Been driving a 2004 Volvo S60 (gifted from a family member) my entire driving career, as well as a variety of motorcycles (Buell XB12Ss setup for aggressive street and track use is my current two wheel toy). I am a big advocate of the mantra "It's more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow" and have been using that in my search for my own first car purchase. The criteria was, manual, small (I like to ride/drive on a lot of narrow roads in the hills), moderate power (in the 250-350 hp range) and most importantly, very nimble handling.

For a good bit I was pretty set on a Porsche Boxster or Cayman S, and also looked into a 996 Carrera S as well as the Z4M, and always kind of had the S2000 in the back of my mind. After a lot more research I have decided (pending a test drive) that this is the car for me. It fits all of my criteria, plus it sounds to be much more reliable and inexpensive to maintain, as well as very smooth shifting... it is a Honda after all. The power is a little lower than I had wanted, but 8,000 rpm still sounds like a blast, and it will keep me out of trouble and allow me to focus on proper driving technique when transitioning to my first RWD car.

I am looking to get something with relatively low miles (30-50K range) and as new as possible. I want something with excellent condition in and out as well as mechanically, and even if a car is well maintained a lot of miles can wear out some of the bits and make a car a bit less tight.

Anyways, just thought I'd share my story as to how I decided upon the S2000! Day by day the looks grow on me even more and I can't help but take the long way through the parking garage to walk by a few of my co-workers S's .

Lastly, I have been looking into CarMax as they seem to have some very clean cars, and a few of them with mileage in my ideal range. The price is in the low-mid 20's which seems steep but if the quality is there I think it is still a sound investment. I trust their inspection (and if I buy elsewhere I will have a PPI done) of the frame etc... but I would likely also go the extra mile to have a compression/leak-down test to really ensure the motor is healthy.

Can't wait to post on here someday with a pic saying I just got my S! Unfortunately I am still wrapping up school and won't be able to make the big purchase until this Summer...

Tick tock tick tock!

 

i fell inlove after the first ride. there was someone here who just recently bought an s2k. he also owns a ferrari. and his praises for the s2k was nothing short of how good it is to drive. ( much like everyone else )

just make sure you research a bit before buying. there is a guide here on what to look for in an s2k. its a check list on things that are common problems on the car. not to discredit you or anything, im sure you are a very smart individual but be really keen on knowing the things to look for. hope you find an S that will treat you right and vice versa. its been the best purchase of my life so far. longest car ive owned.

 

Thanks I have been doing a good bit of research and just found that thread as well as a thread on what kind of things to maintain or replace after purchasing, which is great. I def plan to baby this thing in the garage, as I can't make any promises for how much it will get babied on the road! I take good care of my vehicles, but I plan to do a good deal of driving the way it was intended to be driven. It is a sports car after all!

 

 

Welcome.

When you get one check out the link in my signature.

What are your "must-have's"?

 

For an S2000? Very clean, low mileage, unmolested (preferably stock, but could live with a few performance mods such a modest exhaust/intake, rims and maybe suspension if it was professionally installed and setup) and color is relevant but not #1. I kind of dig the white with tan interior but I prefer the darker grey with black or black/red interior.

 

I’ve never dealt with CarMax, the impression I get is that they are a safe bet, but their peace of mind comes at a price.

That said, I’m not sure they would know the specifics of thoroughly inspecting an s2k (since they aren’t common).

I’d keep private-party as an option. These are enthusiast cars, and as such, many of us put our cars through their paces, but treat them to impeccable care and maintenance.

 

Thanks,


I def plan to check out private-party as well!

 

Where do you live, JRaicer? Your local S2000 community might be a BIG help.

 

I like the sound of that! I am currently wrapping up my last semester of college downtown Los Angeles, but will most likely be moving back up to NorCal in May (when I plan to purchase the car). Will be living in the South Bay (San Jose area), and eventually moving into San Francisco.

Any good groups in the area?