What to buy??
I just broke in my S2000 and I wouldn't trade it for anything(well, lets not get crazy now, I'm sure a Ferrari or Porsche could convince me). But seriously, it is my daily drive car, granted I live in LA and my commute to work is only 6 miles, but I work in Santa Monica, so it is nice to have the convertible. Plus the car is FAST and the engine sounds sooooooo pretty.
Johnny-
I live in RSM and commute to the office everyday in Irvine. My better half and I primarily use her CRV for M-F transport (except on days like yesterday) and reserve the S for the weekend. Being young, fit, and no back problems I think the S is a fine car for daily transport (especially with our nearly year round convertible friendly weather).
I would suggest you really think about what you want from the car. Being a car and motorcycle nut, I can somewhat appreciate how you grouped the IS, WRX, and S together. However, they really are different cars, built for different people with different goals.
My 2 cents. The S is the best pure sports car on the market. Nothing else out there is as exhilarating to drive and as pure. Nothing. Throw in the fact that it is mentioned in the same breath and (in some cases) will out perform cars like the C5 Corvette, Boxster, Boxster S, and M Roadster and you have one hell of a value.
If you want a smooth, comfortable sports sedan then look no further than the IS. I actually like the styling and have been able to drive the car a number of times, including in a controlled track environment against an A4 2.8 quattro sports package, 330i with sports package, C320 with sports package, I30, and TL. The IS is the hands down winner from a driving experience perspective IMO. Having said that, I would wait til later this summer when the 2001 IS300 Manual becomes available. As good as the manumatic is on the IS, it is no substitute for a real manual transmission. Finally, you can be assured that your dealership experience will be the best in the world with an IS.
If you want an all-weather rocket, the WRX is a good choice. I have driven a 5 speed sedan and was very impressed. It handles well, brakes well, and accelerates very well (once you are past 3K because turbo lag is somewhat pronounced). I just think it is ugly and it is obvious that the engineers spent the money on the drivetrain and suspension because the interior isn't even as nice as a Civic. I would also recommend you look into the dealership angle. The sube dealership at the Irvine Auto Center sucks and I am not sure where else you can go to get that puppy serviced. Finally, most dealers are asking a substantial premium ($5 - $10K and have a waiting list on the car). Whatever you do, don't fall into that bulls#$!.
Drive the three cars and then decide what you really want from the car. I personally think that Subaru will bring the STi version of the WRX in a year or so and if they do, you won't be satisfied with the regular WRX. I also think that Lexus is working hard to push the envelope with the IS (L-tuned supercharger, maybe a V8 coupe) and the car is bound to be improved dramatically in the next few years and Audi is about to unleash a new A4 and the 3 series is due for an update in about three years. (By the way, check out IS300.net for a good enthusiasts forum about the Lexus).
There is a ton of speculation on this board about the future of the S2K. I think that no matter what way Honda goes with the car, it is a very special car that will remain desirable no matter what. It is a marvel of modern tech. and engineering and an absolute blast to drive.
Good luck and let us know what you decide.
I live in RSM and commute to the office everyday in Irvine. My better half and I primarily use her CRV for M-F transport (except on days like yesterday) and reserve the S for the weekend. Being young, fit, and no back problems I think the S is a fine car for daily transport (especially with our nearly year round convertible friendly weather).
I would suggest you really think about what you want from the car. Being a car and motorcycle nut, I can somewhat appreciate how you grouped the IS, WRX, and S together. However, they really are different cars, built for different people with different goals.
My 2 cents. The S is the best pure sports car on the market. Nothing else out there is as exhilarating to drive and as pure. Nothing. Throw in the fact that it is mentioned in the same breath and (in some cases) will out perform cars like the C5 Corvette, Boxster, Boxster S, and M Roadster and you have one hell of a value.
If you want a smooth, comfortable sports sedan then look no further than the IS. I actually like the styling and have been able to drive the car a number of times, including in a controlled track environment against an A4 2.8 quattro sports package, 330i with sports package, C320 with sports package, I30, and TL. The IS is the hands down winner from a driving experience perspective IMO. Having said that, I would wait til later this summer when the 2001 IS300 Manual becomes available. As good as the manumatic is on the IS, it is no substitute for a real manual transmission. Finally, you can be assured that your dealership experience will be the best in the world with an IS.
