Hey S2ki,


I'm currently on my second s2000 (2004 Suzuka, CTSC) and had a 2001 SSM a couple years back. My AP2 currently has 91k miles on it. It's overall in great condition (looks/runs awesome for the mileage) but it does have it's worn spots.

I have been considering selling it in favor of a newer, lower mileage s2000, probably in a different color. I was thinking of picking up a new one over winter when the prices/demand drops (06+, less than 25k miles), swapping my mods over to the new one, and selling my current s2000 in spring when the prices/demand increases.

Am I crazy to do this?

My reasoning for wanting to do this....

My current s2000 has a few cosmetic things wrong with it. It's great overall, but rock chipped front end, very small rip in the soft top, a small dent, paint is great but does have a few light scratches here and there, interior is great but worn, etc. Exactly what you'd expect from a well-cared for 90k mile car.

To me, it's not worth it to invest money into paint/soft top/etc to get the car looking 100%, when I can spend a little more to get a practically brand new car without these problems, and 70k less miles.

My car is no longer a daily driver, and I probably only put ~5000 miles a year, strictly driven in nice weather, no snow ever. Will be parked in a garage most of the time. So I really want to get a near perfect s2000, with perfect paint, barely any rock chips/scuffs/interior wear/etc etc, and hang on to it for a long time.

Part of me is just never 100% satisfied with my current car, and it has a lot to do with these minor imperfections. Maybe I'm crazy.

Also, I love Suzuka, but I think I'll be happier with Laguna Blue/Rio.

I want to continue modding my car, but between the imperfections/mileage/color (I think modded Rio/Laguna/GPW/NFR/BB look much better than modded Suzuka), I can't bring myself to keep modding.

I am in the financial position where I have more than enough money to make the switch, comfortably. I'm just not sure if I'm being ridiculous or not.



So, am I crazy, or should I just follow my heart and get a newer s2000?

Thanks

 

I have also considered switching to a Lotus Elise, but I think I'd be happier overall with a modded, 420whp s2000. The Lotus is awesome, but it does have it's negatives.

Besides a Lotus, there are really no other cars out there that will give the same go-kart feel. I wish the 370z was more "fun".

 

I think there are rarely situations where constantly upgrading to a newer model of the same car makes financial sense. Also every time you change cars to a newer used car you run the risk of getting a lemon or a car that has hidden engine or other major problems that aren't apparent until it's too late.

This is somewhat of an opinion but used car dealers make their money off people who continuously trade or buy up to a newer car and loose large amounts of money on their old car.

Now if you are able to sell it yourself and then buy a good used one from a private seller in cash...then I would say it's a viable option but there will be risks on that newer used car.

 

Financially, I know it's a horrible idea. Cars in general are almost always a bad financial investment.

I don't mind spending the difference on a newer s2000 (cars are the only area where I spend money, I'm very frugal everywhere else), I'm just not sure if spending the ~$6000 difference will end up making me happier with the car/get rid of my... almost car "anxiety", cant think of a good word for the feeling.

Also wondering if anyone else has gone through a similar decision, and what their thoughts were after it all.

 

ABSOLUTELY.

im in same boat as you... AP2 suzuka. weekend only and garaged. happy with the color, but my lack of relative care means it has rock chips, dents, scratches, etc


if there is a WHITE AP2 ... especially CR... i would swap the cars in a heart-beat.

 

I don't think it's a bad decision...you've got your reasons and you're in a position financially to do it.

I would just allow it to be a very relaxed process. Let the right car come to you, when eventually you come across it...go for it if it makes you happy.

I just bought mine a week ago. Not crazy about the color...but I'm crazy about the car. I could totally see myself doing something like this 5 years down the road. The problem for me will be that my car has relatively low miles to begin with...and I tend not to put too many miles on a car. So any switch I make would probably end up being just for color. Maybe I won't do it then....

 

Yea I'm going to wait til winter (Jan-March) when there are tons of s2000s for sale, and no one buying, and prices will be lower. I'll have a lot of s2000s to choose from, and I'll try to find the "perfect" one for me.

Color is probably reason #3 for me wanting to do this. Mileage/condition are my main reasons.

 

Do it. It'll make you happier, and you can afford it so do what makes you happy. Freedom is choosing the way you spend time, so enjoy your freedom.

 

Yo Boi saids go for it as long as u sell but stay in the root ull be fine I would do the same I love the s and if I need to sell would only be for another ap2 with low miles this is the. Great car one can never get bored of driving it or staring at it .

 

I have to add something.

Personally I have found that owning a "pristine condition vehicle" brings with it more stress and anxiety!

Examples: You worry about it more when you park places, worry more about stone chips and other things that are bound to happen any time you drive it or take it places.

I've enjoyed the vehicles more that already had those little imperfections when I bought them. When you aren't worried about mileage and tiny imperfects due to use you end up enjoying the driving/owning experience a whole lot more.

There is also the sentimental value of a car you've owned for a while....there are memories and good times had with the car and that is lost when you get a new car.

With your older, tried and true S2000 you know what it's been through and how it's been maintained...the next one who knows?