I'm set to pick up the 2008 S2k from Houston and drive it back to LA.
Since I've never driven one, wanted to ask a question...
Most of the drive will be on the interstate highway with posted speed limit of 80 (I'll probably be going between 80-90 a good chunk of the way).
Realizing it's a personal preference, is it optimal to drive most of the way with the top up due to wind noise, buffeting, and perhaps better fuel economy?
Any stories or words of wisdom to impart?

 

I try to do long trips with the top down. I've not noticed a difference in MPG top up or down but I don't track it that closely--maybe someone else has and can chime in.

There is a bit of buffeting but there is in just about every convertable. I sometimes put the side windows up for a while which helps cut down some of the wind even though some folks think it looks goofy---but who cares--it's unlikely I'll see anyone who knows me!

The solid headrests in the 06+ cars seem to have a bit less buffeting (I've had an 05 and an 07). (Prior to 06 the headrests had holes in them)

I'm in Ohio and bought my first one from a dealer up in Cape Cod---flew up there and drove it back non-stop---fun trip!,

(make sure you know where the gas door release knob is--I didn't that first drive and it took me a while to find it at the gas station!! (It's right behind the driver's elbow on the edge of the door opening)

Don't forget a hat and sunscreen!

Enjoy your trip!

 

Start your trip top down.....if you're uncomfortable put it up.
Levi

 

+1

Much as I like my S2000, the top up interior environment sucks. Not as bad as my '94 Vette but bad.

Top down as long as you enjoy it

 

Wear a hat because a sun burnt scalp is uncomfortable and wear ear plugs because hearing loss has a life long cost. The car at interstate speed is still pretty loud with the top up so try not to deafen yourself with the stereo compensating for the road noise. Should the need arise, remember that deactivating the A/C acts as a push-to-pass button.

 

The car is 2x as fun, even on the freeway, with the top down. Enjoy the drive!

 

I prefer the top down and like others said, if it's too windy, roll up the windows. It looks goofy, but helps a lot.

I actually think the car is louder (or feels louder) with the top up because the engine noise is much more noticeable. This car tachs over 4k rpm at highway speeds. You don't notice the high revs nearly as much with the top down.

 

Other things aside, you may want to consider whether or not you'll be making/receiving any phone calls during your drive. Sure you can always pull over or into a rest stop to put the top down/up, but that isn't always a viable option (eg. you receive an incoming call while driving with the top down, you'll likely miss the call before you're able to pull off and put the top up).

Not sure what your bluetooth/speaker setup is, but on my car there was no good place to put the mic that is hooked up to my head unit where I can speak/hear during a bluetooth call. So the only option is to go top up if I plan on making or receiving any important calls. With a headset, its a little better.

 

^This.

On another note, my mpg was better with top up but given the joy of having top down, it is worth the mpg hit. Also, wear a hat, sunscreen and hydrate accordingly.

 

I agree that the engine is quieter and less boomy with the top down, but overall noise is higher. Comparing making a phone call top up vs. down... top up is already hard to hear and be heard, but top down is impossible at highway speeds for me.

MPG is definitely better with the top up, although by how much I'm not sure.

When I drove 900 miles in 2 days, I had top up the whole time and earplugs. The earplugs are a definite plus for a long trip, and you can crank the stereo (assuming you have at least an upgraded HU) and hear it much more clearly than without earplugs.