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Honda S2000 reliability by build year

Coverage 1999-20091 named generationConvertiblePETROL

We've only got 813 MOT tests for Honda S2000 models built around 2004 (21 years old). Treat these numbers as a rough guide.

At a glance

Honda S2000 built around 2004: fails its MOT less often than average

Honda S2000 models built around 2004 fail their MOT less often than similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Check a Honda S2000 by number plate

Key figure

15% of MOT tests on Honda S2000 models built around 2004 ended in a fail (retests included), against 24% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Honda S2000 models built around 2004 involves the tyres.

Before you view it

What to check before viewing

The Honda S2000's most common MOT issues, turned into things to ask about or look for.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Suspension

Worth checking

Inspect the suspension carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

By build year

How build years differ

Fail rates have been steady over the last three years. Use the build-year guide below to separate newer build years from older ones.

Find your S2000's generation

Each card below is a different generation. Select your year and we'll highlight the match.

S2000 AP1/AP2

AP1/AP2 (1999-2009)

Excellent
PETROL

15.3% fail rate, built around 2004 (21 years old)

Likely between 12.9% and 17.9%

Fails less often than the average car this age (about 3 in 10 MOTs, 31.1%)

From 813 MOT tests at this ageView details →

Not sure which one you're looking at?

Match your build year to its generation, then see the fail rates for those build years of the Honda S2000.

See every build year for the Honda S2000

By age

Honda S2000 fail rate by age

This chart combines every Honda S2000 ever sold. It's good for the big picture. For one generation, scroll up to the build-year cards.

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rate
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
1246.5%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
33111.8%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
44813.8%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
53814.3%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
71513.4%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
71815.6%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
81315.3%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
75417.9%
23 yearsbuilt around 2002
50818.1%
24 yearsbuilt around 2001
28616.4%
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
38116.5%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 23 years old.

All generations of this model

What goes wrong most often on 21-year-old Honda S2000 models

These issues come from 21-year-old Honda S2000 models, every generation combined.

All generations of this modelNot much data

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    11.3%
    Advisory: 133Fail: 14 (10% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    8.7%
    Advisory: 98Fail: 6 (6% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    8.1%
    Advisory: 116Fail: 4 (3% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    5.5%
    Advisory: 80Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Suspension part corroded, but not seriously weakened

    5.3%
    Advisory: 94Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)

Based on 813 MOT tests on 21-year-old Honda S2000 models, every generation combined.

All generations of this model

Issues that often appear together

The pairs seen most often when an MOT on 21-year-old Honda S2000 models notes problems with more than one part of the car.

Issues that often appear together on this model

All generations of this modelEnough data
  1. Brakes + Suspension33%
  2. Suspension + Tyres29%
  3. Brakes + Tyres25%
  4. Body & structure + Suspension23%

Both were noted at the same test. That doesn't mean one caused the other.

Across 252 MOT tests on Honda S2000 cars built around 2004 (21 years old) where more than one part of the car was noted.

Still registered

How many are still registered, and recalls

How many of these are still registered in the UK, and what's been recalled across the model.

How many are still registered

Not enough registration data to show this for the Honda S2000.

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Recall context

1 recall in all

1 Honda S2000 recall covers cars built in these years.

  • 1 recall

Top concerns

  • Brake efficiency may be reduced

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

Like-for-like

Other convertibles to compare

Other convertibles to compare

  1. 1

    MG TF

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    25.9%

    No clear edge over the Honda S2000 on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    3,254 MOT tests on cars built around 2004

  2. 2

    Mazda MX-5

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    28.8%
    Still registered at 10 years
    97.6%

    No clear edge over the Honda S2000 on these figures.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    3,911 MOT tests on cars built around 2004

  3. 3

    BMW Z4

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    24.2%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    9.5%
    Dangerous
    5.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    96%

    No clear edge over the Honda S2000 on these figures.

    4,112 MOT tests on cars built around 2004

  4. 4

    Porsche Boxster

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    21.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    10.3%
    Dangerous
    3.9%
    Still registered at 10 years
    97.9%

    No clear edge over the Honda S2000 on these figures.

    2,872 MOT tests on cars built around 2004

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2004 (21 years old), the Honda S2000 across all generations combined fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 813 21-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

These figures come from DVSA's MOT records. Across every Honda S2000 ever sold: 5,616 tests. The main figures are for cars built around 2004 (21 years old): 813 tests. They are a guide, not a guarantee. Always inspect the car or have a mechanic check it.