Alternatives to another S2000?
12-04-2017, 09:50 AM
#21
For the uses that you described, consider,
https://cars.oodle.com/mercedes_benz...bs=1&r=country
https://cars.oodle.com/mercedes_benz...bs=1&r=country
I think my answer is Miata ND. Those will never become super rare (to find in good condition) nor too expensive.
Of course, Caymans/Boxters, Z Roadsters, Lotus, etc. are all awesome cars and maybe more similar to an S2k (if not, more better actually). But, honestly, those are much much more expensive (to both buy and maintain) and aren't nearly as reliable and simple as a Japanese car (Miata).
Of course, Caymans/Boxters, Z Roadsters, Lotus, etc. are all awesome cars and maybe more similar to an S2k (if not, more better actually). But, honestly, those are much much more expensive (to both buy and maintain) and aren't nearly as reliable and simple as a Japanese car (Miata).
That has always been my problem with the Euro options - may be arguably better than the S2k in some areas, but not much/any better overall, and they simply have a lot more that goes wrong and at a higher price point. I drove my S2k hard for 3.5 years and had almost no problems whatsoever. Meanwhile I'm reading about M Roadsters and it seems like there are endless "Have you done _____ fix yet?" I really don't want to deal with that esp. on a car that I won't even be using that much. We'll see... test driving a high-mile Z3 MR in a couple of hours and will report back.
12-04-2017, 10:13 AM
#22
Don't get me wrong... I love love my S2k and want to keep it forever.
My point is... what will you do IF/WHEN you finally lose your S2k (crashed, stolen, etc.) and it's also 10-20 years from now? I really doubt you will pay $30-60k for an S2k.
Appreciating is not always good thing. Idk why people here are always so happy that S2k values are quickly appreciating (too quick imo, prolly from the hype train)...smh. All it means is that you will never own one again in 10+ years.
Last edited by Jah2000; 12-04-2017 at 10:15 AM.
12-04-2017, 11:46 AM
#23
"Being seen in a Miata." Really? Who the heck cares what other people think?
Also, having experienced a few cars on your list, I think another S2000 is your best option. There's not a more engaging, rewarding sports car for the price... not even close. Maybe one with higher mileage that's been worn in a bit, which is still an awesome car.
Also, having experienced a few cars on your list, I think another S2000 is your best option. There's not a more engaging, rewarding sports car for the price... not even close. Maybe one with higher mileage that's been worn in a bit, which is still an awesome car.
12-04-2017, 12:55 PM
#24
Just got back from test driving a stock Z3 M Roadster. It struck me as kind of the anti-S2000 when it comes to roadsters. Power all over the rev range and very low beltline were pretty fun. BUT... soggy stock suspension, slow and vague steering (S2k isn't known for great steering feel, but at least it's quick and direct), clutch has little feel.
To top it off, it reminded me of all the 2000-era problems my E39 M5 had, including some new ones like seats that shift forward and backward almost 1" on this one (common problem). Not to mention bigger issues like subframe tearing. It really made me love S2000s more - so quick, direct and precise in its responses, and with 70k mine looked and felt brand new and asked for nothing. We are a lucky bunch to own or have owned S2000s, they are great cars. Maybe I will get another after all.
Ok, it was mostly a joke. It does have a bit of a girly image but more importantly, it looks okay but just not exciting to me (the MSM does improve this a little). The S2k has timeless, unique styling despite somewhat similar proportions, and I love how the Z3M/Z4M look. Even like the original Boxster's styling. The Miata lacks aggression, although nicely-modded ones improve upon that.
To top it off, it reminded me of all the 2000-era problems my E39 M5 had, including some new ones like seats that shift forward and backward almost 1" on this one (common problem). Not to mention bigger issues like subframe tearing. It really made me love S2000s more - so quick, direct and precise in its responses, and with 70k mine looked and felt brand new and asked for nothing. We are a lucky bunch to own or have owned S2000s, they are great cars. Maybe I will get another after all.
Ok, it was mostly a joke. It does have a bit of a girly image but more importantly, it looks okay but just not exciting to me (the MSM does improve this a little). The S2k has timeless, unique styling despite somewhat similar proportions, and I love how the Z3M/Z4M look. Even like the original Boxster's styling. The Miata lacks aggression, although nicely-modded ones improve upon that.
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georgewny (02-07-2018)
12-04-2017, 01:25 PM
#25
Just got back from test driving a stock Z3 M Roadster. It struck me as kind of the anti-S2000 when it comes to roadsters. Power all over the rev range and very low beltline were pretty fun. BUT... soggy stock suspension, slow and vague steering (S2k isn't known for great steering feel, but at least it's quick and direct), clutch has little feel.
To top it off, it reminded me of all the 2000-era problems my E39 M5 had, including some new ones like seats that shift forward and backward almost 1" on this one (common problem). Not to mention bigger issues like subframe tearing. It really made me love S2000s more - so quick, direct and precise in its responses, and with 70k mine looked and felt brand new and asked for nothing. We are a lucky bunch to own or have owned S2000s, they are great cars. Maybe I will get another after all.
Ok, it was mostly a joke. It does have a bit of a girly image but more importantly, it looks okay but just not exciting to me (the MSM does improve this a little). The S2k has timeless, unique styling despite somewhat similar proportions, and I love how the Z3M/Z4M look. Even like the original Boxster's styling. The Miata lacks aggression, although nicely-modded ones improve upon that.
