Sell ZHP, Buy S2000?
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Originally Posted by bulldog04,May 4 2006, 04:49 PM
Here are the pluses and minuses I'm thinking about:
Pro for S2000: new car, new warranty, convertible, unique look, unique driving experience... definite wow factor
Pro for ZHP: a very desirable car that will be paid for in 2 years, much better daily driver
Con for the S2000: car payment for 3 additional years, maybe not the best daily driver / only car (however, I am single)
Con for ZHP: used car, I want someting new, out of warranty in approximately 3000 miles
Pro for S2000: new car, new warranty, convertible, unique look, unique driving experience... definite wow factor
Pro for ZHP: a very desirable car that will be paid for in 2 years, much better daily driver
Con for the S2000: car payment for 3 additional years, maybe not the best daily driver / only car (however, I am single)
Con for ZHP: used car, I want someting new, out of warranty in approximately 3000 miles
But then again, if you're still young, insuring the s2000 will be quite expensive. So it all comes down to whether you'd prefer to throw away your money to your insurance company or the BMW dealers.
I'd go with an s2000 if I were you though.
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As someone who just bought a S2K (2 days ago!) and cross-shopped the ZHP, let me throw in my $.02:
I'd say both are excellent examples of two very different types of cars.
Everyone is different, but I wouldn't want the S as my only car. I have 2 other cars at my disposal so practicality wasn't a big factor.
The ZHPs I test drove great and I'd have a blast driving one, but I couldn't stomach the price for one new or used. I've also had mixed feelings on their out-of-warranty expenses. If I didn't feel like I was paying like a $5000 fee just for having a roundel on the hood, I'd probably have one now.
If the (potential) impracticality of the S isn't a problem, you got the money, and you "need" a new car, the S is great too! I'm loving mine. The fun factor (so far) is top notch, and the overall goodness is hard to beat. I've had more powerful and more expensive sports cars, but the S feels special and unique.
If you still enjoy your ZHP and find it reliable I'd say keep it, you have an excellent sports sedan. Maybe some mods would spice it up.
Of course having *both* would be fantastic.... if your wallet can handle it
I'd say both are excellent examples of two very different types of cars.
Everyone is different, but I wouldn't want the S as my only car. I have 2 other cars at my disposal so practicality wasn't a big factor.
The ZHPs I test drove great and I'd have a blast driving one, but I couldn't stomach the price for one new or used. I've also had mixed feelings on their out-of-warranty expenses. If I didn't feel like I was paying like a $5000 fee just for having a roundel on the hood, I'd probably have one now.
If the (potential) impracticality of the S isn't a problem, you got the money, and you "need" a new car, the S is great too! I'm loving mine. The fun factor (so far) is top notch, and the overall goodness is hard to beat. I've had more powerful and more expensive sports cars, but the S feels special and unique.
If you still enjoy your ZHP and find it reliable I'd say keep it, you have an excellent sports sedan. Maybe some mods would spice it up.
Of course having *both* would be fantastic.... if your wallet can handle it
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After three years and almost 50K miles, I feel like I've had my fun with the ZHP, and I want something new. But the only $30K car that seems like a reasonable replacement (not a step down) is the S2K.
I've always wanted one but I've been scared because of the whole practicality factor. I have another car that I could use from time to time, but the S just isn't as flexible as my ZHP. I worry that I would get it and hate it. I mean, you know you're not going to HATE a BMW or Toyota or any other mainstream car, but the S is so intense and specialized... it worries me.
But at the same time, that intensity is intriguing... also, like I said, I would love the "wow factor." There are no S2K in this area, so it would definitely stand out in the crowd... and I would look great in it. LOL.
I'm leaning toward buying it, and in the worst case scenario, if I don't like it, I can trade in a year and not take a ridiculous depreciation hit as would be the case with most cars.
I've always wanted one but I've been scared because of the whole practicality factor. I have another car that I could use from time to time, but the S just isn't as flexible as my ZHP. I worry that I would get it and hate it. I mean, you know you're not going to HATE a BMW or Toyota or any other mainstream car, but the S is so intense and specialized... it worries me.
But at the same time, that intensity is intriguing... also, like I said, I would love the "wow factor." There are no S2K in this area, so it would definitely stand out in the crowd... and I would look great in it. LOL.
I'm leaning toward buying it, and in the worst case scenario, if I don't like it, I can trade in a year and not take a ridiculous depreciation hit as would be the case with most cars.
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I was/am a little bit worried about the specialized nature of the S too. But I bought a used one and I to figure if I change my mind (or more likely my family situation changes) I can sell it and get something more civilized.
In short tho, no one can answer this question but you. Certainly don't anyone convince you that the S is a step down (from nearly anything). For pretty much any enthusiast, with cost aside the choice is simply between 2 seats + ragtop or 4 doors + shiny top.
In short tho, no one can answer this question but you. Certainly don't anyone convince you that the S is a step down (from nearly anything). For pretty much any enthusiast, with cost aside the choice is simply between 2 seats + ragtop or 4 doors + shiny top.
