In three years, I've put 50,000 miles on my car. There's no chance that I'll hang on to it forever, so obviously it'll have to be replaced at some point. But what out there is a worthy successor to a MY2000 S2000? Some of my thoughts are, in decreasing order of desire:
[list=1]
[*]2004 S2000 - if it is significantly different and better than the current generation. I have no idea what Honda has in store, but if the '04 model is like the current generation just with some cosmetic changes, that's not enough to get me to trade.
[*]Next generation NSX - again, a big if the rumors of a cheaper steel car are true. I can't afford the current generation.
[*]Lotus Elise. I'd like to know the full specs before committing, but something on the order of 1900lbs and 190hp would definitely win my dollars.
[*]WRX STI - but I'd have to test drive one first. The specs are intriguing, but that doesn't mean I'll necessarily like driving the car.
[*]Wait three more years until the car hits 100k miles and see what's available then.[/list=1]

I'm not interested in the 350Z, the RX-8, the Z4 or the EVO VIII, and the Boxsters are too expensive.

 

You're considering a next gen NSX or a Lotus and you think the Boxster is too expensive??? If you love the S2000 so much, why not get a 2004 regardless if there are big changes in the car? I say, just keep it another 3 years and see what's out there.

 

I was thinking of a WRX STi or a Rx-8 as a daily driver. I love the S too much to expose it to daily rush hour. My truck is still holding on(barely!) but when it does die, hopefully these two cars will be on the market.

 

That is probably a good idea. I would expect a major change by MY2005 or MY2006. It will probably be worth the wait.

 

Yep. All three cars, of course, cost more than an S2000. But the Boxster S has only a slight advantage over the S2000, while for the other two it's quite significant.

 

I like the looks of the G35 over the 350Z; however, I'm into topless so that won't do. There's always the speculation that Miata will be coming out with a larger engine. The speculaton for the S2000 is 2005 will be the year of change. In the end, I wait and see.

 

Interesting about the Miata, thanks. I didn't know that.

 

My plans are as follows:

1). Keep the car until 80,000 miles or more if it's still running strong.

2). When engine/drivetrain need an overhaul, possibly keep the car as 200k mile beater car, get another car as my fun car (something that fits the bill of what the S2000 was three years ago).

3). If there is nothing out there that matches what the S2000 was three years ago in my price range, then get current S2000 a newer engine, newer transmission (or tranny rebuild), and newer rear end (or rebuild it). Maybe a fresh coat of paint, and then drive for another 100K miles.

 

Don't forget the new GTR also. Should be a great car. I think it's also a safe prediction that at some point the S2000 will get an i-VTEC head or something. It, and the NSX are the only non-i-VTEC engines Honda produces now, aren't they?

 

I believe that for everyone trully using s2k performance abilities, then there is not much choice. In my opinion there are only few cars, that can match (not necessary outperform) s2000 'driver's car'-ness (putting price aside):
1. Elise
2. NSX-R
3. Modena
Maybe also few exotic cars, like Donkenvoort...

If the price is also considered and if you know your s2000, then probably the revisited s2000 or keeping the old one is the best choice...

P.S.: WRX is nuffin but a awd pig. Totally different, not much of a driver's car.