We all need it. Got bit about 6 weeks ago.
I'm new here and my S2k is gonna happen. Goal...6-8 weeks.
I would like to stay in the $16000.00 range but will go to? Love Silverstone.
I own a 52000k 2000 Miata, high revs mean it is running well but as you know
stifled at horsepower and 7000rpm. I have read here "buy the newest" "buy an 03" etc. I guess I'm leaning toward value versus factory upgrade. I'm 46 and will not be Modding,I think.
Any thoughts?
Thanks.

 

 

since you are used to RWD sports cars (your miata) I would not worry much about year (VSA is nice but not a necessity in your situation). I recomend test driving an AP1 and an AP2, decide which you like better, then find the best combination of condition, color and miles you can afford of whichever you end up preferring.

 

Way to welcome a new member.

If you like the 9k Redline. Get an AP1.
If you like a little more torque. Get an AP2.

Best advice is to read through the AP1/AP2 specs and pick out which one you like the best.

 

i wish we could mix and match. imo

 

going by the info you gave in your post i would recomend an ap2 s2000.

based on your age and willingness to stay stock tells me that you would like the more torque and "softer" feel of the AP2.

but since you mentioned "stifled at horsepower and 7000rpm" tells me you don't granny the car to and from the local merchandise mart and would love the 9K redline and thrill of the tail happy AP1.

being an owner of both a 2000 ap1 AND 2008 CR i can say that you wont miss having 9K versus 8K coming from 7K. you will be happy with the additional 1K redline over your miata.

the differences between the ap1 and ap2 is minimal enough that a first time owner will be happy with either choice. it's only after you have owned both that one can start nit picking the small differences.
things like, i wish my CR can loose its top as quickly and fast as the soft top cars, i bounce off the rev limiter in my CR only because i'm so used the the 9K of my AP1, my AP1 feels "raw" compared to the comfy (relatively) AP2.


surftile, you really need to drive both back to back and go with the one you feel happier with.

 

I recommend getting an ap2. Its a little more relaxed to drive. Try driving both and see how you like it. You can get good deals on these cars right now so take advantage of that.

 

i recommend getting an AP2.. preferrebly an 06, since most of the problems have been worked out by then. but still beware of the relatively weak transmission and clutch. like others have said, the ap2 is more comfortable than an ap1, and i'm honestly satisfied with the performance of it. the suspension is great, soft top works well and is glass, and 06 has the addition of VSA.

either way, if you decide to buy, research 2nd gear grind, and differential weaknesses.

 

[QUOTE=jcjt,Apr 18 2010, 09:40 AM] i recommend getting an AP2.. preferrebly an 06, since most of the problems have been worked out by then.

 

i wanted a sports car. Something rough on the edges. I wasn't looking for luxury or comfort if that was the case i would have bought myself a lexus or something, hence the reason i bought my AP1 and i love it to pieces.