S2000

[redgsr]

What do we think of them?

There seem to be quite a few 1999 examples with around 70k that are in the low/mid $30k bracket.

I know I can't fit my skis in one, but apart from that they seem like they could be a bit of fun.

[MR-PUNANNY]

They are awesome car to drive, from the box, they feel very tight.

[scoopy]

I know I can't fit my skis in one

yes you can, and it would be very cool.

[Cplus]

they handle nice but the engine is a PITA.

Takes forever to make any power and when it does, it sounds alot faster than it actually is.

C+

[Captiva Fan]

Most people who've driven 'em tend to say "why bother when the MX5 is cheaper & ultimately more fun". However, to each his own; I doubt they're a poorly-made car, so if they fit you, why not?

[redgsr]

Quite coincidentally, just after I posted this thread i watched the first episode of the new series of Top Gear, and the S2000 topped their annual viewer survey.

[MR2Vaeth]

If you want a hairdresser's car, might as well get a MX5.

[excelboy]

I think the UK S2000 owners tend to skew the results of that survey a little

Funnish to drive, good on fuel, not a lot of room for stuff, and too harsh for some as a daily.

The engine is a bit anemic (sp?) and you don't gain a lot from (costly) NA mods, so if modifying is your go you'd be heading down the FI route, which can possibly lead to problems with the drivetrain depending on power level and how hard you are on it.

As with any car buy the one in the best condition you can afford. At those mileages pay attention to the clutch for slippage and/or buzzing on deceleration between 3-4Krpm.

[ViNcEnXo]

I drove one when thinking about buying an MX5....I bought the MX5. It was the single most annoying car I have ever driven. In order to get going you have to rev it to 6500 (may have been 6000) and then you get a short squirt of a little bit of power, but it takes FOREVER to get there.... It was like really really bad turbo lag. Nice tight steering, handled well and seemed really well balanced. The engine may make good power but it is only for a short power band and you really have to ring it's neck to make it go.

[Cplus]

Quite coincidentally, just after I posted this thread i watched the first episode of the new series of Top Gear, and the S2000 topped their annual viewer survey.

the survey is all about reliability, rating the dealer "niceness" and maintenance costs.

Not how much fun it is, or how good the car is.

[MR2Vaeth]

EDIT: This post was not made by me. Edited to identify correct poster.

it sounds alot faster than it actually is.

C+

yes, car and driver.

[Zac]

I drove one when thinking about buying an MX5....I bought the MX5. It was the single most annoying car I have ever driven. In order to get going you have to rev it to 6500 (may have been 6000) and then you get a short squirt of a little bit of power, but it takes FOREVER to get there.... It was like really really bad turbo lag. Nice tight steering, handled well and seemed really well balanced. The engine may make good power but it is only for a short power band and you really have to ring it's neck to make it go.

Has nobody developed a more aggressive cam profile for it?

Is it worse than an old 2 litre with Webers and a lumpy cam or are we just spoilt these days and expect perfect torque curves?

[Captiva Fan]

We're probably just spoilt. Those old nasty things used to actually stall; with modern cars they're just smooth & yet gutless when they're fitted with "cam lag" engines, they don't shake the car with their rough idle etc.

[Cplus]

Has nobody developed a more aggressive cam profile for it?

Is it worse than an old 2 litre with Webers and a lumpy cam or are we just spoilt these days and expect perfect torque curves?

the cam profile is agressive...

[itsnotagsr]

Has nobody developed a more aggressive cam profile for it?

Is it worse than an old 2 litre with Webers and a lumpy cam or are we just spoilt these days and expect perfect torque curves?

Toda Racing make some great parts for the S2000. Hypertune also did a turbo conversion on one as well.