2005 Honda S2000 GT review from UK and Ireland

Headlight washer comes on during the day when I clean the windscreen (with headlights off). The car has a button for the headlight washer anyway, so it shouldn't come on automatically, particularly without the headlights on!

Its superbly built, has a fantastic gearbox and is actually quite comfortable. However it's now 2008 and the car has been around for 10 years, so it could do with changing, even though I love it.

Alarmingly, when at speed and revving it highly (i.e. 80mph+ in 4th gear) and then change up a gear, the rear end shudders slightly. Surely this shouldn't happen?

Other little gripes are the fact headrest speakers aren't standard and heated seats aren't available (even though its £28k new!) The ride is actually quite good for a roadster, but driving the Mazda RX-8 does highlight how dated the S2000 is. It is way off the pace against the Mazda in terms of handling, especially in damp conditions, refinement and general appeal. It is probably a little more reliable though, and has a nicer gearbox in its favour.

You really do have to work that engine hard considering its 237bhp and my friend's 2.2 liter CTDi Civic can actually keep up with me most of the way. How is that?