a dillema !
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 645
Likes: 2
From: Guelph,ON
a dillema !
I would like sensible opinions on whether I should buy an s2000. I know too well Honda's rep. with building cars with strong engines and reliability but what about modern interior styling? If I am going to make a choice, next Spring, between a '04 Mini John Cooper Works edition, a 350Z and an RX8 I would like some input. The only drawback with the s2000 is the convertible top. Doesn't anyone feel nervous about the security of their s2000? The hvac controls of the s2000 remind of my wife's '99 Civic, a bit tacky for a $50,000-Can. car. My '02 CRV has a more pleasing dash. I think I'll be racking my brain over the next few months trying to decide. Help! 
Registered User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,985
Likes: 0
From: Denver
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,193
Likes: 0
From: Denton, Texas
I think your price on an S2K is about $18K high. Why do you think that the top is a security risk? If some one wants your car or parts thereof color it gone no matter what you are driving.
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: Seabrook
I wrote this a few weeks ago when I got my S2000 and you may want to read this. I drove the RX8, Boxste, G35C and the Z and finally settled on the S for various reasons. Since others may be looking at some of these same cars it may benefit them to know some of my considerations.
The Mini I did not drive because I think it is not quite in the same class as the other cars here. I think the Mini belongs with the new VW Beetle and perhaps the Golf and the Mazda 3 crowd.
The RX8's engine sounded too much like an electric toy and it seemed underpowered. I liked the fact that it can carry four if needed but the shape did not do it for me. Even though it has only been on the streets a few weeks, already the shape seems to be aging. The rear is particularly lackluster. Too many people buy these "nice, practical" , "sporty" car and I just could not see myself as one that crowd.
I may be in the minority as far as my personal feeling about the shape of the Boxster is concerned. I have never quite grown to like the flat pancake or stepped-on shape of the Boxster. It seems squashed. The car does boast great handling and performance but the reliability is not on par with any of the Japanese counterparts. Performance wise, the Z and the S both are superior in many if not all parameters. I could not justify the higher price of the Boxster.
The G35 coupe is a handsome machine and the concept of a powerful V6 and 280 hp with good torque AND the ability to seat four, for a reaonable sum was tempting. But the car is just too accomodating for such a large number of people that every time I go out I see at least a couple. It also seems to be particularly popular with the ladies and the large majority running around are autos. Also, I am not crazy about the ungainly flank rear of the C pillar. The face, I grant is very handsome.
The Z's shape just never turned me on from the begining. It is a mixture of interesting shapes and concepts but the whole does not flow together smoothly. There are abrupt transitions and the car overall seems squat and heavy. It looks good from some angles but overall lacks a graceful design theme. The materials within the cockpit could be a lot better as well.
The S2000 is made by the same folks that put the NSX together in the same factory. The quality of the materials in and out and the fit and finish is remarkable. Having the benefit of comparing the S with my NSX, side by side in the garage, I can tell you that the S2000 has been put together with a high level of care and pride. The paint job is flawless, the leather seats are form fitting yet comfortable, the dash is well executed and the roadster is amazingly rigid! Not a creak or an unsettled feeling. The brakes have been improved further and are truly confidence inspiring.
If someone were looking for a personal, high performance sports car that was specialized enough that not everyone's aunt is going out to get it, they could do a lot worse than purchase the lithe and athletic S2000. And for the price one pays to get this pure sports car, it is one of the best bargains out there. A few years down the road, this purpose built and designed Honda will still turn heads while some of the other come-lately "sporty" cars have become mundane and commonplace. Honda will never sell as many of the S2000's as Nissan will the G35 or the Z or Mazda the RX8, but Honda knows that and yet in continuing to produce this masterpiece, Honda is on the side of the true car enthusiasts.
The Mini I did not drive because I think it is not quite in the same class as the other cars here. I think the Mini belongs with the new VW Beetle and perhaps the Golf and the Mazda 3 crowd.
