Buying the Perfect S2000 - TO BUILD

So the post looking for an S2000 had an over whelming response, Thanks to everyone that helped us find a car.
Looking all over the USA, we ended up finding the perfect car in our back yard.
Go shopping
www.lhtperform...

[@VirtualGuth]

Honda took a fair amount of grief from many back in the day for their "conservative" approach with the design of the S2000, but the last laugh is definitely theirs as it turns out. The design of this car is about as timeless as it gets when it comes to modern vehicles. The slow-mo footage of the car rolling down the road demonstrates this very nicely. A low-slung hood line like the one found on this car is now a thing of the past given today's safety regulations. To me these cars look their cleanest and most sleek when they are free of all of the additional body cladding, but to each their own. Congratulations on the great find! I'm looking forward to watching every video that you create featuring this car.

[@MuffinMan0521]

That's interesting. I always thought the AP2 front bumper looked pretty aggressive.

[@moustachio334]

It’s just like when people criticize the look of a 911 never changing. Why should it? It was right the first time.

[@VirtualGuth]

@@moustachio334 That's an interesting observation. While I agree with you in terms of the basic shape of the car, in my opinion the design has changed significantly since the 911's introduction. The earliest cars from the 60's look the best to me by far. After about a decade the design became what so many think of when they think Porsche 911. I feel that they really screwed it up in '99 or whenever it was that they lost the rounded headlight covers. While the basic overall shape is similar, today's car looks very different than those early cars from the 60's. That said, the front end does look better today than it did 20 years ago. Regardless of what I think, I'm sure that every iteration of the 911 has its fans and overall the car is truly an icon. In a nutshell, Porsche has made quite a few changes over the years and that is to be expected over such a long period of time, but they do know better than to screw with the design too much.

[@fastdude2002]

I bought my S2000 new in 2002, Sebring Silver, and it still sits in my garage today. Mine is a California car and just turned over to 8,000 miles. I have too many toys and didn’t find much time to drive it and therefore the reason for only 8,000 miles. Mine has always been garaged, never driven in the rain, no rock chips, door dings, etc. The closest you can get to a new one as it looks as good as the day I brought it home. Now that values are rising I’m afraid to drive it. I take it for a spin once a month to keep it running properly and will eventually probably sell it. I need to figure out what it’s worth. I’m going to want a good price for it because as I said it’s about as close as new condition as you are going to find since I babied it for its 8,000 miles. Whenever I would drive it I would never park and leave it unattended as I was afraid of getting door dings, someone backing into it, etc. so I would take it out on back country roads and just enjoy a nice Sunday drive. I know I will miss it but I have been basically storing it in my garage time capsule for twenty years and will enjoy having a garage again for new toys.....

[@frenzythebeast]

“Would rather debate oil with someone rather than politics” LOL

[@LHTPerformance]

MugenK20 Lol. I actually agree

[@doctorgonzo2000]

Esther-S2000 2020!

[@89hondaguysi]

@@LHTPerformance for real tho... who you voting for?

[@LHTPerformance]

89hondaguysi As mentioned in the video, I don’t discuss politics.

[@LHTPerformance]

Sideways G Almost case and point. Sometimes it’s best to keep your opinions to yourself. Your right as an a American is to vote for who you want, and for your owns reasons. You also have the right to vote silently, it’s no ones business but your own.

[@jamesbuckingham8073]

Esther you're the best addition to the LHC shop; you balance out the 2 others; can't remember their names!

[@LHTPerformance]

James Buckingham Barry and Chuck 🤔

[@jkflorida]

Damn Esther looks awesome in the S2K! Great buy John!

[@Frenchyk]

I'm sooooooo happy that you're getting an s2k for the shop! I LOVE the s2k content on this channel.

[@tclab1]

I have the same S ...only it's a 2006 42k miles ... red in EXCELLENT condition! Hopefully it will be a good investment but I've been a Honda fanatic since 1967 ... at 70 ... the S is my first relatively "fast" sports car! I took your advice last winter and went through the car and put Royal Purple in everything... no regrets... the part I'm wondering about is what is more beautiful... the S2000 ?... Esther ? or Esther driving the S2000 ? ... I'm sure it's both! Thanks for the video... I'll be watching for pointers on the S ... I'll be taking my S into my carpenter shop converted to my auto shop for the New England winter quickly approaching... BTW ... nice looking underneath a car ... that old ... with no rust ... salt is the killer up here!

