i think it just depends on what kind of driver he would be... would he be driving hard? or more conservatively, but if hes just smart and acts on that then he should be fine just driving the s2000 like a normal car, until he gets used to it.

 

I say go for it, just make sure he knows that he needs to take it easy and respect the car. He should be fine.

-Ian

 

For a first car, I would recommend a Toyota AE86. This car will tech you all about conserving momentum, racing lines, and tofu delivery. It would also help if your friend's dad owned a tofu shop.

Seriously though, if your friend has any interest in tracking or autocrossing his next car. Something like a Corolla or a Miata would probably teach him more about driving than an S2000 since they have less power. If I started autocrossing on a 1st Gen Miata I would probably be a better driver now.

If your friend just wants a fun to drive convertible and he has his heart set on an S2k then he should be fine if he treats it with respect. There is usually a pretty big step up in maturity between 16 and 23.
-James

 

The S2000 is ridiculously underpowered and it is I would say even difficult to make it get loose with respectable tires on the rear. He will be fine.

 

his car his life his money

but you could convince him to take a racing course / advanced driving school

 

You know, prior to about 1975 almost all cars on the road in the US were rear-wheel drive and people learned to drive just fine...Contrary to popular belief, it is possible for a novice to drive a rear-wheel drive car, it is possible to drive a rear-wheel drive car in the snow, etc.

 

Well i was 22 Now 23 and my S2 is my first new car. My first car that i learned in was a rwd Volvo Turbo i was 19 at the time. I never own a FF car and i was fine never hit anything but i wouldnt do stunts when ppl are around. But would speed on the highway alot that volvo would hit 110 like nothing.

But if was him i would get an 06+ casue of the VSA is save me many times. i 360 on the highway in the rain with the s2. and was lucky i didnt hit anything.

the best thing i can tell you is you not gonna stop him from getting it if his mind is set on it. the best thing you can do if give him all you know about driving this car. He need to understand that get not going to drive as fast or as good as you when he get it and that it will take time before he can drive fast.

I would drive 100+ with the volvo but took a crap when i hit 70 the first time with the car. it took me 4 months before i hit 100 with the s2.

it not a toy it will run from him.

 

has he ever taken any kind of driving class? does he know how to handle a spin? does he take 0 risks and drive like a perfect saint, especially in bad weather/cold weather? if the answer is no to any of those, then he needs to look at something other than an S, or get one with VSA

just my opinion... maybe i'm biased, since my lack of experience/skill resulted in a sideways spin off the highway in feb...

 

just tell him to take it slowly. its a great car that should be handled with respect. + its fun to learn with the car at the track

 

He should be fine, you're going to teach him, right?