S2000 replacement...at high altitude
03-15-2016, 06:09 AM
#11
03-15-2016, 06:33 AM
#12
Friend went to U of Colorado, at Aurora. He drove his 2009 Evo from school to Boulder, three times a week (work). He said performance wasn't an issue. Traction in winter was. Blizzak and steady throttle.
03-16-2016, 05:36 AM
#15
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Thanks for the feedback all!
-Evos: just not a huge fan of them (see economy car comment). I think the overall driving experience would be a downgrade from something like the S2K. I also don't trust Mitsu one bit for reliability.
-996TT: I would LOVE a 911, and I've always like the look of the 996TT vs. NA 996's. However, it would be a bit out of my price range and the maintenance costs are downright scary. Very tempting, but I don't think I can swing it at this time.
-Bill, thanks for the comments on the M235i. I'm still a little wary of the EPS, but I should probably just test-drive one myself. Seems like some folks are either very happy with it, or not.
-Good to know about 987 Porsche reliability. I still think it would be more in terms of upkeep than a comparable BMW, but probably worth it for the driving experience.
-Z4M: would be an interesting alternative, but still NA and heavy. Not a huge fan of them TBH.
-370Z: I really don't like the VQ motors. I've driven a few and they just don't do it for me.
Right now I'm thinking I may not need a convertible after all (it's WARM here with the sun due to thinner atmosphere), so I'm considering a 2008 987.1 Cayman S. I'm going to go test drive one soon, hopefully. I also hope to test drive an M235i in the near future, but they're pretty rare around here apparently.
-Evos: just not a huge fan of them (see economy car comment). I think the overall driving experience would be a downgrade from something like the S2K. I also don't trust Mitsu one bit for reliability.
-996TT: I would LOVE a 911, and I've always like the look of the 996TT vs. NA 996's. However, it would be a bit out of my price range and the maintenance costs are downright scary. Very tempting, but I don't think I can swing it at this time.
-Bill, thanks for the comments on the M235i. I'm still a little wary of the EPS, but I should probably just test-drive one myself. Seems like some folks are either very happy with it, or not.
-Good to know about 987 Porsche reliability. I still think it would be more in terms of upkeep than a comparable BMW, but probably worth it for the driving experience.
-Z4M: would be an interesting alternative, but still NA and heavy. Not a huge fan of them TBH.
-370Z: I really don't like the VQ motors. I've driven a few and they just don't do it for me.
Right now I'm thinking I may not need a convertible after all (it's WARM here with the sun due to thinner atmosphere), so I'm considering a 2008 987.1 Cayman S. I'm going to go test drive one soon, hopefully. I also hope to test drive an M235i in the near future, but they're pretty rare around here apparently.
03-16-2016, 06:23 AM
#17
Registered User
Living at 5000+ feet, the S2000 is obviously down on power compared to when we were at 500 ft. But the 328i with the turbo-4 feels just as fast as before - the only difference is it feels like there's a touch more turbo lag. I would definitely want a turbo for my next sports car.
The 328i is a RWD model, and with proper snow tires we have no concerns about taking it to work in a foot of snow, or up into the mountains for a day of skiing. We've had zero issues after nearly 50k miles.
The 328i is a RWD model, and with proper snow tires we have no concerns about taking it to work in a foot of snow, or up into the mountains for a day of skiing. We've had zero issues after nearly 50k miles.
03-17-2016, 01:29 AM
#19
If I was in your situation I would get a used evo 8. I had one and it made 500whp and I beet the hell out of it, drive it 130kmiles and it never broke. And you really want awd since you live in the snow.
But out off all your choices I would get a 135i. I currently have a 2007 bmw 335i and I love it. You can plug you phone in it load a $80 tune and make 100whp more than stock. $700 in mods and your there. 400whp 400tq on straight pump gas with just a tune and a few bolts ons with no turbo lag and a very comfortable and fun ride. Plus these cars are dirt cheep. They depreciate like rocks. Be warned about bmws they are very unreliable and they cost a fortune to maintain if you have to pay some one. It's not bad if you do your own wrenching though. Great cars and you get a hell of a lot for your money as long as you can work on the car yourself.
But out off all your choices I would get a 135i. I currently have a 2007 bmw 335i and I love it. You can plug you phone in it load a $80 tune and make 100whp more than stock. $700 in mods and your there. 400whp 400tq on straight pump gas with just a tune and a few bolts ons with no turbo lag and a very comfortable and fun ride. Plus these cars are dirt cheep. They depreciate like rocks. Be warned about bmws they are very unreliable and they cost a fortune to maintain if you have to pay some one. It's not bad if you do your own wrenching though. Great cars and you get a hell of a lot for your money as long as you can work on the car yourself.
03-17-2016, 06:19 AM
#20
Yes, give it a try. FWIW, I'm starting to appreciate the near numb feel at low speeds. The wheel turns with great ease in parking lots and then gets tighter on the road. And that is without switching driving modes. I kinda like that.