dparm

Seriously, after owning a car like the S2000 it's difficult to shop for a normal car. Everything feels huge, way too quiet, and is too mellow.

Case in point: I drove a Mazdaspeed3 and Mazdaspeed6. Those things felt enormous compared to the S. Just the windshield alone was massive, and I kept feeling like I had to reach awkwardly to grab the shifter. Even with their loud factory exhausts the car felt whisper quiet.

It's tricky to objectively evaluate another car after owning something small, loud, and raw like an S2000.

Anyone else have this problem?

Abdizzle

Yes, everything feels like junk unless it has 400+ HP as an excuse.

vader1

I felt the same way when I tried to replace my 91 MR2. I looked at all the new Eclipses, and RSX's and whatever else came out to be a sub $30,000 sporty car for about a 7 year period but nothing could convince me to make the switch. I WANTED the other cars to make me pull the trigger but they just did not do it for me.

I drive the S2000 simply because my MR2 got to be to long in the tooth and wanted something I did not have to do any work on for quite a while. If they made new SW20 MR2's I would have bought one of those over the Honda.

The only car I have looked at since was a 350z and it felt too big and not as much fun to me.

JonBoy

In a way, I'm glad. I prefer (financially) not to buy a car every few years. Not having relatively affordable replacements keeps me from buying a car I don't really need.

The 987 Cayman S and Boxster S are on my short list. They're nearly under $30K (used) for a 2006, which puts them right where I'd like them. They're the only cars that really do anything for me right now. A 370Z sounds like it might work but I have yet to drive one.

Even a base Cayman felt nice to me. More torque down low than an S2000, nice engine note, excellent steering, great brakes, and it turned quickly and confidently. I wouldn't buy a base Cayman - not fast enough and a touch too civilized - but I'd imagine a Cayman S will push all the right buttons for me.

TheDonEffect

Agreed, the combo of fun to drive, looks, and value is hard to beat. These days I'm trying to find something to downsize too, but it's really hard because everythign does feel like a big downgrade or will eventually cost as much as buying another S, especially since I set a new, lower budget (sub 20K). I really wish I didn't make such an upgrade from my civic so quickly because now <sigh> I want some snob appeal, and although the S isn't exactly a Porsche, it still isn't an EG.

TommyDeVito

It was easy for me to sell the S2000 and move on but that was because I had just bought a house. I miss it every once in a while but as soon as I go for a ride on the motorcycle, I totally forget about it. I don't miss all the noise, it was the noisiest car I've ever owned. I do miss the handling and the brakes. Late braking in the S2000 was absolutely fantastic, even on stock pads and rotors.

exb00st

The S2000 is loud, even with the stock exhaust. This, plus wind noise and road noise adds up to a pretty rough ride. However, jumping back into my S2000 makes me appreciate it all the more. It's lack of amenities and focus on the road, great shifter and low ride height are a huge contrast from most any typical passenger car. Unfortunately, after about 5 years of owning both an AP1 and AP2, its beginning to wear on me, and I, too, have moved on to prefer a bit more comfy ride. It's a tough thought thinking of getting rid o the S, but I may do it, since she's starting to sit in the garage more and more...

seung

i went from s2000 to '94 subaru legacy, yo!

seriously though, s2000 is an amazing car.
i've never experienced any car as much fun after selling mine.

Christople

I hear ya, although I went to a Miata

Jacques79

Steering response and shifter ruined me. Unfortunately every car I've driven since my S2000 has failed in these 2 categories. The Boxster S has better steering feel, but steering response is not S2000-like.