If you want an all-weather rocket, the WRX is a good choice. I have driven a 5 speed sedan and was very impressed. It handles well, brakes well, and accelerates very well (once you are past 3K because turbo lag is somewhat pronounced). I just think it is ugly and it is obvious that the engineers spent the money on the drivetrain and suspension because the interior isn't even as nice as a Civic. I would also recommend you look into the dealership angle. The sube dealership at the Irvine Auto Center sucks and I am not sure where else you can go to get that puppy serviced. Finally, most dealers are asking a substantial premium ($5 - $10K and have a waiting list on the car). Whatever you do, don't fall into that bulls#$!.
Drive the three cars and then decide what you really want from the car. I personally think that Subaru will bring the STi version of the WRX in a year or so and if they do, you won't be satisfied with the regular WRX. I also think that Lexus is working hard to push the envelope with the IS (L-tuned supercharger, maybe a V8 coupe) and the car is bound to be improved dramatically in the next few years and Audi is about to unleash a new A4 and the 3 series is due for an update in about three years. (By the way, check out IS300.net for a good enthusiasts forum about the Lexus).
There is a ton of speculation on this board about the future of the S2K. I think that no matter what way Honda goes with the car, it is a very special car that will remain desirable no matter what. It is a marvel of modern tech. and engineering and an absolute blast to drive.
Good luck and let us know what you decide.
Okay, everyone, this is gonna be a doozy, so before I begin, I'd like to say once again how grateful I am for your responses.
haha! Thanks, man. It was made using a program called ulead gif animator 5.
[QUOTE]Originally posted by jackgarlic
Johnny,
Not sure if this helps, but I'm currently driving a 96 Integra SE. My plan is to keep my car, and get an S2000 as my second car. I'll drive the S2000 mostly, but in the winter I'll drive the Integra (I'm from Chicago, where winters truely suck). I might eventually get the WRX STI to replace my Integra, but prolly not.
Well, that's my plan. Now all I need is the dough
I've given the RS-X some thought, but decided it's too ugly for me.[QUOTE]
Keep your 'teg! I have to much sentimental value in my 'teg to let it go even though I have several people who want to take it off my hands. Sounds like a good idea to keep both cars, though. I agree with you on the RS-X. The look hasn't grown on me yet, but I know in time I'll get used to it.
Man, oh man do I envy you! All my friends think I'm absolutely psychotic for being so obsessed with something that I don't even own yet. You can't imagine how much time I've spent watching Motoring videos of S2000 race footage! If any of you out there haven't seen the BestMotoring special on the S2000, go out and watch it! Those who've seen it already know why I'm so crazy about it. It's everything an S2000 aficionado could ask for! No matter how many times I watch an S2K video, I NEVER get tired! I just love the sound the S2K makes! I know that it ain't no Ferrari, but I still wouldn't mind if somebody yanked the radio out of mine.
You know what? I was thinking of that, too! But do you really think that the EVO's coming to our shores? I've heard a lot of hype regarding it, and I'm gonna remain just a little skeptical so that my heart doesn't hurt too much given the likelihood that it doesn't come here.
And, lastly, thanks, Da Hapa, for such a well-versed reply. How do you and your wife like Irvine? It certainly has its quirks =) You have to take my word for it when I say that I am one of the biggest car fanatics who have ever walked the earth. Words simply cannot express my joy for the automobile. I'm certainly looking forward to the STi version of the Impreza and the manual IS300, as well as the other automobiles that you have mentioned. Once again, I want to say that I just love the S2000. There are just so many great things about it that I just don't know where to start praising it. I just want to see the other cars on the market and give them all a chance, ya know? I just worry sometimes with regards to how long Honda decides to sell the S2000. How many more years does it have? I thought it was just gonna be a limited run? Dear Lord, I hope not. I wanna have my fun, too, dammit! I think there's too much profit that would come out of the S2K for Honda just to pull the plug, right? Or maybe I'm jes bein' a little too optimistic. Ah, what a nice way to be welcomed into the S2K online family! I've finally found a home! hahaha! Are Honda dealers allowing customers to test drive the S2000? Damn, I need to find someone who'll let me give their S2K for a spin.
Originally posted by John David
Johnny,
i like your sig.
Johnny,
i like your sig.
[QUOTE]Originally posted by jackgarlic
Johnny,
Not sure if this helps, but I'm currently driving a 96 Integra SE. My plan is to keep my car, and get an S2000 as my second car. I'll drive the S2000 mostly, but in the winter I'll drive the Integra (I'm from Chicago, where winters truely suck). I might eventually get the WRX STI to replace my Integra, but prolly not.
