I'm a new owner, and I also worried about the blind spot. If you adjust your mirrors correctly, it's no problem at all.

I am really loving the S2000. The Miata just doesn't do it for me. The Miata just doesn't seem like a serious car, more of a "chick car" than I'd be comfortable in. I'm getting LOTS of attention with the S2K because even after 6 years in production, it is still very rare. I actually had two ladies get in their car after I passed their house and follow me to ask what kind of car my S2K is. Don't think that would happen with a Miata.

 

Not a chance. Though, kudos to Mazda... The latest iteration MX-5 is a sweet ride.

Agreed on the top mechanism, although let's not forget that the S has the fastest power top in existence - 6 seconds. Still unbeaten.

 

[QUOTE=Topspin628,May 9 2006, 11:32 PM]I had been shopping for a sports car in my price range and had just about settled on the 06 Miata.

 

That's exactly what sold me on s2k. I'd been shopping around for awhile before I managed to set up a test drive in the car I eventually bought. The first time I felt VTEC kick in, I swear the hairs on the back of my neck stood on end. I knew right then I'd found THE car.

As a general rule I drive fairly conservatively; shift points are well under 5k rpm, but every once in a while I have to hit an on ramp in 2nd or 3rd and keep it in VTEC all the way. If you don't get a huge rush from that, stay with the Miata.

Oh, and no. I've yet to find the exhaust and road noise to be tedious on long drives. In fact, this is the only car I've ever owned where I'll make a point of turning the stereo down or off just so I can hear the exhaust as I walk it through the gears. I find it intoxicating.

Good luck with your decision.

 

The S2000 sucks. It's noisy, it's bumppy, it's cramped, it doesn't have gobs of torque, it can't do 0-60 in 4 seconds and 1/4 mile in 12 seconds stock, it has no sunroof, it has no trunk space, it doesn't even have a proper glove compartment, etc. etc. etc. Don't get it.






































Nahh j/k ... the S is actually a great ride. I didn't like the idea of having a convertible at first, until I drove this car (in fact, I used to hate them). The road noise is certainly something that is bearable, even for a 2hr+ ride. The ride quality is also surprisingly good (perhaps 2000-2003 owners may disagree).

I was tempted to get an E46 M3 instead (more practical, more space, more torque, has a coupe layout, etc), but once I drove the M3 and the S2000 back-to-back, I was sold on the S2000. The "fun-factor" is simply incomparable. The M3 definitely accelerates much faster and harder, but I figured I can easily compensate for the speed/power factor when I become a better driver, whereas the "fun-factor" cannot be changed regardless of mods.

It depends on your personal preferance though. I have a friend who went to the M3 route after test driving the S2000.

In terms of safety, I think all cars are safe until they crash. When they crash? No car is perfectly safe. It depends a lot on how the accident occured and 10,000 other variables. Nevertheless, most S2000 owners who were unfortunate to get into an accident did come out alright. The S2000 isn't a tank, but neither is it a tin can. Drive safely and the S will last for years.

P.S. I live in the Northeast too. The roads aren't exactly the most pleasant ones in the world ... but the S is still a fun ride!

Anyway, test drive one at your local dealership for some longer time (i.e. over 30 mins) and take it easy. See how you like it.

 

i have NEVER used the tonnau(sp) cover and i have put 15k miles on my s2k, its my only car but i only put about 6-8k miles on it a year. The s2k is just a pure simple sports car, alot of forum members say "im never going to sell my s2k" and for good reason, i dont think there are too many other car forums that say the same thing about their car. myself included, i honestly plan on keeping my s2k for many many years to come. it might not be my daily driver by then but i hope to still have it. i doubt too many miata owners feel the same way about their cars.

 

Some excellent points above. Linking this thread into the Intro FAQ.

Thanks, guys, for your terrific feedback.

 

I'm one of those who has no intention of getting rid of the S2000, but then we have no intention of getting rid of the 17-year-old Miata either. They are both "pure simple sports cars." The Miata is actually closer to the traditional roadsters these cars try to emulate, becuase of its simplicity, size, and weight. The S2000 is not as harsh as a traditional British roadster, but not as supple as a traditional Italian roadster. The new MX5 suspension has more of an Italian feel.

I find it hard to compare the S2000 with any other production car, because the *combination* of qualities that it brings to the table are unique.