the S2K is not a car i would ever want to drive in ice. snow (according to barry and with the right tires) is do-able. but ice?

for me it's a daily driver - but i live in California.

i'll second the various opinions stated up to now (the two cars are NOT comparable in almost any way, it sounds like it's a lifestyle question and why would you consider getting a nice car if you don't have a garage).

in addition, i'll give some semi-solicited advice... it sounds to me like you should decide what kind of car you NEED (as opposed to what you WANT) first, then decide what kind of car you can SUPPORT, and finally what kind you WANT. this way you should be able to end up with a car that works within your lifestyle. given what you've said and what i can intuit from it, i'd suggest you consider buying a used M3.

 

Are used M3s pretty reliable? I'd be afraid to recommend based on repair costs and overall reliability of Bimmers. Also insurance is a lot higher for the M than the S2000. It applies to all of us punk sub-25 drivers.

 

I sat in the IS300 at the Philly auto show, I used to like the car until I sat in it. Just didn't like it very much, hated the automatic.

But like everybody else said, drive the cars, and make a list. The car can be driven in the winter, snow tires, and you are all set. I personally would look at the WRX if you need back seats, 2 extra doors, and performance that will kick the crap out of the IS, the 330, and pretty much every other sedan anywhere near it's price range. Do a couple fairly cheap mods, and you have a really crazy performance sedan. JMO. Good luck.

ERIK

 

Uhh, I wouldn't drive ANY car on ice. No car or SUV or truck does well on ice.

ERIK

 

I am married with a 4 year old. I wanted a car with 4 doors, performance and sufficient luxury features. I put in an order for an IS3 with all the bells and whistles. They had to order the car from the factory because it normally did not come to the west coast in that color (interior/exterior)w/ certain features. Wait was 16 weeks. On the second to the last week of my wait I went to the Honda dealer to "just test drive the car" (what I tiold my wife). 3 days later I was talking to Mentor Honda in Ohia to ship a car to me in California. Practicality, responsibility, 4 doors, ...blah, blah, blah. Who cares...I LOVE THIS CAR!!

My wife has a wagon.

 

Get the IS300. If you have any doubt, get the IS300. I bought my S2000 thinking I was a true sports car lover and should disregard all the concerns I had at the time and go ahead with the purchase. Well, the concerns started to affect real life situations (stick trans. learning curve, race car attributes, performance in the cold and wet) to a point I just had to admit buyer's remourse and stupid decision making. (Please don't flame anymore, I've paid enough for a lesson and penalty.)

My S2000 has about 600 miles right now and I can't get rid of it (for a less damaging price). The price for a brand new one around the DC area is $1000 less than MSRP. I've been waiting for 3 months to get the IS300, but I can't do that until the S2000 is gone.

 

If you are worried about someone stealing the seats, then wait and don't buy either until you get into a house or better apartment with a garage option.

Also, if you can't afford a second car, then the IS300 is probably a more practical choice for you.

Think about it seriously...you'll lose a lot on the purchase if you buy the car and then realize it wasn't the right one for you.

-B

 

if you're getting the IS wait for the 5-speed. the automatic has no response.

 

I think you should first decide whether you want a sports car or sport sedan. Two different animals. The S2000 has more in common with a vette than the IS300. The IS300 was made to compete with the 330i, just like the C320.

 

I think if you are going to leave your car outside than it is a good idea to get a IS300. Wait for the 5 speed if you are going to get IS300.....