95-97??? They were made from 99 to 09. I looked at them when they first came out. Felt like putting on the car when I slipped into the seat. They all had the same 2liter engine. You'll probably enjoy the car.
Oh, didn't keep up on them enough to know they had changes to the engine. Long ago there was an enthusiast site of the first owners. Those guys socked so much money into mods.
Cool cars, but personally I like the Solstice GXP better. Of course the JDM aftermarket is pretty wicked for anything with an "H" emblem, and IIRC the S2000 is a 6-speed. Of course Mallott found a fix for that and then some on the Solstice .
Be careful who you buy from. Like said above. You have to kick the snot out of it. Full documentation of all service records including oil changes. These cars are usually beat on. I bought a new WRX last year because most of the cars I looked at show that they have either been pounded.... or not taken care of well. I decided to buy new.
I test rode one just of S&Gs about a year after they first came out and I thought they were so much fun. If I remember correctly I believe that Motorcycle side of the house help with some parts of that car.
I've driven all years all models of the S2000; you will not miss the rpm of the 2.0L over the 2.2L. The car is fun to drive, providing you can drive it like you hate it 100% of the time, like on a track. Additionally, the S2000 is noisy, ride is harsh, and they are not very forgiving when the limits are reached. But up to that point it's all good.
I currently own a 2003 MR2 Spyder. A true spyder in that it is a mid engine two seat convertible. I love it. When not on my Uly I am driving the Spyder. It's all good.
Test drive a Miata. If you can get past the "chick car" stigma, they are a blast. Have a usable power band, have a nice aftermarket, and they have a great community at Miata.net. Loved mine while I had it.(sold it to get the X1)
I own a 2002- S2000. bought the car new, it's a very fun car to drive. These cars are pretty much maxed out from Honda, unless you want to boost the car.
Great autocross car. The car rotates really easy 50/50 weight balance.
I have my WRX. Yeah its AWD and I wouldn't part with that ever. Lots of great cars out there. The Miata is a really cheap club track day car. Even a Speed 3, Evo, WRX, even the Golf. Lots of option's.
Posted on Wednesday, September 01, 2010 - 10:49 am:
My wife's ex-boss wrecked an S2000... slipped off the pavement when he wasn't paying attention, hooked it, fishtailed, overcompensated, etc. etc. Crossed 4 lanes of traffic and tore through a few trees. Ripped the car in half (engine bay separated from the passenger compartment). Amazingly, her boss got out and walked away. Either he had an angel in the other seat, or that's a damn well built car.