S2000, TT, Boxster, Miata...
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Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Broomfield
When I was looking for a roadster to buy I was alos considering the same cars as you though to me price was not really that much of an issue and performance was my #1 criteria. ( My limit was 50K ) It came down to the Boxter S and the S2000. I decided to go with the S for 2 reasons that I haven't seen mentioned here.
1. Rarity: I live in Boulder ( CO ) and on my daily comute to work I see at least 1 Boxter ( and not even the same one ). But I have yet to see an S2000.
2. Ignorance: A lot of people see the big "H" on the front and right of the bat underestimate the car. Nothing like shuting up a big mouthed Boxter owner by smoking their arse.
The fact that the S2000 is way less then the Boxter is a plus. I payed almost 20K less for it then the I was quoted on the Boxter. 20K is almost enough for another nice car say like the RSX-Type S
I think the digital display ADDS to what the car is. It's simple and with just a passing glance gives you all the info you need. Though I think the S2000 with the RSX instrument panel would look even sweeter.
1. Rarity: I live in Boulder ( CO ) and on my daily comute to work I see at least 1 Boxter ( and not even the same one ). But I have yet to see an S2000.
2. Ignorance: A lot of people see the big "H" on the front and right of the bat underestimate the car. Nothing like shuting up a big mouthed Boxter owner by smoking their arse.
The fact that the S2000 is way less then the Boxter is a plus. I payed almost 20K less for it then the I was quoted on the Boxter. 20K is almost enough for another nice car say like the RSX-Type S
I think the digital display ADDS to what the car is. It's simple and with just a passing glance gives you all the info you need. Though I think the S2000 with the RSX instrument panel would look even sweeter.
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 157
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From: Austin
Well I may be the only one on the forum that owns both the TT (coupe) & s2k. If you do a search on my user name & TT you'll find a ton of my opinions on both cars
It basically boils down to what you are looking for in a car. Do you want styling & creature comforts?, then buy the TT, pure sports car performance? then buy the s2k!
Here's an excerpt fom the last time I posted about this.
My solution is: Buy Both! My TT has 32K on it after 14 months. And the S2k is the race car- she 's a garage queen most of the time. Spending her time on the trailer, on jack stands (her current state) or being flogged on the AutoX course.
If you have to drive a long way in crappy weather buy the TT. Don't worry about the high maintanece bit- that what warranties are for! I have a coupe so i can fit a ton of stuff in it. We've used my TT as the support vehicle for the s2k. 4 tyres a jack and all the other bits fit just fine in there!
The TT costs a lot more because of the fit & finish on the Audi as well as I'm sure the AWD. The justification for spending that much more is apparent as soon as you sit in the car. It's a luxo-barge compared to the s2k. The 225 has a ton more lag than the 180, mods are fun... I could go on & on about the car. But as I said I am lucky enuf to have both. you just have to decide where your priorities are if it's your only car.
I posted this last year in response to someone who was trying to put both in the same "sports car" category-
I own both, 2001 TTQC & 2001 s2k. I do think the TT is a "chick" car. Being a chick I'm ok with that.I AutoXed my TT all this year and have come to the conclusion she's a wonderful luxury "sedan". My 6 month old TT has 17K miles on it. After AutoXing my s2k for the first time 2 weeks ago- well I'm in love with the other woman, she's perfect. But very different cars for different needs.TT = Wife s2k = Mistress. I think they are both very beautiful, just one gets "flogged" a litlle harder than the other.
And here's a post that Greg Stevens made after driving my car:
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/showthread.php?...08&highlight=TT
So good luck they are both amazing cars- but built for different purposes!
-juliann
It basically boils down to what you are looking for in a car. Do you want styling & creature comforts?, then buy the TT, pure sports car performance? then buy the s2k!
Here's an excerpt fom the last time I posted about this.
My solution is: Buy Both! My TT has 32K on it after 14 months. And the S2k is the race car- she 's a garage queen most of the time. Spending her time on the trailer, on jack stands (her current state) or being flogged on the AutoX course.
If you have to drive a long way in crappy weather buy the TT. Don't worry about the high maintanece bit- that what warranties are for! I have a coupe so i can fit a ton of stuff in it. We've used my TT as the support vehicle for the s2k. 4 tyres a jack and all the other bits fit just fine in there!
