Hi guys,

I'm new to this forum so hello!

I have owned my 2003 Suzuka blue S2000 for over a year now and I have loved it as my DD. I'm lucky in that it is relatively low mileage example (~71k) as well. I live in the southeast so I can daily it no problem but sometimes I have the desire to have more power.

More specifically, I have been tempted to sell some point soon to switch to a C6 'Vette GS or C6 Z06. I have always been between stuck between a decision on these two (entirely different) cars but ultimately I picked the S2k... I was curious if anyone can speak on their experience if they have owned both vehicles, so that I can decide if selling is the right move.

 

You own the S2000, free and clear, right? If it were me, keep the S2000 and look for a Corvette. They are two different beasts. You may miss the Honda.

 

I have a C6 Z06 and am looking for a S2K, I have not driven an S2k but think it would be more usable on a daily basis. The Corvette is very low, scrapes easily and getting in and out is not great plus it has huge doors, also rear visibility is limited. The power is great but the gearing is very tall, it is hard to enjoy it without seriously breaking the speed limits. The roof is fixed on the Z06 so no open air motoring. It is easy to work on and regular maintenance is very easy. I had a C5 Z06 previously, that is a very similar experience with a little less refinement and power.

 

This could easily describe my S2000 with the roof up.

Few of us here bought their S2000 new which means they were previously discarded, some more than once, so the vast majority opinion is to get rid of them. If it ain't working out for you do the same, no one will think anything bad about about you. I'm a slow learner regarding roadsters as well as 2-seaters in general, especially as a daily driver. Bought several and abandoned (or wrecked) all of them but one. My widow will have to sell mine as I have the luxury of never needing to drive it and reserve it for roof down fun.

-- Chuck

 

Thanks for the feedback. I would debate you about drivability on the standpoint of cabin noise and the high gearing the S2000 not being great for highways. Besides that I agree with how low the car is and visibility etc... I think I need to test drive to really know

 

Yeah I own it. And that is my only worry, I may miss it!

 

So I own both an s2000 and a C5Z. I know you are looking at C6 Vettes but I can offer some thoughts

Vettes are def faster and the more practical sports car. They sound great and are reasonably reliable like S2000 are. They def feel bigger and you are right when you say you will be hitting some serious speed limits when pushing them.

They also are a whole different experience. LS based engines are great, but but are lazy compared to the F20C. Torque is awesome to have, and they take to mods really well.

S2000's feel special and more rare, especially in good condition. They are worth quite a bit more than they were and a good replacement, if you regret selling, is going to be tougher to find. GM made a ton of C6 Vettes. I've seen and heard many examples of people that sell and purchase a second, or even third S2k looking for that experience again.

I would rather take the S on the spirited drive with sweeping backroads more than the Vette, but on a long road trip, I would take the Vette.

If you can swing both that would be my answer. I daily drove my S years ago when it was my only car, and although it wasn't terrible, I don't think I would do it again. I also would sell my Vette before the S2k because of the replacement dilemma.

Just my thoughts as an 18 year owner.

 

Thanks for the thoughts, and it doesn't help Z06 prices are pretty high right now for whatever reasons. Now I don't think Z06 manual prices will go up much higher but who knows. In regards to S2000 prices, do you see them going up past $30k for <100k mile examples in the next 10 years?

 

I don't see S2k prices rising too much in the near future, but I'm just speculating.

I looked into C6Z's some time back as a c5Z upgrade, but in all honesty the LS7 Head issues scared me away. I'm 100% sure its overblown, but as a self mechanic, Head issues are something not easily fixable for a DIY'er. Something else to think about.

Not sure it matters to you, but Vettes, with the exception of some of the new C8Z06 and ZR1's are invisible to others on the road, and you see tons of them at Car shows and other events.

I love mine, but don't get me wrong. The S2k gets more attention in that regard. The interior of the Vettes in the C5 and C6 generations are also an acquired taste. Interior is way better in the S2k.

Def test drive one and get what fits best for you.

 

Prices of C6 Z06s have been pretty stable in the last few years but recently they have been creeping up as they are getting more attention, Hagerty just named it in the bull market '26 list. Both the S2K and Z06 are special cars, the C6 Z06 is pretty unique even at the high end of the market, aluminum and magnesium frame, 7L 505hp 7k rpm, 3100lbs, transaxle, heads up display, keyless entry and push button start, active exhaust, 275 front and 325 rear tires, massive 6 piston brakes. If I was buying a C6 Z06 I would want a low mileage, under 10k miles, stock one. If it was modified I would only buy one that had been modified by Katech at their facility, IMO they are the only choice if you are having one modified. Prices range from $35k to $75k, $45k - $50k you should be able to get a pretty nice one.
C5 Z06 is a great car too, simpler, not as different from the regular C5 as the C6 Z06 is from the regular C6. I love that it has pop up headlights, I had a mint C5 Z06 with 9k miles 10 years ago, I had it for a few years and bought and sold it for $29k, they have gone up a little but you can still get a pretty nice one for around $30k.