I knew this day would come but hated to think about it. My 2003 has 165,000 miles on it. Bought it brand new and enjoyed every mile. Don't even regret the tickets early on or the small fortune in tires. Truly one of a kind...

I'm 33 now and drive it like a grandma. It's loud (invidia), rough (18"/springs), and as much as I hate to say it, not practical anymore. With family and relationships I find myself on 3, 4, and 7 hour drives. The S2K just wasn't made for that. The tires are adding up and the gas mileage isn't THAT great. Have a 4 month old now so it was a matter of time. Got hit in the rear quarter yesterday and that's it. I'm actually hoping they total it...

What next? I need a practical car but I still want everything. I need:

1. Back seat (car seat)
2. Gas mileage
1. Inexpensive used. (~$10K)
3. Sporty as possible
4. Unique

This is a tough list, mainly because of the price. My S2K is paid for but not worth much. Don't really want a car payment or at least a small one so don't want to go much more than mine is worth. An M3 is perfect but out of my price range...

My brother is a mechanic for Mercedes so he gets good deals on Mercedes/BMW parts and service but for the most part they are too expensive. My only thought was a 2002ish C230 Kompressor. It's ~$10K, supercharged, and NOT a Hyundai. Other ideas? I never thought I would go domestic but the newer cars all have great gas mileage and it would be nice to get into a late-model. There's just nothing exciting about a Ford Fusion...

Any thoughts from my fellow enthusiasts? Thanks.

 

Mazdaspeed 6? Great car, my father in law has one he is modifying. Even stock they are a pleasure to drive.

You might even be able to get in a newer Mustang GT.

Not sure what your budget is though. If you want to go used, perhaps an Audi A4 or BMW 3 Series could work.

Sad to have to say goodbye to the S, but we understand.

Good luck.

 

MS6 does nothing for me. It's overweight and the AWD is mostly FWD. Looks cool though.

My first thought would be a used WRX. Then again, it's not unique.

Maybe an older model Mazdaspeed 3? Not sure if you can find them that cheap.

 

older body Solara? TRD springs and a nice set of wheels?

1. Back seat (car seat)= yes
2. Gas mileage= yes
1. Inexpensive used. (~$10K)= yes
3. Sporty as possible= sorta, has a drop top
4. Unique= maybe

1st that came to mind...
sporty car with a back seat that has great mileage and is inexpensive is a tough combo
how about a Lexus SC300. 6 cyl, back seat, "sporty"....

GLWS

 

MINI Cooper?

 

I'd buy either a TSX or TL.

Unique and practical + family friendly don't go together.

I wouldn't own a german car unless it was a diesel.

Jetta TDI might fit your needs. It's by no means 'sporty'

 

GTO, 05 Legacy GT, Maxima, Saab 92x.

I don't know much about them but if you don't mind FWD there are probably non-Saabaru Saabs out there that check those boxes.

 

Solara? lol interesting....


Unique will be hard to find for that price range.
I would say WRX would be the most fun for that price range while having the seats etc. Only thing doesn't really meet is the gas mileage part.
Maybe a MS3 as others have said. RX8's are cheap have backseats but very small I am sure and probably not very good on gas either.
RSX-S maybe? TSX? GTI?

 

Get an S2k AP2 and give up the back seat. You'll be glad you did.
(OK, I confess, I did without a roadster for too many years while my kids were growing up - even drove a full-size van for a while. But I didn't like it.)

My kids had a '98 Civic for a while: great reliability, great gas mileage (40+ highway), old-style sleek look (not like the new ones), almost as much fun to drive as the S2k (windows down, sunroof open - almost convertible), ok, not the performance, but it did have a back seat. 4-speed, not 6, but really smooth.

Or my older daughter still has her '94 Integra. Vtec but with back seats. It's also a blast to drive.

There are a number of Hondas that are somewhat related to the S2k. Look there and don't be afraid of "older".

 

was trying to think "unique" for OP
not TSX and Subaru like everyone else...