I guess I am what you would call a "pre-newbie." I live in West Virginia where the weather is iffy at best. My local dealer has a heck of a deal on a new 05 but I've been reading all of the forum chats for a couple of days and you've really got me scared. I have no doubt that the S2K would be great in California or Florida but I plan to use it on the daily commute. I have no interest in racing or impressing the Z boys. This is my middle age angst thing.

I drove the car on a cold clear day and loved it!!!! But with care, will I be able to use it on a daily basis without ending up in the ditch.

Thanks much for your input

 

Ok I don't yet own an S2k but I can't believe how some people are so scared of this thing.

It's just a car, you control it the entire time. Respect it and it you will be rewarded. Besides, I doubt a middle-aged person, like yourself, who can afford a car such as this, would engage in too much risky behavior. Go for it, live a little. If you are extremely concerned about it, take some high-performance driving events, which let you test the limits of your car in a controlled environment. Trust me, you become a better overall driver with every event, even if racing isn't your thing.

Keep your cool and the shiny side up.

 

Living in Pittsburgh I face the same weather as you do. When I purchased my S I decided to park it in the winter and enjoy it in the Spring/Summer. As careful as you are the S is a bit challenging to handle in the rain let alone snow. Go for it though it will be the best investment/car you've ever owned. Also, PM me and let me know what part of WV you are in because we are always looking for new recruits in the Allegheny Club. Good luck!

 

I've never driven my S in the snow (we usually don't get any), but as long as your tires (especially the rears) are not worn out it's no different driving the car in the rain than any other rear wheel drive car or truck. Just use the same precautions you ordinarilly use in wet weather; slow down a bit and stay alert.

There are several folks, like xviper, who use snow tires in the winter months and continue to drive their cars pretty much year round.

 

Ours is a daily driver and with good snow tires, the S is just as road worthy as many FWD cars EXCEPT for ground clearance. We have to be careful on the residential streets near our house as they are not plowed, but once to the streets that are either plowed or packed (no deep ruts), the S does fine.

I'm running a set of Dunlop WinterSport M3's on an extra set of AP1 rims.

Good Luck!!

 

The great thing about the S2K is that it can be as docile as a Civic or as mean as a Vette depending on your mood and the weather. Get an extra set of wheels and winter tires, and you're all set.

 

Best of luck with your choices, godot. I pretty much agree with what everyone's saying here. If you have good self-control, this car will be a gem to own.

I have winter tires (Bridgestone Blizzak LM-22) which are lousy in snow but which remain pliable and reasonable to drive on in cold weather. That's when I like to take the S out during the winter.

Kudos to the folks who are comfortable driving their Ss through the muck and the mire -- I prefer to leave mine in the garage when there's crap on the ground. But, that's a personal choice.

 

I'm a CA guy but have driven a little when snowing and such. I'd say if you're familiar with a rear wheel drive car it should be cool. you really just have to know the limits of a car...any car in fact.

good luck with your purchase. it's a fun car

 

This has not been mentioned but be prepared for the stiff suspension and low profile tires. I know the roads in WV can be challenging at times if your S is a daily driver you will get used to the bumps.

 

good luck on ur choices