP1! Had it for over 12 years and 180 000km! And still going strong!

Top notch video and very thorough. No long intros, annoying music, and longwinded stories about his grandma. Thank you sir!

Going to look at a ap1 tmr and have done a fair amount of research but this video definitely helps make me feel more confident in what to look for and look out for. Thanks guy 💁🏻‍♂️

Well done, sir. I've owned two s2k's in my day. I'm 31, and plan to buy one more for one last time. Gotta be a cr for real

Good information! I would add that the radiator and coolant overflow sometimes leaks because the plastic gets old and brittle.

I have a 2000 Honda s2000 bought brand new. It is about to be a 19 year old car. I have had none of the issues. But I will watch the video again. Practically any other car that old will have similar issues. 9k redline.....the exhaust roaring is intoxicating, love that twitchy rear end, great on gas, looks great, dependable.....I will never sell it. Be nice to this car and you will be happy. If you find one unmodified, babied and in your preferred colour combination......Buy it!

Used this video to buy my S2000! The biggest help was info about the Top!!

I have a 1999 AP1, imported from Japan to the UK. The JDM spec cars have a higher compression ratio than other AP1s, they make a little more power, and rev a little higher, but require higher octane fuel due to the higher compression. I picked it up about a year and a hald ago (2017) with 50,000 miles, I paid around £6,400(GBP) or $7,700(USD). It gets spirited road use, and some light track use. So far it's been pretty reliable. Issues to date are: Brake caliper seized. Fairly typical on any car this age. MAP/MAF sensor clip failed, sensor itself was ok but connection was poor resulting in intermittent power loss. (Took me a while to diagnose this one but easy cheap fix once I did). Clutch failed. Original clutch lasted to well over 50k. Clutch arm was slightly bent when inspected and was replaced. Original clutch "buzzed" a lot, particularly on overrun, this was a design oversight with early cars, but doesn't affect performance. New OEM clutch is a different specification to the early ones and does not buzz. The plastic which covers the roll bars had separated, this seems to be very common for S2000s which have seen sun. The headlights are clouded but will come right back with a bit of elbow grease. Remarkably, despite having no underseal (the JDM spec cars were not undersealed from the factory), there is no corrosion anywhere on the car, which given the climate in the UK is surprising. All in all it's proven to be a very reliable sports car when compared to other sports cars I've owned. Parts are a little more expensive than other Japanese cars I've encountered, but I highly rate the build quality and reliability. Hopefully some of this info may help prospective buyers.

Great guide! Bought my 07' at 60k miles, now I'm at 112k 3 years later, and just went KW supercharged making 400whp. I don't baby her tho the car has been absolutely rock solid minus a few common issues. VTEC solenoid gasket leaking, soft top tears, CMC leaking, exhaust valves were tight, replaced windshield once, re torquing the rear axle nuts because both were clicking. Just keep an eye on your oil level, and replace fluids on time.

The shout outs are much appreciated! Overall it was a pretty thorough video. Definitely touch on some points I’ve never thought of and missed one or two things I would talk about. Looks like a great start to your channel!

This is a fantastic video. Very well done. Just right to the point.

Great video I’ve owned my ap1 for about 8 months now and I actually learned a lot just listening to some of the issues you had. I also have a few ideas on how I can make mine run a little more reliably now.

Awesome tips. I'll use this video when I spot a s2000 on sell!

I appreciate you taking the time and effort of making this video. I am currently looking to buy an S2k and you’ve helped make my dream more and more a reality. Thank you!

This man made this video with a 10 dollar microphone and a straw

Thanks for all that useful information. I've had my 2003 S2000 since it was new, and I've had some of the problems that you mention. Depending on how big and tall you are, the S2000 is a difficult car to enter and exit. I'm 5' 10" and I've not had any problems with the car's existing leather seats. My original top did tear as you describe and I replaced it with an OEM top which is holding up well. I've always washed the car myself. It's never been through an automatic car wash. I recommend treating your S2000 like your grandmother. I do, so don't bother pulling up behind me at a stoplight.

