[the_Fallen]

HI, I'm currently looking to purchase a new car for under 35k. I do not enjoy American cars, please do not post to tell me to get a Vette or a Ford, cuz that's just plain idiotic.

A few questions regarding the car:

hardtop?
glass rear in 2002 models?
low torque <--- how to get around that?
average 1/4 time by "normal" drivers
Long term effects of high RPM launching

*I drive an auto right now, not sure the difference in terms of the built of tranny and whether or not the car can withstand launches at higher RPM because with Auto, you basically floor it, or powerbrake, nothing more could be done.

for those who know some pros/cons about the car, please post your opinions, please do not flame at me or the car because I think the S2k is a great automobile. Do not let your ignorance do the talking. thankyou

 

[Dj K-otik]

At MSRP, the S2K just breaks the $36,000 mark, but anyway . . .

1. The Hardtop. While the car does look great with the hardtop on, and while it may come in handy in inclement weather, expect to pay around $2,000 for it (that doesn't include the "hardtop stand" Honda will try to sell you either). The car got a glass rear with defroster for 2002, so maybe one could spend that $2,000 elsewhere . . .

2. Glass Rear Window. If I knew the S2K was getting a glass rear window, then I would've waited for it. That's all I gotta say.

3. Getting Around Low Torque. Get over it . . . it's simply not true. The car has adequate torque under 6,000 RPM. It may not feel like a low-end torquemonster like an Audi or BMW, but it's enough to get around. The car has a high-strung engine that loves to be revved all the way up to 9 grand; can you do that in a torquey Camaro or Mustang?

4. Average 1/4 Mile. Not quite sure, but I would say low to mid 14s at around 100 MPH. If you master the launch, then high 13s are possible; however, don't expect it to be easy and don't expect to run 13s all day. This car was meant for the track, not the strip.

5. High RPM Launching. If you don't upgrade the differential, you will bust the stock one with enough high RPM clutch drops. The stock clutch won't take much of a beating either.

It sounds like you're into drag racing. If that's the case, this car isn't what you're looking for. If you get the S2000, I recommend taking some high performance driving lessons and either auto-crossing the car or taking it to the track.

 

[88 rex]

MSRP 32,840......they mark up to about 35,500, but you can knock it down.....you should be able to pick one up for around msrp (except blue)

Pros

Fun, convertible, its a Honda , excellent handling, rarity, good investment (wont lose too much money)

Cons

Compact, bumpy (race bread car), tourque (good enough for me, but for some its not enough, they obviously havent driven one), not much in the after market department except for maybe turbo and supercharger

 

[the_Fallen]

thanks so much for the people who posted above. I was wondering about the bellow issues:

hardtop will be on my purchase list, maybe not right away, but down the line.

I've never owned a convertible, so I dont' know how the softtop will hold out for me because I like to wax and wash, and I like nice and quiet for music and what not. How is the stock sound system of the S2k ?

Also, I'm not into drag racing, but I obviously wouldn't want to spend 35k and lose to a measly Mustang cuz that'd would put a big dent in my ego lol j/k

I currently drive a 530i BMW 95' would that be consider a torqy car to your standards compare to the S2k ? I know there are a lot of people who are ignorant about cars, like you said "the force it pushes you into the seats" is a retarded way to calculating torque.

I personally love the S2k.

One last thing, with launching, is it possible to get a 5.5 sec 0-60 without high rev dropping of the clutch ? I know people recommend 6k drops but common sense tells me that it won't last very long. What have you guys experienced and came to find ???

Since I'm going to college, I probably will not have too much cash lying around to upgrade, so maybe a turbo kit/supercharger in the future, but to me, S2k is good enough for me.

One very important thing: should i wait for the future cars to come out next year before purchasing: aka Evo VII, 350Z etc. STi WRX

let me kno, thanks all

 

[the_Fallen]

personal preference I guess, but I like coups more than convertibles... but no choice... none other car in the price range that'd give me what the S2k can give.

btw, do you know what the fastest track time without dropping teh clutch at high RPM ?? just from flooring the gas

 

[the_Fallen]

is there a way to work around the rpm launch. how fast can I get to 1/4 without rpm launch ??? can I simply just floor the pedal without reving and just accelerate from standstill ??? what do you think about that ??

btw, I got your email, do you have AIM, if you do, plz email me and let me know so I can contact you thru that instead of having 5 posts in 10 minutes when we're both online.

thanks 9000rpm

 

[the_Fallen]

What's the recommended RPM launch speed that'd yield the best results and retain the condition of the clutch and tranny ???

