i am paranoid about the s2k
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Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Kansas City
If you are going to buy a different car to learn on. I would think you would want something that has a similar layout to the s2000. I would recommend buying a cheap Nissan 240sx or Mazda Rx-7. Both are rear wheel drive and have a near 50/50 weight distribution. They just don't have near the horsepower the s2000 has.
That way you can learn how to correct oversteer with rear wheel drive and then feel more confident driving a high horsepower rear wheel drive car around.
That way you can learn how to correct oversteer with rear wheel drive and then feel more confident driving a high horsepower rear wheel drive car around.
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Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Jersey City, NJ
Originally posted by YOD88
hey Ted H,
how about you get off your damn high horse and chill out, this is just a forum, who really cares what my grammer was like , it was obviously good enough for others to read, why don't you pick on someone your own age/size?
hey Ted H,
how about you get off your damn high horse and chill out, this is just a forum, who really cares what my grammer was like , it was obviously good enough for others to read, why don't you pick on someone your own age/size?
Luckily my state allows me to have a bit more driving experience than the average 16 year old; which is one reason I trust myself to drive the car. Most people appear to think I should have done this for longer periods of time, however before S2k, the first car I drove was an Infinity QX4, then a Mercedes 300SL. I have never once lost control of the vehicle, never mind have an accident. This is why I trusted myself enough to buy the car.
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Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Ottawa
Ok I'm not an old fart, but not a kid either, but I'm not going to lecture you about not getting it or you'll kill yourself within a month. Also, if you can afford the car, and please really work it out, more power to you.
If you want to get the car by 17 you better get some experience and quickly. There are two things you will have to learn, 1) high performance car control and 2) some advanced defensive driving. To get this much learning/experience in 2 years you will have to take dedicated driving schools in addition to whatever experience you get once you get your license. If you can afford a S2000, you can afford the schools.
A high performance driving school will teach you what happens to the car when you loose control and how to compensate for it. Some examples are skid control, wet road traction, threshold braking, high speed lane changing etc. This will allow you to learn the drivers' and a cars' limit. Local car clubs will probably run stuff like this, and take as many as you can to get as much practice as possible. Another fun thing to try is to join a go-kart club and/or try autocrossing. This is the easiest way to learn basic car dynamics and how to drive fast without too much risk of injury. Karting is how most racecar drivers start, at around 8 years old ... how else can you drive a 200+ mph racecar when you are 20 years old (already 10+ years of racing experience).
Now you know how to drive by yourself safely, you have to learn how to drive safely on the street where anything could happen and where there are other idiot drivers. Take a defensive driving course, not a simple learn how to drive, but a course that teaches you what to do when a car swerves into your lane or how to look ahead and identify possible dangerous situations etc.
So, three types of driving schools, basic driver education (what everyone takes), performance driving school (to learn the limits of a car and driver), defensive driving school (to know what to do when bad things happen on the street).
Now your first learner car before the S2000 should be similar but easier to drive. You want to get a cheap rear wheel drive car that has around 120 hp and a manual transmission. Think used Miata, MR2. Think totally stock, no performance mods, its about you learning to drive. And trust me these cars are already plenty of fun to drive.
You can do this, but you have to be serious about becoming a good driver. Good luck.
If you want to get the car by 17 you better get some experience and quickly. There are two things you will have to learn, 1) high performance car control and 2) some advanced defensive driving. To get this much learning/experience in 2 years you will have to take dedicated driving schools in addition to whatever experience you get once you get your license. If you can afford a S2000, you can afford the schools.
A high performance driving school will teach you what happens to the car when you loose control and how to compensate for it. Some examples are skid control, wet road traction, threshold braking, high speed lane changing etc. This will allow you to learn the drivers' and a cars' limit. Local car clubs will probably run stuff like this, and take as many as you can to get as much practice as possible. Another fun thing to try is to join a go-kart club and/or try autocrossing. This is the easiest way to learn basic car dynamics and how to drive fast without too much risk of injury. Karting is how most racecar drivers start, at around 8 years old ... how else can you drive a 200+ mph racecar when you are 20 years old (already 10+ years of racing experience).
Now you know how to drive by yourself safely, you have to learn how to drive safely on the street where anything could happen and where there are other idiot drivers. Take a defensive driving course, not a simple learn how to drive, but a course that teaches you what to do when a car swerves into your lane or how to look ahead and identify possible dangerous situations etc.
So, three types of driving schools, basic driver education (what everyone takes), performance driving school (to learn the limits of a car and driver), defensive driving school (to know what to do when bad things happen on the street).
Now your first learner car before the S2000 should be similar but easier to drive. You want to get a cheap rear wheel drive car that has around 120 hp and a manual transmission. Think used Miata, MR2. Think totally stock, no performance mods, its about you learning to drive. And trust me these cars are already plenty of fun to drive.
You can do this, but you have to be serious about becoming a good driver. Good luck.
