Hi,
Remember me? I'm the old married guy with a kid that needs a new s2000. I recently posted a topic asking about 100 questions on if a man of my age should get this car. I would like to thank everyone who responded to my posting. I got 58 responses & they were all great!! THANK YOU! Well, I just took a second test drive today & I think I have answered many of my own questions.
I got to drive the car with the top down, what a blast. Before the test I did have some concerns about wind turbulence. The wind was not bad at all, it was prefect.
The first s2k I drove seem to be extremely harsh riding on the thruway. This second s2k I drove was stiff but not nearly as bad as the first, weird huh?
I also had some concerns about a man of my age might look driving such a sporty car. Well, I like this car so much, frankly I don't care what others think. I'm not buying this car to impress anyone so why should I care if they see an old fart in one.
Overall I feel this car is so solid, smooth & a blast to drive. I love the silky smooth shifting. I have to get one. Only problem is my financial situation will most likely make me wait until next year. So I'm looking for one of the 1st 2003s off the truck unless I can score a great deal on a 2002. Thanks for all your help.

 

Too bad you have to wait. I hear that there are some exciting cars coming out withing the next year or so, so you might find your decision to be a tough one. As I said before, you'll love the S2000! Welcome to the club!

 

Your "review" is spot-on.

The ride is a perfect balance for me, between a direct connection to the road and preventing you from getting sore organs. I figure 95% of drivers wouldn't tolerate the ride, but let them have their pillow ride, I don't want to fall asleep during driving.

I chose to take my car out on a 7-year loan to get my payment below $500. I'm coming into cash to buy the car outright, but wasn't willing to wait. I'm glad I did it, just an idea for you, my interest rate was only 6.99%

 

Nothing wrong with old farts driving cool cars! Regarding the difference in ride between the two cars - my guess would be the first one still had the spring spacers in. They shouldn't be, but apparently often are still on the springs. That makes a huge difference in the ride - between the expected stiff ride and knock-your-fillings-loose ride.

Tony

 

missed your original thread... but it sounds like you have just the right attitude for the s2000. i recently purchased an s2000, but my old-fart father-with-two-grown-up-kids has been driving various NSXs for years (he just got a 2002 to end the string) and he doesn't look silly at all!

i don't know how old your kid is, but you probably know by now that the s2k does not have a passenger's side air-bag cut off, which means no little ones in the car at all.

 

A few extra pounds pressure in the tires, especially the front, can make quite a difference given the stiff suspension and short wheelbase. Recommended is 32/32 but I run 35/32 and I can feel the difference but it improves the handling IMO.