Cheers Bieg,
Well said, you can't buy quality, taste, or knowledge. An intelligent well informed consumer will be able to differentiate between perceived quality and real. I have yet to have any regrets about my purchase, even at the somewhat inflated price I paid to get one of the first ones. That Ferrarri paddle shift box is sure sweet though.
Keep the faith,
JohnA

 

Welcome back Bieg. just don't tell me ChrisS2000 or Tiger or... is coming back too

 

nice post(are you feeling ok?),
well written (that hasnt changed )
and I agree! (am I feeling ok? )
...

I liked the description of being "carved out of one piece of steel"! very accurate! (even if my car is slightly modified, the car was already VERY responsive in that way while fully stock...sorry couldnt resist j/k!!!)

but seriously, welcome back. i've enjoyed many of you past posts and look forward to more like this one!

 

Hey beig, nice post and welcome back! We also have to keep in mind that the audience mentality is completely different. An example is the Z8. No lack of quality in that car at all, but a completely different design goal from the s2k. The pedals are placed too far apart for heal-toe shifting, the shifter is quite a bit longer than the s2k's, and the curb weight is much heavier. The roof latches itself automatically, there's a lot more legroom and storage area. It's a HELL of a lot faster than the s2k but doesn't make it nearly as far in terms of nimble-ness because of the size and suspension setup.
But I'll be damned if that thing doesn't look like the sweetest thing since chocolate cookies and causes more rubbernecking than a 15 car pileup, even here in the affluent silicon valley where carerra's are seen more frequently than civics!

These guys pay for what they get, and most of what they get is status from having a $$$$ car. The guy I know w/ a Z8 has an M5 for his rainy day/group activity car, and an older Z3 beater for when out of town guests need a car to get around.

 

Now if only we had some service to go with it my life would be good. BTW, my car works much better with the engine restrained to its mounts.

 

Nice post. I think we all tend to forget that we drive a piece of automotive history. I am quite sure that in 10 or 20 years you will see Speedvision programs about the little Honda roadster that turned the sports car world on it's ear.

 

Welcome back Bieg... it's good to see a community getting back together in light of world events lately. A little perspective is good for everyone, although it should never be at such a cost.

Anyhow, quality for a modest cost is one of the S2000's best accomplishments... It's not easy to build such a stiff convertible. A recent trip in a rental Mustang convertible confirmed that! Can you say 'cowl shake?' Our car is definitely solid. Some Italian built things have a certain intangible something that people use to justify the extra cost... in some cases it's worth the 'quirks' (My Ducati, a Ferrari)... in some cases, like the aformentioned Maserati - 'Character' can only go so far before the quirks get annoying!

Built quality is second-to-none on our cars, and although they could be a little more reliable, they are not plagued by little things like loose trim and electrical gremlins. The S2000 suffers from mostly mechanical woes, and that can often be traced back to abuse. Every car has it's problems, and the S2000 is not immune... But Honda has certainly done us proud.

 

Real quality? Have you read the HUGE list of TSB's for the s2000's? The multiple owners with trashed engines due to spark plug failure?

I for one don't need to belittle Maserati owners to make myself feel better about what I have purchased -- and I am also not above admitting that Honda has their own quality control issues these days.

I am sure this new Maserati -- just like a new kia will still put a smile on the new owners face, and I am fairly certain the "superior" s2000 will be about the furthest thing in their minds....

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by steve c
[B]

Real quality? Have you read the HUGE list of TSB's for the s2000's? The multiple owners with trashed engines due to spark plug failure?