I was in the exact same boat only I am 34 and I have 3 kids.

My first car in 1990 was a 1987 (7K RPM) Nissan Pulsar 120hp.

Then in 1998 I bought a new Integra GSR (8K RPM). OEM Type-R suspension conversion, comptech CAI and full exhaust.

Since honda is giving up on the sportscar market and the 300hp prelude dream is forever on hold, I was waiting for the Si sedan. 5 minutes of sitting in it and it was crossed off the list. The seats are cheap, the dash is horrible, the windshiled is 5 feet from your face, and it is barely an upgrade over my GSR IMO. Not to mention the rev hang, narrow vtec band, etc... adn it is still a civic.

I bought my 03 AP1 certified with a hardtop and 31K miles for almost $5,000 less then the friggin civic.

RWD, no traction control or stability assist, 2 seats with 3 kids, Chicago weather, daily driver, totally an illogical choice but I don't regret it one bit. The AP1 is a jewel, and the pinnacle of Honda engine design IMO. The F20C was the 50th anniversary car remember.

I'll have to keep it until there is a 10K redline next just to keep my RPM trend going

Just check the insurance rates, do it right and stay up on the fluid changes, stay with quality tires, check your tires often, and don't throw it in a ditch. If you are in a nice weather area, the safety issue will be better, just be very careful in the rain.

 

Hey man

I got a S when I was 17, senior in HS and about to head off to college in a couple of months. Yes the car was sweet and it got me alotta attention. But at the same time, I was also realized that driving that thing is a huge liability.

And then the accident happened about 3 months after owning it.

I was not a crazy, speed-racer driver nor did anything at all risky, but I ended up backing into a car that I didnt see in my blind spot (top-down) because i wasn't used to checking the blind spot. That definitely screwed over my insurance rates for the next 4 years.

I can honestly say, looking back now, I would never trust my kid with an S2k until he was old enough to pay for it himself and his insurance. Things happen and one mistake at your age.....and you're in deep trouble. You may even end up hating your S because of the mental anguish you might encounter.

My 2 cents is to get a cheaper, used 4 seater car, save the money, invest in the stock market & mutual funds, and wait to get the S2k a few years down the road. By then, you'll get a newer model and have leftover cash to spend on parts

 

and you won't have any hators. Teenagers do alot of stupid sh!t; cost me a slit top by a pocketknife.....another $600.

 

You backing into a car has nothing to do with 17 year old buying s2000s. I mean I'm sure most people don't regularly have problems backing into other cars.

To the OP, it's all about how responsible you are. I'm the same age and you and really into cars, so I know how you feel. You just have to convince yourself to not take risks and play it easy for a while if you choose the s2k route. Good luck.

 

if you're responsible and a good driver, there's nothing wrong with owning a sports car at a young age (though insurance will be a PITA). however, this car can be dangerous in bad weather (ap1's don't have vsa), so that may be something to consider. as for deciding between an si or s2000, it really depends on how practical of a vehicle do you need.

 

s2k

 

it's all about your finances. get the AP1 vin and get some insurance quotes for that car. add that to the monthly of the car. do the same thing with the FG Si, compare the two and make a sound financial decision.

if you just want to make a decision, then just decide on the AP1.

 

get the civic...

At 17 this car would have been a bit too much for me. Drive the civic around till you get to college and trade her in for an 08 s2k then. also, if you get it now insurance is gonna kill you..I'm guessing it's gonna be more then the car payment itself..it shouldn't be that way.

I'm assuming a lot of your friends do not have cars yet, so you get to take them around.

 

If those are the only two choices then get the Civic.

 

Have you thought about winter? I'm planning to drive my S in the winter, so you know what I'm gonna say lol.

But all in all, get the S.