I am here again looking for a used car that may either prove disastrous or wonderful depending on luck and how well serious mechanical problems can hide on a test drive. In a rare break from the world of problematic premium listings, I’m taking a look at a superb offering from a brand that’s more accustomed to appearing on our most reliable used car lists than WCPGW.
Honda being represented here must be uncharted territory for the brand, a used Honda should be a safe bet, right? Anyone with an inkling of used car knowledge should know that a used Honda is a byword for reliability. That’s why a Civic, Jazz, or CR-V is about as safe as a used purchase can be.
The Honda S2000 doesn’t have the same reputations for reliability, which is a pity because a sorted example is an absolute storm. A howling naturally-aspirated engine, classic good looks and wonderfully-sorted driving dynamics. Prices are on an upward tick too, so are the cheap ones worth a gander?
VTEC kicks in, but so does rust
It’s powered by a superb 2.0-litre VTEC engine which provides stunning performance without using a turbocharger, and has proven to be mostly reliable – oil consumption and timing chain tensioners aside (more on that below). It does need to be worked hard in order to tap into the maximum performance though, which can make for a tiring, but involving, driving experience. Blame a redline of 8,800rpm and the clever VTEC system boosting power at higher revs for this.
It quickly cemented itself as a future classic when new and used prices have remained sturdy ever since. At the time of writing, the most expensive used example I came across was £23,000. None of its direct contemporary rivals command close to this price, even for the tidiest, garage-kept, spoon-fed examples. Even a high-mile, well-loved S2000 will set you back at least £12,000 – quite a lot for a something that's not that exotic. The cheapest examples dip down to £8,000, but probably have an MOT advisory list the length of the Magna Carta.
Parts supply is reasonable for the S2000, with all the oily bits available in steady supply. I was easily able to find a servicing kit in different grades depending on the service required. The top-rung kit with oil, oil filter, sump plug washer, pollen filter, air filter and spark plugs costs £277.85, perfect for a complete service. Front brake discs would set me back £177.24 for a front set, and there's good aftermarket support if you want to upgrade the internals. For example, a set of uprated EBC front brake discs will cost £276.61.
A replacement headlight however proved a a lot harder to source. Your choices are either new old stock or used models that often pop up on auction sites. It's the same story for replacement soft tops, bumpers and interior pieces. Best keep a steady eye out for parts as they pop up online if you do own an S2000.
There are loads of rival sports cars vying for your attention at this price and age. The closest thing to an S2000 in terms of driving dynamism is a Porsche Boxster, a mid-engined drop top with similar used prices to an S20000, but a clear premium for running costs. If you want something cheaper and lairier, a convertible Nissan 350Z Roadster is a bellowing hoot, but nowhere as poised. And if you want something even cheaper and don't mind it being dreadful, a Chrysler Crossfire Roadster fits the bill.
Honda doesn’t offer a sports car anymore, which is sad. The closest thing to a sports car Honda makes is the new Prelude. Our early impressions point to it being a nicely comfortable all-rounder with slinky looks – but no sports car.
The blue-collar lightweight sports car as a whole is a dying breed, with only the Mazda MX-5 left available as a new car. They're good fun, reliable and the running costs are pleasingly low. They're not as quick, dramatic or desirable as an S2000, but they're far more usable and a used example can easily be found for less than £15,000.
To find out more, read our full Honda S2000 review
Pros
- Good looks and well-engineered
- Hugely impressive engine
- Great fun to drive
Cons
- Engine has to be worked hard
- Rust, rust and more rust
Still want a used Honda S2000? Here’s what to look for when car hunting:
- Rust – This is a big killer for UK-registered S2000s. Rustproofing wasn’t up to scratch and it can easily prove terminal if not caught quickly
- Leaks – Another problem for UK-registered cars, but this time because of the weather. Over time the fabric can stretch or crack, leading to leaks.
- Timing chain – Listen for a rattling noise on startup – it can be a sign of worn timing chain tensioners, a potentially fatal problem if not dealt with. Expensive to put right.
- Gearbox – The S2000 was famed for it’s wonderful manual ‘box, but it can prove temperamental with age. Expect some stiffness when cold, but difficulty engaging gears, grinding noises and whining noises can all point to worn synchros.
- Oil consumption – These engines consume a fair bit of oil, so make sure there’s evidence of regular top ups and a full service history.
Should you buy a used Honda S2000?
This isn’t as clear cut as I initially thought. The car ticked so many used car boxes until I did some deeper research. But with solid examples now climbing past £15,000, the era of the affordable Honda S2000 is over and the surprising multitude of problems makes a cheap one a risky purchase. So no, you shouldn’t buy a Honda S2000, not unless you’re prepared to pay collector car money for a sorted example. Pity.
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