The N/A Way

I dont think its a turbo though I think the engine will be similar to the EJ20
both boxter both built by subaru.

ninelarge

A lot of the early reports seem to suggest that it'll be NA. But if Toyota/Subaru can get at least 240hp out of Subaru's boxer engine NA, that'd be brilliant too. Otherwise I reckon they should chuck in the EJ20T (or similar/derivative) and reduce as much of the lag as possible.

ZiggyJJ

Had a quick look as I hadn't heard of the FT86 and there is also the Subaru 216a coupe (which is rumored) to come with an STI engine and AWD - see here http://www.7tune.com/confirmed-bigge...r-subaru-216a/

Might be worth a look if it comes to fruition.

Also have been in the same position as the OP - looking at M3's - but as most have you have said - they are not cheap to maintain - one of the guys on here bought an m3 and said he probably spent 10k in the first year of ownership - so have soured a bit on them.

There isn't much that competes with the s2k in terms of value for money under 50k - there are boxster S's, which I looked at in 02-03 guise available for this money - but for an extra 60hp - really isn't worth the jump in cash. Looked at b5 S4 audi's - they are a money pit also (not just the fuel haha). Considered a 370z but I know someone who owns one and said it feels like driving a mustang and is nowhere as nimble as an m3/s2k/evo/wrx etc.

Haven't had much experience with the VW's - but have heard very good things about the R36 sedan if you want a family car - they go very hard and look like a sleeper - might be worth a punt?

Like Tak1 I am back to just hunting a newer s2k in an 06-07 model as you really can't beat them for value - if I do it will be my 3rd s2k.

xoz

AusS2000

I'm in a fairly unique position in that I work from home so no daily commute for me.
But I do see the need for a sensible car that can carry more than two people.

My plan is to sell the ute and buy something that is convenient with a more people oriented focus. Probably a Subaru Liberty wagon. It will still haul 90% of the stuff I carry in the ute but it will also carry four people confortably.

And the best thing is I can keep the S2000 for those times when it's just me or one significant other, the sun is shining and I need a joy injection.

My thinking is that the money I get for the S2000 wouldn't come close to filling the hole it would leave behind in my life.

Blackie

I went to the VW dealership to test drive the new Mark VI GTI and it's an pretty good drive but the manual shifter isn't great (but then every other car is bunk compared to the S). They wouldn't really budge on price and for $55k with the options I wanted would also mean a 6 month waiting time.
Then I looked at an 09 MKV R32 and decided to give that a whirl. Man, what a noise!!! Sounds even better than my S with the CAI. Nice and comfortable too and the torquey motor means I can use the power all the time. With the S, I feel like I have the find the right conditions and roads to wind her up and even then it feels anti-social. I must be getting old. They have the last of the delivery of the MK V before the new one comes out later this year with the 2.0L Turbo. So last of the NA V6s. Seriously contemplating the R32 now. $66k on road RRP but a good deal can be had...

Still, it's kind of aching to let the S go. But there's no point keeping this and buy a cheap runaround and I can't afford to have 3 cars. I think it's time to move on.

MAD828

The r32 is awsome such a great sound, it doesn't have the bite to match the bark though. It's my fav hatch and I seriously thought hard about getting one over the S3.

I think the r32 is a good replacement car for the s2000 in terms of aural enjoyment, good looks and obvious practicality benefits.

Blackie

Does anyone have any tips on selling the S2000? It's been over 12 years since I last sold a car privately and not sure how the deal goes. Do you take the money first before signing over the transfer papers? Only accept bank cheque otherwise?

Thinking of listing it at around $33,000 on carsales.

Vuey

performance wise, the R32 is pretty similar with the S2000 .
your not interested in getting a good used R32 ? as $60k+ for a hatch is steep ....

as for selling ....
Listing it on carsales would be your best bet , serious buyers are always looking for well kept examples , as clean, well kept S2000's are becoming increasingly harder to find .

as for the sale process , once you agreed to a sale , best to draft up a simple contract and take a deposit , and then exchange when the buyer gives you a bank cheque or asian style cash $$$ .

xoz

I think you may be in for a slow sale tho at that price, esp. competing with this MCB.
http://www.carsales.com.au/used-cars/priva..._id=0&silo=1003