I'm picking up my AP1 S2K late December. My friend, another S2K owner pointed me to a bunch of threads on the board where people spun out, crashed, and all that good stuff. I'm really freaked out now.

I rarely drive RWD, and in the times I do, those cars have traction and stability control. What tips do you have for a newbie to control an AP1 S2K? On my regular drive, I have this really long, windy on-ramp; I think I'll have to shift up in the middle of the on-ramp, what should I do to not spin out and plunge to my death?

 

Foremost, respect the car and respect your own limits. The car isn't dangerous, its the driver that is. Save up some $$ and instead of spending it on the latest and greatest mod, take a good drivers course, ie Skip Barber. Get involved locally w/autocrossing and/or tracking. And finally, avoid or use great caution in the wet, especially on the stock tires.

 

like 8_ball just said, take your time getting used to the car, and stay within your comfort zone. I just picked up my first S2000 and drove it 1000 freeway miles home, some of these miles in rain/wet conditions. Keep in mind I have very little rwd experience before this, and live in a place where the roads are essentially wet for 6 months of the year (coast of BC). So far in the month I've had it I haven't even come close to losing control *knock on wood*, probably 50% on wet roads in this time. I think as long as you drive like a sane person, especially inthe wet, you'll be fine.

 

get comfortable with it and go from there...get a Ph D in driving your car and you won't have to ever worry.

 

Hi welcome to the board! I drove my car 2600 miles to get it home, through rain, hail and snow. Granted I have VSA, but it only went on twice during my drive home. If you live in an area that snows make sure u get snowtires!

 

I'm still scared of my car too i've had it since May. The main reason I am scared though is because i've wanted it for 7 yrs and I finally got my baby. I just take it extra careful in the wetness, it's very predictable during dry conditions. Like the rest of the S2kir's said don't push it to hard stay in your comfort zone, and enjoy the ride.

 

Congratulations on your AP1. You're going to have a lot of fun.
Driving the S2000 is not very different than any other car as long as you don't push it hard and the ground is dry. Just take it easy at first and don't push down on the gas hard during a turn. When driving in the rain, use more caution than driving on dry roads. Our cars do not do so well in the rain. You'll gradually get the feel for the car. Take it easy at first, you'll get plenty of chances to have more fun later after you get the feel for the car.

 

Good tires / proper tire pressure / reasonable driving...... you wont have a any problems.

My .02

 

definately dont always be driving like you got somewhere to be if you know what i mean. take it easy on public roads and especially in traffic. if you find a safe place to practice some stuff, take it easy there too untill you are truly and fully comfortable with it. it will help you learn your car much better than "how fast have you gotten this thing up to bro" like some dudes might wanna ask you. tell them to STFU. drive safe.... dont downshift into your corners...... at least not on accident.

other than that its no big deal really. just a matter of staying aware of your circumstances. when changing lanes always look for that blind spot too. the soft top gives a disadvantage for visibility, but just lean forward a bit and check behind you.


great car!!! youll love it.

 

keep the tires good, be smooth