Droptop (and other young, potential buyers),

As an older owner who has spent half a lifetime getting to a point where I can own and enjoy the S2000, I'll just say that there are MANY factors you need to consider. Let me offer these opinions, and you take them as you please:

First and foremost is the question of whether you're an experienced enough driver to respect both yourself and the car properly.

By "respect yourself" I mean that you don't have something to prove on the road. If you're the kind of person who's gonna redline his car in a 30MPH neighborhood to show off, I think you shouldn't buy it. This kind of behavior can lead to pissed off neighbors, and more importantly irreversible driving mistakes (like putting your car in your neighbor's yard or something worse).

By "respect the car" I mean that it is nothing like driving an Altima or a truck. I'm sure you know this already. My point is that the car goads you on to any level of extreme driving you choose. You have to have self-control, or it will bite you in the ass when you get caught out reacting incorrectly to a given situation. You may tell yourself that you won't push it, and maturity helps in this regard, but I can tell you that the S2000 makes every road seem tame. You will push it; the question is how you handle it.

Next is the question of whether you can afford to own this car. Insurance for young folks is brutal. The insurance problem is directly related to the maturity issues I was just talking about... A lot of young owners are damaging their cars and raising rates for the rest of you.

Another aspect of cost... I really hate to hear about people living "car poor" (for wont of a better phrase). In my opinion -- and it's just that -- the S2000 is a luxury that you shouldn't buy if it stops you from putting away savings or worse...

Those are just my thoughts. Plain talk... I hope it's helpful. Best wishes, whatever you choose.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Chazmo
[B]Droptop (and other young, potential buyers),

As an older owner who has spent half a lifetime getting to a point where I can own and enjoy the S2000, I'll just say that there are MANY factors you need to consider.

 

Thanks, Rob. I took the soapbox for a moment there...

 

:plugsears: I'M NOT LISTENING!!!!!

 

I am a 56-yr young semi retired old fart that loves hi-performance autos. for the last 5yrs I have owned a 3rd generation mazda rx-7. I recently had a senior moment (brain-fart) and decided to sell it. I was always concerned about the reliability factor. having to install a new engine at 45k miles. My question is! other than Honda's unbeatable reliability, is there any catagory where the S2000 surpasses the rx-7. I want to purchase another vehicle with the same dynamics as the 3rd gen rx-7, but I really dont know if any exist in the $25000 to $35000 price range. bmw's z3 is to docile, unless it's the "m" version (too expensive). So I was just wondering if anyone out there has owned a 3rd gen rx-7 and now owns a S2000, are they anything at all alike?

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by mouse
[B] My question is! other than Honda's unbeatable reliability, is there any catagory where the S2000 surpasses the rx-7.

 

Mouse, you should arrange to drive in a friend's S or get a test drive (if you can)...

The last gen RX-7 was a beauty, though it wasn't available as a convertible, as I recall. I'm not sure how the S compares. I'm guessing you'll love the S!

 

mouse-
the handling of the S2000, with it's 50-50 weight distribution, is a thing of beauty and awe.

You will love steering this car! Just ask Chaz.

 

The response and touch of the EPS steering is, I think, my single favorite feature of the S2000 (and there are oh so many). Right on, Vince!

I just wish I lived where Vince lives so I could "exercise" it more!

 

buy a 911 instead.