I am an 18 year old college student (will be 19 when I get my S2K) I have a 2001 Ford Escape right now (leased) and it runs out oct. 2003. I have been saving to buy a S2000 when, or just before, the lease runs out. My thinking on the matter is that I can't afford a brand new one (2004) or probably even a 2003. I want to get one that has the upgraded sound and rear window (only two complaits I have ever heard), so that leaves me with the 2002.

I am not sure exactly what my question is, but I guess I just need some reassurance that I am doing the right thing by getting the 2002 model. Any complaits out there about it? anyhting I should know about a 2003 that would make me want to work a little harder and save up a few more bucks? Does it kill the pride to get a used one that is more than a year old?

The one question that I do have is about the hard top. I have thought that it was a great idea to have one for winter ever since I knew they had one, but I have been discouraged by a few significant others that it is not worth the extra 3 grand to get one. Now my opinion is that I want to protect my future baby any way I can and should get one. Any opinions? 2003 w/o hard top vs 2002 with?

I am sure that I will be back with more questions and replies later. Thank you in advance for your advice.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Mithras
[B]I am an 18 year old college student (will be 19 when I get my S2K) I have a 2001 Ford Escape right now (leased) and it runs out oct. 2003. I have been saving to buy a S2000 when, or just before, the lease runs out. My thinking on the matter is that I can't afford a brand new one (2004) or probably even a 2003. I want to get one that has the upgraded sound and rear window (only two complaits I have ever heard), so that leaves me with the 2002.

 

All of them are mainly the same save the stereo. My 2000 model is just the same as the 01 and 02 (and 03). If you want the '02's stereo and glass window then get it.

 

If you can afford to pay cash. Buy what ever you can afford. Ownership is so much better when you don't have to write that check out each month. I bought my 2000 S and have no regreats. Sure the glass window is nice, but I've only really seen my plastic window once, the day I bought it. Top stay down 99% of the time. Once the cool wheather rools around Hard top will be attached. Buying used is ok. After all it is a Honda!

 

Welcome Mithras, If I was your age when the S2000 came out, I would have bought used, there would have been not other way I could afford it!

I have a 2002 with the hardtop. It is a great car and I'm thrilled with the hardtop. One thought, when you find a used one maybe you will be lucky and the owner will have a used hardtop to go along with the deal. Second thought, the hardtop adds a lot of extra security to the car. Where I went to college I parked about 1/2 mile from my dorm room, if I had had a convertible then I guess I would have had a lot of sleepless night over the fear that someone was going to slice the roof.

Keep saving my man! Once you get one you will know why you saved and waited so long!

 

THANKS FOR THE ADVICE!!! You guys are awsome. Maybe I will get lucky and find a used one with the hard top. I also have a friend who is a dealer and might be able to find me one at auction. The one is greensboro has about 5000 cars a week come through, so I am keeping my fingers crossed.

The hard top for extra security as also my concern. I will be going to UNCG (about 25min from my house) for the first year, but when it counts after I get my car I will be at NC State. I have already been looking for a dorm or an apartment complex that offers a garage of some kind. If I cant find one then I was thinking about a cover for the car. I am not sure if the cover would attract bad attention though. I wanted one anyway in case of sudden hail or snow that I was not near a garage.

By the time I buy my S2k I will hopfully have close to 7 or 8 grand saved up for it. Not exactly paying in cash but it should help my payment.

Thanks again for all the help. I wont be a stranger around here for sure.

 

I suggest you think about it a bit more.
For a car that you will be parking on the street overnight and driving year round (snow!?), a new S2000 is not the best choice.
If you do need a sports car buy a used one, then you won't feel so bad when someone keys it or you spin out and hit a snow bank, or some idiot rips off your wheels . Besides, the S2000 has not changed in 3 years and is no longer the bleeding edge car it was. If you drive something OK now, while you are still a student, save up your money, 4 years from now there will be cars around that will make our S2000 look like entry level stuff!
I don't know what car to suggest, you could find an old Porsche for about 10K that could last 4 years.

 

Very well put gene.

 

Not a true statement. There are many changes on the 2002 that are not on the 2000 and 2001.

 

I don't agree. I say go for the S2000! Just use common sense when parking or storing it. You guys sound like parents. (no offense)

I am 21, and have driven my brand new cars ('98 Camaro - '01 S2000) to Drexel University in Philadelphia, which is right next to University of Penn and West Philadelphia (notorious for crime). never had a problem!

Do it man! But be careful!