If the S2000 was my first car I would most certainly be dead.

 

I had a bright red V8 camaro when I was 18. I bought it used and paid cash. That was helpful because my car insurance cost as much as a car payment on it would have been.

I think this is a very strong car to teach someone to drive in. It is very susceptible to changes in weather, in tires, in everything really. I think it's an immersive driving experience and I definitely want my son (he's only 12 now) to know *HOW* to drive it. That's exactly why I don't want him daily driving it.


All other arguments aside this ^^^^^^ . I was totally that guy.

 

The OP deserves an award for the best troll ever! Maybe only second to "should I hellaflush my S2000?"

 

Screw safety. That is MUCH too nice of a first car. Make her earn it....Buy her a Razor Scooter.

 

Yes, trolled

 

ha ha ha... people are still replying like this guy is serious. He hasn't even come back to post a reply since the OP.

 

Maybe OP hasn't replied because he's an older gentleman and just reading what you all think?

 

Maybe he got embarrassed for asking a question where everyone said NO! Lol, well accept the user who got a CR at 17y/o.

 

Maybe the OP is the teenage girl

 

Well, I didn't expect quite this response. Sorry for the delayed reply, I don't check this forum every day. Although I did say that this would be her primary car, I should add that it would be fair weather only. Not cold/winter, and probably not much rain. The S2000 is primarily my wife's car (well, we both drive it), and my daughter likes the convertible sports car aspect.

I think I'm looking at this a little differently than most of you. Let me outline my thoughts here:

1. I see the manual trans as a positive. I learned to drive a manual early on, and frankly I think it requires more focus and attention than an automatic. It makes texting and driving difficult, and there is no bluetooth so there won't even be a cell call while driving. As manuals go, the S2000 is very easy to drive.
2. Since there is no backseat, there is no chance of a car load of teenagers screaming and yelling.
3. When driven responsibly and non-aggressively, the S2000 is docile and very maneuverable, adding to safety.
4. I see RWD as a positive, as it teaches proper car control. I understand the S2000's twitchiness and tendency to oversteer at the limit, however when driven non-aggressively I find it very stable and controllable.
5. I would take her to a HPDE track day as soon as she is able

The major negatives as I see them are:

1. No traction or stability control. For a new driver these safety features can be very important. This is the biggest reason I may decide against it.
2. The car is very small, and even though crash test ratings are good, size matters in a crash (would a Civic or other econobox be much better?)
3. The car is very small, and other drivers often don't see it
4. The car is a convertible, where every punk-ass teenager can damage it with a pencil if they want

Other than the stability control feature, I don't see this as much different than if I got her a newish Miata, or even a FR-S, Mustang 4-cylinder convertible, or a decent 944, or any other low powered rear drive sporty car. Any of those choices wouldn't seem unsafe, but somehow the S2000 does to most of you. Now, maybe to my surprise, my wife mostly agrees that it's OK for her to drive the S2000 too. Honestly, I'm about 50/50 on this, and am trying to look at objective facts. You have to remove the behavioral component, because you don't know my daughter and you can't substitute what you may have done as a teenager. I have that as a factor in this decision, knowing who she is and as a responsible father.