Great video! I just sold my S550. Looking to guy a ap2 before the prices go insane. And they almost are now! Good to know most these issues are minor. (Compared to other cars of this era)

Thank you great video! Your research is much appreciated!

Great info. Great video!!

Your S2000 is immaculate. Thank you for the informative video.

You keep your car in excellent condition, nice to see. I enjoy our 2002 BMW z3 3.0

Thank you for all your tips! appreciated!

Everything mentioned here is well noted. Most of the items (except for top replacement and windshield replacement) are considered regular maintenance, and 90% can be performed quickly and easily with basic tools in your garage. Only item that I disagree with is the aftermarket air intake. Would recommend the stock "airbox mod" instead, fairly well proven to flow better and at lower temps. Explore this further by watching the you tube channel by LHT Performance. These guys are the S2000 masters, and they show you how to do everything, and recommend fluids, etc. Nice job.

Very helpful bro thanks! Feel alot more confident

Fantastic video, great work.

Thanks man gave me a good insight of getting the good s2k 👍

This is great information!

Tires aren't made of yarn. It's "tread," not "thread." Other than that, solid video.

12:39 When I bought my S2000 it had the lip and gasket but unfortunately the seller and I didn't make out. I feel like was cheated now. Not fantastic at all.

Thanks for the video! About to go check out a 2001 s2k with 140k miles… hopefully it all checks out good

Nice Video! I apprechiate your Infos and for people who are thinking about buying a S2000 its really helpful :)

what did he mean at 5:30 about adjusting the valves? could somebody explain please? if im viewing a car i dont think the owner will be happy me messing around with his engine. could somebody explain the process?

Great information bro....... That makes for a good video..... Good job....

I have a 2002 S2000, red interior (less than 70k miles). Purchased new in January 2002. No mechanical issues yet. My soft top needs replacing (for about 4 years now, I'm looking for an affordable OEM hardtop) and the paint is not in good condition (I live in a urban area and it's not garaged). My seats haven't any tears though the foam is ugly on driver's side entry. Thanks for the video, I will check these items. I do often think of getting rid of it... until I take it on a good ride. P.S. I just looked at the prices for 2002 S2000, that I may be able to get at least a third of the price I paid is pleasing.

I liked your video but let me tell you about my S2000. I purchased mine new in 2005, it's only a summer car for me with 51K now. I have had no problems with mine, it has the original roof, seats, windshield and wheels. It still looks very stock on the outside, however I have made some modifications, a Kenwood radio, Vortech supercharger, OS Giken clutch and OS Giken rear end. It dynos at 315, it's fast, loud and fun, the best car I have ever owned...

Savagegeese also makes a brilliant s2000 buyer's guide. This one is very helpful and concise!

Nice video!.. I would also ask if the compliance bushings were ever replaced. My car didn't pass the annual safety test (apk in Holland) because of the faulty bushing. Problem is that in many cases the caster adjustment collar and end-links are seized and you can only remove by cutting them out. While at it I changed out all control arm bushings, wheel bearings, sand blasted the arms etc. It's a hell of a job and quite expensive. Only the control arm nuts and bolts from Honda cost 500-700usd for all 4 wheels. Together with new bushings, bearing, end-links, tools you quickly looking at 1-2k just for parts.

I didn't get to watch this video before buying my s2000 because a won it in a raffle for 18 euro 😅 this video has been very helpful since getting the car

Thanks for the info it will help me when I save the money to get my dream car

Can’t go wrong with a S2000 right? Great video!

Thanks for the tips.

U just got ur self a new subscriber :) it was a pretty good video and information. Got me thinking more on what to look for on my s2k since it's been driving a bit rough lately.. keep it up tho man.

Thank you for this video

Very good video mate! Watch from Sydney Australia

Great job 👏🏻 Thanks!!

