I just sold my SLK55 over the weekend and now I am trying to figure out what to get. I absolutely loved my s2000 for the 3 years and 60,000 miles I spent with it, but I am worried that after playing with 362 hp and, more importantly, 376lb/ft torque, the S will feel a little slow. Now, don't get me wrong, I did not like the s2k just because it was fast- I consistently drove it at 9/10 and appreciated the car as the incredibly complete package that it is. BUT I owned an '02, and I do not like the lower redline, lighter clutch, and revised suspension in the '04+ models. I would love to just find an untitled '03, but I don't think that would happen.

So, I guess my question is: what would you do if you were in my situation- would you get the S and just hope it didn't let you down in the power department, or would you look for something else?

P.S. Reliability is a must, so I don't want to deal with the complications associated with supercharging the S.

 

Tell me why you sold the AMG. Is cost an issue? Or could you afford around $55k? If so, I would go with a very low milege Porsche Carrera 911 or a brand new Boxster S (they got a very nice bump in power for this year). If cost is a concern, then I would buy a new S2000. You will get used to AP2's and will start to like them.

 

get a s2000 and a z06 vette

 

Pick up a 2002ish NSX I expect that would hit most of the specifics that you want out of the car

 

I thought you and your father shared the SLK, what made both of you dislike the car so much to get rid of it? I can see one person ... but two?

My take, Z06 or 911 if one car. S2000 + something else if two.

 

Steve, you are right- that was the case. My father never drove the car because he already has a Lexus SC430, which is much more comfortable for him because he has arthritis and diabetes which restricts his ability to get in and out of the SLK. I enjoyed the SLK, but when he told me that he wanted to get rid of it, I didn't want to be selfish and say no. To be honest, it worked out pretty well from a financial standpoint because I am building a new house right now and we got out of the car without taking too large of a depreciation hit. I don't think I want to go the same route again- my next car will be my own and not shared. I will be getting a company car of my choice sometime within the next few months, so I plan on getting the SLK replacement at that time. I just need to find a car under $40k that I thoroughly enjoy driving...

I would love an Elise, but I don't think one can be had in the 30's, and there is precious little storage space.

 

blah blah blah blah blah blah

 

Didn't you also say that reliability is a MUST?
If so, forget about the Elise. That thing is about as far from reliable as it gets.

In the sports car world, the S2000 is at the top in terms of reliability.

But if you've already owned one, why not try something else. Maybe a MINI Cooper S would be of interest. Totally affordable, free maintenance, and it's just different enough to make things interesting. It's no screamer, but it depends what you're looking for.

If you want power & torque -- maybe an Audi S4....although you'd lose something in the reliability department.

If you must have a 2 seat convertible, I think the S2000 and the Boxster are the only reasonable options.

 

I really haven't been following the Elise much since it arrived in the states. What kind of problems are they having? I know the 2zz engine is not toyota's finest work, but it sure beats the Rover K-series that used to power them.

 

just find a used s2k here on the board