Hello S2000 owners!

I am here writing because I am greatly considering to upgrade to an ap2 (06+) s2000.
I currently own a 2008 Lexus IS-F and a 2007 Honda Civic Si FG2 (I'll be upgrading the Si).
here's a quick pic (bad resolution) of both:


I am considering two cars: an 06+ S2000 or an 04-07 Subaru WRX Sti, and I'm weighing out the pro's and cons of each.
I'm 20 years old, under 6 foot, and I truly don't see any cons with the S2000 (besides winter driving, but that can be aided with a good set of winter tires and a light right foot).

I've perused through reported AP2 common problems, and wasn't disheartened.
Does anyone have any recommendations/considerations, or has anyone chosen between an Sti and S2000 before?
And lastly, does the S2000 have a 2nd/3rd gear grinding problem? My FG2 [did], thank god the synchro has been fixed.

Thanks a lot guys, looking forward to being an s2k owner soon enough!

 

Depending where you live...the WRX will be a lot better in the snow.
Levi

 

I'm in Philadelphia. I can maneuver through snow without much difficulty, so AWD vs. a light RWD car would give the STI a few practiciality points.
Otherwise, I'm not too worried about winter conditions.
I see you are from NY, do you manage with the s2k in the snow?

 

Damn, 20 year old and you already own an IS-F? Life sure is good to you.

 

This doesn't answer my question, and my post was only posed for an introduction to this forum...
Millions of dollars does not ensure a "good life".

 

I'm way up near the Canadian border...my S spends most of the winter in the garage....way too much road salt is used on the roads up here...there are people that drive their S year round, I'm just not one of them.
Levi

 

to OP, if youre in Philly, may want something for the bad weather besides the S2k, unless that's what the IS-F is for? ive had to drive my S in the pouring rain, and it was a bit scary and tricky...i can't imagine driving it in snow.

as a reference, i've lived in Chicago before for 8 years, and in the winter snow storms, I'd NEVER consider taking the S...

btw, love your IS-F, especially that blue

 

Thanks! The Porsche speaks for itself ^^ (997.2 turbo 6spd or GTR next on the list...within the next seven years for me to replace the F).
Thank you for your insight on the drivability of the s2000. It seems that during inclement weather conditions, the s2000 compromises the driver's safety to a higher degree than the STI, or for this matter, than other cars?
I'm an aware driver and drive with caution, especially when I go on spirited runs on backroads with the F , so I believe I would be able to stay aware and maneuver the s2k through snow/rain w/o much perceived fear or actual danger.

Can anyone else chime in on safety with the s2000?

thank you guys.

 

I've heard other owners say that with a good set of snow tires, it's no problem driving the S during the winter season. Hopefully they can chime in and share their experiences.

And to my knowledge the S doesn't have the 2/3 gear grind like the 8th gens, thank goodness

 

Maybe I can chime in on the topic of snow tires. But I will warn people that I don't have a S2000 (yet!).

The snow tires experience is limited to my 09 Mazdaspeed 3. And I use them when I go snowboarding in Tahoe. Here's my take, if your car has summer tires, they become unusable when the temperature dips below 40F. I don't care if there's snow or slush on the ground, once it's below 40F, summer tires turn into rocks and they just don't grip anymore.

I don't care if you have FWD, RWD, A/4WD. The safest winter upgrade is the tires.

I have a set of Dunlop Winter Sport 3D on my MS3, in warmer weather (I only go snowboarding on the weekends), they drive like gummy bear (like all winter tires). But their winter/cold grip is amazing, highly recommended. Why did I pick the Dunlop over the much acclaimed Bridgestone Blizzaks? Because the reviews say Dunlop provides better warm/dry characteristics, and my weekdays are spent in SF. If you just remind yourself you're driving on winter tires, you won't be so disappointed.

Onto the actual winter driving. These Dunlop Winter Sport 3D grip like Velcro in the slush/snow. I have never pushed the tires to the limits in the snow, so I can't speak on their performance at the limit. But if you drive to the limits in the snow, no amount of winter tires can save you.