God damn, this is by far the nicest dude i´ve seen in a video in a while. Thanks dude, we appreciate it. ;)

Great video! I remember when the S2K first came out. Wanted one at first sight but so expensive! I've seen several in my area for $15K or so with less than 60K miles. Am about to pull the trigger and buy one. I've had lots of Hondas before. No real issues. Everyone I've talked to with an S2K have had no issues with theirs. Almost a no brainer at this point.

This is so helpful !! Thanks for sharing your knowledge

Wow I love the s2000 I want to buy one ASAP with these tips

4:39 - Don't recall who sells it but there's a UV-blocking, clear film that can be applied to headlamp assemblies which also served as a rock chip protector since the film has some thickness and feels rubbery. IIRC, it can also be applied to the leading edge of car hoods - the product segment I saw had it on the leading edge of a pick-up truck hood and you couldn't see it was there. I don't remember how many mils thick the product is is but it might be between 5 and 10 mil - maybe a bit thicker. It can be applied and slightly stretched like an automotive wrap with the excess trimmed off afterwards. ⏯ Anyone happen to know what that UV-/rock chip protectant film is called? It should be a well vetted market by now as I saw this product 5 to 10 years ago.

Couple things to add that are more important than anything in this video. First, the rear axle nuts on the s2000 are not torqued anywhere near what they need to be. Honda themselves admitted this after the fact. This under torquing leads to a clicking noise when the rear axles start to rotate forward or reverse which isn’t that serious, but also most people have problems with rear wheel bearings continuously failing. This is directly caused by the axle nuts not being torqued to the correct amount. Secondly, this is extremely common especially if you decide to lower your s2000 and it can happen even if you don’t, and that is CV pitting. This is a portion of the inner part of the rear axles where it will start to pit into the CV joint causing a vibration while under throttle. The faster you go the worse it will get and the longer you delay to fix it the worse it will get, so you either replace them which is expensive, or most people just switch the left side with the right. Its not a permanent fix, but this creates a new wear pattern that will take another 40,000 miles or so for the CV pitting to occur again along with the vibration. Third, the AP1 differentials suck. Moving on.. Fourth, if you plan on putting a turbo or supercharger on your new s2000, the 2000-2005 models have a return fuel system which doesn’t single handedly limit the amount hp you can have. However, the 2006-2009 s2000s have a returnless fuel system, which does indeed limit the amount of hp you can obtain. You can pay to have an earlier model s2000 fuel system swapped into the newer years as well. Lastly, 2006+ s2000s don’t utilize a direct mechanical throttle cable. They have drive by wire instead which is electronic. The throttle cable is of course no lag, quick and responsive. The drive by wire on the s2000s are far superior to most drive by wire designs, but I’ve still talked to people who say they can feel a throttle delay from time to time and at certain rpms. So basically in my opinion, the best years to buy an s2000, are 04-05. Ok I’m done right this fucking book, your welcome.

thanks for the video!

Great video, Thanks!

Great video a lot to think about

i dont have many of these issues. but its good to be aware of these for general maintenance

This is a very detailed but at the same time straight to the point video. Great job!

This definetly helped me already! Thank you for this video.

Aw he thanked his wife.. Good info! You made me hella excited to buy an s2k!

Such a freaking beautiful car. I'm trying my best to get one because I truly believe this car is going to shoot up in value soon. I'm really wanting an AP1 for the revs but would take an AP2 for sure!

Thanks for the vid dawg

This sir was an excellent video, really great-full I came across it.

Keep doing your thing.

What kind of coverage do you have that a pitted windshield was covered?

Great video

great video man

Great info! Thank you!

Very informative 💪🏿

Thank you for this info (:

great vid very helpful :)

Thanks to your wife for a well above average job of “manning” the camera. Thanks to you for such a detailed “squak” list without which I would have missed 75% of the items you mentioned.

I love my s2k, can't say enough to good things about it. I've put through 15 bottles of nitrous before I put a HKS supercharger on it. Square setup 255's on all 4. 368 rwhp at 10 psi now. I've put on hundreds of laps doing trackdays and it has 140 000 km on it. I beat the living hell out of it and it keeps on going.

thanks for sharing.

