I'm considering buying a 2003 S2k, and had a few questions for current owners.

1. I am considering this car for a daily driver year round.
I live in AZ, so weather isn't too much of an issue, but does still rain occasionally. Is it really hard to drive in rain, or will it be fine if I take it slow?
I'm not too concerned about the lack of space and such as I'm currently driving a 95 del Sol. And while the S2k actually has a little less space, that doesn't seem like a big deal.
I have the 160 hp 8200 RPM engine in my del Sol, so I'm used to the high reving.
Any comments or suggestions on using it as a daily driver would be appreciated.

2. A dealership near me has a new 2003 left over (Yellow). Any ideas as to what a good price for this would be? They have it marked down to 30,000. This seems like a pretty good deal, but would it be better for me to hold out and get an 04? I'm not much of a "hardcore" driver, but I do enjoy stepping on it on occassion. I don't normally race or anything like that.

Thanks for the input
Jesse

 

Jesse,

I have a '02, so I don't know what a good price for the leftover '03 would be.

I do, however, daily drive mine, and can say that it does fine in the rain. You will be fine if you take it slow. My commute is about 40 miles each way and goes through some mountain roads. I've driven it through two rainy seasons - one on the stock S02's and another on Kumho Ecsta Supras - and haven't had any problems. When it's raining hard, I keep it at or below the speed limit.

 

you should negotiate on the 03. Don't pay for $30k, you can get for about $28k or a little less. Go to kbb.com and check on the value based on your zip and that should give you something to work with. Good luck on your search for a new S2k.

 

JesseB,

I use mine as a daily driver here in AZ, and it works perfectly. Come talk to the AZ guys in our forum if you want more local details, and you can sign up for membership too so you can join the group at events when you get the new S!!

JJ

 

If your not use to driving a rear wheel drive car (especially one with a short wheel base), I would be very cautious driving the S in the rain with the stock S-02 tires. The S-02 tires have great dry pavement grip, but they do not channel water very well, and it is easy to lose the backend! If you are planning to use the S in wet weather, I would highly recommend getting a set of good high performance all season tires such as the S-03's.

With that said, don't hesitate, the S2000 is an absolute blast to drive, and will keep you grining from ear to ear!!!!

 

First of all - S02's are fine in the rain as long as you arent driving like you are on bone-dry pavement (read - ALL TIRES behave like this). Second - S03's are nowhere near all-season tires. They simply trade more wet grip for less dry grip, but are still high-perf summer tires.

Don't worry about driving in the rain - it does just fine - just don't go for a "drive" in the rain - I.E. - at 9/10ths.

FYI - I bought a leftover 02 this time last year for 29K...

 

I agree. I have driven in the rain without any incident many times. If you respect the power and rear wheel function of the car and not drive like a maniac (i.e. drive much slower than posted speeds) you won't have any problems.

Caveat - Unless they are bald!!

JJ

 

Thanks for all of the input.

I have driven in the rain on a rear whell drive before, but it was an old nissan pickup (at least I think it was rear wheel). I realize this doesn't compare to the performance of an s2k, but at least I have some idea as to what's going on, and in Phoenix, its not like it rains all that much.

I talked the dealer down to invoice (29700) on the s2k, with 2500 trade-in on my 95 del Sol that has a big dent in the quarter panel, and needs a paint job. Out the door, it came to 30,200 or so. Still not sure if I'm going to take the deal, or if I'll hold out for an '04, which seems a little more suited to a driver such as myself.

Jesse

 

Jesse.

You can do better.
Someone just got 03 S2000 with 4000miles for 26k out the door.

The dealership is trying to zip you. Tell them how it is. Don't give in. You should get this car for less than 29k out the door.

Btw, is this new or has miles on it? If your Del Sol is paid for then I'd advise you to keep the Dell Sol.

Anyways, Good luck

 

Its a new 2003, although it has 200 miles on it.

The del Sol is paid for, but its getting a little old, and will need some work soon and tires soon. It has 120,000 miles on it, needs body work, and needs paint. I would be happy with 2500-3000 trade in on it.

I would guess that they will probably get what they are asking, or close to it. In Phoenix, this is about the perfect time to own a convertible as the summer is too hot. I'm going to give them a week or so to think about it, and see if they call me back.

FYI, the blue book new for a 2003 in my zip code(85008) is: $31,738 Retail used is: $30,940 and private party is: $28,095. This doesn't seem like a horrible deal for the car.

Jesse