I'm in the market for a mid-2000 roadster. There seem to be many good choices to consider.

I'm aware of the sub 6.0 sec 0-60 acceleration, the .9g skidpad numbers, the great handling, the precise transmission, the durability and the value of the s2000.
I'm also aware of the noise and harsh road ride that might make the S2000 not so suitable as an interstate cruiser. It also, to some ears, might benefit from a deeper exhaust note.

Any suggestions for an alternative roadster that would minimize the perceived negatives without giving up too much of the benefits?

Carl

 

Well, the s2000's "harshness" is its positive attributes. Any "true" sports car will have that level of road feel. If you want just a convertible to cruise.... Look at VW Cabrio or a Sebring...LOL.... You can look at some of the older Mercedes which tend to have a more subtle feel. The S2000 is a visceral roadster. MX5 will probably suit you better..

But nothing comes close to S2000 in price to legendary performance ratio.... Add reliability and low cost to maintain and keep... Nothing but MX5 comes close but Mazda lacks true sports car performance..... Maybe the Saturn/Pontiac Solstice can give you roadster experience in a more comfort oriented package but they are POS.....

 

moving to car talk

 

Boxster, Z4, SLK, Corvette.

 

Lots of used Corvettes around, probably cheaper to live with than the other 3

 

minus the precise transmission it sounds like you're describing an M roadster

 

Agreed. I am not a big BMW booster but have spent some time with the Z4 and felt it was a lux version of the S2000 (with pluses and minuses). Have also been fortunate and had wheel time with the Boxster and Vette. Both are good and offer more performance but other goods and bads.

That is the real roadster alternatives today.

 

Noise is subjective! Maybe I have hearing loss but I don't find my S2000 particularly noisy. Not even with the Berk High Flow cat and Invidia Q300 exhaust that was put on 10 days ago. Louder than stock, of course, but not unpleasant. Your tolerance may vary!



-- Chuck

 

I've driven my S from Phoenix to Los Angeles many times, and on many 2-lane roads. I don't find the ride too uncomfortable for long trips. The fuel tank size alone will dictate stops. I find these at a minimum to be adequate in road trips for allowing stretch breaks.

Many others have made much longer journeys and survived quite well

 

These


OP if you want a roadster, you cannot ask it also to be a GT car ref: freeway cruising. Best of luck.