Daily driver answer: "Pure fun." Makes every trip more enjoyable. If you need to carry much stuff tho, & it's your only car, that could be a problem. The small size is terrrific & fun in parking garages & justabout everywhere. Amazingly tight handling. No problem with road noise- about like any roadster. The ride feels very firm & you really feel the bumps on the freeway, but everywhere else, it's great, & a small price to pay for this car's overall feel. The shifter is a joy, even in traffic- one of the very best on the market. Fun to row the gears, & also fun to have so many gears to use at any speed!

 

1. Given your driving regimen, which isn't too far off from mine (except I probably have to swim in more 18-wheelers), I'd say keep another car as a beater. Another difference is that I don't park in a garage, so I feel guilty leaving my car out in the sun.

2. I don't pay attention to interior space. It's so far off from my CRV. I do not take this car on long trips, just short ones

3. The engine drives good, but stop and go traffic can be annoying because people don't understand when you don't creep up every time the car in front of me does.

4. Road noise is generous with the top up. I was considering an inner liner until I changed my mind and got a beater for going to work.

5. Wheelbase or whatever, the car is a blast to drive under any circumstances, as long as you're moving.

6. All dealers I called/emailed offered me exactly MSRP, no more or less.

One other point, 7 year car loans are now available. If you're deciding between cars, this might put the S2000 well in reach.

 

I can afford the $450 a month I pay for the WRX, I just thought the lease payments would be about $30 to $50 more than $320 a month. Plus the insurance and property tax would probably offset the monthly savings I would get. My prop tax in Lexington County, SC on my WRX are $700 a year based on a $24k car. For a $33k car it would cost me about $1300 to $1400 a year. Icalled and asked the county auditor. The type of car and car maker also effect the equation, at least I am told that by the person at the auditors office. Because my 2000 Civic which was $16k was $550 the first year, and $500 the second year with 24k miles on the car, which did not classify for high mileage. The insurance would defintely be higher, because I am paying the same for my WRX that I did for my 2000 Civic. I am currently 26 (27 in 2 months) and the reason the Civic was higher, as I am told by State Farm is because Hondas have higher theft rates. Which causes the insurance to be higher.

 

When I went from a 2001 Civic to a 2002 S2000, my insurance rates went up only $30 per 6 months, with same coverage and usage.

I also have state farm.

 

Wow, that is really good to know.

I also really appreciate all of the replies you guys are offering!!!

 

Hope we can have you become an owner

 

I have used mine as a DD since April 00 ... the only recommendation that I have to offer is if you have an
S2K as a DD and if you live in a rainy area -- then trade
the Bridgestone 02's for 03's ... the 02's are fine when
it's dry ... but in the wet they lose it. For 03's the sizes
are 205 front and 245 rear.

 

I drive mine in heavy traffic every day, 20 miles each way. Sometimes stop and go, most of the time, just slow. It's my S2000 or I walk.

I wanted a sports car and that's what I got....it's great! The OEM tires are great for performance, but don't last long for a daily driver. The original rear tires lasted 12,000 miles on mine and the fronts should last twice that.

 

I had the same question when I planned to buy it.

I can simply say: Buy it. Its car of our times, I you can have it, enjoy it. No other convertible will give you such enjoyment and realibility for this money. Yes, the Boxster is better, but is another world.

About the car, I want to say the more clear behabiour of the car: It is two differents car in one. One below 6000 rpm. Another in the range of more of 7000 rpm.

Driving normally and slowly, you feel like Clark Kent feels... a normal car with the possibility of change the dress....

 

Not only is mine a daily driver but it's my track car as well. Also, each November, I put snow tires on it in order to make it through the Chicago winters. (The car is really a blast to drive in the snow, but ONLY with snow tires.) Since May 2000, I've put over 50,000 miles on it. I've used it for 3 Car & Driver One Lap of America races and can attest to the fact that there is no problem with luggage space. With a little creativity, there has always been more than enough room for tools, spare parts (including a rotor) and fluids, a helmet, cameras, umbrellas, chairs AND plenty of clean clothes for two adults for a full week. To sum it up, I'd have to borrow a line from a Boxster ad that says, "The more children you have, the more practical it becomes!"