S2k or 2007-up Si?
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,019
Likes: 8
From: Baltimore, MD
Fellow Maryland S2000 driver here. The S2000 is my only car, I've been daily driving it for over 2 years, over 50 miles per day for the past year. I find it to be a great daily driver.
As for the snow, it's tricky but not impossible. You'll read in several other areas that this car is actually very good in the snow if it has good snow tires. Personally I have 2 sets of wheels; one with summer tires for AutoCross and fun driving, and another with all-seasons that are rated very well for light snow. I chose all seasons instead of snow tires for my second set because I was tired of having the summer tires wear out so fast just on basic interstate driving, and I've been fine in the two snow-heavy winters before this one.
As for the snow, it's tricky but not impossible. You'll read in several other areas that this car is actually very good in the snow if it has good snow tires. Personally I have 2 sets of wheels; one with summer tires for AutoCross and fun driving, and another with all-seasons that are rated very well for light snow. I chose all seasons instead of snow tires for my second set because I was tired of having the summer tires wear out so fast just on basic interstate driving, and I've been fine in the two snow-heavy winters before this one.
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 370
Likes: 0
If I was in your shoe right now, this is what I would do. Insurance is the first priority, I don't want to waste all my money to car insurance right now and save that money up for a very nice S2K when I get after 25-yrs old. I will try to find 2005 civil Si hatch that can carry my college stuff around and also fun to drive for now. When I get to about 25-yrs old and save up some money, have alot of patience to find nice S2K that I really want with low milages. I would still keep the 2005 civic Si for work and around town and the S2K for the weekend or track day. 
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 370
Likes: 0
I’ll also add this; as someone who squandered away their first opportunity for an education, the last thing you need to be worrying about is making car payments. Really; you are a broke college student, you don’t need debt.
How much longer do you have in school?
How about this for a plan; use you down payment (and maybe save a bit more) to pay cash for something. My wife has a 1st gen CR-V and it’s great (ok, handling is lacking and it has no power). Stay with me here. You can get one for cheap, insurance and maintenance is cheap, 30+ mpg, and the all-wheel drive is great in the snow. 170k with only a new radiator and cooling fan motor. It also has a load of space for people and things.
Graduate college and get a job. Pay cash for your dream s2k and keep the Cr-V for winter and times you need more space. You end up with an education, a job, your dream car, a cheap snow/hauling car, and no car debt……..wish I had done things that way!
Now all that said, yes; I do realize that I am on an s2k forum!
How much longer do you have in school?
How about this for a plan; use you down payment (and maybe save a bit more) to pay cash for something. My wife has a 1st gen CR-V and it’s great (ok, handling is lacking and it has no power). Stay with me here. You can get one for cheap, insurance and maintenance is cheap, 30+ mpg, and the all-wheel drive is great in the snow. 170k with only a new radiator and cooling fan motor. It also has a load of space for people and things.
Graduate college and get a job. Pay cash for your dream s2k and keep the Cr-V for winter and times you need more space. You end up with an education, a job, your dream car, a cheap snow/hauling car, and no car debt……..wish I had done things that way!
Now all that said, yes; I do realize that I am on an s2k forum!
Instead of the CRV, I got a 1996 Camry LE back in 2000, now is about 150,000 miles on the clock and still drive to work. Save my Money up and get marry in 2001, got a house in Sept. 2006 and on Dec. 2006 I got my dream MY03 AP1 with 5023 miles on the clock and now is 8925 miles in showroom condition.
Former Moderator
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 46,397
Likes: 194
From: Albany, UPSTATE NY
Cost-wise the Si is easier on the pocket. With the S2000 it is recommended you have snow tires if driving in the winter. That is an added expense. Also as you appear to be worried about tops being slashed and seats being stolen, I hope you have secure parking for the car should you choose to buy it. As some mentioned insurance is also higher and you risk a total write-off should you be the target of theft or nasty vandalism.
The Si also needs snow tires in the winter and with its limited slip differential it is a competent car in the snow and is fun to drive. The Si (coupe or sedan) based on the 8th gen coupe is one of the last times Honda hit a home run. If you get one I am sure you will grow to love it.
The above is not to discourage you from getting the S2000. Just trying to get you to realize that owning the S2000 is a commitment. You have to be devoted to the car and always watchful over it - be careful about where you park, always make sure it is in a safe location, ensure tires are in good shape, be aware of road conditions etc.. For all the care you give the car it will reward you in several ways when you climb in and push the starter button.
Do an assessment of your costs of owning, maintaining (tires, oil and fluid changes etc) and of parking the car in a safe place and then go with what your gut suggests. You wont go wrong with either car.
The Si also needs snow tires in the winter and with its limited slip differential it is a competent car in the snow and is fun to drive. The Si (coupe or sedan) based on the 8th gen coupe is one of the last times Honda hit a home run. If you get one I am sure you will grow to love it.
The above is not to discourage you from getting the S2000. Just trying to get you to realize that owning the S2000 is a commitment. You have to be devoted to the car and always watchful over it - be careful about where you park, always make sure it is in a safe location, ensure tires are in good shape, be aware of road conditions etc.. For all the care you give the car it will reward you in several ways when you climb in and push the starter button.
Do an assessment of your costs of owning, maintaining (tires, oil and fluid changes etc) and of parking the car in a safe place and then go with what your gut suggests. You wont go wrong with either car.
Registered User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,167
Likes: 1
From: Indiana
Snow is a non-issue. You can get a second set of cheap wheels and throw snow tires on. There will be that up-front cost of the second set of wheels but snow tires will last you 5+ winter seasons since you'd only be using them a few months out of the year.
Drive both cars and then decide. From a pure performance standpoint the Si is wrong-wheel drive and isn't quite as fast in a straight line either. They are two completely different cars...they both might be high-revving Hondas but the driving pleasure is nowhere near the same. A friend of mine has an 07 Si and it's nice for what it is but I couldn't personally own one. For me, it would be an easy choice. I have daily driven my car since I bought it, year-round in Indiana. I do just fine.
Drive both cars and then decide. From a pure performance standpoint the Si is wrong-wheel drive and isn't quite as fast in a straight line either. They are two completely different cars...they both might be high-revving Hondas but the driving pleasure is nowhere near the same. A friend of mine has an 07 Si and it's nice for what it is but I couldn't personally own one. For me, it would be an easy choice. I have daily driven my car since I bought it, year-round in Indiana. I do just fine.
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 893
Likes: 12
There are some great comments here with very sounding argument which is rare around here!
Listen to the guys who says to find a beater. What you dont want is to be broke at this age. You will find it more rewarding when you earn the car with your career. By then you can afford a more expensive s2000 rather than settling down with whatever car you can find now. In the end its just a car but dont let it decide your financial future.
Listen to the guys who says to find a beater. What you dont want is to be broke at this age. You will find it more rewarding when you earn the car with your career. By then you can afford a more expensive s2000 rather than settling down with whatever car you can find now. In the end its just a car but dont let it decide your financial future.
