i do disagree about the likeness for the S2000 to be a collector car. the older Japanese cars such as the Toyota 2000GT were rare from the beginning and they represented something more than just making more sales. Honestly there is no real history being made now for the S2000. How many are run in famous races? I think any modern day collector cars would tend to be ultra rare. The 3rd Gen Rx7 guys thought thier car would be a collectors car, but have you seen blue book lately on those? As far as the modifying and resale value, the car is not a Supra, but the resale value on the Turbo Supra is excellent. In fact highly modified Supras are going for $30's due to thier popularity in the aftermarket enthusiast circles.

There are in fact body kits out there for high end sports cars. Hamman has made a kit for the 355, and the new Porsche Turbo, as well as Japanese tuners. Believe it or not there is a market for Ferrari body kits, most of them are ultra high end in price and material (carbon fiber).

As far as TRD goes...did you know that TRD USA purchases parts from aftermarket companies such as Wings West, and AEM? So how does that come into play? TRD is toyota owned, and their just rebranding aftermarket parts.

Most parts for the S2000 are replaceable. Each person has thier own style and tastes. I personally do not frown upon those who push the envelope of modifications. Sure some modifications may not be too my liking, but I have no right to judge other's tastes.

If you look at the trends in concept cars, you will see an influence from aftermarket companies. I personally know automotive designers and they do frequent the Hot Import Nights, the SEMA show, and the Tokyo Auto Salon. As well as read the so called aftermarket dedicated magazines. Eventually it comes to a full circle... =)

 

BTW My Car is not garaged and it is driven quickly. As a matter of fact I was probably the first person to Auto-X one in NY State.

As far as collector value, any enthusiest car that has been as highly acclaiimed as the S2000 (and many that have not) will be worth money in showroom condition (un-molested). Camaros were not rare by any stretch of the imagination yet they are bringing big bucks today in original condition. Triumphs, MGs, Healys and other British cars not half as significant as the S2000 are bringing good prices today. Sure if the S2000 wins LeMans it is worth much more but just the fact that it has the finest 4 cylinder engine (as well as the most hp/liter of any naturally aspirated production engine) built today is quite significant.

You can argue all you want but the general rule is Showroom Condition (un-molested) equals more value. keeping all your maintenance records and original paperwork is a plus.

Ask yourself if you were to buy a used S2000 would you want one that had all sorts of performance mods or one that is kept showroom original perfect?

 

I agree with you Bieg. The only thing I have "modded" on my car would be the clear side markers...Which I could change back to the amer ones in about 2-5 minutes tops. I feel that keeping it stock will be better in the long run.

 

If you view the purchase of a car, any car with the exception of Ferrari and equal makes, as an investment then you must be living in a dream world. The second you turn on the car and drive it off the lot, you lose money. Every mile you drive, you lose money and value. If you want to keep it in showroom condition, then don't drive the car, don't even touch it. Tow it home and encase the thing in a glass bar.

In my opinion, a car is meant to be enjoyed, driven and customized to how the owner sees fit. Why should anyone of us care what or how another owner chooses to modify or not modify their own car?!?! As an owner, you have the right to encase it in a glass jar or totally rice it up. It's your money afterall, it's your choice as an owner.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by mav
[B]If you view the purchase of a car, any car with the exception of Ferrari and equal makes, as an investment then you must be living in a dream world.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Andy C.
[B]From an "investment" perspective I agree stock is the way to go.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Bieg
[B]
(snip...)
1) No one buys a car to "make money".

 

I feel your pain. Good news is over time many of your investments will bounce back. Hope you weren't too deep in a certain power trading company. Question is will the s2k keep pace as an investment. My guess is no, so drive it the way you like and have fun!

 

I agree wholeheartedly that the S2000 will not be an *investment* (as in have a +ve appreciation over time). While it *will probably* have a resale price >32K in the future it won't keep up with the value of the cash invested even with a moderate return.

Good news is that the Auto mags have it consisently in the top 2 or 3 in resale over the next 5 years.

 

CoralDoc -

Does March 2000 ring a bell.

That is when I bought my car and that is when the NASDAQ hit 5000.

I sold about 3 times the value of the car to satisfy my wife who was worried about the market and thought I was about two bricks short for buying it.

I am a brilliant investor. I hated to sell that NASDAQ stuff because I was certain it was going to 10,000 and probably would pass the NTSE before they both got to 20,000.

I never want to sell going up because it is going higher and I never want to sell when it is down because it is coming back.

As you can see I was very lucky, atleast with that money.