The Mazda MX-5 is the go-to option for anyone looking for a reliable, two-seat sports car on a budget. And while the MX-5 is brilliant – all four generations of it – it’s also a little obvious. So, what are the alternatives?
There’s the Toyota MR2, perhaps. But tidy Mk1 and Mk2 versions are getting hard to find, and the engine in the Mk3 lacks a little sparkle. Moving things up a step, you’ve got the likes of the Porsche Boxster, but anyone who buys a ‘cheap’ Boxster is braver than me.
Fortunately, there’s another contender from Japan. The Honda S2000 was launched in 1999, with a frenetic engine, enough practicality for a weekend away and agreeable styling. Sales came to an end after 10 years with the GT Edition 100 special edition, which boasted Grand Prix White paint, special graphite alloys, red leather and a unique serial number badge. That’s the car we’re testing here.
How does the Honda S2000 drive?
In some ways, it seems daft to compare the S2000 with the MX-5. It develops 240hp and will hit 62mph in 6.2 seconds. But, in the first instance, it doesn’t feel any more spectacular than an MX-5. The interior is fine, if lacking a touch of sparkle, and the engine remains reserved below around 6,000rpm. Yes, you read that right.
You have to adapt your driving style in an S2000. Keeping your foot down beyond 6,000rpm feels a bit anti-social, but the VTEC engine, with its variable valve timing, only comes to life near its 9,000rpm limiter. And when you’re in its peak power zone, this is arguably one of the best engines ever fitted to a sports car. Not only does it sound incredible, it makes for a genuinely thrilling drive.
Keeping the S2000 on the boil is all part of the fun. The six-speed manual gearbox is a delight to use, and the car’s handling encourages you to maintain momentum through bends. Yes, there are stories of the S2000 being a bit twitchy, and that’s true for earlier models, but by 2009 Honda had tweaked its suspension, fitted better tyres and introduced stability control in a bid to iron out unexpected oversteer.
It’s still not quite as agile or confidence-inspiring as an MX-5, but an airfield day will soon help you get to grips with the sideways tendencies of the S2000.
Tell me about buying one
Cosmetically, later models look very similar to the early cars, so you might question the logic in spending £25,000 on one of the very last, compared to £10,000 for a cheap one. Honda constantly tweaked the S2000 throughout its lifetime, however, so it’s best to buy the latest model you can afford.
The biggest facelift came in 2004, with revised user-friendly suspension, added bracing and slower steering to reduce the S2000’s edginess. Stability and traction control were offered as options from 2006, while post-2008 cars came with the traction aids as standard. None of these features take away from the appeal of the Honda as a true driver’s car, though.
The S2000 is now a fully-paid-up modern classic. A good example could prove to be an investment, so don’t skimp on the maintenance budget. We reckon around £15,000 will buy you a traction control-equipped car with a respectable mileage from a dealer.
Be aware that all S2000s burn a lot of oil. This isn’t something to worry about, but if it’s been allowed to run low, it could prove to be an issue. Check the oil level before starting the engine and, if it’s a private sale, question the seller on how often it’s topped up.
The suspension could be prove to be a pricier problem – listen out for clonks and knocks on the test drive, especially from cars with higher mileages. Cosmetically, rust isn’t a huge issue, although it’s worth having a poke around underneath, as Honda’s scrimped on the underseal when the S2000 was new. Other than that, looks out for signs of general abuse and negotiate over issues like kerbed wheels and stone chips, as well as worn leather seats.
Honda S2000: Verdict
Not everyone will be a fan of the S2000. One specialist dealer told us that many people walk away after a test drive, as a few minutes with a salesman sat alongside you doesn’t show the S2000 in its best light. If you’re looking for a car to be seen in, the S2000 isn’t great either; it lacks the badge kudos of the BMW Z4, Mercedes-Benz SLK or Porsche Boxster, and the interior isn’t up to German standards.
There is a small band of people the S2000 will appeal to, however. If you don’t mind working a car hard to get the best from it, and want something more rewarding than an MX-5 and more usable than a Lotus Elise, the Honda S2000 could make for an excellent buy.
Values are on the rise, as even the newest cars are now more than a decade old, and it’s earned itself quite a following. Be sure to buy a good one, though, as a ropey S2000 will never be worth the money you’d have to spend in maintenance.
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