cthree, you are, as they say, the sh!t.

 

This is exactly why I wanted the car. I'm been driving rice burners a long time and no torque is a reality of life. You just know what gear to be in to go fast. If I loved riding Harleys, I'd probably opt for the Z06.

 

Over the last year of ownership, I have called the S2000 a surgically precise driving instrument (borrowed from a magazine writer), a four wheeled motorcycle, and a car for those who want to be 'one' with the machine. All that and more has been said very eloquently by Cthree, Cdelena, and Bieg.

However, I also agree with Frayed. If I had to knock off hours of interstate driving, or if I had a long daily commute in traffic and inclement weather, I would much rather drive the M3 I owned before the S2000 (or the new M3, drool). Such driving can be tolerated in the S2000, but it is not particularly pleasant. The car is noisy (buzzy) at interstate cruising speed, and with the top up, it is not for the claustrophobic or those who dislike blind spots.

Having said the above, there is no better car in this price range for the 'true' car enthusiast who wishes to drop the top on a warm sunny day and attack roller coaster twisting pavement. I have had many such drives, truly memorable, in my S2000, and I fully intend to have many more. My $.01 (that is about all that commentary by a redneck born and raised in Texas is worth).

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by frayed:
[B] I don't know what Stan said, since all his posts seem to have been deleted.

 

Everyone has summarized the pros and cons of the car quite well, but in the interest of helping the potential buyer out I just wanted to say that I use mine as a daily driver (about a half-hour commute, which is not too bad) and I have no complaints about the comfort level. I have always had sports cars and about 3 years ago bought my first sedan. Mercedes C280 with an automatic. Wonderful car, comfy, quiet, safe....and very boring. Traded it on the S2000 and have never looked back. This cas is so much fun to drive that you simply overlook the personality flaws. Sorry to use an overworked analogy but it is kinda like a beautiful girl who is so much fun when it counts that you can easily overlook a few negative qualities. Don't believe all the stuff you read. Find a way to get an extended test drive in one and make up your own mind. If you truly love sports cars you won't regret it.

 

The car is not that noisy at highway speeds with the top up. Long road trips? Take it from a guy who did 1300+ miles off the dealer's lot in three consecutive days and averages 300 miles per weekend. Here's how I'd put it:

Just enough raspy purr to make you feel like you're doing 24 hours at Le Mans.

 

On my first drive home I took the highway and never thought the car was too loud, top up or down. It all depends on how much you're willing to tolerate. Bobrod, I don't think anyone likes blind spots. But hey...the simple solution, drive top down all the times!

Greg, thanks for clearing up the issue on why Stan's posts disappeared!

 

Car Critics remind me of movie and food critics. They feel that they have to say something bad about any movie or food they critique. I disregard their criticism and go by my own experience. I'm 56 years old and the old bod aint what it used to be,but my wife and I have taken several extended trips in the stook and have had no complaints about noise, comfort, room or anything else. Like Rick mentioned turn off the stereo, which I am doing waiting for Pinkys mod, and you will hear a beautiful symphony. If you want quiet, lush surroundings, Mozart and a luxury tax wait for the 02 Lexus convertible! [QUOTE]Originally posted by Jay Li:
[B] On my first drive home I took the highway and never thought the car was too loud, top up or down.

 

RE: commuting

I live in Northern California, where inclement weather is rain, not snow. I have a 45 mile commute each way, which often runs 90 minutes a trip. I drove it with a BMW 750 for two years, and now I have a Stook. I'm happier in the Stook, though the 750 was awesome in very different ways.

The S2K is very loud at highway speed. If you adjust the radio volume so you can understand the news while running at cruise, then park it, it is REALLY LOUD when you get back in and start it up. If one drives a lot with the top down, it is also loud. I have contemplated ear plugs on strings to protect my hearing.

It can have a pronounced rear-end twitch when power is applied hard too early in the exit to a corner. One needs to watch it, and RWD reflexes won't hurt. It woulb be diabolical driven hard in the wet, and I second the advice of one other poster to not VTEC in the rain unless on an autox course.

I smile every day I get in it.

It's a good thing that they don't make too many, because there aren't that many people who will be happy with the level of commitment it requires.

-dB

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Barry WY
(3) How acceptable the stock stereo is.