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,025
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From: BROOKVILLE
Ok youngsters, time to chill!
YOD88 - You need to grow up. That's not an insult, it's just a fact. You are just fifteen. Give yourself the time to learn appreciation for the privilege of driving. Having a car of any sort at your age is a tremendous responsibility, no matter what make, model or year the automobile is. Learn patience and wisdom, and you will know when you are ready for a sports car. And one other bit of advice from an oldster. Take the time to express yourself accurately and effectively.
TED H - You need to grow up. That's not an insult, it's just a fact. You are just sixteen. Give yourself the time to learn appreciation for the privilege of driving. Having a car of any sort at your age is a tremendous responsibility, no matter what make, model or year the automobile is. Learn patience and wisdom. You have not been driving long enough, let alone lived long enough to give anyone advice on either topic.
Ok, now I'll rant!The S2000 is not dangerous. The immature, screwball behind the wheel of an S2000 is.
YOD88 - You need to grow up. That's not an insult, it's just a fact. You are just fifteen. Give yourself the time to learn appreciation for the privilege of driving. Having a car of any sort at your age is a tremendous responsibility, no matter what make, model or year the automobile is. Learn patience and wisdom, and you will know when you are ready for a sports car. And one other bit of advice from an oldster. Take the time to express yourself accurately and effectively.
TED H - You need to grow up. That's not an insult, it's just a fact. You are just sixteen. Give yourself the time to learn appreciation for the privilege of driving. Having a car of any sort at your age is a tremendous responsibility, no matter what make, model or year the automobile is. Learn patience and wisdom. You have not been driving long enough, let alone lived long enough to give anyone advice on either topic.
Ok, now I'll rant!The S2000 is not dangerous. The immature, screwball behind the wheel of an S2000 is.
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Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Pembroke
After reading all of these posts, its time for my rant:
I'm 26/married/no kids, and it was only now that I could afford to buy an s2000. I love cars, l love the import industry/community and how its growing exponentially every year. My first car was a 98 Prelude Type SH, which I bought the day after I graduated university. During my limited driving experience, I've seen and learned a few things. First, no matter how mature a 16 yr old may sound on this message board, they're totally different behind the wheel, especially when they have a buddy in the passenger seat.
Right now I live in a small town, so what I am about to say is NOT a generalization, it is a fact where I live. All the young kids around here drive civics, escort zx2's, and cavaliers. Thank GOD thats what they drive, because the way they drive them, they'd be wrapped around a telephone pole if they were in anything a little more powerfull. I'm in the military, and there are a few of us older guys who like to cruise around town. We do it very respectfully and non-aggressively. We always come across this kids in the parking lots. I've had my s2000 for about 3 months now, and I can't even count how many times these kids have asked me to "do a burnout". After my refusals, they tend to show me how its done, close to other cars, and people walking around the parking lot. Usually when it gets to that point, i roll my eyes and drive away. I don't want to be a part of it.
I know this is a lot of ranting and raving, but bottom line is, 16 yr olds don't need a car of their own. That's what the cheese wagons are for (school bus slang). If the bus doesn't pick you up, then buy a commuter car. You guys have no business driving around in an s2000 unless you're driving your dad's, who's with you giving you a lesson on how to drive stick.
If you have the money and desperately need to buy a car, buy a sensible one that will get you to school and back, not one that WILL kill you 3 weeks after you've bought it.
I'm 26/married/no kids, and it was only now that I could afford to buy an s2000. I love cars, l love the import industry/community and how its growing exponentially every year. My first car was a 98 Prelude Type SH, which I bought the day after I graduated university. During my limited driving experience, I've seen and learned a few things. First, no matter how mature a 16 yr old may sound on this message board, they're totally different behind the wheel, especially when they have a buddy in the passenger seat.
Right now I live in a small town, so what I am about to say is NOT a generalization, it is a fact where I live. All the young kids around here drive civics, escort zx2's, and cavaliers. Thank GOD thats what they drive, because the way they drive them, they'd be wrapped around a telephone pole if they were in anything a little more powerfull. I'm in the military, and there are a few of us older guys who like to cruise around town. We do it very respectfully and non-aggressively. We always come across this kids in the parking lots. I've had my s2000 for about 3 months now, and I can't even count how many times these kids have asked me to "do a burnout". After my refusals, they tend to show me how its done, close to other cars, and people walking around the parking lot. Usually when it gets to that point, i roll my eyes and drive away. I don't want to be a part of it.
I know this is a lot of ranting and raving, but bottom line is, 16 yr olds don't need a car of their own. That's what the cheese wagons are for (school bus slang). If the bus doesn't pick you up, then buy a commuter car. You guys have no business driving around in an s2000 unless you're driving your dad's, who's with you giving you a lesson on how to drive stick.
If you have the money and desperately need to buy a car, buy a sensible one that will get you to school and back, not one that WILL kill you 3 weeks after you've bought it.
