Common trouble areas include the convertible top which can leak in certain situations, as well as the built-in window that can easily cloud up and become hard to clean. Owners report that washing their cars in any kind of high-pressure car wash allows moisture to leak in around the roof seals into the area where the top stores. This can cause mildew and rust which is damaging to the body of the car and the roof itself.
There were also known issues relating to the clutch springs on certain models. The springs caused abnormally high levels of clutch noise, prompting a recall to repair them. Additionally, some models fall victim to "gear clash" when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear, and this requires new gear sets and synchros.
Martile says "As for the reliability, mine's been great. I haven't had any serious issues with the car. When I first got it, I went onto some forums and found a bunch of service bulletins. I just had the work done at my dealership, no problems."
There are some rewarding things about owning a used version of a highly sought-after sports car. Owner culture is huge, and there are plenty of clubs, meets, forums and events where you can meet fellow S2K owners and swap stories. There's also a complete selection of aftermarket parts available for the S2000 to make it even faster and more dynamically dazzling. All of this to say, you'll easily find information and parts should you wish to tune yours up.
Martile comments on the owner's network and aftermarket. "The clubs are probably the best I have been on. Everyone is out to help, so there is plenty of info on what works and what's a waste of money. There actually is a pretty big club here in Kitchener where I live, and everyone's always up for a meet."
As with any used car, have it thoroughly inspected by a mechanic before agreeing to purchase it. The interior is also usually a good indicator of how well the vehicle was maintained or not. A vehicle history check, from Carfax, for instance, never hurts either. After all, you don't want an S2000 that's actually built from three wrecked S2000's and some Bondo.
But if you can find a good deal on one, and a mechanic gives it the thumbs up, you'll find it a reliable and eager driving partner for years to come.
photo:Justin Pritchard
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| The S2000 has powerful brakes, razor-sharp handling and reflexes that reward the skilled driver on a track.<br> |
There were also known issues relating to the clutch springs on certain models. The springs caused abnormally high levels of clutch noise, prompting a recall to repair them. Additionally, some models fall victim to "gear clash" when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear, and this requires new gear sets and synchros.
Martile says "As for the reliability, mine's been great. I haven't had any serious issues with the car. When I first got it, I went onto some forums and found a bunch of service bulletins. I just had the work done at my dealership, no problems."
There are some rewarding things about owning a used version of a highly sought-after sports car. Owner culture is huge, and there are plenty of clubs, meets, forums and events where you can meet fellow S2K owners and swap stories. There's also a complete selection of aftermarket parts available for the S2000 to make it even faster and more dynamically dazzling. All of this to say, you'll easily find information and parts should you wish to tune yours up.
Martile comments on the owner's network and aftermarket. "The clubs are probably the best I have been on. Everyone is out to help, so there is plenty of info on what works and what's a waste of money. There actually is a pretty big club here in Kitchener where I live, and everyone's always up for a meet."
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| A used S2000 can make a great weekend track toy so long as you make sure it is in top shape. |
As with any used car, have it thoroughly inspected by a mechanic before agreeing to purchase it. The interior is also usually a good indicator of how well the vehicle was maintained or not. A vehicle history check, from Carfax, for instance, never hurts either. After all, you don't want an S2000 that's actually built from three wrecked S2000's and some Bondo.
But if you can find a good deal on one, and a mechanic gives it the thumbs up, you'll find it a reliable and eager driving partner for years to come.
photo:Justin Pritchard
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