they're rare because they don't make sense to buy anymore. paying 35k for a 20 year old car just isnt worth it imo. Sure, it's reliable but I mean these things wear and what stupid owner wouldn't thrash the living hell out of their S2K.
I think you captured the enjoyment right there. You really don’t have to drive quickly to get a great experience, I live in rural Essex (England) and just cruising round the country lanes is just superb 😊
I have a S2000 AP2 and a FC RX7. I have to say both cars have very different characteristics, but both are exhilarating to drive. I imagine the miata would be another different but exhilarating car to drive.
Honda S2000! Have owned mine for 5 years and no other car comes close to the exhilarating and rewarding drive. Driven Porsche 911, BMW M's, and the S2000 is an absolute joy to row through the gears. I can the S2000 drive like a hero without committing a felony. Insurance is cheap, maintenance is cheap, sips gas and parts are widely available. S2000 all the way!
Wow that’s crazy! I guess it confirm what folks say about low mileage cars. Mine had 100k miles when purchased. All I’ve done is oil, brakes, air filters and coolant. Everything else is in perfect shape. And I really mean “I drive it like I stole it”. I also have a 90’s M and that car has required over $8k in maintenance. But have owned that car 13 years and it has needed clutch, suspension, AC, Brakes, Radiator, Regulators, Tires. Also drive it spiritedly.
No brainer. You buy nice S2K keep it for 5years, cherish it. Sell with profit. You can’t do that with mx-5. Also, don’t you think that interior of S2K looks much better? Mx-5 is great car but I don’t think it should be compared with S2K
I made that decision 16 months ago. S2000. I like the Honda motor, full analog, no driving aids, and no iPad like display. The Miata is a great car though. No bad choice here.
I had an AP2. Excellent build quality, best shift action, looks amazing, double wishbones and rwd with the engine tucked nicely behind the front axle & glorious over 6K rpm. Unfortunately the chassis simply isn't rigid enough. I could feel flex on turn in. Especially after I installed coilovers. Also heavy for what it is. Very poor steering feel. Sold it for an Evora and then a 997. Had an Elise before it. Also, the ND feels much stiffer. Because the chassis is about 30% stiffer, 500 lbs lighter & with a shorter wheelbase. With better chassis/steering feel, mid range torque and high vs low slide controllability. S2000 for more casual drivers seeking clout, value retention, nostalgia & Vtec yo.
The ap2 isn't the real s2000, the ap1 is specially the early 00/01 model years. The AP1 has the higher redline, twitchy rear end, and much quicker steering ratio. Try driving an ap1 before you complain.
The idea of chassis flex vs mm lbs whatever doesn’t really matter- it matters if bumps in the road/undulations cause noticeable twist in the frame- and thanks to the xbone frame and double wishbone suspension, they dont. So yeah a frame machine might say a nc Miata or a rx8 is stiffer, but it doesn’t work out that way
@svetlingueorguiev1198 but it does. I could feel front end flex on turn in on track. AP2, HKS Coilovers, proper alignment. Add awful steering feel and it does matter. Greatly. Why some of us require sincerely stiff chassis cars. The S2000 is not in that category. They suffer from cowl shake and body flex. The X brace is more marketing than function. An NC MX5 has greater rigidity. That's some serious mental gymnastics, dude... So could racing driver, Max Angelleli. Motortrend 2007. Called the chassis subpar. Because it is. I sold mine and bought an Evora. And I'd take an ND2 or GR86 any day, all day.
@@sdlausen1 Totally agreed; gotta try an AP1! I have a 2001 AP1. In the AP1 you better keep pumping that gas pedal as you go through those twisties. Stock suspension and the drive is amazing. Very springy, no chassis flex. In fact the S2000 has a "High X-Bone" design, which is not only great for torsional strength, it also ensures that weight is distributed as evenly as possible, making the car a sweet handler.
