Just don't gas the shit out of it on a corner keep it below V-tec in turns for the first few months, or at least try it in a parking lot. You'll be fine, and do as one other person suggested, Do Not be pressured by friends to push it, do that in a cheaper beater car, and obviously in a safe area.
Have fun.

 

And you honestly think an 18 year old is able to do that?

I know at 18 I was trying to go 115mph down the high way in my stock 97 DX Accord with all seasons.

If I had an S2000 I'd be dead

 

Not every 18 year old is like you. The OP even admits to his inexperience and doubt about getting the S.

The S is a perfectly fine car for a beginner if the driver doesn't drive like a jacka$$. Just stay within the posted speed limits and don't drive faster than conditions allow and don't push in the corners and you'll be fine.

 

When I was 18 I hit 95mph by accident in a civic for a few min (people drive too fast on the I5 coming from/going to San Fransisco).

22 Now and still haven't brought the S past 85mph. (waiting to find time to take it to the track or autoX) =D

to the OP:
Just get the car and take your time learning it. The S was my first RWD and manual car and I spent half a year getting to know it and didn't even VTEC. I still learn something new everyday.

 

Correct, but insurance and accident reports say otherwise

All it generally takes is some douche canoe jock at school with his parent's funded Mustang GT revving to egg you on.

OP, I suggest you look through the accident thread, if I recall one of the more recent pictures was an AP1 some 17 year old's parents bought which was subsequently wrecked while racing on the streets.

 

who will be paying for gas/maintnence/inrsurance on the car?

that can be a factor in the decision-

any car is safe if you drive it properly

 

I am 18 and i bought my 04 s2000 cash with the money i saved up from working. i don't show off and i take care of both my s and prelude. My insurance is only 140 a month which is really good considering my age and i live is so California.
Dont listen to what other people say. An s2000 is not a super car. People act like its so fast that its uncontrollable... deff not. Have fun with car enjoy it while your young. Its a very easy car to drive and it sticks very well to the ground so unless you take corner at 7rpms youll be fine.

 

 

First of all, i want to thank everyone for their input.

So i have been reading through all the comments and the decesion has been made. I will be purchasing a s2000 hopefully by the end of this week. And i can assure the s2ki community tha i wont be driving like a douchebag and give other s2000 drivers a bad image haha. Ohh and for someone that asked, i reside in Anaheim, CA. Perfect for top down weather. Thanks again for all the great advice and I will definitely look into some auto x classes.

 

Good decision my friend. Be careful with it - enrol in a HPE course if you want and live life.

What will be will be....

Enjoy