Hi all, I'm new to these forums, and one of your regulars suggested I post here about my current car-buying debate.

i'm looking into buying a car. i'm tired of mine, and i want something i'll really enjoy. It'll be a daily driver, and i'd prefer around 20k for price, but could easily go up to 26-28 or so if i feel its worth it.

my first test drive was a honda s2000, 2002, 26k miles, listed at 21900, probably could get them to go down on that a bit. This is of course why I'm posting on this forum.

Here are my thoughts on the drive:
The transmission was great... loved it. The car handled well, it was certainly a different feel than what I'm used to, but I also didn't get a real chance to test it out on a good twisty road so I didn't get the full experience. The acceleration was good, but I had the moron sales guy in the car and therefore took it a little easier on the gas than maybe I should have. I took it up to the redline once and it was a totally different car (I'm sure you've all heard that before). Still, it just didn't seem like it was fast enough to justify a 20k pricetag. Besides that, I don't know if I like the idea of getting ALL my power at 6-9k rpms... I kind of like the feel of my current V6, where I can get some pretty good kick in the midrange without shifting.
Really though, what killed it for me were comfort issues. Being low to the ground and feeling every bump isn't a problem for me, nor do I have any issues with leg room or head room. However, my left elbow had no where to be and i kept rubbing/banging it against the door. it just seems like the doors are too close and have no room for your arm by them. It was very annoying and i just can't see myself putting up with that daily.

anyway, here are other cars i'm interested in and might test drive, plus thoughts on them:
civic SI ('07) - i don't like the idea of getting another FWD car ... this is like the cheap/practical choice.
RSX S (?) - can't seem to find one new or used around my area... plus FWD. basically, this is the same as a civic SI anyway... :)
350Z ('03-'05ish?) - price is about right, little higher than the s2k, but this car seems very hard to find in a manual. also I'd prefer a trimline with a stiffer suspension, but those also seem hard to find.
RX8 ('03-'05ish?) - price is a little less than the Z, and it has the RWD/manual/good suspension i'm looking for... i just don't know if i want to deal with a rotary engine as i hear that can be a pain mechanically, and also it just isn't that fast considering the pricetag.

other than that, an STI or Evo appeals to me, but i wouldn't want one used (you just know its been through hell) and i also don't know if i want a turboed car... mechanical issues again... plus new these are a bit over the price range i'm looking at.

So, I'm interested in input on both my issues with the s2k, and any input on the other cars if you've driven both...

Thanks

 

I have driven every car you have listed and personally I would choose the s2000 over any others (perhaps thats why I bought one saturday lol). For me the s2000 feels more comfortable the longer that you drive it so I wouldnt base your inital feelings on a test drive. As for lack of power. Its common knowledge that the s2k can be a little laggy at lower rpms but it shines everywhere else. If its straight line hard acceleration you want, then none of the cars you listed will satisfy your needs.

If you got a chance to take the s2k out on a twisty road alone, then I bet you would be sold on getting one. The car really shines in corners and the fun factor while doing so is unimaginable. Reliability, resale value, build quality, and even gas mileage are also great. I average 33mpg on a 260 mile trip home the other day.

 

Well, the S isn't for everybody. If you're uncomfortable in the seat, then I'd say you shouldn't buy one. I'm pretty heavy set, but I'm only 5'9", and the S fits me like a glove. I've never even noticed elbow issues, except that I like to rest mine on top of the door sill. In the S, that's pretty high compared to other convertibles I've driven.

 

it's a fun car to drive. it sounds like you're looking for a more comfortable car thats suitable for daily driving.

the s2000 is a car you can jump into out of work and gun it. it's my daily driver and works well for me. my only complaint is the lack of space and manual transmission. i get lazy to shift sometimes. other than that, the car is perfect in every way.

 

I bought my S2000 a little over a month ago after considering more or less every car on your list except the FWD's. My choice came down to the S2000 and the STi. I really did want an STi, but the S won me over based on lots of things (cost, reliability though I don't think the Subie would give any trouble, and availability, plus I live in NC and will get good use out of the convertible when it warms up).

You may also be interested in the Lexus IS300. Has a very nice V6, reliable, should be in your price range, 4 doors, easy to live with daily but still a good amount of fun. It was actually the first car I tested when I was looking. It didn't WOW me like the STi or S2000 but overall its a great car.

If you're not comfy in the S2000, I'd look elsewhere. Better to find a car that fits you and keep it than buy a car on a whim only to realize in 6 months you can't live with it.

 

The IS300 does not have a V6.

The IS250 and IS350 do however.

 

Sounds like the 350z is your car, crazy torque everywhere, feels fast, roomy...

 

???

The IS300, which isn't made anymore, had a 3.0l inline 6. 215hp, 218ft/lbs.

Check it out

So, for technicality sake, not a V6. . .

 

My son and I are looking at the 07 IS-350 for his graduation gift. Fairly strong car. He test drove one this week in Montgomery, Al. Really likes it.... I personally love my s2k. I have had a couple Corvettes and never had the fun that I'm having with this s2k.

 

bump cause i'm bored.


so glad I bought the S ... I love this car, and can't imagine i'd be as happy in any of others on that old list.