Very close to trading in for an 04 S2K
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From: Oak Park, IL
Just noticed that the S2000 is actually slightly better in a side-crash than the Mazda, despite not having all the airbags and shit.
Weird.
Crash tests are still YMMV, and you can't argue with the fact that an SUV bumper hitting the window on the side will be pretty bad.
Weird.
Crash tests are still YMMV, and you can't argue with the fact that an SUV bumper hitting the window on the side will be pretty bad.
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Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Connecticut
1. Comfort in poor weather...
The car heats up quickly in cold weather, primarily because the cabin is so small. I'm also impressed by how quickly heat is available after starting the car in the cold. You can't expect to heat it up, turn the climate control off, and have it remain warm though due to the soft top.. but with constant heat on at a moderate level, you will be fine.
2. Drivability in poor weather
Winter tires are an absolute must when the temps are below 40*. All stock summer timers (AP2 tires are slightly better) turn to bricks in the cold. The weight distribution is perfect, but the car is still tail happy, so obviously, this is magnified in poor weather. I drive mine in winter though, and it gets around in the snow JUST FINE.
3. Long-term reliability
No widespread problems at all.
4. Law enforcement
I suppose that depends on where you live, but my experience is that my black s2000 repels cops like the plague. Unlike you, I drive fast.. very, very fast, yet I've only been pulled over once in 80,000 miles behind the wheel of my S (53/35.. but didn't even get a ticket!). I hit 130 on the way to work this morning.. twice
5. Safety
The S2000 is surprisingly safe.. not just for a convertible, but for any car. I can't cite impact numbers for you, but we've seen some pretty horrific looking crash pictures on this site, and almost everyone walks away without a scratch. I'm talking like, massive damage and the car flipped over and over and ending up in a ditch.. and no injuries.
Unless you can really flog on the car during a test drive, you won't truly appreciate how fun this car is. It's certainly more fun than any FWD sport compact I've ever driven, including my significantly faster mk1 gti that's about as close to a go-kart as you can get in a FWD platform.
The car heats up quickly in cold weather, primarily because the cabin is so small. I'm also impressed by how quickly heat is available after starting the car in the cold. You can't expect to heat it up, turn the climate control off, and have it remain warm though due to the soft top.. but with constant heat on at a moderate level, you will be fine.
2. Drivability in poor weather
Winter tires are an absolute must when the temps are below 40*. All stock summer timers (AP2 tires are slightly better) turn to bricks in the cold. The weight distribution is perfect, but the car is still tail happy, so obviously, this is magnified in poor weather. I drive mine in winter though, and it gets around in the snow JUST FINE.
3. Long-term reliability
No widespread problems at all.
4. Law enforcement
I suppose that depends on where you live, but my experience is that my black s2000 repels cops like the plague. Unlike you, I drive fast.. very, very fast, yet I've only been pulled over once in 80,000 miles behind the wheel of my S (53/35.. but didn't even get a ticket!). I hit 130 on the way to work this morning.. twice
5. Safety
The S2000 is surprisingly safe.. not just for a convertible, but for any car. I can't cite impact numbers for you, but we've seen some pretty horrific looking crash pictures on this site, and almost everyone walks away without a scratch. I'm talking like, massive damage and the car flipped over and over and ending up in a ditch.. and no injuries.
Unless you can really flog on the car during a test drive, you won't truly appreciate how fun this car is. It's certainly more fun than any FWD sport compact I've ever driven, including my significantly faster mk1 gti that's about as close to a go-kart as you can get in a FWD platform.
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,683
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From: Northern NJ
Originally Posted by dparm,Oct 2 2008, 08:29 AM
Still have to look at the physics behind a crash...S2000 is small and light. I'd much rather have a bigger vehicle in a crash.
The whole "1st of the month" thing is why I sorta prefer CarMax. It truly is no-pressure. Sales guy just lays it out on the table. No funny business.
Still might just sell the Mazda, sit on the money for a while, then wait until the tail end of winter to buy.
Is it foolish to try and get an S2000 during the winter? Or will dealers be more inclined to move it off the lot?
The whole "1st of the month" thing is why I sorta prefer CarMax. It truly is no-pressure. Sales guy just lays it out on the table. No funny business.
Still might just sell the Mazda, sit on the money for a while, then wait until the tail end of winter to buy.
Is it foolish to try and get an S2000 during the winter? Or will dealers be more inclined to move it off the lot?
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Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Oak Park, IL
I'm going to pull the trigger on this 2005. It looks like they've already dropped the price quite a bit to move it before winter...$24500 KBB, was listed at $23995, now they want $20995 and it's Honda Certified.
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