[@uazhar2013]

as a s2000 owner, i really want another one!

[@nigelgrant1415]

John, I kid you not, when you showed the special passenger I went into cheer mode with my hands in the air! Actually paused the video to type this. Good thing my wife was sleeping so I didn't have to explain who Esther was! Great car, makes me want one now!

[@LHTPerformance]

Lol. She loved driving the car. She really needed it too. The last few months have been tough on us all, We just keep working hard and pushing forward.

[@nigelgrant1415]

@@LHTPerformance keep on doing your thing, all the best!

[@cosso114]

Better find another one...Esther got her eyes on that one

[@paulie2476]

You guys state side are very lucky to have a pool of cars available, like the example in the video. We have a much smaller pool of of low km vehicles in Australia and AP2’s are a rarity.

[@michaelturpin6007]

Really looking forward to this series. A few months back I bought a mint 2006 S2000, Laguna Blue, with 17k miles. Always inspired by LHT and their attention to detail and knowledge of the S2K platform.

[@vah-mingmoua9599]

Even though s2000 is 90% of your videos, this one just feels much more special and exciting. Cant wait to see how to properly care for a honda as I am going to learn some ew infos as wll.

[@DuanDao]

I wished SoCal had clean finds like this. I had an 04 Berlina Black new and regret getting rid of it. Now that the kids are older I’m getting that itch to get back into one. Really appreciate your channel, the amount of pride you put into each and everyone of your customer’s cars shows how much you care. Wish your shop wasn’t clear across the US though lol

[@jrodjeremyflanigan7935]

S2000 looks amazing. Looks like Esther had a great time driving back to the shop!

[@jameslacombe9264]

Esther is definitely gonna end up with that car! Love the video, these are the best videos, when you guys are just cruising and hanging out. Love all the videos and look forward to seeing the evolution of the shop s2000!

[@Evergreen4477_Typology]

that is the cleanest stock s2000 i've ever seen. i love it

[@nacostacos]

She looked SO happy driving it! Can't wait for new episodes to come!

[@olegnovikov6442]

Rain is good luck! All my vehicles bought in the rain have been good to me! Congratulations John! Super clean and minty!

[@seanjohnson8674]

This is perfect timing! I just picked up a red 2001 with 30k miles. Already did all my fluids but I'll enjoy seeing how you guys take care of things and see what I missed. Sweet car!

[@djditty8012]

WOOHOOOOOO! So excited for this series John!

[@victorwilburn3498]

REALLY wish I still had the white car with its red interior today. Flawless, beautiful car and build👍.

[@Ldunk]

You made me fall in love with my 2005 S2k all over again. Mine is silver but I love all of the colors. Yes mine is a daily, 110k so far can't wait to see you at the dragon!

[@BillyTheFilipino]

That s2000 has Esther's name all over it!

[@MikeG-ic9nw]

Really want an S2K now. There's Something about Honda's in solid factory colours like red, champ white and black. They look amazing.

[@traviceo1075]

Congratulations John.. this build is going to Rock the channel! I was watching your videos for a year before I got my hands on mine is preparation. Can't wait to nerd out the upgrades. My only wish is if you can do everything thing you want to do to it... however keeping it n/a still.. kind of a purist in that sense... but I'm probably out numbered hear on this. Good luck LHT!

[@SilverScarletSpider]

The Honda S2000 is so wonderful. Porsche Boxster, BMW z3, Nissan 350Z, Toyota MRS, Mazda Miata NC, Ford Mustang Convertible.

[@big-R]

Dejavu because my wife was driving my red S2000 while I was driving the C6Z06 this summer. :) Nice purchase!

[@LHTPerformance]

Romo VA Wow, good stuff. 2 great cars.

[@damianobaldoni7490]

looking forward to watch the new videos!!!! I recently bought an S2000 AP1 2001 .... your advice will be a great help! (from Italy)

[@mgflo00]

When you start the build, I'd be interested in the radiator and wheels if you decide to change them. Thanks! --previous customer and longtime viewer 😄

[@redcivic1000]

John it’s going to be great! Your S2000 is going to go great with the Integra. Living your best life.

[@bobbyrios2k223]

Beautiful car and Esther looks good in a red s2k.. Especially top down

[@kinhtang808]

This is what I was waiting for. Can't wait to see the next video on fluid change. I need to do it to my S2000.

