Wouldn't recommend an S2000 as a manual to learn on but if circumstances dictate you can do it with care and patience.

Otherwise, remember that the S2000 is a powerful ,responsive and fast car in the right hands.

Important thing to remember with all powerful sports cars is that you don't really know how to drive. After 34 years of driving too fast, I learned this at my first track day

 

I had a buddy teach me in his Civic SI on a Saturday. Later that week I test drove a S2000 at a small dealer that just let me take the car out by myself. I would recommend finding someone to at least give you a crash coarse before you go test drive anything.

 

I wouldn't recommend learning how to drive standard on the S2K. It's not about the car being hard to drive. It's more about feeling bad for the transmission and clutch, not to mention stalling an S2K would get quite a few chuckles from the other drivers. You can't have an S2K and stall it at the light. That's just embarrassing.

 

What he means is don't try learning stick in a cool car if you have low self esteem and can't handle being laughed at.

 

I learned how to drive standard on my s2k. i had a buddy do the test drive for me and everything(took a test drive myself as well). I stalled out at lights all the time, and rolled back on hills, and quite a few mis-shifts as well, but its all part of the learning experience! it really strengthened the bond with me and my car and as long as you have the money to buy a new clutch(and maybe a lightened flywheel) you shouldn't have anything to worry about. i mean for the most part the s2k just feels like a rwd civic so long as you're not revving it up like crazy, just be mindful of your tires and the road conditions!

 

Do it. I've done a clutch in the garage solo on jackstands, not a big deal if you manage to roast it.

 

Wow, can't believe the number of responses, thank you all!

I'm definitely thinking of going with a 2006+ car for a little extra safety with the stability and traction control (especially in the early stages of ownership), since I live on the US east coast where precipitation is to be expected.
I will try if possible to at least get an intro to driving a manual with another car, now to try find someone kind enough to let me have a go

 

I think you'll be fine in the S. You're 23 years old, an adult, not some 16 year old who think he's a veteran at driving. For the first year or so, just drive as you would any other car. Once you're comfortable, then maybe kick it up a notch. Perhaps you can get a beater car for those rainy days.

 

yeah, cuz i've had a few ppl try driving my car and they didn't like the manual transmission at all and they weren't cut out for it. i'm sure if you want the car you'll be willing to learn and will deal with the downfalls of a manual transmission, but give it a shot first and decide if you really want to be shifting yourself all the time as well. best of luck on your search!