Do Honda S2000 hold their value?

The Honda S2000 generally holds its value well and has shown upside in recent years, especially for low-mileage, well-documented examples and rare variants. Price retention varies by condition, mileage, and provenance.

Launched in 1999 and produced through 2009, the S2000 earned a reputation for engineering purity, high-revving performance, and a devoted enthusiast base. That combination has helped support prices in the used-car market even as newer models arrive on the scene, making the S2000 a staple of modern classics and a potential long-term investment for careful buyers and collectors.

Market Trends

Market dynamics for the S2000 have seen prices drift upward over time, with notable spikes for pristine, low-mileage cars and for models with original, unmodified condition. Public auctions, enthusiast platforms, and dealer inventories frequently feature S2000s at levels that reflect their status as sought-after sports cars rather than ordinary daily drivers. As with most classic-era vehicles, regional demand and broader economic conditions play a large role in pricing.

AP1 vs AP2: which holds value better?

The S2000 came in two main generations: AP1 (1999–2003) and AP2 (2004–2009). Each has distinct appeal and pricing patterns:

• AP1 (1999–2003): Known for its high-revving F20C engine and a purist, race-bred character. These early cars are highly collectible among certain buyers, especially unmodified or meticulously restored examples with minimal mileage, which can command premium prices.


• AP2 (2004–2009): Brought refinements such as improved mid-range torque, updated interiors, and chassis tweaks. AP2 cars often appeal to buyers looking for a more refined daily-driver experience, and in some markets they hold strong value due to reliability and broader availability of parts and service.


• Overall effect on value: AP1 cars can fetch higher prices when they are exceptionally clean or rare configurations, while AP2s tend to attract a broader pool of buyers and can hold value well due to improved usability and ongoing support. The exact premium or discount depends on condition, mileage, documentation, and provenance.

In practice, the market rewards both generations, with the top end of value typically found in pristine, original, low-mileage examples—often with thorough service history and documentation—regardless of generation.

What to look for when evaluating value

To assess price and condition, buyers and sellers should focus on factors that most influence long-term value. The following considerations are commonly decisive in determining market price and resale potential:

• Overall condition and service history, including documented maintenance, timing-related care (where applicable), and receipts.


• Mileage, with particularly low-mileage examples generally commanding higher prices.


• Originality, including stock parts, paint, wheels, top, and interior. Cars with factory specification intact tend to be more desirable to collectors.


• Model year and variant (AP1 vs AP2) and presence of limited editions or rare color/interior combinations.


• Accident history, rust, or frame damage; clean titles and undamaged structural integrity are critical for value retention.


• Modifications and maintainability; while tasteful upgrades may appeal to some buyers, stock condition often preserves broader market value.


• Documentation of ownership history, import status (for non-US cars), and any notable provenance or previous ownership with ties to enthusiasts or media.

In short, value is driven as much by how well the car has aged and how complete its history is as by the age itself.

Buying tips for value-conscious buyers

If you’re considering an S2000 as a potential value buy or collector-grade purchase, keep these practical steps in mind.

1. Obtain a full vehicle history report and verify the odometer against maintenance records and title history.


2. Have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a specialist familiar with the S2000, focusing on the engine, transmission, suspension, and top mechanism.


3. Inspect for rust, especially along sills, frame rails, and underbody areas, and evaluate the condition of the convertible top and seals.


4. Assess the engine’s health, including compression (where feasible), oil condition, and any signs of overheating or leaks; confirm the timing chain and related components have been properly serviced if applicable.


5. Evaluate the transmission and clutch for smooth shifting and proper engagement without grinding or slipping, noting any unusual noises during operation.


6. Check originality: confirm stock parts, wheels, exhaust, and interior; confirm no unreported major modifications that could affect value.


7. Consider the long-term maintenance cost and availability of parts; verify that specialists with Honda expertise can service the car readily in your area.

With due diligence, buyers can minimize risk and position themselves to either enjoy a spirited driver or potentially secure a collectible asset that holds value over time.

Regional market notes

Price levels for the S2000 can vary by region due to supply, demand, and collectible sentiment. In the United States, demand remains strong among enthusiasts, with auctions and classifieds often highlighting well-preserved AP1 and AP2 cars. In Europe and Asia, particularly Japan, there is also sustained interest, sometimes with different preferred configurations or import statuses. Regional tax, registration, and inspection costs can also influence the total cost of ownership and resale value.

Summary

Key takeaways: the Honda S2000 typically preserves value well and has shown appreciation in recent years, driven by its performance pedigree, build quality, and a loyal enthusiast community. Value is highly sensitive to condition, mileage, and originality, with low-mileage, unmodified examples and rare variants fetching premium prices. AP1 cars can be particularly collectible, while AP2 models offer broad appeal and strong reliability. For buyers, diligent inspection, complete documentation, and awareness of regional market dynamics are essential to maximize value over the long term.