I want to buy an AP2 just because I hear they are more easy to daily around! This is super helpful when shopping around me! I hope I can pull the trigger and learn to drive manual before I have to pick it up xD

Don't forget to pull the carpet trim out of the trunk, there's most likely water in the bottom pan, a bad top install will leak water into the trunk.. This must be taken care of before it starts to rust. Clean and repaint any damage at the trunk bottom, then put some short tire valve stems (Stems facing down, with the internal valve removed) in place of the bottom trunk plugs to keep the trunk drained and dry.

Some time last year I posted a comment in one of your videos about buying an s2000 but someone beat me to it (buying it) this year a clean 2004 Silverstone S2000 85k miles popped up and bought it without thinking twice. Lol I’m finally an s2000 owner! 🙏🏼

Good vid. Thanks for posting!

I have a Black 2007 S2K with 41k miles and no issues and my top still looks new. Yes my tires are 8 yeas old lol but I don't drive it much and cranked out a 14.0 in a 1/4 mile. I love this car. I will get new tires soon I'm curious if I can dip into the high 13's with better rubber.

Great Video!

I plan on buying one soon from a private seller I'm gonna keep my eye out for these.

Also has notorious problems like the tps, map sensor, timing chain tensioner and vtec solenoid leaking

I gotta say you forgot about the timing chain tensioner and the valve retainers (on AP1s) the tire, windshield and belt are more of general car buying tips than just s2000. Also if you are able to test drive the car, make sure to do the test for a twisted frame.

Very true on clutch master cylinder

This looks like the Hume parking garage at UF...not that it matters, but I definitely recognize this spot

Was this filmed at Fullerton College? I think I recognize the parking structure.

You forgot to mention the chain tensioner. Always went on my s2000s 😢

HA....Thread. Nice video, thanks for the info man. Clean car.

Bought an new AP2 back in 2015. Daily driver in SF and put over 120k in 5 years. No issues whatsoever besides the grind from1st to 2nd gear after a few years which they are notorious for. Just do your regular maintenance. Unfortunately, someone t-boned it while parking in front of my apartment. Been wanting another one but the prices are too high :(

To put things in context my 2000 S2000: It has 47,000 miles, always garaged, not driven in winter and I do not live in the sun belt. Triple black with all oem front spoiler, side strakes and rear spoiler. No modifications. Never tracked but occasionally I let her rip.

A lot of different opinions, here is mine. This are minor issues and not all that. You did mention some stuff that’s mechanically should be a concern. But most of the stuff you mention is just preferences.

For the clutch master cylinder are there any aftermarket ones that solve the issue ?

great video bro, i used to have 06 ap2 bro and i regret selling it. I'm thinking about getting one. i found a yellow one 04 ap2 and i'm thinking about buying it.

So I just bought a 2002 ap1 with 30k miles and My check engine light came on for P0107 ( map sensor low voltage) something like that . Can someone help me on how to fix that

thanks man!

Great video .....s2000 prices have skyrocketed to the moon..... buying a stock, unmolested one are > $40k and are only gonna keep going up.... b/c future cars will be electric. This was one of the greatest and last examples of a refined naturally aspirated engine. If you got one... keep it. If you got a chance to get one-- grab it...it’s a true classic...that I predict will be worth over 100k easy soon. 😎

The best Honda roadster outside of the S600 or S800. Only problem with the car is you cannot really put any performance mods on this car. Outside of a supercharger! I have a few things problem with my AP1, 02 is my model, important b/c that is the year the glass rear window installed. The plastic rear window is terrible. I had both rear axles wear out prematurely, burns oil pretty good. I don't really operate my soft top b/c it wears out quickly. My lights started to haze so i sanded and polished them and clear coated them. My floor carpet, not mats, carpet, worn out on a raised bar.

Their aging.. very last ones to roll off the line are over 10 years old