@@orlando6914 they are both roadsters yes they are both cars, but too much difference. never had to worry about the transmission failing on the ap1, on the nd2 i fear it blowing if driving spiritedly too often. ap1 was built with f1 in mind, miata was born with lotus elan in mind -- way different cars. looks = subjective though, hence my reply to the comment of them being different cars. i loved the s2000, miss it, and also love the miata -- but they simply can't be compared.
I was a bit disappointed you didn't go into the driving differences between the two cars on the road. I owned an early S2000 and have just ordered a new ND3 Mazda MX5.
I love Honda, but they're moving on from fun simple cars. Even if they made a new S2000 with ICE, it would likely end up being closer to something like a Z4 type offering with a turbo. If you want simple direct driver feedback for B roads and twisty fun, you're stuck with the AP1/2 options, or going with a Mazda(or if Toyota keeps going the direction they've been headed, Toyota might have something coming up too).
Its a honor 20 + years later and the technology has yet to surpass what is the Ap1 and Ap2 experience as i do daily. Since 2011 and 220k mile and still redlines.
An EV successor to the S2000 would not upset me, simply because the original would only increase in value. For reference, just look at the original versus new NSX.
I’m my opinion there’s no comparison! They are 22 years apart, the S2000 wins hands down!! I own a 2001 S2000 Spa Yellow and wouldn't trade it for a Miata or a Corvette. A Corvette is like an Elantra; you see them everywhere.
Does anyone besides me get tired of comparisons with the Honda S2000? The Miata has been and always will be a very different car. Just as today's Porsche Boxster is very different from the S2K. Any comparisons end with all three being sporty convertibles. You can find devoted fans of all three. It all depends on what qualities and performance you desire in a car and of course your budget. As a long time S2K owner I can say that the Honda engineers designed and built a car that is uniquely pleasurable to drive. You only have to watch many of the videos posted on RUclips to realize the passion felt towards the S2K.
I can't speak about other RUclips creators but the reason I made this video was because I had access to an S2000. I've never driven it before and as I mentioned in the video, it would've been nice if it was a stock one instead of this modified one. But beggars can't be choosers. As for the MX-5, I see it as the closest competitor to the S2000 in today's market. So to me, it was a natural comparison.
I much prefer the ND. I found the chassis in the S2000 to be a bit of a wet noodle. Especially the front end. It flexes too much. Even more apparent after I installed coilovers. The steering feel also leaves a lot to be desired. Early EPS steering was dreadful outside an RX8. Definitely prefer the high slide controllability, less weight, stiffer chassis, mid range torque, steering feel of the MX5. Bottom line, it's over 500 lbs less with a stiffer chassis and better feel at and over the limit.
For a daily driver that you would need reliability with, the ND Miata all the way. If it's only going to be a weekend car or a track car, then an argument can be made for the S2000. It's way too expensive for how many miles it's got, and anyone with an S2000 got it for one specific reason, the same reason you're looking to get one; which is not good to buy used from lol
@@Manvswild11 and the fact that you can get a new ND for $30k - $40k depending on trim. I wouldn't spend that much money for an 80,000mi S2000 since some things are going to need to be repaired or at least maintained at that point. On top of that, the type of driving that people do in an S2000 also doesn't help.
I own that black s2k, can confirm I purchased it for reliability even though it has 140,000kms, it is a Honda afterall. For me, the fact that the ND lacked an enjoyable engine was enough to say "whatever" about the s2000s mileage.
@@mokutekimotorsport2566 The ND2 with the rev at 7800rpm feels really good to me. Sure, it's not anything like Vtec at the higher end, but it provides quite a bit of torque at the lower ends. My reason for suggesting a Miata for a daily is that you don't have to rev it above 8000rpm to get power. It's also a much more comfortable ride. If you love stiff rides and tracking your car then the s2000 is still the best within this price range.
There's a fair amount of s2k with 300k miles and they are still going strong. The engine mounts, clutch and suspension will need replacing around 80-100k miles.