The RX8's engine sounded too much like an electric toy and it seemed underpowered. I liked the fact that it can carry four if needed but the shape did not do it for me. Even though it has only been on the streets a few weeks, already the shape seems to be aging. The rear is particularly lackluster. Too many people buy these "nice, practical" , "sporty" car and I just could not see myself as one that crowd.
I may be in the minority as far as my personal feeling about the shape of the Boxster is concerned. I have never quite grown to like the flat pancake or stepped-on shape of the Boxster. It seems squashed. The car does boast great handling and performance but the reliability is not on par with any of the Japanese counterparts. Performance wise, the Z and the S both are superior in many if not all parameters. I could not justify the higher price of the Boxster.
The G35 coupe is a handsome machine and the concept of a powerful V6 and 280 hp with good torque AND the ability to seat four, for a reaonable sum was tempting. But the car is just too accomodating for such a large number of people that every time I go out I see at least a couple. It also seems to be particularly popular with the ladies and the large majority running around are autos. Also, I am not crazy about the ungainly flank rear of the C pillar. The face, I grant is very handsome.
The Z's shape just never turned me on from the begining. It is a mixture of interesting shapes and concepts but the whole does not flow together smoothly. There are abrupt transitions and the car overall seems squat and heavy. It looks good from some angles but overall lacks a graceful design theme. The materials within the cockpit could be a lot better as well.
The S2000 is made by the same folks that put the NSX together in the same factory. The quality of the materials in and out and the fit and finish is remarkable. Having the benefit of comparing the S with my NSX, side by side in the garage, I can tell you that the S2000 has been put together with a high level of care and pride. The paint job is flawless, the leather seats are form fitting yet comfortable, the dash is well executed and the roadster is amazingly rigid! Not a creak or an unsettled feeling. The brakes have been improved further and are truly confidence inspiring.
If someone were looking for a personal, high performance sports car that was specialized enough that not everyone's aunt is going out to get it, they could do a lot worse than purchase the lithe and athletic S2000. And for the price one pays to get this pure sports car, it is one of the best bargains out there. A few years down the road, this purpose built and designed Honda will still turn heads while some of the other come-lately "sporty" cars have become mundane and commonplace. Honda will never sell as many of the S2000's as Nissan will the G35 or the Z or Mazda the RX8, but Honda knows that and yet in continuing to produce this masterpiece, Honda is on the side of the true car enthusiasts.
Trending Topics
Banned
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,137
Likes: 0
From: Indy, In.
[QUOTE]Originally posted by fin man
I would like sensible opinions on whether I should buy an s2000. I know too well Honda's rep. with building cars with strong engines and reliability but what about modern interior styling? If I am going to make a choice, next Spring, between a '04 Mini John Cooper Works edition, a 350Z and an RX8 I would like some input. The only drawback with the s2000 is the convertible top. Doesn't anyone feel nervous about the security of their s2000? The hvac controls of the s2000 remind of my wife's '99 Civic, a bit tacky for a
I would like sensible opinions on whether I should buy an s2000. I know too well Honda's rep. with building cars with strong engines and reliability but what about modern interior styling? If I am going to make a choice, next Spring, between a '04 Mini John Cooper Works edition, a 350Z and an RX8 I would like some input. The only drawback with the s2000 is the convertible top. Doesn't anyone feel nervous about the security of their s2000? The hvac controls of the s2000 remind of my wife's '99 Civic, a bit tacky for a
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 645
Likes: 2
From: Guelph,ON
Thanks for the input. I'm glad that at least some of you picked up on the Canadian price. We not only suffer from pocket book restraints up here but also poor model choice and high gas prices. Shiftright, your article was perfect! I have only driven the s2000, MY '00, out of my selection. It is my #1 choice. After reading some of the '04 test drives I think I'll look for an '03. I want pure performance as it will be a third car and not driven daily.