Hey there. I come to you all under bittersweet circumstances. I am having to sell my current car, a 2000 Mazda Protege which I have loved and modded for the past 4 years. Some recent events with the car have made me question the economical viability of keeping the car since I have had to spend a lot of money because of the car: Whether it be for maintainance or traffic violations.

That's the bitter part.

The sweet part is, once I sell it, I will most likely have enough money to buy a used S2000. I have a good amount of experience in high-performance, rear-wheel drive cars, so that is no real issue for me: I don't plan on beating the crap out of the car and wrapping it around a tree... My question to you all, since most of you own one, is which year and what options should I look for; what issues should I beware of; and what should I expect to pay? Personally, I would like a Silverstone Silver one with the red/black interior, but don't know much more beyond that.

I appreciate your help and look forward to your replies.

Jeff

PS: If any of you are interested in seeing my car or want any more info on it, check it out here: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/634560/5

 

Let me be the first to say that if your selling your current car due to high maintenance or traffic violations getting an S2000 doesn't make any sense. An S2000 requires its fair share of maintence (new tires every year) and if you've had issues getting tickets in a Protege your not going to be any better off in an S2000.

 

I totally agree, but frankly, I was getting pulled over for minute things, mostly due to how my car looks. It doesn't exactly conceal itself in traffic and blend in. In my opinion, the S2000 draws attention to itself to those who know what it is and appreciate it, but it also doesn't scream its presence (depending on the color) for all to see. I can take the tickets, because that is totally under my control whether I "earn" them or not.

As for the maintainance thing, I understand that every car has its issues, but I've had to replace the engine once in the Mazda, and do a partial rebuild of the head in the second engine. Further, it has just shy of 100k miles on the chassis, so it is expected to have higher maintainance issues arise. I doubt that the maintainance on the S2000 would be as bad as it has been with the Mazda in more recent months. Please correct me if I'm wrong because I'm trying to get a full picture before I make my final decision.

 

I think it'll still draw a fair bit of attention, but as long as you drive like a responsible human being, it won't be unwelcome attention from police.

If you want the s2000, get it

 

I agree with SportPro. Seems sort of an odd choice given your reasoning. But hey, whatever makes you happy. Its certainly a great car.

 

I guess I know that the S2000 is a great car, as I am a sports car nut, but what I am really asking is for what I should be looking for. Is there any one year over another that I should shop for? Any particular options that I should either seek or avoid? What maintainance worries should I be concerned about? I'm just looking for some owner's feedback and advise really.

 

Funny how u say u dont plan on beating the crap out of the car and wrapping it around a tree... I'm sure those who actually wrapped there cars around trees didnt do so intentionally. It jus happens b/c they weren't careful or were doing something they shouldn't.

 

All model years will be fun. Major difference anyone will tell you 00'-01' plastic rear window. 02'-03' rear glass window and 04+ can only rev to 8k rpm vs. 9k (roughly), 17" wheels, more tq due to engine displacement and other minor changes. For the rest do a search it works well.

 

I'm glad you found the humor in my statement. I guess my intention was to set the premise that I am not going from some FWD rice-rocket to a higher-performance sports car in reckless abandon. I agree with you though, people who wrap cars around trees and telephone poles probably don't mean to do it...

 

Holy Crap Batman!