Never Modified: 2000 Honda S2000 – Sold?

April 24, 2022, Update – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

The Honda S2000 is quickly becoming the next Porsche 993. Here’s what I mean by this (potentially) pot-stirring statement: the 993-series 911 basically never lost value after being introduced, and with the arrival of the water-cooled 996, the rising price of the last air-cooled 911 was pretty much guaranteed. The Honda S2000 is one of the last great sports cars made by Honda, and as of this writing, nothing is forthcoming that makes me worried the S2K will soon be unseated. This example is a first-year model we found originally listed in March 2022 on Craigslist in Orange County, California. However, we note the seller and the car are actually located in St. Louis. That’s a smart move considering the car’s low 40,500 mile, bone-stock condition, with an asking price of $29,900. Comparing that price against the Hagerty Price Guide shows us that the seller is asking above the “Good” condition price tag of $25,900 but below the “Excellent” condition number of $39,800.

The horse is out of the barn as it relates to S2000 prices. There are no honest cars left that go for under $15,000, and the days in which you could get a high mileage but honest S2000 are long gone – but you’re forgiven if you didn’t buy at the right time, as the moment where an S2K could be bought “cheaply” was fleeting at best. Now, Honda made plenty of these, so you can always find a modified beater for $15,000 or less. But those cars have undoubtedly been poorly modified and coated in cheap upgrades, not to mention a presumed lack of maintenance. Spending $20,000 should net you a good one, but these days, you’ll be beating off the competition with a stick. Rust isn’t typically a problem, but cosmetics can look pretty rough without too much effort, so finding one that hasn’t had its low-hanging body cladding rammed into every parking abutment in town is worth making a priority in your search. A good soft top with a clean rear window is also nice to have but count on replacing both if you buy a beater.

The MotorWeek Retro Review Channel features this road test of the then-new 2000 Honda S2000:

These days, we see plenty of near-stock examples, but nonetheless still modified. It could be a simple thing, like a modest lowering kit and aftermarket wheels, but finding one that is truly stock is hard to find. The seller claims his example has never been modified, barring a replacement soft top with a glass rear window from a later model. With claims of being dealer-maintained since new, this S2000 is also one of the few examples left that seems to have led a fairly quiet life of being driven sparingly and taken to the dealership for brake jobs and oil changes. One of the greatest temptations of owning an S2000 is to take it to the occasional track day given how capable it is on a road course. The seller has (presumably) refrained from this temptation as well, and while we don’t typically discourage drivers from honing their skills on the track, it’s always nice to find a car that hasn’t spent every weekend banging off the rev limiter. The price may seem high, but it’s also likely a fair ask given how much clean S2000s are going for.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“Very clean, straight, and original 2000 Honda S2000 with 40,500 miles. Never modified or tracked. Had a new top with later model glass rear window installed a year ago. That is the only non-original item. Second owner since new.

Leather interior is in great condition as is the entire car. 6-speed manual transmission, 4 cylinder. Dealer-maintained since new. Has always lived in a garage under a cover (included).

Located 20 minutes from STL airport, and I will be happy to assist with a fly and drive. The car is in St Louis, and at this price it is a great opportunity to fly in, purchase, and have a great roadtrip back to SoCal.

No low balls and I do not need help selling..”

S2000 values: Will Honda’s iconic roadster continue to appreciate into the six-figure range?