Hey guys I need some advice. I'm considering an s2k. Highly considering..... I found 2 that sorta fit my preferences.

1. 06 With 36k miles for $21,xxx laguna blue pearl
2. 08 CR with 1.8kmiles for 24,xxx apex blue pearl

I currently drive a C32 AMG(2004 47k miles, KBB resale~18k), honestly I think my car is better than the s2k (it was 60k so obviously) when its under warranty lol. My 4 year 48k miles warranty ran out like in August of 08. I drove the car upto like october 31st and then its been in the garage. When warranty was out I spent like 3k on maintenance...oil,service, suspension....stupid crap. Last week I drove the car for like the 5th time this year and my fuel pump died. Great. The dealer is the only place that sells it, its only $1,200.(walbro makes one for every car other than mine, how cool is that?) So now I have to spend $1,200 on a stupid pump..well I just did cause it was my only option.

My previous car was a 90 TT 300zx, and I think the reason I chose the benz over the s2k is becuase its boosted + the luxuries+impatience. I just couldn't help myself. Now I just don't care, I'll turbo the s2k after the warranty is up. Also the benz gives me like 9 mpg. I just did my taxes and my car repairs/maintenance was like 5k and I bought the car last February so I have it a year now.

So what I was thinking was instead of paying like another 5k on maintenance for the car, I could just sell it(which I don't really feel like doing) or trade it in for one of the above(don't have to pay the registration tax on trade in).....


Heres a couple reasons I want the s2k.
1. Manual
2. 20ish mpg?? Is that true?...better than 9mpg
3. it will have a 7 year/100k warranty on mechanical right? so I dont have to worry about maintenance, just brake and oil changes which ill do myself probably.
4. has a start engine button, i am tired of pulling my key out all the time
5. it will live past 100k lol
6. 90% my money is going toward my car
7. Its one of the best cars out there
8. did I miss anything?

what do you guys think is better to get the 06 or 08? the 08 has the ac package the guy paid 37,900 for it, its like 34k miles difference for 5k.Ill would get it when its warmer...around spring time.

My goal here is to save in the long run, while having a nice ass car. seriously. Id probably keep it for the 7 years. The maintenance on the benz+gas feels like im making car payments which aren't necessary.

How much do you guys think I could get them to drop the prices today, or better...how much should I offer them if I was to take it like this week(which I wont).
Also I live in Chicago, it would be daily driver. Winter time, I will drive it but it will be in garage when there is snow.
Are there any defects or anything like that, that I should be aware of? Comments and criticisms are both welcome.

Thanks for reading.

 

You still have to whip the key out.

 

How does the start engine work?

 

1. stick in key
2. turn key
3. step on clutch + push button

(when u stall the car, just do step 3 again)

 

Completely separate beasts. I got the s2k because I wanted something with good performance, while still keeping low maintenance costs (not to mention I wanted one since i was 12 - I'm a youngin').

The C32 has a cushy ride, luxury interior, decent performance and is more practical.

The s2k on the other hand has a jarring ride (to some people - it doesn't bother me), sparse interior, great performance (as long as you're not at the drag strip) and isn't practical at all in the slightest, and I love it for that.

It does get decent gas mileage, but that is dependent on how you drive. I've gotten 30.8 mpg before taking it super easy on an interstate trip.

All in all, the car has to really be something you connect with or else you are going to hate it. Just know what you are getting into before hand. There are a few qwirks that I know a lot of people couldn't live with if the car was their DD.

Me? I've put 10k miles on in the 4 months I've owned mine.

 

The CR is a personal preference, and it wouldn't be mine. If you want a convertible, you really want the '06. With the CR as a daily driver, you may have to keep the top on all the time, which is fine if that's what you like.

I get 21.5mpg with a mix of city/hwy driving. I've gotten it down to 16mpg if I use vtec all the time.

 

I think I read that if you hold the button for more than like 3 seconds it hurts the car.
It is really simple. You should be able to easily get it the first time you sit in the car.

Oh and make sure to hold the button, should take like 1-2 seconds to turn on.

Oh right. Does the CR have AC? I think the ones without AC lose value quicker.

 

Current warranty is 5yr/60k methinks. I wouldn't let that scare you too much. I've had 2-3 hondas for over 200k miles. My wife's CRV only came with a 3/36k warranty. It now has 120k on the odo and besides tires and oil I've only replaced the diff fluid and the timing belt (90k scheduled maintenance).

It's a whole different world than performance german cars. Honda owners are suprised and pissed off when they have to spend money on repairs. German car owners are resigned to it. Unless you can afford to keep buying a new one before the warranty runs out, you really can't afford a German car.

Just keep in mind that you are buying a RWD convertible in Chicago, a city not renowned for its frequency of top down driving weather.

 

That's because you'll be grinding the starter (assuming your key is already in the ON position). It's the same as holding the key in the start position in a traditional car LONGER than the point when it actually starts.

 

The 06 with those miles is too expensive in the current market. The CR is a good price but limits your options (top on or off).