I'm new to this forum and starting to think about which car to buy. At 64 I'm thinking about giving up motorcycling and replacing it with a topless two seater. The candidates are:

C5 Corvette (well used)
S2000 (used but 2002 or newer)
Miata (possibly new)
Not a two seater, but I have driven a Mustang GT convertible and really liked it.

I have driven the S2000 and Mazda and liked them both. I really like the Honda and am a long time Honda fan having owned several.. My motorcycle is a 2005 Honda ST1300 sport tourer with ABS.

I'm sure there are lots of opinions and I'd like to hear them.

Thanks
Phil

 

Welcome to the board!

For just cruising, the Mustang and Miata are fine, the V8 Mustang faster, but the Miata ultimately more fun and agile

The S2000 most resembles a motorcycle - high revving, noisy, rough, feels connected to driver

Both the S2000 and Miata are extremely reliable and easy to maintain.

Tough call on the Corvette, fast and fun no doubt, but reliability and quality are average at best.

 

Since you are coming from having a motorcycle as a toy, I think you'd probably appreciate the S2000 the most out of your choices. Have you test driven all 4 yet?

It really seems like you are considering two ends of the spectrum there with the lightweight, high-revving Miata and S2000 on one end and the heavier, but more powerful Corvette and Mustang GT on the other end.

Also, I hear that there are some nice factory backed lease deals on the 2007 Miatas right now.

Andrew

 

A good question is how spry are you?

A friend of mine at work who is 62 was thinking about an S2000 so I let him drive mine. He runs marathons and is in good shape but had trouble getting his legs in and out. (he is about 6'2") He also thought the ride was too harsh.

I like the firm ride but for him he finally just decided to get a used VW Cabriolet.

Are you just wanting something that has a little go and can put the top down? Are you looking to drive like a maniac on the freeway? Do you wish to weekend autocross or track the car? How important is a soft ride?

I think a Miata is a nice compromise for comfort, fun, price, and handling. Its great in all respects but won't win drag races. I obviouslly like the S2000 but don't mind feeling every bump either.

If the ride in something like an S2000 gives you back trouble, then the Mustang is probably in your future. Another firend who liked a softer ride bought a used Audi TT convert. They look nice but are not that fun to drive or lightning quick.

 

I sure'd look at the Boxster and Elise.

There are several good/great 2-seaters around, I don't think any one is the best. It depends on what you are looking for.

Is this going to be your only car or is is a motorcyle replacement in which case I would look no further than the Elise.

 

if I just wanted a toy to cruise around in, a Saturn Sky would be high on my list

 

I ride a ST1100 and a CBR600, and I think the S2000 is much more like the CBR than the ST. If you like the more relaxed, torquey, but very capable nature of a sport tourer you might prefer a Boxster or a Vette. If you're a sport-bike guy at heart, you might like the S2000. Don't buy a Lotus unless you're going to the track.

 

As a motorcyclist, I can tell you that the S2000 is the car version of a bike. But bikes are still more fun, although I'm sure you knew that

 

Would you consider an MR2 as well? Reliable, mid engined, and fun to drive.

 

drive all that are available.. and get the one that makes you smile the most..

that's all there is to it..