Can't upgrade
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Longmont, CO
Cars that are a worthy upgrade from an S2000 IMO:
Elise / Exige S
Cayman S (but not the Z4M - the comparisons I've read indicate it's a step behind the Cayman.)
NSX
997 GT3, F430 (way too expensive for my budget!)
There are other cars that you can upgrade too, like something from the AMG line, but those would be a move in a direction different from the S2000's driving style. Only the above models are a true "successor" to the S2000.
If my S2000 was totaled tomorrow, I'd first look for a mint, low-milage MY03 S2000 or an Exige S. If I won the lottery, I'd probably go for a 997 GT3.
Elise / Exige S
Cayman S (but not the Z4M - the comparisons I've read indicate it's a step behind the Cayman.)
NSX
997 GT3, F430 (way too expensive for my budget!)
There are other cars that you can upgrade too, like something from the AMG line, but those would be a move in a direction different from the S2000's driving style. Only the above models are a true "successor" to the S2000.
If my S2000 was totaled tomorrow, I'd first look for a mint, low-milage MY03 S2000 or an Exige S. If I won the lottery, I'd probably go for a 997 GT3.
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Joined: Mar 2006
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Originally Posted by Ted H,Aug 2 2007, 08:31 PM
Personally.... I would get either a Ferrari 355 or 360. 355 should be below 100,000 and the 360 can be anywhere from low 100s to high 100s, depending on which model/year/mileage/etc. But on the other hand, I realize your looking for a daily driver... so Ferrari might not be the ticket. Oh well...
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Clifton, NJ
Originally Posted by ZONG9,Aug 2 2007, 07:21 PM
Test drive the Cayman S. I think It's absouloutly beautiful. But I'm in FL don't want to lose the rag top. The Cayman may be faster but it doesn't seem like it. It's too refined. ( I think that's why I missed my AP1 so much. a little more raw than the AP2)
you can even get the limited edition boxster S in the weird orange
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Joined: Apr 2003
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From: UT
Wouldn't you want more space for a daily driver? The M coupe/roadster are good vehicles, but not really practical DD's. I'd go for an M3 (convertible, if you must have a ragtop). It's got back seats and more room for DD duties.
But in all honesty, I'd just get a dedicated DD, such as an Accord or Civic, and have the S2000/Boxter/M/etc. as a second car. Having a mediocre daily driver makes your other ride that much more enjoyable.
When I had my S, I had a beat-up E30 and a EF Civic as a DD, and man it felt good to get in my S in the evenings and weekends.
But in all honesty, I'd just get a dedicated DD, such as an Accord or Civic, and have the S2000/Boxter/M/etc. as a second car. Having a mediocre daily driver makes your other ride that much more enjoyable.
When I had my S, I had a beat-up E30 and a EF Civic as a DD, and man it felt good to get in my S in the evenings and weekends.
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Joined: Aug 2004
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Boxster S is a nice upgrade from a stock S2000.
Supercharged S2000 is hard to top (for the particular niche) for anything under $70k. An Exige S would be my other street legal pick.
And I'm just talking about the fun "sport roadster" with mild daily drivability niche... not pure luxury, cargo capacity, off-roadability, towing capacity, etc.
Supercharged S2000 is hard to top (for the particular niche) for anything under $70k. An Exige S would be my other street legal pick.
And I'm just talking about the fun "sport roadster" with mild daily drivability niche... not pure luxury, cargo capacity, off-roadability, towing capacity, etc.
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Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Alexandria
I faced this same dilema, so here's my $0.02.
I agree it's a struggle to top the S as an all-around sportscar, and I don't think it's really possible without spending big $$. When I went down that path I ended up with the Porsche Carrera S. I considered the Boxster S and Cayman S. While either is an upgrade from the S2k, neither is a BIG upgrade and both are a lot more money. For me, if I was going to spend a great deal more I needed to feel a real significant difference - only the 911 did that. One caveat that's worth mentioning though is that the 911 really does work best as a coupe, the Cabriolet is a bit of a compromise in a number of ways. Had I really been committed to getting a convertible maybe I would have stayed away from the 911. The cost of a 911 only really seems worth it to me if you're looking for performance, and the coupe does truly top the cab in overall handling and feel. The good news is that even at approx. $100k I can honestly say I don't regret swapping the S2k for the 911 ... it really is good enough to warrant that kind of money.
Other cars I considered? The Z06 is a great car but it just isn't as fun overall as the 911; it's undeniably faster than the Porsche that's for sure, but it's a bit of a blunt instrument and, additionally, it's not as pleasant as a daily drive. The Viper is a blast, but it REALLY doesn't appeal as a daily driver. I did consider some much more costly options - Ferrari & Lambo. Ultimately I'm just not willing to accept the maintenance headaches that come with true exotics like these. They are better than they used to be, but they aren't truly reliable cars suitable for daily use.
I agree it's a struggle to top the S as an all-around sportscar, and I don't think it's really possible without spending big $$. When I went down that path I ended up with the Porsche Carrera S. I considered the Boxster S and Cayman S. While either is an upgrade from the S2k, neither is a BIG upgrade and both are a lot more money. For me, if I was going to spend a great deal more I needed to feel a real significant difference - only the 911 did that. One caveat that's worth mentioning though is that the 911 really does work best as a coupe, the Cabriolet is a bit of a compromise in a number of ways. Had I really been committed to getting a convertible maybe I would have stayed away from the 911. The cost of a 911 only really seems worth it to me if you're looking for performance, and the coupe does truly top the cab in overall handling and feel. The good news is that even at approx. $100k I can honestly say I don't regret swapping the S2k for the 911 ... it really is good enough to warrant that kind of money.
Other cars I considered? The Z06 is a great car but it just isn't as fun overall as the 911; it's undeniably faster than the Porsche that's for sure, but it's a bit of a blunt instrument and, additionally, it's not as pleasant as a daily drive. The Viper is a blast, but it REALLY doesn't appeal as a daily driver. I did consider some much more costly options - Ferrari & Lambo. Ultimately I'm just not willing to accept the maintenance headaches that come with true exotics like these. They are better than they used to be, but they aren't truly reliable cars suitable for daily use.