So the S2000 is going away. It's been a great 5 years...wonderful experiences. So the question is what's next? I am moving and will probably get a beater for a while. I am looking to buy something in the 8k range (used civic, focus, etc), but at some point (around summer time) would like to get back into something sporty. I am curious what some of you guys would do in my situation.
1) Budget ~$80k
2) Street/track car (like the S2000) minor changes (pads, fluid, etc) to be fast on the track.
3) 400HP+

So I'm leaning towards the Z06 or viper coupe. I have many seen many places selling the viper for around ~$82k (or invoice). I know the Z06 is faster, slightly, but either car is fast and is more car then 99.999% of the people can wring out on a track. I mean at some point 500HP will get boring on the street, but on the track it will be a long time before I'm getting faster then either car. I personally like the looks of the black (w/silver stripes) coupe better then the Z06.

I am open to other suggestions of course 996 turbo, 996 GT3, etc. I am obviously going to make the final decision, but am always interested in others opinions. Is there any reason to wait and see what the japanese are going to be bringing out over the next 1-2 years?

 

Having driven the new Viper GTS coupe, I'd take the Z06 hands down. The Viper is horrible with the blindspots, the clutch is too soft, seating position isn't great no matter how much you try to adjust it. And overall, just an awkward car to drive. The Z06 fits more like a glove, visibility is better on all counts, clutch and shifter are much MUCH better than the Viper by far. Heck, even the S2k feels better than the Viper imo. Oh, and lets not forget the biggest problem, the side draft exhaust. It's covered by the doorsill now but it still gets way hot. Upon exiting the Viper, I almost burned my legs as the sill is as wide as the Elise's. You'd literally have to hop over it or wear some thick longpants to get in and out.

 

Here come the buy two cars comments ....

 

If I was looking to spend 80k on a car I would find myself sitting in either;

993 TT
F355
996 TT

in that order...

 

I think maybe I ask for it by starting a thread like this. The comments about the Viper are interesting though from other accounts most of the issues you are talking about were supposedly fixed in the new coupe vs the old GTS Gen2 coupe, which I have driven and liked very much. Thanks for the info. The problem is getting to test drive either car (Z06 or viper) is probably not an option right now or in the next few months.

 

For me, the F355 is out. I have read nsxfiles.com extensively. I'm not rich enough to afford the maintenance. The 993 TT is a very cool option though. I have always like those cars very much. It would be less then then the new Z06 or viper, and quite a bit slower, but the money I saved could go towards maintaining it!!

 

If you are concerned about depreciation, do NOT buy the new Viper coupe. You will lose your shirt!! (look at the SRT10).

The Z06 is an absolute scream for the money....but if you want one by summer for MSRP, start calling now to place an order.

The other cars I would recommend to be both reliable, fast, and ones that you would be able to sell and come close to breaking even:

996TT
NSX-T (not enough HP, I know...but easy to mod, and deathly reliable)
BMW Z8
Ferrari 550 Maranello (over 80k, but a solid investment, a TON of car for the money, and very little maintenance relative to other Ferraris....DONT buy an F355)
Gen2 Viper GTS

I love the 996 GT3, but was disappointed with the performance. Seemed hardly faster than a Vette C5.

 

Haha, I too was surprised that the new Viper coupe had the same problems. Just the lack of outward visibility and side exhausts would kill it for me. Granted, it's not AS BIG of a problem or as hot as the exposed side drafts were on the previous gen, but it heats up the fender enough that I felt it, and I was wearing long pants! If you decide to wear shorts, throw a blanket over the sill before getting in and out.

 

too bad Johnny Cochran is dead.... $$$$$$$

 

Yeah, I've heard some about the F355 maintenance cost... wasn't sure if that was going to be a big issue with you.

Well, I still stand by the 993 Turbo and the 996 Turbo... (with the 993 exponentially being my preference)