If the parents are buying it for you, then take what they want to get you. But if you really want an S2k, then go for it. Its a really fun car to drive. My feeling is that if you are still young, you have the rest of your life to drive uninvolving luxury cars.

 

Look at Consumer Reports. They have stated that European cars, in general, have more problems / car over the first 100,000 miles than ANY other type of car, American included. BMW and Mercedes are two of the worst. Also, if you thought the repair bills were high on a Japanese car, just wait until you get a BMW! Also, insurance on European luxury cars is ridiculous. I can promise you it will be higher on a new BMW than on a used S2000.

 

I personally went from a 325ci to an S2000 and i've never regreted it once. The BMW is an awesome car, and I loved all of the mods that I had done to it, but the S2000 is hands down a much more fun car to drive PERIOD. If you don't need the extra space or the back seat I would go with the S2K, but you can't go wrong with the bimmer either. Good luck with your decision. Also, you can buy an s2k now, and look at what the E90 coupe will look like when that come out.

 

I had a 325ci and both of my parents have 3 series BMWs also so I can tell you that what you are saying is true, but only to a very limited extent. Yes, BMWs have some problems such as absolute garbage window regulators, which I had changed on my car 3 times in one year, as well as a starter recall that was fixed immediately by the dealership. If you buy a BMW, go with a new car as thats what the warranty is for and you won't have to worry about repair costs. The service at BWM dealerships, atleast where i'm from, is amazing. It is nothing like Honda dealerships that are only out to scam you or screw you out of your warranty, and I don't think that BMWs have nearly as many problems as you claim them too.

 

BMW reliability is a constant problem. The *BMW guy* at my office says that it's very expensive to own a BMW. He had an E36 M3 that had constant problems (during *and* after warranty), and his Z4 has experienced more than its fair share of issues. This guy babies his cars, so it worries me somewhat. Heck, even my realtor had a 330 with an engine that never stopped eating oil from day 1 (and, yes, he broke it in properly). The local dealer replaced that engine under warranty, but only after he made repeated stinks to get it done. Don't get me started on Audi/VW with O2 sensors, so that option's a bit of a bust.

In your position, I'd look at something like a Lexus IS or an Infiniti G35. They're both decent cars, both fun to drive (though of very different character), and both capable of holding four adults. If you're willing to tolerate less luxury, I'd snap up a WRX. Subaru matches or beats Honda for reliability these days, and the STi is an absolute kick to drive.

One of my co-workers has a WRX wagon, and it's the car that everyone piles into when gigging, skiing, or otherwise hauling stuff. I don't know about you, but I moved every year of my life between getting out of high school and getting married. Most of the time, my car was packed full of crap when I did.

All of that said, I have the S2000 and absolutely love it...

 

DAMN YOU NEED TO COME TO CALI THEN CAUSE THE GIRLS IN COLLEGE LOVE THE S2 MIGHT JUS ONLY BE IN "SOCAL" WHERE ITS NICE AND 80 DEGREES RIGHT NOW NEXT TO MALIBU

 

I think I need to go to Cali regardless. . . it was 65 degrees here today, and its going to rain all weekend. Girls here think my car is useless.

Anyway, I think the kid should look at an Acura TSX or G35 coupe too. Those cars will be relatively reliable, good to have in college, and "cool" as well. Personally, I'd go for an Audi A4 if I were in college AND my parents were paying for the car, but if reliability is an issue, stick to the TSX of G35.

Hey, I just noticed that the smileys are back!

 

Thanks for the input guys, because i'm actually leaning towards the s2000 as of now. Im only 20 years old and making not enough to go out and pay for my own insurance and gas. I'm not sure if my parents would like it much, but if i can't get it i think i will downgrade to a year 2000 civic si or something like that. I definitely want to mod it a bit but nothing too extreme. So bmw is definitely out of the picture for me now. Thanks guy

 

let me know when you come to cali and ill make sure you'll have a blast

 

I had a 2000 Civic Si. It can be modified to be fun, but it sucks somewhat off the shelf and the trunk space is pretty sad. Cheesy shifter, boring engine, needs a front diff, rolly-polly suspension, crappy tires, lame seats, etc...

If you were in 325/s2k territory before, I'd say to look at an Integra Type-R (great hatchback space, but get a friggin' car alarm). I loved my Type-R. It was so pure. Girls, by the way, find it somewhat hot but hate it after riding for a while. If you're looking for a car to go on dates in, the convertible on the S2k is pretty cool. If you're really into cars, though, you may not want to get a car that makes you a compulsive neat-freak. Not good with most women...

My insurance, by the way, is less with the S2000 than with the Type-R.

You're in a really tough spot... having to decide what car your parents get you.