Valve train wear from infrequent oil changes
medium- Typically appears
- 60–150k mi
- Estimated repair
- $800 – $3,500
2006 Honda
S2000Convertible
Convertible
The 2006 Honda S2000 is a purpose-built, rear-wheel-drive roadster that Honda produced from 1999 to 2009 as a celebration of the company's 50th anniversary. By 2006 the S2000 had received the larger 2.2L F22C1 engine (up from the original 2.0L) with a more tractable power band, making it one of the sweetest-revving naturally aspirated sports cars ever sold in the U.S. It pairs a rigid aluminum-intensive body with a near-50/50 weight distribution and a slick 6-speed manual transmission. The S2000 was never meant to be a daily commuter — it's a driver's car first. The cabin is snug, the ride is firm, and the fabric convertible top is manual. What you get in return is razor-sharp steering, a high-revving engine that makes 237 hp without forced induction, and Honda's legendary long-term durability when the car is maintained properly. Because these cars are now 18+ years old and have a devoted enthusiast following, used examples command strong prices and can carry hard track use or deferred maintenance. Buying one requires a thorough inspection, but a well-kept S2000 is genuinely one of the most rewarding sports cars you can own at any price.
Reliability
4/5
Verified data
Specs shown for S2000 — the most common configuration.
Other trims may vary in engine, drivetrain, or fuel economy. Sign in to see your vehicle's exact specs.
Engine
[object Object]
Drivetrain
RWD
Fuel
Premium gasoline
MPG
18 city / 24 hwy / 20 combined
Seats
—
Doors
—
Body
Two Seaters
Overview
AI-curatedThe 2006 Honda S2000 is a purpose-built, rear-wheel-drive roadster that Honda produced from 1999 to 2009 as a celebration of the company's 50th anniversary. By 2006 the S2000 had received the larger 2.2L F22C1 engine (up from the original 2.0L) with a more tractable power band, making it one of the sweetest-revving naturally aspirated sports cars ever sold in the U.S. It pairs a rigid aluminum-intensive body with a near-50/50 weight distribution and a slick 6-speed manual transmission. The S2000 was never meant to be a daily commuter — it's a driver's car first. The cabin is snug, the ride is firm, and the fabric convertible top is manual. What you get in return is razor-sharp steering, a high-revving engine that makes 237 hp without forced induction, and Honda's legendary long-term durability when the car is maintained properly. Because these cars are now 18+ years old and have a devoted enthusiast following, used examples command strong prices and can carry hard track use or deferred maintenance. Buying one requires a thorough inspection, but a well-kept S2000 is genuinely one of the most rewarding sports cars you can own at any price.
Known for
- Naturally aspirated 2.2L F22C1 engine revving to 8,000 RPM
- Near-perfect 50/50 front-to-rear weight distribution
- Best-in-class steering feel and chassis balance for its era
- Honda build quality and long engine life when maintained
- Strong collector and enthusiast demand keeping values firm
Best for
- Driving enthusiasts who want a pure, analog sports car experience
- Weekend and fair-weather drivers — not a snow-season daily
- Owners who enjoy maintaining a car to a high standard
- Track day participants (with appropriate prep)
Watch for
- Previous track use or hard driving — very common on these cars
- Convertible top wear, frame damage, or leaks at this age
- Aftermarket modifications that mask underlying issues
- Deferred oil changes destroying the high-revving engine
- Rust on frame rails and rocker panels, especially from Midwest use
Common issues by mileage
6 knownVTEC oil pressure switch / spool valve solenoid failure
medium- Typically appears
- 60–120k mi
- Estimated repair
- $150 – $600
Oxygen / A/F sensor failure (upstream sensor)
medium- Typically appears
- 80–150k mi
- Estimated repair
- $200 – $500
Convertible top wear, torn fabric, or broken latch mechanism
high- Typically appears
- Any mileage — age-related
- Estimated repair
- $400 – $1,800
Rear differential fluid degradation / limited-slip chatter
medium- Typically appears
- 50–120k mi
- Estimated repair
- $80 – $250
Frame rail and rocker panel rust (road-salt exposure)
high- Typically appears
- Any mileage — age/climate-related
- Estimated repair
- $500 – $4,000
Maintenance schedule
- 1 Every 5,000 miles or 6 months — do NOT stretch this on a high-revving engine Engine oil and filter change — use full synthetic 5W-30 or 10W-30 per Honda spec
The F22C1 spins to 8,000 RPM. Oil shears quickly under hard use. Sludge or oil starvation is the primary killer of these engines. Frequent changes are cheap insurance.
- 2 Every 30,000 miles Valve clearance inspection and adjustment
Honda specifies this and it matters on a VTEC engine. Tight clearances cause valve burning; wide clearances cause noise and power loss. Often skipped by previous owners.
- 3 Every 30,000 miles or if chatter is felt during low-speed turns Rear differential fluid change
The Torsen-style limited-slip differential requires clean fluid. Degraded fluid causes shudder and accelerated wear. Use Honda-approved LSD fluid.
- 4 Every 60,000 miles or 5 years Coolant flush and refill (Honda Long Life Coolant or equivalent)
Old coolant loses its corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum components. Wisconsin's freeze cycles make this especially important.
