Hey whats up, im new here... i have an 02 Mustang GT right now and have plans to buy something new. I was just going to go for an 05 GT but im not all that crazy about the look of the new model, I know that in a year they are going to be on every block, and I wanted something that feels more like a 100% sports car this time around (im really into Ferraris but yea, those are a little out of my price range right now)... got a budget of $30,000 (will be buying used) and in that price range the s2000 is my favorite.

I love everything about the car, the only thing that worries me is the rather low torque.
The car will be a daily driver (harsh, loud ride is fine.. im used to it) and never be raced or taken to the track, im just looking for a really fun car that FEELS fast, the actual 0-60 numbers aren't that important.... does the s2k do that well?
I'll be test driving asap but you guys already have the car so id like some opinions, some have told me its really slow but they didn't own the car so I don't know who to believe.... again im not looking to race it, just have something fun to drive.

 

You may forget about the torque once you get used to the handling... You know the 1/4 mile time should be about the same as your GT with just the right launch?

 

Oh is it? If the times are similar to my GT then that's definately fast enough for daily driving, for me at least.

 

even faster

 

Well I usually see mags rate the GT at 14.0 and the S should be able to pull off a 13.8 with a high-rpm launch...

 

coming from a torquer Mustang to the S2000.

U will be disapointed with the low end power.

 

well, i went from an '00 GT to an '02 acura rsx-s to an '04 S2k...

the rsx-s wasnt as quick as the stanger was but i fell in love with the high-revving 4-cylinder VTEC motor...it's a different animal than the 4.6L in the stanger. then i went from the rsx to the S2k...and i've loved it ever since.

my guess is that you will enjoy driving the S - even though it wont "feel" quite as fast (lack of torque pushing you back in the seat, etc). however, the handling and overall nimble feel of the car will impress you. and of course once you hit the VTEC switchover...

good luck - let us know what you think once you drive one!

 

I have been researching my purchas of an S2K for over a year and I finally got my bonus and put my money down last week. (I pick it up tomorrow!)

The other car I was looking at was the '05 Boster, but I just could not justify paying sticker (and a lot more cash) for it. Instead, I bought the Honda and put the rest of the bonus on the mortgage. Regardless, I am plenty stoked about the Honda and if you like a balanced, well executed design you should be happy with it.

I too was a little nervous about the lack of torque -- but its a sports car not a dragster. Besides, I am buying one because of its technological excellence, balance, handling, reliability, sex apeal and overall fun factor. That said, if torque is your thing and you want the low-rpm shove, you may want to look elsewhere.

Anyway, with respect to price, DO NOT PAY MORE THAN INVOICE.

If you have $30k to spend then get a new one. Mine was $32,000 out-the-door with taxes and all. If I had been on the ball an purchased the car in December, I would have spent a few hundred dollars less but prices went up in January by a little over $300

BTW, PDI and prep on my purchase was $350 and I could of got one from another local dealer with no PDI and prep costs; however, they did not have the red-black interior I wanted and so I bought it from the dealer who was getting in the exact car I wanted.

Also, one other word of caution, I would not reccomend getting a car that has been used as a dealer demo.

(Likely the car has been redlined in the first 10 miles of a "test drive." I have had several sales people tell me to "go for it" during test drives because they know that getting up into the rev range is what really sells the car.)

 

I'm coming on a year with my 01 as a daily driver. Excellent car. It'll get you way more looks than a Mustang, and yes, they'll be everywhere, production is being increased 70% (tonight's news).
The S is way fast enough for daily use. I can't imagine anyone really using all the ponies under the hood on a regular commute. I still don't fully understand torque (I wasn't raised in a gearhad household) and have usually owned cars that either fit the budget or that I just plain liked, with the top two of those an 88 CRX Si and a 99 Intergra LS. If you're not racing and want a car that's guaranteed to increase your smile factor, this will do it for you in spades.

 

I recently switched from a Trans Am to the S2000. The S2000 has all the power I need. I don't know what "feels fast" to you, but it is actually fast - and quick - when I need it to be.

I will say that it took some getting used to for me. Coming from a car where I rarely revved past 3000 or maybe 4000 rpm, it took me a month or two to get used to revving to 6000 or more. If you test drive one, try to find a used one or a demo that's past the 600 mile break in period, let it warm up all the way, and be sure you take it up to 6000 or 7000 at least.

$30,000 may get you a new one if you want it, especially if you can still find an unsold 2004 (identical to the 2005s). Be aware that the 2004+ models are geared to provide the feel of more torque.