Well, that's my plan. Now all I need is the dough
I've given the RS-X some thought, but decided it's too ugly for me.[QUOTE]
Keep your 'teg! I have to much sentimental value in my 'teg to let it go even though I have several people who want to take it off my hands. Sounds like a good idea to keep both cars, though. I agree with you on the RS-X. The look hasn't grown on me yet, but I know in time I'll get used to it.
Originally posted by mjcohen
I just broke in my S2000 and I wouldn't trade it for anything(well, lets not get crazy now, I'm sure a Ferrari or Porsche could convince me). But seriously, it is my daily drive car, granted I live in LA and my commute to work is only 6 miles, but I work in Santa Monica, so it is nice to have the convertible. Plus the car is FAST and the engine sounds sooooooo pretty.
I just broke in my S2000 and I wouldn't trade it for anything(well, lets not get crazy now, I'm sure a Ferrari or Porsche could convince me). But seriously, it is my daily drive car, granted I live in LA and my commute to work is only 6 miles, but I work in Santa Monica, so it is nice to have the convertible. Plus the car is FAST and the engine sounds sooooooo pretty.
Originally posted by huyto
Wait 1-2 years and get EVO VII man!!!!!
Wait 1-2 years and get EVO VII man!!!!!
And, lastly, thanks, Da Hapa, for such a well-versed reply. How do you and your wife like Irvine? It certainly has its quirks =) You have to take my word for it when I say that I am one of the biggest car fanatics who have ever walked the earth. Words simply cannot express my joy for the automobile. I'm certainly looking forward to the STi version of the Impreza and the manual IS300, as well as the other automobiles that you have mentioned. Once again, I want to say that I just love the S2000. There are just so many great things about it that I just don't know where to start praising it. I just want to see the other cars on the market and give them all a chance, ya know? I just worry sometimes with regards to how long Honda decides to sell the S2000. How many more years does it have? I thought it was just gonna be a limited run? Dear Lord, I hope not. I wanna have my fun, too, dammit! I think there's too much profit that would come out of the S2K for Honda just to pull the plug, right? Or maybe I'm jes bein' a little too optimistic. Ah, what a nice way to be welcomed into the S2K online family! I've finally found a home! hahaha! Are Honda dealers allowing customers to test drive the S2000? Damn, I need to find someone who'll let me give their S2K for a spin.
Originally posted by John David
My s2000 is my daily driver and I have no regrets.
And for folks like me this car is actually an excelent daily driver - (I have fun everyday, while others only play on the weekends
).
My s2000 is my daily driver and I have no regrets.
And for folks like me this car is actually an excelent daily driver - (I have fun everyday, while others only play on the weekends
).
johnny,
i TOTALLY understand what youre going through. ever since i found this board, i've been spending 2-3 hours a day just reading old threads, new threads, etc. it's been like 3-4 weeks since i've got mine on order and i even bought stuff for it before i even have the car, like muzmat, front grill, dead pedal. people think i'm crazy, but i think it's a healthy obsession for now. when people ask me what kind of car i'm getting, i say i want the s2000. EVERYONE responds to that by, "it's so impratical!" to me, i don't think it's impratical. i got a car to get me from point a to b in as much fun as possible. and i don't care if its a 2 seater or a 4 seater. i'm buying a car for me and not for my 3-4 other passengers that are missing a great ride. =) i'm planning to use this car as a daily driver since it's my only one and for the winters in chicago, i'll be prepared with snow tires and a mini shovel in the trunk.
i TOTALLY understand what youre going through. ever since i found this board, i've been spending 2-3 hours a day just reading old threads, new threads, etc. it's been like 3-4 weeks since i've got mine on order and i even bought stuff for it before i even have the car, like muzmat, front grill, dead pedal. people think i'm crazy, but i think it's a healthy obsession for now. when people ask me what kind of car i'm getting, i say i want the s2000. EVERYONE responds to that by, "it's so impratical!" to me, i don't think it's impratical. i got a car to get me from point a to b in as much fun as possible. and i don't care if its a 2 seater or a 4 seater. i'm buying a car for me and not for my 3-4 other passengers that are missing a great ride. =) i'm planning to use this car as a daily driver since it's my only one and for the winters in chicago, i'll be prepared with snow tires and a mini shovel in the trunk.



