I am in the market for a new car and I have it narrowed down to a a brand new S2000 or a used M-Roadster(1999 or 2000 model).They are both awesome cars, and definetly fast and agile.I just wanted to get some of your opinions on the S2000.I figure you guys would know since you own them, whats the good and the bad.Any advice you could give would be greatly appreciated.

 

I love both... but I love s2000 more... so I vote s2000!

 

your coming to an s2000 site and asking what you should buy?

 

I basically just want to know the good and the bad about the S2000.

 

After driving both I chose the S2000. The S2000 offers no-compromise performance and a very visceral experience. While the S2000 doesn't offer much by way of comfort or ammenities, these were not things I was intested in. If you love driving, especially hard or spirited, the S2000 would be the better purchase. The used '99 or so M Roadsters sell for 24-28k with reasonable mileage so good performance can be had for low dollar. On the other hand, the M Roadster is suffering massive value loss, because there are so many on the road and the new models are superior. Opinion: wind in the cabin is significantly worse in the M roadster. In all fairness the M Roadster is a very nice car, and offers many ammenities that the S2000 doesn't. For instance: heated seats, a softer ride, chrome in every single cranny, and quiet engine/exhaust. Some people enjoy owning a BMW badged automobile, so if prestige is a factor... on the other hand the Honda is far more exclusive because of its relative rarity.

That's just a few quick things that came to mind. Its hard to know what to highlight without knowing exactly what you want to do with your car purchase. Some of us use the car at tracks, others use the car as a commuter, and still other only drive their cars on Sunny Weekends. Which profile fits you?

 

Thanks Jerry, you made alot of good points.I work out of my home so this purely a pleasure vehicle, it won't be driven everyday.It is nice to say you own a BMW, but the Hondas are much more unique.I would say performance is my biggest concern.

 

Why get a "used" car, when you could have a brand NEW S2000!

 

My thoughts exactly. Check your insurance, too. Mine was just about the same as the Civic I traded!

 

If prestige is an issue of saying you own a BMW, just swap out the Honda badges for Rick's S customs.

Since I put mine on, interest in my car has quadrupled as there is now no giveaway on who the manufacturer is and the surprise when you say 'Honda' is worth it.

 

I agree that both are awesome & well-built cars & each has its advantages. The torque in the M is hard to argue with, but the S2k's 9k redline is arguably more fun - when I test drove the M I was hitting the rev limiter a lot & traction control was on a great deal of the time (yes, it was a blast, & even the salesman seemed to be enjoying it!). The 02 S2ks have a glass rear window & is a more modern design. Also, imho, the S looks much better than the M when the tops are up (if & when that ever happens). I think the roadster comparison done by edmunds in 2000 was very impressive & I'd suggest you read that @ www.edmunds.com/reviews/comparison/articles and Autoweek has also done some nice tests. Basically, everything I've read about the Honda just raves about it, & folks have described the aging suspension of the M as one drawback, as it awaits the new gear due out (at least on the regular Z3) in November - I think the Honda's got the M beat in every review I've read, though these things often come down to personal preference. It might boil down to whether the more retro style, monster torque, awesome fender flares & BMW name are worth more to you (albeit along with the increased maintenance costs, etc), or if you find the S2k's intoxicating howl, quick handling and sleek looks more appealing. You might try the S2k & if you're unhappy, sell it later without losing as much $ as you will with the M. Obviously a biased view, but I have come very close to getting a new or used M myself, but the Honda's really caught my eye with all of the amazing press its received.