Ok, I have come to the realization that others around me have had for a while now. For my needs this car is not very practical or cost efficient. It has been an extremely fun 1.5 years and I really, really don't want to sell... But I can't afford to keep the S and get another car for daily driving / winter use.

So here's the dilemma.. well 2 of them.

What to replace it with?
I really really like the electron blue 2001 Prelude SE
BUT
If I can get my hands on one, the RSX Type-S would be an amazing car to get.
But, I like the prelude's looks and the RSX's performance
You see, I am not the type to drive a 'normal' or common car, It has to be unique in it's own way.
Does anybody have any other suggestions for other cars.
I am looking in the Can$25-32k range

Dilemma #2
I can get C$40k from the dealer on trade
or I can try and go through the hassle of a private sale and get C$43-45 (about 28k USD) for it

Is it worth the hassle to private sale or should I just dump it on the dealer and trade down?

HELP!!

I don't want to sell it, but I'm pretty sure it would be best in the long run.

Any assistance, comments, or help would be appreciated

 

My advice:

Sell the car privately...get a used Prelude base model. Pic up a few goodies for looks here and there....and there you have it...a customized Prelude that performs fairly well box stock with individualized looks with change left in your pocket from the sale of the s2000.

I hardly think the RSX type S is worth the $28K US premium (with the add-ons) for a VERY new car.

Mods to get for the Lude;

Performance lowering springs,
17" rims with all season rubber,
Wings West RS body kit.....

anything past those mods is icing on the cake.

 

I'm sad to hear you're gettin rid of the S2K ... i'm personally looking for a new one right now and I've considered other cars.

CL-type S is pretty cool ... I've done a lot of research in the price range you're talking about.

The prelude is not a bad car, but I'd rather get the RSX-type S for it's better performance.

Other than the S2K, I'd personally go with the RSX type S or the celica GTS with action package. Both cars have their good and bad side, but definitely stand out as high performing, reliable, and affordable sports coupes. Good luck!

 

used S4

 

really depends on what you want.

i just posted a thread about my recent test drive of an RSX type S. I wasn't overwhelmed, but then I was comparing it to my stook.

One of my best friends has a 1997 base prelude. It has more than 60K miles on it and still rocks. that is an excellent fwd sports coupe imo.

if you are looking for comfort, and piece of mind... go with the new Acura. It has a longer warranty (at least here in the states) it's much quieter and smoother. in addition, i think the hatchback offers better day to day practicallity.

if you want bang for the buck, go for the prelude. you should be able to pick up a 2 year old prelude (thus the largest piece of depreciation is out of the car) for dirt cheap. provided the car has been cared for, it should run forever. it is fast, handles very well and is unique.

my main complaint with my buddies lude is the lack of 6th gear. 5th gear is short enough to keep the acceleration going but not tall enough to drop the rips when you are just crusing on the freeway.

engine noise, et al doesn't bother me in the stook (it's a roadster for god's sake). if i was buying a practical sports coupe, that would bother me. there are times that i want to hear the stereo and tune out the road noise.

just my 2 cents.

 

In search of a daily driver/winter car to complement my S2K, I recently drove about everything available for under $25K (U.S.) You can check the thread at http://www.s2000online.com/forums/showthre...highlight=Spa2K .

I didn't consider the Prelude due to the lack of a back seat and the fact that it's being discontinued next year

 

Sorry to hear about your dilemmas. That's a tough price range - full of mundane cars. Can't help ya with a choice - that's a personal thing and ultimately only you can decide. As for trading down, I've tried that a few times. I found the dealer around town are not very receptive to shelling out money when they take in a trade. They'll hose you even worse than normal. You might get lucky.....you'll go to a dealer, tell 'em what you want, show 'em what you've got, they scurry around like a bunch of chickens with no heads for a while. What they're doing is talking to everybody they know to see if there's a quick out for them. They generally do not want to have such a car on their lot for any longer than necessary. For example, my TT Stealth immediately went to a dealer in Medicine Hat who happened to have an interested buyer. My Vette ZR-1 went to a Toyota dealer in the south end of town - these guys thought it would be nice to have a "special" car on the lot for show. My Viper, nobody wanted to touch it. It was just too much investment on a used car - market for it was too narrow. Nobody had the "balls" to take it in trade. I sold it privately. Best of luck. You'll keep in touch, won't ya?

 

Remember to calculate the taxes too. Since you're in Calgary I assume you'll be paying 7% or more less than I do. It's 14% for under 30K and 17% for cars over 30K here in Vancouver. When you're selling privately that's what you have to consider. Make sure you can get more than what you will save if you trade in the car.

In terms of rarity. The Lude is very very popular here in Vancouver while it's been labeled rare in the States. But I assume the RSX will be very popular and very soon. But since Ludes won't be produced, you might see the Lude becoming more rare in the next few years.

I see the Lude vs RSX as a Lude vs Teg comparison. They're different. If you like the Lude's looks I would pick the Lude and modify it. It'll make a great daily car and you can make it fast as well.

 

Decisions, decisions, decisions. . . .

I am facing the same right now as well. . .

The lease on my Accord Coupe goes up in a week and I'll only have the S2K left plus my wife's car (another Accord, just the sedan).

I have been really concerned lately with the future reliability of my stook. . .I am contemplating it's replacement with an Acura TL type S. I looked at and test drove the RSX type S and it is really nice, just not enough power. . .

Everytime I look, I can't do it. . .I just can't get rid of my baby!

 

You live in Canada, if you want an all year monster. Get yourself a WRX, go test drive one. Yes i know they don't look that great in pictures....

The blue one with the body kit and 17 inch bronze mags looks great in person.

Cost in CDN $$ is 35000 + 2200 for the body kit and 4800 for the mags. The mags are not worth it in my opinion, if you would want bigger mags, you can pick up even te-37s for cheaper.

Also, this car will leave the prelude and the RSX in the dust and you can drive the AWD great in winter.

Also, modding it would be easy if you like to do that, 2000 would get you an additional 20-30 HP easy...

If the s2k wasn';t around, i would probably be driving one because of our winters.

Go try one and then answer, remember though, it doesn't compare with the s2k, but it does with the FWDs.