[@carlosalenduran4630]

What a beautiful car it's probably my favorite car I used to have on an 05 black she was a beauty I miss it so much it got stolen I never found it I'm looking to buy to buy one soon.

[@THEPAULFOOT]

Hiiii Esther and can't wait to see the build guys 😁

[@ragemydream]

Great video - really like how you took us through the process of buying a 2nd hand S2000 - really timeless design. Also great to see Esther too, she's looking great!

[@Jstn190]

Thats awesome! I just picked up my first s2k yesterday (bone stock 2004 33k black stock suspension) and already in love. Been following you for a while, and definitely inspired me to pick one up. Also have a 1990 crx b18c turbo that was inspired by your earlier work. Cant wait to see what you have in store for this one, keep up the clean sick work !

[@LHTPerformance]

Awesome! Congrats. First thing, fluids. We’ll cover that in detail coming up in the next video on this.

[@Jstn190]

@@LHTPerformance Despite low mileage do you find coolant ages (should it be replaced due to age)?

[@wstarli]

Loved this video!! In the middle of an S2000 "rebuild" myself, and will definitely look forward to all the great tips. Keep up the great work!!

[@caddy7779]

I love love love your channel, I wish my 05 was still in my life........

[@CowKingz]

This video brings a smile on my face.

[@remerson1]

What an amazing find! Really happy for you guys. I had to go to Florida to find my 2005 S2 as well. Can’t wait to follow the progress of this one. I a, sure you will let us know but please share the suppliers of the parts you get for “lips”. That is the only thing I want to add to my car for now. So nice to see Ester as well! Hope everyone is safe and healthy! Congratulations! #enjoyyourcars

[@MrRedsi]

I cant wait to get my hands on an S2K as well! Hopefully I can find one this clean.

[@eddieh9857]

Congrats LHT! cant wait to see the future for this car!

[@matthewsantacroce4241]

Awesome , can’t wait to see it progress !

[@timmcmillan3944]

Hi John, you’re lucky you found a perfect S2000 close by, I had to travel to Indiana to buy my 2007 LBP. I didn’t want to put highway miles on it so I trailered it back to the east coast of Florida. Can’t wait to see what mods you do to it. With your videos I’ve learned so much about maintaining my car, thank you!

[@danmontoya877]

Right!!? I had to drive 5 hours to get mine last year. I def drove it all the way home.. I barely had enough 💰 for a decent down payment but at the time they were rocketing in price and I had to take a leap of faith putting a deposit without even seeing it in person. It had to be done. Can’t even imagine how hard they are to find these days.

[@Ronstar1266]

Good to see Esther back & the S2000 really suits her. Will it be her company car when it's updated? Can't wait to see the upgrades for this S2000 which I hope will give inspiration as to what I can do to mine S2000 here in the UK.

[@Ragnarok043]

Esther looking real comfortable in "her" new company car hahaha

[@srqFF]

I’m currently in the market for an AP2 S2000. I’m 30 mins south of you in Sarasota, I grew up in Clearwater. I’ll be coming to you if I find one. Haven’t even driven one yet but I want one. Haha

[@64Spokes]

I’m so excited for this. I have an 08 LBP and have been looking for some inspiration to do some proper modifications, although I can’t promise I won’t completely copy yours 😂

[@Encyclo3]

Good buy! Just FYI 08-09 have red stitching on the seats. Also vinyl/leather actually not as resistant as on 06-07. Almost impossible not to wear the l/h side bolster on driver seat back. Bought my 08 used with 1,400 Km (900 miles) back in 2011. Will probably keep it FOREVER 😎

[@LHTPerformance]

Awesome, I guess it’s always dirty I’ve never really noticed it. I’ll have to clean it and see if I can get it brighter.

[@billmckinney7398]

In 2011 I bought a 2003 New Formula Red S2000 with 16,000 miles and it looked just as good as this one. I did a test drive in the rain and found out it had never been driven in the rain! It now has 35,000 on the clock and doesn’t get out much.

[@marcperras9072]

I'm grinning ear to ear. My Integra GSR is Milano red... so is yours. I bought a red S2000 in June... now your shop owns a red S2000. What are the odds? Can't wait for more content to guide me in properly maintaining my S2K.

