2-Year Honda S2000 Ownership: Costs, Repairs, and Lessons Learned

Initial Investment and Early Repairs

• 💰 The Honda S2000 was purchased for $12,000, with an additional $1,200 for shipping, bringing the initial outlay to $13,200.
• 💡 An early purchase of pads and rotors for track duty was deemed a waste of money as the original rotors held up well for several track days.
• 🛠️ Preventative maintenance included installing the Billman timing chain tensioner and performing valve adjustments with AP2 valve springs and retainers.

Major Mechanical and Cosmetic Work

• 💥 A significant repair involved a clutch replacement after the pressure plate broke during a track day, costing $562 for the kit and $700 for labor.
• 🎨 A full trunk replacement and paint was necessary due to rust bubbles and a previous shoddy repair, costing approximately $1,400.
• ⚙️ Other notable repairs and replacements include engine and transmission mounts ($449), differential mounts ($261), and an OEM Honda battery ($210).
• 💨 An "UK exhaust mod" (muffler bypass) was performed for improved sound without drone, alongside a factory airbox mod with a K&N filter.

Ongoing Maintenance and Improvements

• ⛽ Oil consumption was reduced by switching to Castrol high mileage 5W30 and replacing a PCV valve, decreasing usage from 1.5 quarts per thousand miles to about half a quart.
• 🔊 The interior received aesthetic upgrades including a new steering wheel, cluster surround, and cluster lens, along with a speaker upgrade.
• ❄️ The car was equipped with Continental Extreme Contact Sport 02 tires for summer and a set of winter tires for cold weather performance.
• ❄️ The S2000 proved to be a capable winter car on snow tires, providing a rear-wheel-drive manual option when other vehicles were put away.

Overall Ownership Experience and Cost

• 📈 Over two years and approximately 7,000 miles, the total investment in the S2000 reached $23,246.
• 🤔 While the car required significant investment and had several self-inflicted wounds, the owners found it to be a maintenance-hungry but rewarding ownership experience.
• 🚀 The S2000 is praised for its lightweight, naturally aspirated, high-revving, front-midship engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, making it a favorite sports car despite its age and maintenance needs.
• 💡 The advice given is to buy the nicest S2000 one can afford to minimize immediate repair needs, though this specific car's journey has been a valuable learning experience.