Hi,

I'm looking into buying a convertible and have pretty much narrowed it down to two alternatives:

- Honda S2000
- Toyota MR2 Spyder

The first alternative may seem the most fun and classy, however I have some issues that would be nice to get comments about.

First of all, the Honda is a bit on the expensive side. So I would need to buy a used one (preferrably Y2000). This would mean that I buy the car just as the warranty expires. Any comments on the wiseness of this? I've seen articles about engine failures and other things on this forum that makes one a bit worried.

Second, I took a test drive a while ago in the Honda, and it seemed that it was a bit on the windy side with the top down, cruising on the highway (factory screen mounted). Does anyone have any experience with the Honda with larger aero screen vs. the Toyota? In the Toyota there were no problems at all driving 100+ MPH, top down, while I felt that the wind in the Honda got a bit annoying already somewhere around 70 MPH.

Finally, I live in a city, and it feels like the Honda would be a more apparent target of vandalism/theft. Any comments on this? Have you guys had a lot of problems parking on public places?

Thanks,
Stefan

 

I test-drove both, and I think that I felt more wind in the MR2. You sit very low in the S, but the best way to find out is to drive and compare. The S2000 will give you a lot more kick and the extra $ are well spent. Trunk space is a joke with the MR2, but that may be something you don't need.

 

Problem is, I have yet to find a Honda with a large aero screen here in Sweden. Did you have a large screen on your test drive? I'm pretty short (1.76 m, whatever that is in non-metric), maybe the MR2 works better for short people. Or maybe I deceive myself. It was several months between testing the Toyota and testing the Honda. Trunk space is a strong argument against the MR2, yes.

 

Well, I am 1.78 m, so no that much shorter. I can't remember what deflecter was installed on either car, but if I drive my S and it is to cold, I just bring up windows and turn up the heat. As per parking my car somewhere, I always look for well lit and excluding parking to avoid door dings and the like.

 

In response to your question about the warranty running out, check and see if your Honda dealer has a certified preowned car program. Here in the states certified preowned Hondas come with an extended factory warranty

Eric

 

Thanks, sounds like a good thing. I'll look into that.

 

Honestly if you are a true driver you will enjoy the S2000 over the MR2 by far, really there is no comparison performance speaking and personally speaking I am not a fan of the MR2 and would get a Miata before I buy an MR2.

 

My only test drive with the Honda was with a very protective salesman (he mumbled something about the car not being properly insured at the moment) so I didn't really have the opportunity to test it fully. But I guess I'll see what you mean the next time I try one...

The MX-5/Miata is not an option, I just don't like the looks of it.

 

2002S2K, you're going to have to explain yourself.

on what grounds do you feel that a "true driver" would enjoy an S over an MR-2?

the laws of physics don't cater to the S more than the spyder.

 

Certified used is the way to go on the S2K. I bought mine with 22000 miles on it. Because they certified it, I get the remainder of the factory warranty plus 1 year (from purchace date) what they call "wrap around" which is a standard bumper to bumper and 7yr/100, 000 mile PWR Train. As far as the MR2...Look at Car and Driver's 10 best for the past 3 years...I don't see one, but I do see an S2K on all 3. I love mine.