S2000 is so underrated,and it's absolutely beautiful and rare
they're rare because they don't make sense to buy anymore. paying 35k for a 20 year old car just isnt worth it imo. Sure, it's reliable but I mean these things wear and what stupid owner wouldn't thrash the living hell out of their S2K.
S2000 has arguably the best manual transmission ever built. No mention about how it compares to the Miata’s transmission.
It is nice, but I personally still like the shifter feel in the current manual Supra.
Miata guys say their trans feels just as good- if not better 🙄🙃
@@ayowser01Miata is close but not as short or as notchy as s2000. Miata is slightly easier to drive.
@ryanr482 good to know. It sounds like 8/10s of what an s2k feels like. If you add a brass shifter bushing, the s2k shifter feels even more direct.
Both great cars. I have an ‘05 S2000, and she’s a keeper!
I think you captured the enjoyment right there. You really don’t have to drive quickly to get a great experience, I live in rural Essex (England) and just cruising round the country lanes is just superb 😊
I have a S2000 AP2 and a FC RX7. I have to say both cars have very different characteristics, but both are exhilarating to drive. I imagine the miata would be another different but exhilarating car to drive.
Honda S2000! Have owned mine for 5 years and no other car comes close to the exhilarating and rewarding drive. Driven Porsche 911, BMW M's, and the S2000 is an absolute joy to row through the gears. I can the S2000 drive like a hero without committing a felony. Insurance is cheap, maintenance is cheap, sips gas and parts are widely available. S2000 all the way!
My maintenance is $23000 over the course of 7 years.
Bought mine with 39k miles. Now 139k miles.
Wow that’s crazy! I guess it confirm what folks say about low mileage cars. Mine had 100k miles when purchased. All I’ve done is oil, brakes, air filters and coolant. Everything else is in perfect shape. And I really mean “I drive it like I stole it”. I also have a 90’s M and that car has required over $8k in maintenance. But have owned that car 13 years and it has needed clutch, suspension, AC, Brakes, Radiator, Regulators, Tires. Also drive it spiritedly.
My head says go for the MX5 but my heart says S2000
This is exactly, word for word, what I told my friend when I was talking about getting one.
After 20 years Honda S2000 have now best proportion and design , best motor and best trasmission ever built.
Only flow 150 kg more the mx-5
No brainer. You buy nice S2K keep it for 5years, cherish it. Sell with profit.
You can’t do that with mx-5.
Also, don’t you think that interior of S2K looks much better? Mx-5 is great car but I don’t think it should be compared with S2K
Yup, the MX-5 isn't going to appreciate anytime soon like the S2000. But if you can't find an S2K, the MX-5 is a great alternative.
The same thing will happen to the mx5 in the distant future. With the rise of EV
All manual trans combustion motor vehicles will start to appreciate at some point
Good review however if your not redlining that S2000 to 9k then its not a proper review ;P S2000 Hands down the best car!
Haha, I know, I know. But you saw the cops in that video lol.
To appreciate driving a S2000 you have to be in in Vtec.
Outside of VTech the car as a total package is kind of blah
I made that decision 16 months ago. S2000. I like the Honda motor, full analog, no driving aids, and no iPad like display. The Miata is a great car though. No bad choice here.
Nice! Congrats on your purchase. Hope it was in really good condition!
@@MGReviewsBlog It was and is. Low miles and completely stock. 🙂
Oh hey I know that S2000. Thanks for the video!
Cant stand the screen pop up over the dash fad, this afterthought 'look' needs to stop.. S2000 top roadster, an icon!
I had an AP2. Excellent build quality, best shift action, looks amazing, double wishbones and rwd with the engine tucked nicely behind the front axle & glorious over 6K rpm. Unfortunately the chassis simply isn't rigid enough. I could feel flex on turn in. Especially after I installed coilovers. Also heavy for what it is. Very poor steering feel. Sold it for an Evora and then a 997. Had an Elise before it. Also, the ND feels much stiffer. Because the chassis is about 30% stiffer, 500 lbs lighter & with a shorter wheelbase. With better chassis/steering feel, mid range torque and high vs low slide controllability. S2000 for more casual drivers seeking clout, value retention, nostalgia & Vtec yo.
