There are a lot more modified Porsches out there than you probably realize. The Cayman S parked in the garage next to my S2000 is turbocharged and has suspension mods. It's been boosted for nearly 40k miles, is reliable enough to be my daily driver, and an absolute blast to drive. But from outward appearance, you'd never guess the car was modified to that extent.

A buddy of mine has a new 911 Turbo S, and he's had the turbos reworked to the tune of 750+ hp. Another has a Cayman GT4 with full JRZ track suspension and a handful of other mods.

Not that I'm suggesting any of these cars to the OP, lol...

 

Most Porsche owners aren't really looking to mod their cars either. There are always exceptions to the rule, but you won't see too many doctors driving Porsches with modified exhaust, lowered suspension and whatnot. lol.

 

???
You can get a 987 Boxster S for $25k. It's not as raw as the S2000, but I certainly wouldn't call it the bottom of the heap.

 

Not a fan of any prior to the 981...

 

Ok, I humbly stand corrected . But you really should consider a FR-S/BRZ. Pick up a gently used one, enjoy it until you've finished school (how long is that for physicians?!) and then go out and pick up a nice, new Cayman or Boxter variant. Besides, what's another $100,000 (+/-) of debt in addition to your med school loans?

 

Don't listen to them. I've had 3 or 4 s2000's now. All with soft tops and all have sat outside in my apartment complex or in the parking garage at fsu and never once has my car been broken into or the top torn. My neighbors cars have been broken into before but never once has anyone touched my s2. I live in a college town with a bunch of drunk kids too so if anything was going to happen it would likely happen to one of mine.

If you're that worried about it, then drop 3k on a hardtop for peace of mind. Feel free to ask me any questions about dailying the car as a student since I've been daily driving an s2k for the past 2 years lol

 

Thanks for all the information guys, truly appreciate it.
To answer some questions:

1) The only reason I don't look at the BRZ etc .. is mostly because I love the convertible style. Yes, you guys are right about me worrying about the roof being cut open & so shouldn't buy a convertible as a student parking in apartment lots, campuses, hospitals, and grocery stores.
2) I mostly will not be owning a garage anytime soon because I might have to move to different cities and hospitals quite a bit so don't plan to invest too much on where I live for short periods of time.
3) Yes, I have thought about the BMW Z4 with it's convertible hard top but heard it requires maintenance and has a-lot of issues compared to other convertibles for the same price point. Also heard that when buying a bmw z4 you really have to watch the miles on it as they require way more mainteance compared to other convertibles above 75-100k miles.
4) 25k is a-lot of money for me as a student. I was looking for something <$10k but everywhere I look the Honda S2000 is very expensive as the prices have gone up. The reason I mentioned the Porsche Boxster is because I'd rather pay for a Porsche then a Honda if I'm putting out $25k.
5) The reason I mentioned long trips is because I love to travel & if the S2000 is going to shaking my body/vibrating for 8hrs .... that's no fun at all especially if you're tired. I do appreciate smooth rides.
6) Another thing is the price of the s2000 is bugging me currently because it's only a 4 cylinder car and still the price is crazy for it. I'm sure it's worth every penny but I would rather pay more for a 6 cylinder car.
7) Reason I am very worried about the s2000 being cut into is because I simply cannot afford to dish out so much money to get it all fixed if it does happen. The $3000 hardtop is a good idea for sure but it's $3000. Currently money is a big concern for me for sure, even $3000 means a-lot for me.
8) What car would you recommend me for under $8000? Is it possible to get a GOOD condition Honda S2000 in today's day for <$8000? Would it be worth it?

Thanks!

 

Response to question 8

A $8,000 S2000 would not be in fantastic shape.

If I had $8000 spend on a convertible, I am going out and buying the nicest NB(1999-2005) Miata I can find. I've owned a 1995 model Miata and I loved it. Tremendously fun, surpringly practical, bulletproof reliability, cheap to work on, fantastic aftermarket, and a great car to learn rear wheel drive on. I know a lot of the folks on here hate Miata's but they are very fun cars.

 

You are studying to be a Doctor. I assume that means you planning on having good judgment skills. That comes with practice. Both in your private and professional life. Think about that for a bit.

An used Acura MDX may actually be the best choice. A used BMW X5 is another. The BMW will cost MUCH more per mile. However it will turn the virtually the same lap time on the Nurburgring as a M5. That comes from a conversation with Hans Stuck.

You need security and the ability to get where you are supposed to be when you are supposed to be there. You signed up to be the paid boy scout. Buy the proper equipment for the job. You do a good job over the next few years and you will have the spare time and cash for a fun tool. You are almost there. Patience grasshopper. The next five years will fly by. Don't have kids and they will go even faster.

 

After reading this thread, I will tell you this. You cannot afford to maintain a Boxster. Trust me, I had a CPO Cayman S and dumped it when it came off of warranty. If you cannot afford to drop up to $5k on a repair, you can't afford a Porsche. Also, you don't want an S2000. If you're concerned about "vibrations", this is not the car for you. It's terrible as a daily, even worse on road trips, and frankly, a decent one is still apparently out of your budget. Focus on school, learn to drive a manual in a cheap hatchback, and get a sporty car when it's not such a financial burden for you. I'm a big believer that you should not have a car that is more expensive than the sum of your financial savings/portfolio. If you don't have $25k saved up towards retirement, don't buy a $25k car.