As the title says I currently own a slightly modified mr2 turbo, and I have been tossing around the idea of an s2000.

Speaking from experience my car is very reliable, and I was wondering if anyone could attest to the reliabilty of a 2000-2001 s2000 with 75-90k miles. What are the most common problems that can be associated with the higher mileage?

Does anyone have an idea of how the s2000 compares to the handling of the mr2?

Any help in my decision making process is greatly appreciated.

 

[QUOTE=JasonG,Jul 2 2006, 07:08 PM] As the title says I currently own a slightly modified mr2 turbo, and I have been tossing around the idea of an s2000.

Speaking from experience my car is very reliable, and I was wondering if anyone could attest to the reliabilty of a 2000-2001 s2000 with 75-90k miles.

 

having going from an MR2 with nearly 300whp (w/turbokit) to gen III (making 275whp) then going to my 2003 s2000. I have to say the S2000 is a blast to drive, but its not an MR2. To counter that claim an MR2 is no where near an S2000. The S2000 in stock form handles amazingly, the MR2 in stock form is good, but not like that. If your an MR2 owner and fanatic as I was/am today. You'll find yourself checking out the mR2 board often. I have two MR2's now and buying a turbo one now! I just dont see a need in modifying a brand new car (to me its new 22k miles).

Jeff

 

One of the advantages to the mr2 is it has alot of potential (i.e. swaping out turbos and upgrading fuel), and is completly paid off. If I got the s2000 I would still owe about 3-4k while I was in school.

I absolutely love the interior of the s2000, that it's newer, less miles on the body, and new to me. Another selling point is it beig convertable.

 

I have not owned an MR2 myself, but have driven one a few times (modded to around 250hp @ the wheels). I love the MR2, seriously a great car.

MR2 and S2000's reliability -- should be on par with each other. There are some minor issues in the first 2 years of production on the S, but they are far from devastating. If you can afford it, get an 03 (really good bang for the buck).

As far as handling goes, I liked the feeling of the S2000 more (the car turns "cleaner" and the turns are more crisp) Also, the S2000's tranny is truly amazing. Nonetheless, you would find that the S2000 lacks torque in comparison to the MR2, and would have a much harder time modifying the car to extract more power.

With all that said, test drive an S2000 extensively and see if you like the car. S2000 is very close to the MR2 (the concepts, some specs, layout, etc), yet not quite the case (in reality). There is something that words just can't describe, and the driving experience of the S2000 is one of them.

 

Interesting... For some reason, we don't get a lot of discussion comparing the MR2 to the S2000.

The S2000 reliability is fantastic. There are small things that happen as the car ages (top wear, crushed seat foam, ...), but major issues are rare.

Modding is expensive. Won't say otherwise.

I'd say, get a test drive in someone's car (or a dealer) and try to form your own opinion about the way it drives. If you go to a dealer, be aware that a car with less than 600 miles is not broken in, and should not be run in VTEC (> 6000 RPM). That's unfortunate, because that's where the fun begins.

 

I've just upgraded from an MRS (think latest version of MR2) to an S2k here in Singapore. Miss my nippy little MRS. I don't miss the technology which ended up costing a furtune on troubleshooting. Also, although Sequential Gearshift was fun and easy, I do love the stick shift in my S2k. Handling, s2k wins hands down. MRS, like the S2k could be a bit, even more so than the S, of a handful in the rain as it is so light ! MRS had no boot. Just compartments behind the seats large enough for a bunch of coconuts. I feel I've gone from a fun run-about to a raw beast. Definitely an upgrade on the interior. Next step.... a 360 or 430 ... in a couple of years !!!!

 

I think I'd keep the MR2 until I was out of school. No sense in carrying debt or having a soft top at college imo. Its not like you're driving a dog now.

 

me and my brother owned a 91 turbo. now i have 03s2k and brother has 06evo9. anyways mr2 would be nice to keep as a project car. the jdm gen3 turbo engines are monsters and responds to mods as well. the mid engine layout, the blow off valve right next to your ears, its a feeling i miss sometimes. but the s2000 won't disappoint you. its shifter, transmission is so precise and crisp; along with the most rigid convertible chasiss ever built. fyi, i'll get the s2000. owning one is an incredible experience. im 17 and im obviously in school. i work and i pay for the car/mods myself.

sorry for long post! but don't mistake me..mr2turbos are nice cars. i check mr2oc pretty often as well =]