The ap2 isn't the real s2000, the ap1 is specially the early 00/01 model years. The AP1 has the higher redline, twitchy rear end, and much quicker steering ratio. Try driving an ap1 before you complain.
@@sdlausen1 lmfao. OK.... Try getting paid to test GT3 cars and STFU....🍻🏎
The idea of chassis flex vs mm lbs whatever doesn’t really matter- it matters if bumps in the road/undulations cause noticeable twist in the frame- and thanks to the xbone frame and double wishbone suspension, they dont.
So yeah a frame machine might say a nc Miata or a rx8 is stiffer, but it doesn’t work out that way
@svetlingueorguiev1198 but it does. I could feel front end flex on turn in on track. AP2, HKS Coilovers, proper alignment. Add awful steering feel and it does matter. Greatly. Why some of us require sincerely stiff chassis cars. The S2000 is not in that category. They suffer from cowl shake and body flex. The X brace is more marketing than function. An NC MX5 has greater rigidity. That's some serious mental gymnastics, dude...
So could racing driver, Max Angelleli. Motortrend 2007. Called the chassis subpar. Because it is. I sold mine and bought an Evora. And I'd take an ND2 or GR86 any day, all day.
@@sdlausen1 Totally agreed; gotta try an AP1! I have a 2001 AP1. In the AP1 you better keep pumping that gas pedal as you go through those twisties. Stock suspension and the drive is amazing. Very springy, no chassis flex. In fact the S2000 has a "High X-Bone" design, which is not only great for torsional strength, it also ensures that weight is distributed as evenly as possible, making the car a sweet handler.
Wow 20 years later and Mazda still can't make a Miata as pretty as the S2000. 😮 I'm sorry Mazda fans but the Honda S2000 ROCKS.
Because they are different cars…..
@@homersimpson9182 in terms of what the car is made for they are both roadsters
@@orlando6914 they are both roadsters yes they are both cars, but too much difference. never had to worry about the transmission failing on the ap1, on the nd2 i fear it blowing if driving spiritedly too often. ap1 was built with f1 in mind, miata was born with lotus elan in mind -- way different cars. looks = subjective though, hence my reply to the comment of them being different cars. i loved the s2000, miss it, and also love the miata -- but they simply can't be compared.
@homersimpson9182 in terms of reliability they both seem to be even
Dudes comparing a modified car vs stock 💀
Get a 2 year old Miata for $22-26k
My car enthusiast personality wants both but my bank account says otherwise
I was a bit disappointed you didn't go into the driving differences between the two cars on the road. I owned an early S2000 and have just ordered a new ND3 Mazda MX5.
I love Honda, but they're moving on from fun simple cars. Even if they made a new S2000 with ICE, it would likely end up being closer to something like a Z4 type offering with a turbo. If you want simple direct driver feedback for B roads and twisty fun, you're stuck with the AP1/2 options, or going with a Mazda(or if Toyota keeps going the direction they've been headed, Toyota might have something coming up too).
I think Honda still has some entertaining cars too. Maybe not RWD but the Civic Si and CTR are fun.
S2000 all the way ❤❤❤
Its a honor 20 + years later and the technology has yet to surpass what is the Ap1 and Ap2 experience as i do daily. Since 2011 and 220k mile and still redlines.
An EV successor to the S2000 would not upset me, simply because the original would only increase in value. For reference, just look at the original versus new NSX.
That's true. but for us who don't have an S2000 already, it'll become even more out of reach with the increase in value haha
Just a comment. The S2000 will hold a set of golf clubs 😊. I took mine to the dealership to make sure they fit.
I wouldn't trade my S2000 for 2 Mazdas.
I wouldn't blame you. The S2000 is a great car. Hold onto it.
I’m my opinion there’s no comparison! They are 22 years apart, the S2000 wins hands down!! I own a 2001 S2000 Spa Yellow and wouldn't trade it for a Miata or a Corvette. A Corvette is like an Elantra; you see them everywhere.
