Beginning to think along those lines...finding it hard to face my FWD-phobias though.

 

I would also consider Civic EX Coupe as well.

 

There's no way a hardtop is going to save you $2,500-$3,000 in fuel.

 

I love reading these threads about gas milage because it depends so much on your driving style. On my first tank of gas I got 31 mpg, my best so far. This was with highway driving, shift points at 3 - 4 k, and speeds ranging in the 65 mph to 70 mph range. Next tank I got 24 mpg which was due to more agressive driving, shift points in the 5 - 6 k range and speeds at around 85 mph.

You can get the milage your looking for if you baby the car, hit VTECH several times and forget it. As for comfort, well that too is a personal thing. I happen to find the car tollerable. The suspension isn't bad, I've driven worse. It's the cramped quarters that can get tiring on a long drive.

A better all around driver would be the RSX as mentioned or a clean used Acura CL Type S.

 

This isn't the car for what you need. although it would be fun....it's not practical at all for your needs.

i'd say stick with a commuter car only for those drives: like a civic, corrola, etc.

at 50k miles a year, whatever car you pick is going to take a beating. while i'd say the S could handle it well...i dont find the value in the cost of the car and subjecting it to that everyday.

 

I love my S but no way would I do a 100 mile plus commute in it, at least not on a regular basis. The car is not very comfortable as it is setup for good handling as opposed to comfortably traversing expansion joints and pot holes (intensity of discomfort varying from person to person depending on size and tolerance,) its loud, its small, it doesn't have an adequate cup holder for your coffee, it offers little protection against all those big SUV drivers, realized fuel mileage isn't particularly good, and the sound system absolutely sucks balls.

It is however loads of fun to drive.

JeffA

 

Have you considered the TSX? Comfy, good stereo, sporty, reliable, fun to drive, well-built, relatively frugal. It's no s2k, though.

Or maybe a G35 coupe or 350Z might be more up your alley (although they might not meet your fuel consumption requirements)?

 

I commute 55 miles one way and I only drive the S once a week or so. I drive my RSX the other days of the week. I get 25 MPG or better, depending on my driving style. With the top down, the stereo is nearly imposible to hear at speed. When I do drive the S, I usually take the longer, less traveled route to and from work. Comfort is subjective, but I do not find the car uncomfortable after nearly two hours in the seat.

As others have said, possibly a new Civic Si or RSX would better meet your requirements.

 

frugal? 50k mi/yr? 27mpg? S2000 may not suit your needs. I daily drive my S2k and do just fine with my 22mpg (with aftermarket mods) / 23.5 mpg stock, but mine only drinks 93 octane.

You're better off with the 1st generation Miata. I got 28mpg on 87 octane when I had mine. Engine is bulletproof. Cheap to purchase.

Stereos on both cars suck. period.

The 4100' climb/descent won't affect the S2000, but you will notice the anemia with the 1st gen Miata. 3rd gen Miata will probably do ok.

But if you drive an S2000, the engine may be somewhat reminiscent to your e30 bimmer.

You get no torque with either car (compared to your GTO) unless you turbo either car.

 

Get a mazdaspeed miata.

Fun car. 178hp, 2500lbs. 6 speed, rwd. total sleeper, and gets great mileage, if you are not boosting all the time.

You are in luck, I have a brand new with 1100 miles just bought from dealer 3 months ago, that I would like to sell to someone for a good deal.