[@7eamGhast]

THATS JUST A METAPHOR ESTHER, GOSH! :)

[@dougn6465]

Found the car in Trinty, nice. My neck of the woods. Bayside bridge is the worse bridge in our area

[@LHTPerformance]

Yes. Makes every car feel like it needs suspension. Lol

[@qwertranfar]

I wish I sent you mine earlier. Laguna/Bermuda Blue Pearl, 2006, all 10 vin stickers, Georgia, one previous owner, STOCK, 24k miles (he only drove it to church on Sundays), replaced battery with Honda, replaced tires with original Pilot Super Sports, no shift pop outs, NO issues, no dents, no top tears, etc. :-(

[@j.r.arnolli7494]

Oatmeal / The Blue Pearl, that's the one I want, but Europe is a long ride :-(

[@ceescorner]

Great example of a car. Congrats

[@davishernandez735]

This video makes me wish i had more room in the garage... beautiful car!

[@ryanfulkman]

Davis Hernandez time for expansion! Haha.

[@thatrallycarguy]

Man buddy I love your videos you're so down-to-earth and all your people are friendly as hell I wish you could work on my EM1 it is pretty much spotless

[@LHTPerformance]

Jeremiah the EM1 Thanks so much. We are ourselves on video and in person. I have a true love and passion for what we do.

[@ivtec845]

Wow that S is a gem beautiful car!!!

[@Azspeedin]

Lovin every minute John!

[@goldenwarrior2228]

Great find! S2000 in that condition is very very hard to come by.

[@3Lb0r1]

Looking forward to the oil/fluid branding debate 😁

[@JuiiceTheBox]

i've been refreshing s2ki, BAT, FB marketplace, and craigslist nonstop for the past 2 weeks searching for one on the east coast

[@livedeliciously]

I can't wait to see what you guys do with the build. Hopefully there's no budget.

[@flaS2k]

Can’t wait to see it evolve!

[@MedeJeanMoto]

Great idea John! Had I ever tested one of your SCed examples I'm sure I would've bought another one.

[@giovannigallo8429]

These look great in red

[@cruz_control3925]

Awesome find, the red matches the Integra. Can't wait to see what you do with it!

[@LHTPerformance]

It’s actually quite a bit lighter. The S2000 is new formula red, the Integra is Milano red.

[@HieuTran-zh1bk]

Congratulations on the purchase. Can’t wait to see the results. Currently looking for one myself. Found a 2008 CR but the price is definitely high.

[@JacesOwnWorld]

You saw a “full on” peacock! Dang that’s crazy! I usually see “half on” ones...😆 The way we talk sometimes haha. I do this stuff all the time.

[@LHTPerformance]

Lol.

[@JR-cs4hg]

Looking forward to this series for maintenance and mods?!!

[@bobbyw2066]

No need to worry about the clutch, it's getting an fx350 and flywheel at some point in the build

[@camxiong]

I think that's a ebay rear spoiler too...but i think the ebay replicas actually look nicer than the oem, it's shaped a bit more aggressive.

[@LHTPerformance]

I don’t have a problem with the ready. We’ll do a cut and buff and see how it looks.

[@Dinotti]

Bjutifull!!! Greetings from Slovenia. An s2k owner. :)

[@LHTPerformance]

Hello there 👍🏻

[@Dinotti]

@@LHTPerformance love your videos. U teach me a lot.

[@LHTPerformance]

Thanks buddy

[@Mr.Gal1kanokus]

The only car i want now lol. So clean!

[@_Suzuka_Joe]

my S2000 used to make 430whp with a big turbo kit and while it was fantastic I honestly loved it with just NA power. I do have an audi RS3 thats dumb fast and its just different. I missed my S2k so I ended up buying it back

[@fastdude2002]

I bought my S2000 new in 2002, Sebring Silver, and it still sits in my garage today. Mine is a California car and just turned over to 8,000 miles. I have too many toys and didn’t find much time to drive it and therefore the reason for only 8,000 miles. Mine has always been garaged, never driven in the rain, no rock chips, door dings, etc. The closest you can get to a new one as it looks as good as the day I brought it home. Now that values are rising I’m afraid to drive it. I take it for a spin once a month to keep it running properly and will eventually probably sell it. I need to figure out what it’s worth. I’m going to want a good price for it because as I said it’s about as close as new condition as you are going to find since I babied it for its 8,000 miles. Whenever I would drive it I would never park and leave it unattended as I was afraid of getting door dings, someone backing into it, etc. so I would take it out on back country roads and just enjoy a nice Sunday drive. I know I will miss it but I have been basically storing it in my garage time capsule for twenty years and will enjoy having a garage again for new toys.....

