Hey, Im planning to buy a used car sometime in the next few weeks. I live in Toronto, Canada and I need this automobile as my daily driver. I dont really need to carry more then just myself and would like a sporty car. However, im concerned with our Canadian winters. I've read on these and other forums that s2000 are not great in the winter but with snow tires and some sand bags in the back you can pull off winter driving. I also wanna know how the softop fairs in the snow. Does it get damaged alot due to the ice freezing on it and such? I dont have a garage to store it in. Would a cover suffice? I also like the 2003 Acura CL-s 6-speed however i perfer the s2000 watcha think is better for my situation?

 

I don't know how long your winters are but if it is going to be extensive and you only want one car, I'd go with the CL. However, some members here swear by snow tires on the S so it may be workable but I guess it depends on your driving skills. Personally, I wouldn't miss the chance of getting an S. Maybe you can get a cheap winter beater on the side for the bad days.

Oh yeah, the cover should be fine for your top. I had an convertible and it was pretty much a beater. Do plan to replace it once every few years though. Good luck.

 

I don't know what would be best for you but I guess it depends on how bad you want an S2000. I live in Florida and think that the summer sun is much harder on the soft top than winter freezing. It's the summer sun that will eventually take it's toll on your top if you don't do everything you possibly can to protect it.

 

Get the Acura.

 

How much does it cost to replace the s2000 soft top anyhow? Im pretty limited to funds. Being 20 doesnt give u much spending money. I've been saving for this for 5 years and frankly I dont know if i can just keep replacing the top when it get worn. I was kinda hopin it would last forever ... and I dont want a beater either.... i've been waiting to get a good car so I can drive it around all year.

 

Then definitely go with the Acura. Nothing worse than dripping tops. I've been there.

 

My S2000 has been daily driven in Cleveland winters and it fairs just fine with some Blizzak WS-50s. It has also been left outside for numerous freezing rain cycles, and the top is still in very good condition. IMO the ice doesn't affect it at all. My only worry is the salt... I hate it!

 

u should buy an rsx or a civic. if you're already worried about budget so much. just my honest opinion. but both of your choices are great w/the s2000 being the more expensive to maintain route.

 

Subaru WRX?

 

It ain't cheap to replace the top. It's something around 700 to 800 for the top itself, then another ~10 hours of labour.

Also, you should always keep in mind that the cost of owning a sports car like the S2000 would be more than you initially thought. For example, just to list a few things, the S2000 needs nice tires, and nice tires wear out much quicker (and you certainly don't want to cheap out and under-tire an S2000). And now, you would need proper winter tires, instead of simply using one set of all season tires to muscle through a winter in a FWD car. With the high revving engine and performance nature, you'd be replacing (nicer/more expensive) fluids and other wear-and-tear items quicker -- you may have the tendency to drive the car a little harder in occasions. Then comes in the mod addiction (it could be even for simple things like shift knob, floor mats, etc) and (knock on the wood) unforeseeable expenses -- including speeding tickets, damages due to rock chips, insurance deductible for vandalism & theft, etc.

I know I'm exaggerating a little here, but the S2000 does cost more to run than other Hondas or less highly strung car. This, of course, is due to the fact that it's more performance oriented, and not due to reliability issues.

Don't get me wrong, I generally encourage people to get the car when they like it. However, it's just in your situation (based on what you wrote), you might want to wait out a little more. Getting the S2000 a little later may give you less stress and more room to fully enjoy the car. Even if 2007 is the last year of production (guys ... please don't start the "is 2007 the last year ..."), I'm sure you could find a good condition used car down the road. A lot of owners take great care of their cars.