Honda S2000: should you buy an AP1 or an AP2?

U.S. 2000–2003 cars combine a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a six-speed manual. Honda originally rated the engine at 240 horsepower and 153 lb-ft. That is a very different proposition from a turbocharged car bought for effortless low-speed torque: make sure you enjoy working through the gears on a legal, ordinary test drive.

Early does not mean inferior, and later does not mean problem-free. An AP1 with careful maintenance and sound bodywork can be the better purchase than an AP2 with an uncertain past. Avoid turning internet preferences into a reason to overlook the actual car.

For 2004, U.S. cars gained a 2.2-liter engine, revised gearing and chassis changes. Honda quoted 240 horsepower and 162 lb-ft for that year. The larger engine changes the character without turning the S2000 into a relaxed grand tourer.

The 2006 update is a useful shopping landmark: Honda added electronic throttle control and Vehicle Stability Assist, alongside cabin and wheel changes. The published output became 237 horsepower under the revised SAE measurement procedure. That number alone is not evidence of a meaningful performance downgrade. Stability assistance is worth considering for a street car, but tires, weather and driver judgment still matter.

Try the roof, seating position and luggage space before you fall for the shape. Bring your usual bag and have both occupants sit in it. Check roof seals and drains, look for damp carpets, and listen for wind noise during a test drive. A removable hardtop does not add rear seats or make it a different body style.

An older roadster also needs a realistic parking plan. If it will live outdoors, roof condition and weather sealing deserve real money in your budget. Compare insurance quotes and keep a maintenance reserve separate from the purchase price; our $50,000 search cap is an asking-price ceiling, not an all-in ownership budget.

Book an independent inspection with someone familiar with the S2000. Ask for a cold start, maintenance invoices, a modification list and a fully warmed test drive. A quiet-looking engine bay cannot establish how a car has been driven.

For a street-focused buyer starting from scratch, a well-kept 2006–2009 AP2 is a sensible place to begin because it includes the later stability system. If an earlier car is substantially better documented and fits you better, keep it on the shortlist. The best version is one you can maintain comfortably after buying it.

The S2000 suits someone who actively wants two seats, an open roof and a manual gearbox. If you mainly want a practical daily with occasional fun, compare a Civic Si or RSX Type-S before committing. Start with ordinary examples rather than assuming a collectible CR will fit the same budget; seller availability and condition must be confirmed individually.