Ok after a bit of time away, I decided to buy another sports car. I am a previous owner of a GPW 06 and regret selling it, you can actually find it on the cover of the 2009 calendar?? Anyway, I am not permitted to buy something super expensive, so I am on a budget and have narrowed things down to a couple cars, but am torn as heck. My plans are to over time perform some tasteful mods and really just have something fun to drive to work on nice days and weekend trips.

2000 Sebring w/red: really cool car, first year, actually one of the first 200 off the line. 92k miles and well maintained. Only issues are it recently had a CEL for random missfire that was cleared by a valve adjust and plugs. Has peeling clear coat on the rear quarter panel and likely needs some normal TLC like brakes, brake flush, diff/tranny fluid, belts, etc. I would also want to get new wheels and tires.

2001 Sebring/blk: lacks the nostalgia, has 132k miles, and has been winter driven. But has been insanely well maintained with all maintenance documented, even wiper blade changes. I would need to maybe do the clutch at some point, but that is about it. Has never had a CEL. Has mods that I would likely want to have done anyway (k&n intake, berk high flow cat, GC coilovers with Koni yellows, ES bushing replacement). Comes with enough "extras" (new winter tires/wheels, old take offs) that I could sell them and be on my way to getting some mods.

Both cars have had the top replaced with Robins top, both are the exact same price.

My other option is to spend $2k more and get a 112k mile E46 m3. I know zero about BMWs and am nervous about that. The big advantage is that the entire family could share in my enjoyment. Plus 300hp!

Please HELP!!

 

I don't think Sebring was made in those years, so I think you mean Silverstone. Personally, I'd go for the 2000. Just based on color combination, I think the red interior looks amazing, especially if it was well kept. Though this one looks like it needs some work. Hopefully not too much. I'd probably avoid the M3 but if you have a family to consider, I'm not so sure.

 

I think that if you get the E46 M3, you'll still be missing your S. You might be able to fit the family in it, but really, nothing, for that price that these S2000s are going for, will give you the memories of what you liked about your S. You have to factor in maintenance and repair costs, too. I don't think you'll come out ahead comparing the S costs to an E46 over the years.

I vote that you pick of the 2 S2000 choices you have now. Put that extra $2 grand into your new acquisition.

 

Maintenance on an m3 can get hideously expensive, also if it's not a manual..noooooo way I'd touch an smg they have issues lots of expensive issues.

Another thing to consider the modded one was most likely beat on quite a bit..I'd get the one with red interior

Or keep looking?

 

Based on how you described the 2,I would favor the 2000.BMW makes good stuff.....BUT parts & service is very expensive.Stay with Honda.

\rlr
carolina

 

Compression test the MY2000, if everything is good, I'd get that one. Mileage is way higher. To many mods

 

Definitely the 2001. Mainly because the owner is so much cooler

 

family car or a sports car for self.. well... which is more important to you...

 

One of the reasons I went with the S was to avoid crazy maint costs on german cars. Been there, still doing that. Didn't want to add to that headache. So I'd stay away from the Beamer.

I wouldn't worry about such mods if its combined with meticulous maintainence. No one takes that effort and beats on their car. Yes, maybe they drove it like it was meant to be driven, but these cars can take that.

The better condition and better maintained car wins, regardless of miles.

 

I forget the differences between the years. I know each year they made dramatic improvements. For that reason alone i'd pick the 01. But in 02 i believe they started the glass window on the soft top? Definitely do your research on the difference between the two