To top it off, it reminded me of all the 2000-era problems my E39 M5 had, including some new ones like seats that shift forward and backward almost 1" on this one (common problem). Not to mention bigger issues like subframe tearing. It really made me love S2000s more - so quick, direct and precise in its responses, and with 70k mine looked and felt brand new and asked for nothing. We are a lucky bunch to own or have owned S2000s, they are great cars. Maybe I will get another after all.
Ok, it was mostly a joke. It does have a bit of a girly image but more importantly, it looks okay but just not exciting to me (the MSM does improve this a little). The S2k has timeless, unique styling despite somewhat similar proportions, and I love how the Z3M/Z4M look. Even like the original Boxster's styling. The Miata lacks aggression, although nicely-modded ones improve upon that.
I must ask again, why are you even considering a Miata based on what you have said yourself ?
12-04-2017, 03:34 PM
#26
The 'girly' analogy has long become old with the Miata, are you still on the bandwagon ? My wife drives my 04' X50 911 Turbo Cab more than I, does that make it girly ? She also drives my 16' GT350, girly ?
I must ask again, why are you even considering a Miata based on what you have said yourself ?
I must ask again, why are you even considering a Miata based on what you have said yourself ?
12-04-2017, 03:39 PM
#27
Community Organizer
Exactly! It is appreciating (just like the Supra, RX7 FD and NSX are).... to the point we won't be able to get a good, clean one, at a fair price in 5-10+ years.
Don't get me wrong... I love love my S2k and want to keep it forever.
My point is... what will you do IF/WHEN you finally lose your S2k (crashed, stolen, etc.) and it's also 10-20 years from now? I really doubt you will pay $30-60k for an S2k.
Appreciating is not always good thing. Idk why people here are always so happy that S2k values are quickly appreciating (too quick imo, prolly from the hype train)...smh. All it means is that you will never own one again in 10+ years.
Don't get me wrong... I love love my S2k and want to keep it forever.
My point is... what will you do IF/WHEN you finally lose your S2k (crashed, stolen, etc.) and it's also 10-20 years from now? I really doubt you will pay $30-60k for an S2k.
Appreciating is not always good thing. Idk why people here are always so happy that S2k values are quickly appreciating (too quick imo, prolly from the hype train)...smh. All it means is that you will never own one again in 10+ years.
12-04-2017, 09:58 PM
#28
I'd stay away from those bmws, they're just bit with the hassle unless owning a roundel is that important to you. The problem is that you've pigeon holed yourself into a niche that really only a higher powered s2000 can fill. The miata won't make you want to run out to get something you forgot in it just so you have an excuse to look at it, or is it something that your friends are going to want to talk about. The msm is a great car but the nb chassis compared to an s2000 on The street is just no comparison. The nc has no carb legal forced induction option but otherwise is a solid car, but then youre lacking the motor. The s2000 is the best value for an interesting car that has loads of personality.
For me the lack of torque became exhausting, more specifically is gearing relative to it's torque curve in first and second when driving in the street. This is where a car like the miata is better. Your desire for a drop top eliminated alot of great cats like a c5z or even a Z which is a better all around car. I bought a c5z after my last s and sold it because it was just too much too deal with driving around town in. Bought an frs which makes me not really miss the s2000 except for is 40 extra hp.
For me the lack of torque became exhausting, more specifically is gearing relative to it's torque curve in first and second when driving in the street. This is where a car like the miata is better. Your desire for a drop top eliminated alot of great cats like a c5z or even a Z which is a better all around car. I bought a c5z after my last s and sold it because it was just too much too deal with driving around town in. Bought an frs which makes me not really miss the s2000 except for is 40 extra hp.
12-05-2017, 03:21 AM
#29
I'd stay away from those bmws, they're just bit with the hassle unless owning a roundel is that important to you. The problem is that you've pigeon holed yourself into a niche that really only a higher powered s2000 can fill. The miata won't make you want to run out to get something you forgot in it just so you have an excuse to look at it, or is it something that your friends are going to want to talk about. The msm is a great car but the nb chassis compared to an s2000 on The street is just no comparison. The nc has no carb legal forced induction option but otherwise is a solid car, but then youre lacking the motor. The s2000 is the best value for an interesting car that has loads of personality.
For me the lack of torque became exhausting, more specifically is gearing relative to it's torque curve in first and second when driving in the street. This is where a car like the miata is better. Your desire for a drop top eliminated alot of great cats like a c5z or even a Z which is a better all around car. I bought a c5z after my last s and sold it because it was just too much too deal with driving around town in. Bought an frs which makes me not really miss the s2000 except for is 40 extra hp.
For me the lack of torque became exhausting, more specifically is gearing relative to it's torque curve in first and second when driving in the street. This is where a car like the miata is better. Your desire for a drop top eliminated alot of great cats like a c5z or even a Z which is a better all around car. I bought a c5z after my last s and sold it because it was just too much too deal with driving around town in. Bought an frs which makes me not really miss the s2000 except for is 40 extra hp.
12-05-2017, 08:36 AM
#30
Can't disagree with you in that it's fun to drive, but in terms of finding excuses to just go look at it I dunno. Like if you go over to a friends place, they won't ask to go outside to see it. Not that any of this should matter but at least the s has some level of panache.