Hey everyone. I live in Chicago and I'm really interested on the S2000. I'm thinking about buying an 02-04 model next summer. I'm not worried about any mechanical problems but the actual car itself.

It does kind of bother me that its so small and only a 2 seater but I can live with that. The worry is control of the car. I looked through the crashed S2K and it kinda scares me.

Is the car really that bad? I mean will you literally flip the car when doing like 60mph and hitting a bump or puddle? I mean I own a 2001 IS300 so I'm used to RWD but its automatic. I have driven in rain and snow and its not bad. I don't plan on driving the S2K in the snow though.

Any thoughts?

Thanks.

 

No, you're seeing mostly bad drivers.

Occasionally folks lose control because they're driving to fast for the road and/or conditions.

It would be like any other sports car.

 

I've had no trouble at all in my 06 however I hear the early years' suspension setup from the factory makes them more prone to snap oversteer. As with any car, it's all about driver ability and knowing your limits.

 

Drive like a responsible person, and keep perhaps a slightly-more-than-average eye on your tires and you have nothing to worry about. AP1's (00-03) have a slightly higher tendency to oversteer but honestly to induce that you'd have to be driving in a fashion that is basically "unsafe" to begin with (by rules of the road standards).

The Chi-Town area has a good community, and a great community organizer.

Enjoy

 

If you're worried, you can put on aftermarket traction control for $1000 or so.

 

Anyone can crash any car at any speed. The S2000 is just as dangerous as your average sports car. Just drive attentively.

 

Ya I was thinking the same thing that all those accidents were about people driving in a manner they shouldn't.

I always turn my traction control off on the IS300 . I would most likely be putting aftermarket shocks/springs or coilovers anyway so there shouldn't be any suspension issues.

Thanks for the replies everyone.

 

I have a '00. At the few track days I've done, I've been impressed with how the car bails me out from my mistakes. It's not idiot-proof, but it is very forgiving of idiots like me.

 

Dang. I don't know why but I'm still so bothered about the fact that it's a 2 seater. I do hate driving people around, but it's nice to have those 2 seats in the rear to lay the seat back if you need to, you know?

I guess the real question is... stick with the IS300 or get an S2K?

Could someone link me to information for all the acronyms you guys use on the forums here? Like NFR, AP1, AP2, etc.

 

the question you should be asking yourself is not about the back seat, its will you drive it with the top down or top up ?

top up, keep your momywagon sedan.

Top down, get the S

Its that simple, the S is a convertible, drive it top down and love it...

But then again I have been driving 2 seater convertibles since 1974 when i got my license and my first car, raised a family with 2 seater convertibles in the family because neither my wife or I were willing to get sedans, so 2 seats is perfect for me.