I kept going between the 350z and S2000 for a long time. I test drove both multiple times, and there were certainly advantages to both. Mostly with the Z, it just felt so easy to drive fast. You could be in the wrong gear and it still felt quick. Still, the shifter wasn't very well defined, and the clutch felt touchy. Then I started reading about both cars online... the tire feathering, broken trannies, interrior flaws, ect. were all just too much.

 

I followed one of the first 350 Z forums that came out for almost a year
When people started taking delivery of their cars they started posting all these
horror stories about the trannys, grease on the windows, tire feathering. That
was enough for me. I have had my 04 for 15 mos its been flawless. Nothing
has broke no oil usage.

 

I think bad luck follows me with cars.

My 05 has a problem with the ignition (it thinks the key is in when it isn't) and my 2-3 shift is notchy. Still, I'm taking the car in next week... and these problems aren't 1% as bad as the Z's common problems.

 

ahh yes another convert also another important thing...the s2k is rarer than the 350z

Today I saw 4 350zs, 2rx8s 0 s2ks which is a typical drive. Welcome!

 

Unfortunatly, while the Bridgestones craptenzas do suck, its been proven to occur on aftermarket tires as well.

 

Guys, thanks...
now... how the hell can I get a dealer to let me test drive one? I dont know if they didnt buy my story or whart but they said they only let serious buyers test drive.

Perhaps its because I drove up in a damn Kia Sedona rental car...

Maybe if I went up with a Z they would know Im not screwing around?

No WAY would I apply for credit or put a deposit or anything before test driving any car...

So I sat in one today (01) but couldnt drive it

Also DID get to test drive a WRX, it was *ok*, but nothing all that great, certainly not as fast as the Z, and my wife reallly disliked the styling of it and REAAALLLLLY disliked the STI and its handle.. I mean wing. (boy the STI looked fun tho).

 

man you gotta wear the bling bling to test drive Roll up with your kia with like 4 hoes coming out....that should do it

 

If a salesman isn't letting you test drive the car- especially seeing as you are an adult and not just some kid- you need to ask to speak with the sales manager. Give him an earful about this salesman costing his lot a sale, and show him your insurance card with the Z listed as your vehicle.

I've test driven everything from Evos (almost impossible to get a drive) to the Boxster S. If I can talk dealers into it when I was 17, you just need to learn how to be more forceful.

 

If you roll up in the Z you can also ask what they would give for a trade-in price (even if you have no intention of trading it in). Then you can say you will be willing to negotiate once you have test-driven it. Don't mention about problems with the Z, only that the S looks very nice.

If there are any other car dealers in the area (eg different make of cars) mention to the Honda dealer that you are also looking at the other car up the road.

I find it funny how s2000s are relatively cheap in the US compared to here, yet it seems very difficult to be able to test drive one.

 

I also had a 03" Z before I switched to the S2000. My Z was trouble free and a pretty solid car. The Honda has better build quality in my opinion and is more of a "drivers" car. A test drive will answer your question.