The TT costs a lot more because of the fit & finish on the Audi as well as I'm sure the AWD. The justification for spending that much more is apparent as soon as you sit in the car. It's a luxo-barge compared to the s2k. The 225 has a ton more lag than the 180, mods are fun... I could go on & on about the car. But as I said I am lucky enuf to have both. you just have to decide where your priorities are if it's your only car.
I posted this last year in response to someone who was trying to put both in the same "sports car" category-
I own both, 2001 TTQC & 2001 s2k. I do think the TT is a "chick" car. Being a chick I'm ok with that.I AutoXed my TT all this year and have come to the conclusion she's a wonderful luxury "sedan". My 6 month old TT has 17K miles on it. After AutoXing my s2k for the first time 2 weeks ago- well I'm in love with the other woman, she's perfect. But very different cars for different needs.TT = Wife s2k = Mistress. I think they are both very beautiful, just one gets "flogged" a litlle harder than the other.
And here's a post that Greg Stevens made after driving my car:
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/showthread.php?...08&highlight=TT
So good luck they are both amazing cars- but built for different purposes!
-juliann
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Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 16
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From: Los Angeles
At first I wasn't crazy about the digital dash either. Reminded me of my parents' mid-eighties GM cars when I was a kid. Having owned the car for 5 months, I can tell you you that you do not even notice it when driving. You are either 1) scanning for an opening in traffic when it is congested; 2.) Keeping an eye out for cops when you are opening it up, or 3.) Noticing how strange and beautiful the world looks with the top down a soundtrack of 8500 RPM. Having said that, I think the Boxster is a terrific car, my friend has one and I really like being a passenger in it, but I forget about it everytime I push "START."
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 18,885
Likes: 33
From: Philly (Narberth)
So many good thoughts here...all I can add:
^s2000 styling is just CLASSIC...will look great in 10 years, while the TT will be "old hat" IMHO
^Honda reliability and low maintenance costs vs. German parts/labor rates (been there/done that )
^s2000 styling is just CLASSIC...will look great in 10 years, while the TT will be "old hat" IMHO
^Honda reliability and low maintenance costs vs. German parts/labor rates (been there/done that
)
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Joined: Sep 2001
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From: Clearwater
GID,
When I bought my S2k last year I wasn't even considering one. I was strictly looking at a Boxter, Audi TT and a SLK. My cousin (Pappy) ended up taking me to the Honda dealership to see a S2000. When seeing the interior and it's simplicity I wasn't crazy about at all. After test driving it for 5 minutes my decision was made. It was that simple. There are ways to spruce up or to conform the interior to your wants. My 2001 has a rear plastic window, crappy sound system and I love the thing more than life. IMO, you cannot get a better car for the money. The other cars I was comparing cost much more and just couldn't compete.
By the way, if you get a S2000, I hope you like attention because you'll get more looks in a Stook, than any Miata, Boxter or Audi TT combined! Ask anyone on this thread...
When I bought my S2k last year I wasn't even considering one. I was strictly looking at a Boxter, Audi TT and a SLK. My cousin (Pappy) ended up taking me to the Honda dealership to see a S2000. When seeing the interior and it's simplicity I wasn't crazy about at all. After test driving it for 5 minutes my decision was made. It was that simple. There are ways to spruce up or to conform the interior to your wants. My 2001 has a rear plastic window, crappy sound system and I love the thing more than life. IMO, you cannot get a better car for the money. The other cars I was comparing cost much more and just couldn't compete.
By the way, if you get a S2000, I hope you like attention because you'll get more looks in a Stook, than any Miata, Boxter or Audi TT combined! Ask anyone on this thread...
Thread Starter
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 46
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From: Nashville
On Friday the 21st I went w. a girl I know to test drive a 01' S2k. (she thought we were going out for dinner...ha) Anyways....the dealer had a yellow 01 w. 9500k miles (asking price 32,840)
I called the dealer ahead so he was expecting me. The salesman tried to quote figures, stats, performance - I corrected him several times (jeez..dont they review the cars the sell??)
I got the key and jumped in, it was night time.
First, the HID lights (Never seen them before..) were very nice - I liked the straight line between night and day they throw out...interesting.
The seats held me like a mama does a new born. Head room - leg room - steering wheel position...perfect. I got used to the audio controls to the left pretty quick...nice feature. The girl stated..wheres the dash and stuff? That is my only complaint...but after thinking of my past Hondas - Honda builds interiors real simple, give you what you need, period. The electronic dash = F1 (Im old school - give me the round dials...)