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Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Bay Area
My $.02
Like others have motioned above: Driving is a priviledge - regardless of the type of car.
There are teenagers that drive responsibly and lawfully, but they and/or their parents WILL be gouged by the insurance cost of a sports car and they WILL be stereotyped into a demographic by most everyone including law enforcement. I drove a Supra in my teen years and paid quite a bit for that opportunity (but my only accident was when another car ran a stop sign and crashed into me). Older and wiser, it probably was a waste of money and countless headaches for both myself and my parents, but I'll be the first to admit it was enjoyable and I do miss that car.
That being said, if I were you I would buy a less expensive car that I could learn to drive correctly and confidently and maybe even how to maintain/repair it (it'll help in the long run.) Like FONGU, I would also highly recommend that if you are buying the S (or any car), definitely take professional driving courses (high speed maneuvering, safety, ect.) Not only will it make you a better and more confident driver but may even lower your insurance costs and help you avoid accidents.
I'm not saying you will or will not have an accident. The reason for accidents is the driver. People try to blame the road conditions, mechanical failure, ect. but the truth is that the driver is responsible (did not respond correctly or fast enough, pushed the car too hard, did not maintain their vehicle, ignored road conditions, ect.)
I have crashed my S, luckily I did not injure myself. More importantly I did not injure/hit anyone else. I apologize for preaching, but just remember there are repercussions for the others around you and its difficult remembering that when you're younger. Heck, I often have to remind myself of that fact at my age (30's).
good luck
Like others have motioned above: Driving is a priviledge - regardless of the type of car.
There are teenagers that drive responsibly and lawfully, but they and/or their parents WILL be gouged by the insurance cost of a sports car and they WILL be stereotyped into a demographic by most everyone including law enforcement. I drove a Supra in my teen years and paid quite a bit for that opportunity (but my only accident was when another car ran a stop sign and crashed into me). Older and wiser, it probably was a waste of money and countless headaches for both myself and my parents, but I'll be the first to admit it was enjoyable and I do miss that car.
That being said, if I were you I would buy a less expensive car that I could learn to drive correctly and confidently and maybe even how to maintain/repair it (it'll help in the long run.) Like FONGU, I would also highly recommend that if you are buying the S (or any car), definitely take professional driving courses (high speed maneuvering, safety, ect.) Not only will it make you a better and more confident driver but may even lower your insurance costs and help you avoid accidents.
I'm not saying you will or will not have an accident. The reason for accidents is the driver. People try to blame the road conditions, mechanical failure, ect. but the truth is that the driver is responsible (did not respond correctly or fast enough, pushed the car too hard, did not maintain their vehicle, ignored road conditions, ect.)
I have crashed my S, luckily I did not injure myself. More importantly I did not injure/hit anyone else. I apologize for preaching, but just remember there are repercussions for the others around you and its difficult remembering that when you're younger. Heck, I often have to remind myself of that fact at my age (30's).
good luck
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Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Fort Walton Beach
Originally posted by SpeedxRacer
Bah you guys are SO stereotyping young teens! Im 18 with the s2000 and I have NEVER got into a accident, and this is my first car thats manual. Ive owned it for 3 months and Ive worked hard full time for 3 yrs to help pay this car so please dont make rude comments such as "how much did your parents pay for that thing". If you feel confident enough to handle the car then by all means if you can afford it, go get it. Be VERY careful while driving it in the rain (which I rarely do) because it can easily fish tail out. The S is my weekend driver, my accord suites me fine for my commute to college.
Bah you guys are SO stereotyping young teens! Im 18 with the s2000 and I have NEVER got into a accident, and this is my first car thats manual. Ive owned it for 3 months and Ive worked hard full time for 3 yrs to help pay this car so please dont make rude comments such as "how much did your parents pay for that thing". If you feel confident enough to handle the car then by all means if you can afford it, go get it. Be VERY careful while driving it in the rain (which I rarely do) because it can easily fish tail out. The S is my weekend driver, my accord suites me fine for my commute to college.
OOOOOOOO, 3 whole months, you are an EXPERT on this topic. I will certainly look to you for any further advise.
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: BROOKVILLE
TED H I'm happy that you don't take my comments as an insult. As for your position on your age. No matter how many successes you have had in your life, success does not develop patience or wisdom. Long years of experience, successes and failures do. As for the limited experience you document in your short life, they are just small stepping stones to learning true wisdom.
Your assessment of your experience only emphasizes my point. A drive in a Ferrari or a month ownership of an "S" only make you fortunate, not experienced or capable. I will repeat my earlier advise. YOU NEED TO GROW UP! That is years of living. No matter how much "University" training you receive, life is the ultimate teacher. After you have fought a few battles, buried a few friends, and taken a few "hard knocks" you'll appreciate how truly fortunate you are right now.
I've driven a ferrari before, so I think I can handle an S2k. Especially since in my month of owning it I have never once lost control of the car... something a lot of you "older" people seem to complain that you have done in the first month of owning it.