I have 2 kids[9 years old and 22 months].I would just get a four door family car and keep the s2000.Unless money is a priority.Thats what i did.Us men need to have our own toys too!

 

[QUOTE=triman54,Jun 6 2009, 03:27 PM] VW GTi 4 door hatch or a VW GTi sedan, or pick up one of the remaining VW R32s.

 

Congrats, I've been in your shoes. I have a 15 month old boy. I had my car parted out almost back to stock. In the end, I couldn't get rid of the S. Get a reliable beater, and keep your toy. Worse case scenario, deactivate the passenger side airbag and if you have to take Charlie somewhere your wife won't freak on you with a carseat up front. Plus when he's old enough, he'll love to ride shotgun with the top down.

 

I went to lengths to not use the term "reliability". But VW's and Audi's a-platform cars have wonderful interiors, and they have another thing I would be concerned about if I wanted a car to carry my young child around: good crash protection compared to other compact or sub-compact cars. Besides at the price point of less than $20K for a car with 30K or less on the clock, even a VW certified Passat might figure into the equation.

 

Good thoughts, guys. I'm a "German car" guy at heart, too, but I still have a hard time turning my back on the reliability of our Hondas and other Asian marques. The things that appealed to me so much about the S2000 is that it's so purpose-designed and built. For 15 years I've been voting with my wallet and buying Japanese. I basically want to make a lateral move in price, maybe just toss $2-3k at it plus the S.

Out of boredom and a little interest I drove a 2008 Mazdaspeed3 yesterday. Very interesting car. I know, FWD. But the torque...and I kind of like the 5-door wagonette overall. Under the hood there's an air duct from the hood scoop to deliver ambient air to the enclosed battery case. Only way to keep the battery alive so close to the engine.

Dunno. I'm still looking.

BP

 

Neighbor has an IS250, great car, good on gas and fun to drive, you can pick them up pretty reasonable

 

I have a better choice. If you need pampers or milk in a hurry this is the machine for you, even Shay has to agree with me on this one, only 600HP

 

^ It's a one-off concept with a W12 twin turbo. Look at the clearance between the fenders and the tires. That car could never be driven on a street.

 

WOW...just saw this in the Car Talk forum for the evo X:

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=705542

$25k new...pretty impressive.

 

I like the VW/Audi idea (since I just bought a TDI Jetta) -- although if you only have one car, I would look more into an R32 or an A3, or an S4/5/6 if you have the budget. The TDI has amazing fuel mileage, but will do nothing for your fun factor. The new 3-series BMWs are sweet, but it gives off a ... certain image that some people stay away from; then again, if you aren't concerned with image, just get an Evo.