IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2009 Honda S2000

The final year of S2000 production. These late cars are the most refined and reliable, though all S2000s now need careful maintenance due to their age and sports car nature.

What changed for 2009

  • •Last year of S2000 production
  • •All mechanical improvements incorporated
  • •Strong used values reflecting collector status
  • •Well-maintained examples becoming increasingly rare

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Structural corrosion in UK climate
  • !Suspension alignment bolts seized
  • !Soft top rear screen deterioration
3
Known Issues
1
Serious
2
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

Structural Corrosion

SeriousBodywork & Rust

Rust in the rear arches, sills, chassis rails, subframes and boot floor is the biggest financial risk on UK S2000s and can easily turn a tidy-looking car into a restoration case.

Est. Repair Cost: £1,500–£8,000+
Warning Signs:

Bubbling around rear arches, Soft jacking points, Rusty or flaky subframes

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect the inner and outer sills carefully
  • Check the boot floor and underbody seams
  • Look for recent underseal hiding welding rather than documented rustproofing
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Timing Chain Tensioner Rattle

ModerateEngine

A worn timing-chain tensioner causes an unmistakable rattle on startup or around idle, and ignoring it risks the chain jumping and damaging the engine.

Est. Repair Cost: £250–£700
Warning Signs:

Rattle on startup, Metallic ticking from the front of the engine, Noise that changes with revs

What to Inspect:
  • Start the engine from cold with the bonnet open
  • Listen around idle after a blip of throttle
  • Ask whether the tensioner has ever been replaced proactively
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Soft-Top Wear and Water Ingress

ModerateBodywork & Rust

The hood fabric, seals and frame wear with age, causing tears, leaks and expensive replacements, especially on cars that live outside.

Est. Repair Cost: £400–£1,200
Warning Signs:

Wet carpets, Tears above the side windows, Cloudy or damaged rear screen

What to Inspect:
  • Operate the roof fully and listen for strained movement
  • Check the seatbelt towers and carpets for damp
  • Inspect stitching, seals and the rear screen closely
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2009 Honda S2000

  • ✓Check the oil level before and after the drive; a careful owner will know these engines use oil and keep it between the marks.
  • ✓Inspect arches, sills, chassis rails and subframes on a ramp because UK S2000 rust is often much worse underneath than it looks from above.
  • ✓Try the roof several times and check for damp carpets or a tired rear screen on earlier cars.
2005–2008
Check a 2009 Honda S2000 by Registration