Which Honda holds its value the best?

Honda Civic Sedan
The recipient of the top spot in the compact car segment in the 2023 Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Awards is the legendary Honda Civic Sedan. Always a familiar face when it comes to this type of award, the Civic Sedan has remained one of the most popular choices in its class for decade after decade.

Is the Honda S2000 a collectible?

It's from this well that an absolute jewel of a car—the Honda S2000—sprung in the early 2000s. There are reasons for the S2000's greatness and its appreciating price in the collector car market, including its characteristically Honda build quality and bulletproof reliability.

Why is the S2000 so special?

The Honda S2000 is special because of its high-revving, powerful four-cylinder engine, which can reach 9,000 RPM, its exceptional handling due to a rigid chassis and 50/50 weight distribution, and its pure, driver-focused experience with a manual transmission and no traction control in earlier models. It also offers an open-air roadster experience and is known for its reliability and quality engineering.
 
This video discusses the Honda S2000's high-revving engine and driving experience: 59sJDM TorqueYouTube · Nov 22, 2025
Engine and performance

• High-revving engine: The original 2.0-liter F20C engine is celebrated for its ability to rev up to 9,000 RPM, a characteristic typically found in much more expensive exotic cars. 
• Exceptional specific output: It achieved an impressive 124 horsepower per liter without a turbocharger, a world record for a naturally aspirated production car engine at the time. 
• Unique sound: The engine's high-RPM howl is a defining feature that enthusiasts love. 

You can watch this video to learn about the Honda S2000's engine layout and balance: 57sDoug DeMuroYouTube · Apr 4, 2024
Handling and chassis

• Rigid chassis: The S2000 was built with an X-bone frame, which gave it incredible structural rigidity for its time. 
• Balanced weight distribution: It features a front-mid-engine layout and a rear-wheel-drive system, resulting in a near-perfect 50/50 front-to-rear weight balance. 
• Precise handling: This balance, combined with its lightweight construction, provides sharp, predictable handling that makes the driver feel connected to the road. 

This video explains the features and importance of the Honda S2000: 1mFlyinGatoYouTube · Oct 9, 2023
Driver experience

• Driver-focused cockpit: The minimalist design puts the focus on the driving experience, with a prominent tachometer reaching 9,000 RPM. 
• Pure driving: Early models lacked traction control and other modern driver aids, offering a pure, unadulterated connection between the driver, the engine, and the road. 
• Convertible experience: The open-top roadster design provides an engaging, sensory experience similar to a motorcycle, allowing you to feel, smell, and hear your surroundings. 

This video reviews the Honda S2000 and emphasizes its unique driving characteristics: 50sShooting BrakeYouTube · Nov 4, 2025
Legacy and quality

• Reliability: Despite its performance-oriented nature, the S2000 is known for its legendary Honda reliability when properly maintained. 
• Symbol of an era: It is part of a generation of legendary Japanese performance cars, embodying an era of over-engineered and enthusiast-focused vehicles that are unlikely to be made again due to modern regulations. 
• Exotic origins: It was built in the same factory as the NSX, giving it a touch of exotic car pedigree that was unmatched by more affordable competitors at the time. 

How much is a S2000 worth now?

The value of a Honda S2000 varies significantly based on its condition, mileage, and year, with a wide range from around $4,000 to over $100,000 for exceptional examples. Well-maintained, lower-mileage models are typically priced between $15,000 and $35,000, while pristine or rare versions, like the CR model, can command prices of $50,000 or more.
 
Factors affecting Honda S2000 value

• Condition and Mileage: Vehicles in excellent condition with low mileage are the most valuable. Prices can decrease significantly for cars with high mileage, accident history, or poor maintenance. 
• Model Year: Some model years hold more value than others. For example, the 2008-2009 models, especially the Club Racer (CR) version, are among the most valuable. 
• Market: Values can fluctuate based on the market, with private party sales and auctions sometimes showing higher prices for certain cars. 

Price examples

• Average to Good Condition: You can expect to pay between $15,000 and $35,000 for a car in good to very good condition with average mileage, according to KBB and Hagerty. 
• Excellent to Concours Condition: Cars in excellent or concours condition can be valued at $40,000 or more, with special editions like the CR fetching even higher prices, such as $56,200 to over $134,000 for the most pristine examples. 
• Exceptional and Rare Examples: The highest prices are reserved for rare or exceptionally well-maintained examples with desirable features or modifications. A specific 745-mile JDM S2000 was listed for $120,000, notes this YouTube video.