[@LHTPerformance]

It sounds like a real gem you have there . The way the S2000 prices are going it’s hard to say it’s value. Bring a Trailer may be the best place to list it, be sure you’re ready to part with it as I doubt the prices will ever come down.

[@pyrune1]

I'm looking at one tomorrow! So this is such a great helpful vid. Subbed!

[@markodemarco]

Congrats on the new car. In a way, I’m glad you didn’t buy my S2000 as I’m sure I would have been missing it by now. I’m exited to see the video series regarding this new S2000. Hey maybe it will motivate me to do some mods on mine.

[@LHTPerformance]

I haven’t found many cars that will match the car once modified unless you get into the 50k bracket

[@ulygarage]

Talking about lip I purchased an OEM lip with AP2 OEM bumper for $190. They bot need paint but are in good shape other than rock ships and brake vent ducts.

[@robertjordan9075]

Great, something to look 👀 forward to.

[@BlueRice]

20:15 that makes Ester even cooler. she know how to enjoy car hehe

[@davidwarden6011]

Excited to see the s2000 build, even more Excited for the 5.3 Colorado build.

[@LHTPerformance]

We have a pretty diverse collection going on right now. 👍🏻

[@Fortheloveofjdm]

Love that blue eg hatch with the gsr motor. Style wise I prefer the ek hatch but I’d daily that.

[@FrostyAMG]

Lovely car, the red really pops!

[@g-mane7497]

That first minute and a half of truth was sooo funny lol 🤣

[@inVINSONable1]

You got it! We have identical matching cars now.... +1

[@sharkparty1027]

Dang, following along.

[@crxtodd16]

I vote you build that engine, but keep it NA. I mean, it's already stroked compared to the AP1 (ie F22C vs F20C). See what numbers you can get. Would be unique and cool! Either way, I'm blown away by the condition of that thing. It's as good as new. Seriously.

[@LHTPerformance]

That’s not the plan. A loud high reving car making a ton of noise isn’t the target demographic we appeal to.

[@st0atmaster]

Hi John, another enjoyable video, thank you. Looking forward to the new content this generates. Question, do you see many S2000s with the rear bumper 'sag'? I'm struggling to adjust mine with the plastic tabs, do you guys have any tips? Tell Esther she's looking great by the way! Good to see her again.

[@brushwag]

Long time, first time. Really looking forward to this. Street turbo maybe? Thought we'd see more of those after you guys said you like it so much.

[@LHTPerformance]

Andrew Ewing We have some 2 since.

[@Inkawgneegrow]

there is a LOT of honda awesomeness in one driveway

[@TheMick26]

Congratulations on the latest addition to the LHT fleet, John.👍 That's a beautiful S2000 and I can't wait to see what all you guys do to it. As for 1:41 ... I agree 100%. So, who you pullin' for, 5W-30 or nowt 20?😉

[@LHTPerformance]

TheMick26 Lol. I’ll wait for the next oil debate.

[@che7wins614]

Excellent car, but why did you not want black, that’s my favourite colour 😀 Love the channel, as a recent UK S2000 owner, I can understand the love for this car... Your channel is best S2000 channel by far, keep up the great content

[@z32luvr]

He explained why in the last video.

[@N37L]

Shocked I am John! the corvette seatbelts are still standard colour - has there been a glitch in the Matrix? Great to see Lisa enjoying the car, you 3 are such a great team together

[@LHTPerformance]

Just in case the ‘next guy’ doesn’t like Orange 🤔

[@Rob.Coleman]

Nice find, looks like you've got a good one there. Really looking forward to see how this build goes, I might even steal a few ideas from you in the process :-)

[@karlpfeil5581]

Couple goals!

[@RichBuilt]

Amazing find! Messaged you guys on IG this one when I saw your post :)

[@relentlessthedragon]

Nice man. you said Pinellas Park. Im grew up in Clearwater. Tampa Bay loves hondas.

[@LHTPerformance]

Michael Jones They sure do buddy. It’s been a massive Honda scene for a long time.

[@2THGap]

Awesome buy. Good luck with the build. I'll be following along very closely. You've got me back to loving S2000's again. I used to have one that I sold to somebody in Calgary, Alberta Canada. P.S. I sold it with 19000 miles on it.

[@axsb]

looks so good cruising!