Before I start off, I'm obviously new here, so hopefully I put this in the right section and atleast a few of you will take the time to read this novel of a post

As the title states, I'm thinking of purchasing an AP1 S2000. I currently own a '97 M3 and love the car, but the mileage is getting up there at 108k miles and I'll shortly be putting ~90 miles on my car 3 or 4 days a week; a lot more than I've been putting on the M3. Now don't get me wrong, my M3's has been as close to perfect as a used car like this can be and has not once left me stranded in the 9-10 months I've owned it, but as the mileage keeps going up, I already know it's going to need more $ going into it. Of course my wheel whoring habit probably hasn't helped either... That, and the fact that I just can't stand the thought of it having so many miles after the next 2 years.

I've driven a few S2000's before and liked them a lot, not quite as fast (in a straight line, but like that matters anyways) as my M3, but it was just as enjoyable to drive, if not even a little more. I'm thinking I'd like to get into an AP1, as I liked them a little more than the AP2's I drove, and AP1's seem to be able to be had for a little less $. I've done some research on the car, but I wanted to get real world opinions, too, so here I am. I'll be 19 in a few days and have a clean driving record, never been in a wreck or gotten a ticket, but it seems like S2000's are still one of the more costly cars to insure. Obviously insurance rates are different for everyone, but would you guys mind sharing what you're paying per month/6 months/year to insure your S2k's? I pay for the insurance on my M3, and while it's not ridiculously expensive, it is more than the '92 Acura Legend I used to drive and I don't want to get in over my head.

Also, how're these cars maintenance wise? Besides oil changes, diff and trans fluid changes + a few other little preventative things when I got my M3, it hasn't needed any unexpected parts at all. It truly has been a pleasure to own and drive. But of course every car has it weaknesses, so what're some things in particular to look at when checking out AP1 S2k's? Also, what kind of gas mileage do you all typically get? I'm normally getting 20mpg in Atlanta city driving and get 27-30mpg on the interstate. I think that's all I have to ask for now, but I'd greatly appreciate any answers or further insight you all could swing my way. Thanks in advance!

 

Call your insurance agent office and ask what they'd charge for an M3. They only wanted $130 more a year to move me from an old Toyota sedan to a 2006 S2000. However, I'm not 19...maybe rates are tougher for young adults in a convertible. Can't believe they'd be more than an M3.

Everything I've read about the car indicates it is above average in reliability...far better, I would imagine, than am M3.

 

I don't understand how the '95-99 gen M3 is faster than an s2000, 240hp and 3100kurb weight? is it the gearing?

Welcome sogood, there seems to be a lot of new Atlanta owners lately.

I would guess you're insurance will be ~$900 for 6months...especially if you're not under your parents. I pay ~$700 and I'm 21 but I'm under my parents coverage so that makes a big difference.

All city, I usually get 22-24mpg and hwy I get about 27-28mpg. Although I generally get ~26mpg since most of driving is mixed. I don't think gas will be a very big decision maker between these two cars.

you could land a decent ap1 for around ~$14k. Check out s2katlanta.com and craigslist there are quite a few deals on there right now.

Goodluck, and this is probably going to get moved to introductions soon.

 

I plan on doing that, just haven't gotten around to calling and seeing what it'd cost, but I won't be surprised if it's more than my M3. Do keep in mind my car is 11 years old, compared to an AP1 being 5-8 years old.

Like I said, I've had zero problems with my M3 and I don't foresee anything big coming up, as I addressed the typical issues (which lie within the cooling system) shortly after getting the car. It's not even so much about the maintenance costs rising with the M3 as it ages as it is that I don't want to have close to 150k miles on the car in 2 years. Call me crazy, but I just don't want that many miles on my car and at the time that I bought it I didn't think I'd be commuting as much as I'll be doing soon.

 

[QUOTE=GT_NFR,Jun 25 2008, 08:03 PM] I don't understand how the '95-99 gen M3 is faster than an s2000, 240hp and 3100kurb weight?

 

Lol, so you're planning on getting an ap1 as a beater? or are you selling the M3 because you're afraid of putting mileage on it?

 

One word: torque

I'm still under my parents insurance coverage, so that will help, as it has with my M3.

Of course MPG won't be the deciding factor, I was just checking to see what an S2k gets. And apparently it's about the same as my M3, so I'm fine with that.

I should be able to get $13k for my car, so I'd be willing to drop about $16k or so on an S2k. I'll keep my eyes peeled, but I didn't see much on Atlanta craigslist.

 

i just got mine a few weeks ago, so i don't know too much about maintenace yet, but it's a blast to own.
i am 22 and have some tickets and have a recently totaled car on my insurance. i pay $192 a month with complete full coverage and a $500 deductable.

 

Definitely not getting an S2k and keeping the M3, I don't have that kind of money.. lol

I'm not afraid of putting miles on the car, I simply just don't want to Like I said, it's been an excellent car and I'm just trying to cut my losses on it instead of driving it into the ground, it's far too nice for that.

Ideally, I'll sell the E36, get an S2000 and keep it for 2-3 years, sell it and get a clean example of an E46 M3 or maybe even a 993 Pcar.

 

So good I know of of a white one with an aftermarket bumper...I pm'd you the link.