- 5 Every 30,000 miles Spark plug replacement (iridium plugs)
High-revving engine is sensitive to plug condition. Misfires at high RPM can damage catalytic converters and cause power loss.
- 6 Every spring Convertible top lubrication and fabric treatment
Hinges and latches seize with Wisconsin winter freeze/thaw cycles. A UV-protective fabric treatment extends top life significantly.
- 7 Every 2 years Brake fluid flush
Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time. On a sports car that may see track use, degraded fluid can cause brake fade at high temperatures.
- 8 Every fall, before winter storage Inspect frame rails, sill panels, and rocker boxes for rust
The S2000 sits low and its frame rails are exposed to road salt spray. Catching surface rust early — treating and undercoating — prevents structural damage.
Always defer to the manufacturer's service manual for warranty-mandated intervals.
Cost of ownership
Annual maintenance
$600 – $1,500
Fuel
Premium 91+ octane required. At 20 MPG combined and ~12,000 miles/year, expect roughly $1,800–$2,400/year depending on fuel prices.
Insurance
Expect higher-than-average rates for a 2-seat sports car. As a weekend/collector car, an agreed-value collector policy can be more cost-effective than standard auto insurance if miles are limited.
The S2000 is relatively affordable to maintain when nothing is wrong — Honda parts are reasonably priced and independent shops can service them. Costs spike when deferred maintenance catches up (valve train work, top replacement, rust repair). Budget on the higher end if buying an example without documented service history. Premium fuel is non-negotiable.
Seasonal care
Lake Geneva, WI Winter
- Do not drive this car on salted Wisconsin roads. The low-slung aluminum frame rails and rocker panels are highly vulnerable to road salt. Winter storage is strongly recommended.
- Before storage, wash and thoroughly dry the undercarriage. Apply a quality rust inhibitor to exposed frame rails and sill seams.
- Store with a battery tender/maintainer — the battery will self-discharge over a 4–5 month storage period and cold-soaking a discharged battery shortens its life dramatically.
- Keep tire pressure at the storage-spec value (~35 psi) to prevent flat-spotting. If possible, store on jack stands to take weight off the tires.
- Keep the fuel tank full and add a fuel stabilizer if storing more than 60 days to prevent ethanol-blend fuel from absorbing moisture and varnishing injectors.
- Keep the convertible top up and latched during storage to maintain its shape. A breathable car cover is preferred over a plastic one to prevent moisture trapping.
Summer
- Check tire pressure every 2–3 weeks — ambient heat increases pressure and this car's handling is highly sensitive to tire pressure changes.
- Inspect the convertible top fabric for UV cracking or delamination each spring; treat with a UV-protective fabric conditioner before the hot season.
- Monitor coolant level and condition — heat soak in stop-and-go traffic is harder on the cooling system than highway driving. Watch the temp gauge.
- Run the A/C periodically (yes, it has A/C) to keep the compressor seals lubricated — a system that sits dry all winter may develop leaks.
- Check brake pad thickness before any spirited summer driving or track days — the sport-tuned brakes on this car can wear faster than expected under hard use.
Comparable vehicles
2006 Mazda
MX-5 Miata
The classic S2000 alternative — also RWD, 2-seat, convertible, and naturally aspirated. Less powerful but lighter, cheaper to maintain, and easier to find unmolested. More forgiving in daily use.
2006 Pontiac
Solstice
American 2-seat RWD roadster at a similar price point. More grunt at low RPM but far less refined and less reliable long-term. Worth a look for buyers who want a different flavor.
2006 BMW
Z4
German RWD roadster in the same segment. More comfort-oriented with a proper hardtop option. Higher ownership costs, especially out of warranty, but strong chassis dynamics.
2006 Toyota
MR2 Spyder
Mid-engine, RWD 2-seater in Honda's spirit — light, naturally aspirated, driver-focused. Lower power than the S2000 but exceptional balance. Production ended in 2005 so used supply is limited.
No catalog matchIf you're shopping for one
Red flags
- No service records — on a high-revving sports car this age, unknown oil change history is a serious risk
- Any salvage, rebuilt, or structural title — the S2000 chassis is difficult and expensive to properly repair
- Aftermarket engine internals, forced induction, or ECU tunes without full documentation of supporting work
- Signs of track use (roll bar, harness bar holes in the floor, wheel well scrubbing) without a professional inspection
- Rust perforation on frame rails or rocker panels — repair costs can easily exceed the car's value
- Mismatched paint panels or evidence of body filler, which on a convertible may indicate a rollover or hard-top impact
What to inspect
- Pull the oil cap and inspect for sludge or white milky residue — sign of infrequent oil changes or a head gasket issue on a neglected high-rev engine
- Check for oil leaks around the valve cover and cam seals — common on higher-mileage examples
- Inspect the convertible top fabric closely for tears, delamination at the rear window, and operation of the manual latches and bows
- Get underneath and probe the frame rails, rocker sills, and subframe mounting points for rust — especially on any car that spent winters in the Midwest
- Listen for valve train ticking at idle and at high RPM — indicates skipped valve adjustments
- Check the differential for chatter during slow parking-lot turns (indicates degraded LSD fluid or worn clutch packs)
- Inspect for suspension modifications, coilover installations, or alignment wear that suggests track use
- Verify the 6-speed shifts cleanly through all gears — synchros on third and fourth are known to wear on hard-driven cars