What Year S2000

[g3ninfinite]

I wasn't sure where to post this but I was curious for a used s2000 what year is the best to hunt down?

 

[ScrapinSi]

I want to say '03+... Cause I think all the previous had some tranny issues, and the nasty ass plastic back window.

 

[5genracer]

My 02 has glass rear window. It also has the "dead pedal" standard, and leather center console for 02. You should try to test drive a 00-03 and a 04-06 and see which one you like better, with the different torque and rev limits. BTW, lots of people have had tranny issues, ie scratching 2nd gear, so it is something to look for. (Mine stops scratching when the trans warms up) Good luck!

 

[Havok]

2000 has some tranny/diff. issues, starting in 2002, they made the glass rear window, and the engine was slightly modified.

 

[khan]

i like my +04 except for the clutch delay... no power shifting for me.

 

[phunky.buddha]

Quoted post[/post]]
I want to say '03+... Cause I think all the previous had some tranny issues, and the nasty ass plastic back window.

Not quite right

Quoted post[/post]]
My 02 has glass rear window. It also has the "dead pedal" standard, and leather center console for 02. You should try to test drive a 00-03 and a 04-06 and see which one you like better, with the different torque and rev limits. BTW, lots of people have had tranny issues, ie scratching 2nd gear, so it is something to look for. (Mine stops scratching when the trans warms up) Good luck!

Yup

Quoted post[/post]]
2000 has some tranny/diff. issues, starting in 2002, they made the glass rear window, and the engine was slightly modified.

Yes, no.

Quoted post[/post]]
i like my +04 except for the clutch delay... no power shifting for me.

Yup.

Here are the break points:

Rear window:
00-01 plastic
02-06 glass

Engine:
00-03 F20C 9000 redline
04-06 F22C 8300 redline, about 10 lbft more torque

Transmission:
00-03 tended to "crunch" a bit on 2/3 if you didn't shift smoothly (my is fine, but a little stiff going into 3rd)
04-06 updated synchros for 2nd and 3rd gear, ratios revised (not as evenly spaced I think)

Clutch:
00-03 had the "fast" clutch
04-06 slowed down the response to save the transmission a little more

Differential:
00-03 normal
04-06 updated to a supposedly stronger housing

Suspension:
00-03 was "twitchier" (my preference)
04-06 was tuned a little "softer" and easier for n00bs to control

Wheels/Tires:
00-03 205/55/16 and 225/50/16 Bridgestone Potenza S-02
04-06 215/45/17 and 245/40/17 Yokohama?

Interior:
00-03 standard
04-06 revised radio door and gauge cluster

Exterior:
00-03 standard
04-06 updated mirrors, bumpers, side sills, exhaust tips

My rationale for buying a 2003 model:

1 never buy a 1st year, so 00 is out
2 don't want plastic rear window, so 00 and 01 are out
3 going to mod rollers, suspension, engine and rear end anyway, so drivetrain choice doesn't matter
4 want higher revving engine, so 00-03 is preferred
5 hate the 04+ gauges and radio door
6 04+ carries a bit of a price premium over 00-03
7 nobody in East Texas wanted a roadster that was more expensive than a Miata

There you have it.

 

[ScrapinSi]

I knew it was one of the years!! I looked at an '01, and hated the back window.

 

[phunky.buddha]

 

[5genracer]

You know, you can get rid of the clutch delay for the 04+ cars...

 

[khan]

getting rid of the clutch delay this weekend