Okay so I'm in the market for a s2k (pref ap2, red and black interior, decent mileage for the age, etc etc). Anyway, this will be put on hold what with me deploying (military) somewhat soon (I don't want to rush into one that isn't what I want ya know?).

So I've been to the dealerships here that have had S2000's and I've talked to them. Literally every dealership (at a min of 5) I go to to see about test drives has told me that they don't give test drives in the S2000 and they try to push me into an accord/civic. What gives? Is it because I'm 22? It's almost getting to the point where I don't want to look anymore.

Also, my buddy has a RX-8 so naturally I need something similar but different. Which is why I like the S2000. However, I also like the BMW z4. I'm pretty much sold on a roadster. Just haven't really decided which one.

 

They should let you test drive, let'em know you're serious about buying. I think calling ahead to schedule a drive helps rather than just showing up. I'm only 21 and every dealership I called was more than happy to let me test drive.

 

Same with me I got into the cars right away. One place was trying to convince me to lease one instead of buy though. They got me to the door pretty quickly.

 

Man, I don't understand this one. You are test driving new ones, right? On a new one, there is an issue about putting the engine into VTEC before the break-in period has been met, but why won't they let you drive a used one? Surely a salesperson would go with you to insure you did no harm. In fact, I always insist that a salesperson go with me, so I won't be blamed for something I didn't do, and I am an old man!

You are 22 and a military man, and deserve more respect than this!

 

If they give yu any gruff about it, simply state...i'm not looking to buy an accord or civic, i'm looking to buy an S2000. I will not make a purchase without driving the car.

I walked onto a nissan lot once to look at 350z's. They wanted me to fill out a credit application before i drove it. I told them to F off, their not running my credit before i know if i like the car. It's funny, because i was selling life insurance at the time and had enough in the bank to buy it in cash. Dumbasses.

 

first time i was interested in the s2000, my dealership practically had to force me to test drive the car. the next time around, they gladly gave me a test drive, just be sure to let them know that you're serious about buying, and dont be offended that they're stingy with testdrives, alot of people test drive just for the hell of it and arent realy serious buyers. by the way, i'm 20

 

My credit is really good too. I don't get it. I've tried driving new and used. No luck. It's pretty much just the Honda dealerships. I got into the driver seat of a brand new (at the time) GTO AND a brand new Mustang GT. Heck, the salesman even told me that if there was anything I wanted to know about the car, that was my opportunity to find out (read: 0-60, burnouts/donuts/etc etc). After the drive I told him it wasn't exactly what I thought it was, but appreciated his honesty and helpfulness and took his card. He told me if I were to purchase by the end of the month (approx 4 days at the time) then he'd knock an ungodly amount off the total price. I don't recall how much exactly but they hadn't met their quota for the month.

Anyway I haven't tried a 350z because I'm not really interested in them. Aside from there being about 15 on base (and at least 5 or 6 RX8) and I've seen 1 S2000 (yellow), I haven't known anyone to have very good luck with Nissan vehicles. So the rarity of S2000's in the places I frequent make it more desirable. I don't want to count other vehicles out of the running quite yet though. What other cars were prospects before you settled on the S?

 

It was S or G35 when i was looking. I love em both, but the S appeals to me more with its more driver oriented design (i still hate soft tops though) versus the G's commuter oriented design.

 

i as well was torn a few months ago. i was between an s2000, a 350z, and a z4 (expensive) or used m roadster (<<<<<<<like this 1 better than z4, btw. 320 na horsies yeah!).

i posted a big thing like this a few months back. i also refused 2 buy a 350z b/c of the amount of them and they type of people that drive them (young girls 1st 'sporty car', grandmas, etc.), despite their mean-ass torque and wonderful handling. they are 2 bubbly, n e way.

i was so iffy about the s2000 and was convinced by a lot of people i know to finally get 1. it is such a drivers' car. if you like 2 drive and push ur cars then hell yeah get 1. i was more of a skeptic than n e 1 (mainly b/c of the lack of low-end power, which isn't as bad as i thought btw).

i picked thru all roadsters for like a year b4 deciding. the rwd ones i considered were a boxster (ugly), z4/m, sky redline (SLOPPY handling! don't bother), s2000, and 350z. i went from a beefy prelude to a 300zx to the s2000.

so if u can happen 2 find an m-roadster in great shape and for the $, that was my only other acceptable car. although i think they are ugly, 2. compared 2 the s2000, it can't hang with what i consider the most important aspects of the car.

get 1! take it in some twisties and then u'll be . i continue 2 be amazed by how well this thing was put together.

as far as the test drives.......i didn't have a problem and i am young but i also have a chest. sorry.

later! hope i helped!

~tina~

 

Well, it's a little higher $ and a bit different kind of car, but a 2005 and newer Mercedes SLK is a fine little ride. My wife has one of these, and it is surprisingly quick. Very quiet with the retractable hard top up. IMO, the SLK is at its best with the 7 speed automatic, not the 6 speed manual (which is way clunkier than the S 2000's). But that 7 speed auto is the best auto trans I've ever driven.