On the contrary, the only reason one might get an s2k is to sell and buy 2 miatas
There is a reason why the s2000 price has gone up
Because it’s discontinued and there’s not many to buy ? DA 😂😂🤦🏻♂️
As with any car, shortcomings are easily resolved with aftermarket goodies. Wouldn’t trade my 350 hp miata for anything.
Does anyone besides me get tired of comparisons with the Honda S2000? The Miata has been and always will be a very different car. Just as today's Porsche Boxster is very different from the S2K. Any comparisons end with all three being sporty convertibles. You can find devoted fans of all three. It all depends on what qualities and performance you desire in a car and of course your budget. As a long time S2K owner I can say that the Honda engineers designed and built a car that is uniquely pleasurable to drive. You only have to watch many of the videos posted on RUclips to realize the passion felt towards the S2K.
I can't speak about other RUclips creators but the reason I made this video was because I had access to an S2000. I've never driven it before and as I mentioned in the video, it would've been nice if it was a stock one instead of this modified one. But beggars can't be choosers. As for the MX-5, I see it as the closest competitor to the S2000 in today's market. So to me, it was a natural comparison.
I encourage you to one day drive a unmodified S2K just to fully understand the driving stoke. Cheers@@MGReviewsBlog
I much prefer the ND. I found the chassis in the S2000 to be a bit of a wet noodle. Especially the front end. It flexes too much. Even more apparent after I installed coilovers. The steering feel also leaves a lot to be desired. Early EPS steering was dreadful outside an RX8. Definitely prefer the high slide controllability, less weight, stiffer chassis, mid range torque, steering feel of the MX5. Bottom line, it's over 500 lbs less with a stiffer chassis and better feel at and over the limit.
Like I said, there are devoted fans of all these cars. Cheers @@876yuugt
Also 20 years later. The Miata still can’t make the power of a 20 year old car
I don't think it was ever meant to.
Acceleration numbers are very similar now though.
I can hear all the Honda Del Sol drivers crying in the back ground.
For a daily driver that you would need reliability with, the ND Miata all the way. If it's only going to be a weekend car or a track car, then an argument can be made for the S2000. It's way too expensive for how many miles it's got, and anyone with an S2000 got it for one specific reason, the same reason you're looking to get one; which is not good to buy used from lol
Reliability is just as good in an S2000, difference is warranty but S2000s are bulletproof
@@Manvswild11 and the fact that you can get a new ND for $30k - $40k depending on trim. I wouldn't spend that much money for an 80,000mi S2000 since some things are going to need to be repaired or at least maintained at that point. On top of that, the type of driving that people do in an S2000 also doesn't help.
I own that black s2k, can confirm I purchased it for reliability even though it has 140,000kms, it is a Honda afterall. For me, the fact that the ND lacked an enjoyable engine was enough to say "whatever" about the s2000s mileage.
@@mokutekimotorsport2566 The ND2 with the rev at 7800rpm feels really good to me. Sure, it's not anything like Vtec at the higher end, but it provides quite a bit of torque at the lower ends. My reason for suggesting a Miata for a daily is that you don't have to rev it above 8000rpm to get power. It's also a much more comfortable ride. If you love stiff rides and tracking your car then the s2000 is still the best within this price range.
There's a fair amount of s2k with 300k miles and they are still going strong. The engine mounts, clutch and suspension will need replacing around 80-100k miles.
Remember the 124 . . . There is one out there that moves the needle. The video is coming
TNX 4 D S2000 INTERIOR REMINDS ME
Looks like a His and Her car. S2000 being the his
😅😅
Option C - C6 Corvette Grand Sport lol!
Should have done both cars 2009 to be fair
Mx5 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
where's that road
Around Belcarra in Port Moody, BC.
@@MGReviewsBlog thank u
Convex...easy way to remember is cave-in
I'll try to remember that haha, thanks
This was a bland comparison. Unsubscribe
Ok, byeeeeee