I suggested the girl buckle in (I bike these back roads a lot) By the way..she was very comfortable in the side seat. I got Familiar w. the car for the first several miles..tweeked the engine on the straights and had to wait for the pickup in front of me to turn off.
Its TIME....floored it in first...(ok below 6k the car is not to torquie and the pick up is so so--240HP huh??) At 6k...bam...your off and running (ok...keep the revs up or be in position to downshift) The last digital number I recall was 77.. this on a one lane back woods, curvy, road.
At one point the road narrows (pickups cant go down this road) to go under a RR track...a very very tight tunnel. We hit the tunnel at 60 (no lights coming so no cars are) The girl shreaks and closes her eyes....Coming out of the tunnel (its about 10' long and about 2' wider than the car) was like being shot out of a cannon......The only scary moment came when I was shifting from 1st to 2nd in a corner at the red line.. The back end broke loose...zing...but a quick adjustment to the steering, let up on the gas some what and the front caught up to the back end. Scary but fun..
Back at the dealer...the salesman was waiting in front (guess I was gone too long)
They are selling 02' at MSRP no more, no less. I put my $250 dedo down on one (they are to get a black and black in a couple of months BUT some other guy is in front of me on the board)..hum....how to leap frog him????
I called the dealer ahead so he was expecting me. The salesman tried to quote figures, stats, performance - I corrected him several times (jeez..dont they review the cars the sell??)
I got the key and jumped in, it was night time.
First, the HID lights (Never seen them before..) were very nice - I liked the straight line between night and day they throw out...interesting.
The seats held me like a mama does a new born. Head room - leg room - steering wheel position...perfect. I got used to the audio controls to the left pretty quick...nice feature. The girl stated..wheres the dash and stuff? That is my only complaint...but after thinking of my past Hondas - Honda builds interiors real simple, give you what you need, period. The electronic dash = F1 (Im old school - give me the round dials...)
I suggested the girl buckle in (I bike these back roads a lot) By the way..she was very comfortable in the side seat. I got Familiar w. the car for the first several miles..tweeked the engine on the straights and had to wait for the pickup in front of me to turn off.
Its TIME....floored it in first...(ok below 6k the car is not to torquie and the pick up is so so--240HP huh??) At 6k...bam...your off and running (ok...keep the revs up or be in position to downshift) The last digital number I recall was 77.. this on a one lane back woods, curvy, road.
At one point the road narrows (pickups cant go down this road) to go under a RR track...a very very tight tunnel. We hit the tunnel at 60 (no lights coming so no cars are) The girl shreaks and closes her eyes....Coming out of the tunnel (its about 10' long and about 2' wider than the car) was like being shot out of a cannon......The only scary moment came when I was shifting from 1st to 2nd in a corner at the red line.. The back end broke loose...zing...but a quick adjustment to the steering, let up on the gas some what and the front caught up to the back end. Scary but fun..
Back at the dealer...the salesman was waiting in front (guess I was gone too long)
They are selling 02' at MSRP no more, no less. I put my $250 dedo down on one (they are to get a black and black in a couple of months BUT some other guy is in front of me on the board)..hum....how to leap frog him????
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Joined: Dec 2001
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From: DOG POO ON Ur LAWN
GID.....congrats!.....Thats all we had to say here on S2ki, DRIVE THE CAR!!....Now look, you got the deposit in and are waiting for your baby....Now just the long wait 
Anyways, congrats again and Merry Christmas!
Anyways, congrats again and Merry Christmas!
Thread Starter
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 46
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From: Nashville
PS - I went home for Christmas. Dad and Brother are both car nuts (Dad once wrote BMW outling the flaws in their transmission, rebuilt the cruise control to shift where he wants, etc) (Brother raced Porsches in SCCA for years, has a TT coupe at the moment)
Dad has not driven a S2k, but loves the Honda tradition of dependable cars.
Brother told me .. based on performance and cost to get the Honda..he would.
We talked alot about VTEC (will S2k ever get an I-VTEC ??) suspension, brakes, etc. etc.....
Dad has not driven a S2k, but loves the Honda tradition of dependable cars.
Brother told me .. based on performance and cost to get the Honda..he would.
We talked alot about VTEC (will S2k ever get an I-VTEC ??) suspension, brakes, etc. etc.....
