All of the cars that were released here were the 2.0 litre AP1 engine. The AP2 refers to the 2.2 litre that was released in Japan and the USA in around 2006. AP1 engine revs to 9000 rpm the AP2 2.2 litre to 8000 rpm. Both have the same BHP but the AP2 has slightly better torque. There was several minor tweaks to the car over the years, 1999 to 2001 had a rear plastic glass on the hood, 2001 to 2003 minor suspension changes and proper glass on the hood, 2004-2006 further suspension changes with nicer bumpers, 2007-2009 had a traction control system added. (this is all from memory, I cannot remember when the carbon synchro's were added)
Some say the original suspension set up was too hard and the second iteration was best. Others say the final iteration was the best.

They are very tyre sensitive cars and have a reputation as being very twitchy on the limit. There are many many great after market parts to upgrade them but the only way of improving power from the engine is to go forced induction. Be careful of buying one the final edition ones as the road tax is crazy as they in the highest bracket of CO2 emissions. Also, be careful of the insurance cost.

I drove one daily for 4 years and most of the time loved it. It has the best gearbox I have ever used. I found it very loud to use every day, conversations are spoken loudly, and the radio blasted to hear it, get one with a hardtop as a result to minimise the noise levels if using regularly. The engine is bombproof but needs to be revved hard to get the performance out of it. The exhaust note is lovely. Only once did it bite me, but luckily there was plenty of room and no other traffic. Basically, the back end let go in the wet unexpectedly leaving me to correct it too late on an uphill right hand turn. They look beautiful, are very reliable and seem to be holding their value well now.

Most common issues if I remember correctly are seized bushes, sticking brake calipers and faulty MAP sensors causing a Kangarooing effect in traffic.

All in all, I'd totally recommend one, more as a second car than a daily driver though. Gp to S2ki.com for all the info you could ever want on them.

John