If you’ve always wanted one of Honda’s great S2000 sports cars but are waiting until they get “a little cheaper,” you better start looking because according to Hagerty Insurance they just sped by the Porsche Boxster and BMW Z3 in value. In fact, nice examples are already going for what they cost when new. Surprised?

S2000 Has It All

You shouldn’t be. The S2000 has never had many negatives in any category. It’s rear-wheel drive, naturally aspirated, has a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission, great suspension, and an almost perfect weight distribution of 49:51. All of that in a 2,800 lb fun-package. 

With a production run from 2000 to 2009, it had everything we have ever liked about Hondas wrapped in a slick package. When you can combine good looks, bulletproof mechanics, and fantastic driving dynamics, that is what all cars should be.

There are plenty of aftermarket components, but honestly, the S2000 in stock form is pretty great as it is. With an eye on value, it might be better to keep it fairly stock, anyway. 

If Motor biscuit has convinced you then here’s what to know. There are two versions, first the 2000-2003 AP1 then the AP2 finished the line through 2009. Changes to the AP1 were very minor and there were few options so you mainly have to concern yourself with condition. 

Power was from a 1997cc twin-cam four-cylinder featuring variable valve timing. With 240 hp and 153 lb-ft of torque, the S2000 was quick but nimble. Only one transmission was available; a six-speed that was almost bulletproof.

AP2 Saw Improvements

The changes for the AP2 version which arrived in 2004, are limited to a mild facelift, a tweaked suspension, and engine punched out to 2.2-liters. The engine had better torque over a wider range and peak horsepower was also improved.

When new the S2000 was $32,000 which was less than list price for a BMW Z3 or Porsche Boxster. Today conversely, S2000s are going for more than their counterparts. Hagerty says an S2000 in mint condition will set you back around $47,000. Low-mileage examples come in at around $25,000. More miles and worse condition diminishes from there. The sweet spot is somewhere between high teens to the high 20s.

Even high-mileage examples should not be overlooked as the Honda quality means few problems. Condition, and especially rust should be your main concern. Check for evidence of an accident under interior surfaces and underneath. Paint is fairly inexpensive to do touch-ups, but a repaint can get costly.

Nice Survivors Won’t Depreciate

Nice survivor prices have been edging upward the past few years, so it is inevitable that these roadsters would be past their low point. Now it’s an ever-increasing value. If you’re not in need of something to haul stuff or kids around this would be a great car to enjoy, use as a daily, and never lose what you’ve got into it. You can’t say that for a new Audi A6 or 3-series BMW.

If there’s a slight downside to the daily deal it’s mileage. It was never the best, but overall fuel economy should be in the low-20s with highway mileage listed at 25 mpg. Not bad but not Audi A4 or BMW 3 Series good. 

Still, the prices we’ve seen are comparable to a new Miata and lightyears below a new Boxster or Z3 BMW. Plus those will only go down in value. Your 65,000 mile S2000 won’t. Drop the top and enjoy the drive!