I drive an auto now, i'm not familiar with the assembly of the stick tranny on the S2k, or ANY OTHER manual tranny.

 

[88 rex]

Sound system doesnt suck on 2002 models. That was one of the improvements..........Once again, this is not a track car and should be driven as such. You wont hang with some of the muscle cars off the line, but you will smoke them on the highway or on rollin starts. Dont abuse your S2000, especially during the critical break-in period. Let her get settled in before you really push her.

Evo and STi are meant to battle with each other and the S2000 is not in their mold. The new Z is more oriented towards competing with the S2000. Looks like they could be nice cars too.

 

[the_Fallen]

I like the style of the S2k, but the Evol is really appealing to me in terms of performance and the fact that it's a 4 passenger car with 4 doors and AWD. I'm just uncertain if the car turns out like hte J-spec... cuz many cars got totally screwed up after the import it to fit standards in CA.

 

[the_Fallen]

the S2k will definately own when it gets down to rolling starts. And trust me, I love cars like I love women, I dont' abuse. Plus I'd need some time to get use to the clutch and what not. I havn't driven stick much, cuz we got 3 auto BMWs in the family, so not much chances to drive it.

anyways...

wait for Evol ???? fock..... till next spring that is.... worth it ?how does the car looks so far ?

 

[the_Fallen]

I seriously looking to buy a S2k, is it a good time to buy now ? or should i wait until next year for the STi, Evo, Z, new Z roadster, before deciding on a car ? any of them worth the wait, because without a downpayment, it's going to be a while before I can test drive and purchase a car that's comming out next year.

can you give me a link to the place where I can find cheap S2k ?

 

[the_Fallen]

9000rpm

do you own a S2k ? what's your opinion on it ? any trouble beating people in the streets ? Give me your thoughts on it, since you own it, and I bet you've raced it.

 

[the_Fallen]

just give me your honest, most deeply thought idea about you purchasing the S2k, let me know how old you are, and your driving style. I'm gonna test drive soon, but I wanna hear it from someone who knows a lot ... like yourself
thx

 

[majestik]

I own a 2002 S2K and I love it. Stock sound system is better than my last car. I use to own a 99 Integra. I would say it sounds better than any other stock Honda sound system out there. I never tested the 2000 or 2001 model's sound system, but mine is good comparing it to other stock systems. BTW I'm age 24.

I got my money's worth. I don't regret buying it. Shoot, if i got more money then I would get the NSX. But hey, maybe I will move up the ladder after my S2K. The S2K is worth it's value.

 

[the_Fallen]

how do you like the soft top ? any consideration for a hardtop ?

how hard to you drive it... millage good when driving "normally" ???

lost to any mustangs lol .. plz say no

 

[majestik]

I hardly drive it, so I havn't break it in yet. I don't even bring the car to work. That's how much I love it. Don't worry, I will burn a Mustang when that time comes. LOL. Soft top don't bother me. I wouldn't drive it in the rain anyway. It's my baby. I will stop now. I ain't helping you in anyway I think. Heh.

 

[the_Fallen]

ya, you're not helping lol. how much was the car tho ? what color... anything wrong with it so far ? any personal things that pisses you off yet ?

 

[majestik]

Well I got it for 33K, but at first they asked 37K. I would say I'm lucky, but another user said he/she got it 1K below MSRP. Nothing pisses me off but the maintenance of cleaning it. I own a black S2K so that says it all. I love the color black, but more work you know?

 

[the_Fallen]

agree, I love the dark gray color, dunno exact term, sorry guys, dont' shoot ! lol

anyways, I'm gonna test drive soon... hopefully purchase it in a few monthes... it looks like a good time to buy cars, cheap, no downpayments at alot of dealers.

I'm going straight into college, any chance that it'd cause problems for a college students that you can think of ?

 

[the_Fallen]

RPM, why is it hard to deal with the honda people ??? didn't you say a group of the dealers actually sell them below MSRP ? what would be the problem ??

How hard is "hard" when you drive your s2k, have you experience any sorts of problems with them??? what do you think if I were to drive it to college, usefull ??? can you think of any reason why it'd be bad to get a S2k ?