Thank you, S2000

"NineFourTeener" (ninefourteener)
07/07/2017 at 11:01 • Filed to: None

My S2000 is for sale on Bring a Trailer (link below)

I bought my first post-marriage “fun” car in March of 2015. A (what I thought) was a nice example of a 1974 Porsche 914 2.0. After any number of thousands of dollars, frustrating afternoons stuck in parking lots looking for someone to help me bump start it and more thousands of dollars, I decided I was done less than a year after I bought the car.

But I wasn’t done done. Not really. I could flip the 914 for something else. Who just needs that kind of cash burning a hole in their pocket, right? But I needed a safe haven. Something new . But still something that I knew .

I’d grown up with Hondas. A 1989 Honda Civic Si, any number of Accords and CR-Vs, a glorious 1999 Civic Si and a 2003 Acura RSX type S. Outside of smuggling in a Type R, or breaking the bank for an NSX, there was really only one option. An S2000.

I’m not going to debate AP1 vs. AP2. I’m just going to say that I had the thrill of 8000 RPM redlines in the Si (and close enough with the RSX). I wanted more and the only way to get that was an AP1. I found the AP1 I wanted at a dealership in San Diego. No negotiating. Take my money.

I was jaded after the 914. I couldn’t attempt to start a car with a sense of dread. I forgot was it was like to have a car that wanted to go. That you’d push and instead of wheezing, it asked for more. It took a while to open up with the Honda. We took it slow. A short drive to the grocery store and then a longer drive to work. I was learning to love again.

And then it happened. Turning on to Highway 237 and North 1st Street in San Jose. Be first in line at the light. Make the left. Keep it in first until you’re physically on the on ramp. 5000 RPM. Now - to the floor. 9000 RPM comes quickly, so you shift one of the sweetest shifters ever made. Back to 6000. Again, 9000 comes pretty quick, but that just means you’re back to that beautiful gearbox. 3rd gear at 9000 is enough. Snick it into 6th.

It’s not the kind of whooshy, reality-bending acceleration of a super car of course. But it’s not half bad. And you can push it a little bit on normal roads without worrying about if you’re 100 mph over the speed limit. You can’t do that with a Turbo S.

After a quick systems check to see if the car was ready to explode like the 914 would have been, the car seemed happy. Like I had finally let it do what it was meant to do. In that moment, I had learned to love again.

6000 or so miles later, a cross country trip, some modifications. And the car and I are buds. It never let me down. It always brought a smile to my face. It’s a fun Honda. Who could need more?

But we’re buds that know that we need to part ways. Life can sometimes get in the way the enthusiasm of owning cars. And after purchasing our first home that has just one assigned parking spot, and not wanting to rent some random spot or park it somewhere outside of my control, it’s time to let someone else make a friend.

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This little Honda taught me to love fun cars again. I went from a tired, broke, jaded car enthusiast after my Porsche. To an excited, joyous and reborn car enthusiast. It sounds dramatic, but it’s the truth. This car’s job, with me, is complete. And for that, I say thank you .

If you happen to think that this S2000 is your next car, then not only do I know that you’re getting a pretty incredible example of one of the finest roadsters ever created, but you’re also getting a car that has proved itself to be beautiful, reliable and really a great friend. Enjoy it. I did.

DISCUSSION (13)

WilliamsSW > NineFourTeener
07/07/2017 at 11:07

I was drooling a bit over your car yesterday on BaT. What scares me is that I’m local - but I’m just not in the right position yet, unfortunately.

Gorgeous car, and I’m sure it will do well on BaT - good luck with the sale!

NineFourTeener > WilliamsSW
07/07/2017 at 11:10

Who is ever REALLY in the right position?

Just kidding. I get it. I appreciate the well wishes. And if you change your mind, want more info on the car, or whatever else, just let me know. A more fun and reliable little sports car, there are few.

WilliamsSW > NineFourTeener
07/07/2017 at 11:13

Haha - so true! But in my case, it’s a short driveway, 4 cars already, and a plan to sell the house, move into temp housing/ build a house next year.

But I will be following the auction closely, and will let you know if anything changes!

NineFourTeener > WilliamsSW
07/07/2017 at 11:15

Sounds good. Good luck with everything on your end as well!

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > NineFourTeener
07/07/2017 at 11:32

Holy crap thats some low mileage on it!

DutchieDC2R > NineFourTeener
07/07/2017 at 11:35

I have a Integra Type R, dc2 variant and, youve just described exactly how I feel about my car. Youve, unintentionally, also described the moment I hope never to experience, but know will come eventually, which is, letting it go. Good luck selling the S2000.

NineFourTeener > DutchieDC2R
07/07/2017 at 11:45

Thank you! It wasn’t an easy choice, but ultimately, the right one I think. Enjoy the heck out of your Integra!

NineFourTeener > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
07/07/2017 at 11:47

Yeah. It was barely used from new to when I got it, which I thought was a bit of a shame honestly. But I wanted something clean, and this was it. I used it, loved it, and took good care of it. Time for someone else to put even more miles on it (or put it in storage, I guess, they can do whatever they want)!

maximillious > NineFourTeener
07/07/2017 at 11:55

I fucking love my AP2 S2k. Grew up with an 01 Integra GS-R and an 05 SI (Which was more fun than people will give it credit for). After a brief affair with shitty performance ford hatchbacks and a 400k mile E30, I found myself sliding into the black leather of a bright yellow AP2 hardtop. I will ****Never**** sell this car. One day, forces outside of my control may take it from me, but I will never willingly give it up. The joy I get, walking up to that car as the tailights blink when I unlock the door, is unparalleled. Ive put almost 10k on the car in the last two years and it has not skipped a beat.

NineFourTeener > maximillious
07/07/2017 at 12:04

I know the feeling. Enjoy it!

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > NineFourTeener
07/07/2017 at 12:10

Oh yeah I’m sure it will sell for a pretty penny and be enjoyed well. Having quality coilovers and a nice exhaust are certainly plusses, I am of the belief that literally every car needs those two mods. But hopefully you dont lose out because “its not stock”. GLWS!

I really liked the AP2 that I rented from Turo once. It definitely felt special. It was like my Miata but better. My only complaint was that it was too quiet so I’m sure the exhaust install helped that one!

NineFourTeener > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
07/07/2017 at 12:13

Yeah, the “it’s not stock” sentiment is always a concern when selling a modified car. Luckily, I didn’t do anything that can’t be easily reversed should someone want something stock. It was my car, I did what I wanted with it, and someone can do the same when it’s theirs.

I love the exhaust! Just enough extra volume. Not raspy or droney. Nice and smooth, a little bit deep. Frankly, my favorite upgrade of them all.

Nauraushaun > NineFourTeener
07/08/2017 at 20:41

I love my MR2 and I don’t like the Honda stigma. But I’ve long considered one of these. Maybe one day.

That’s exactly it. I’ve driven an Evo my friend owns, boosting up to the speed limit in half a second just isn’t that much fun. Wringing out a gear in a slower car is better.