IMO, there's no replacing an S...so you could trade for a newer one! haha

Here's a couple of other vehicles that would suit the question:

Ariel Atom MUGEN Edition


Older Body Jag XKR


Viper Conv


Shelby Cobra (or replica)


BMW Z8 and Z4



Benz SLK55 AMG


Lotus Elise


Porsche Boxster Spyder (new body)

 

Lol at the Z8. That thing has probably the worst reviews I have ever read for a car that costs so much. Really though there are fewer and fewer good convertable out there. Who knows maybe by the time I go to sell my S the current M6 will be cheap enough. I mean there just really isn't much to choose from even if you take on $20K to the S2000's original price tag. I think they have all been named in this thread for the most part and just about every single car listed will never be as reliable as the S.

 

If the S didn't exist, I would have probably bought a Miata. True, they aren't as powerful, but they are still really fun to drive.

 

Boxster or Benz. Start saving now...

I used to have a Miata. That's going backwards.

-jazzman

 

1992 Passat with a 4-banger and an automatic. comparable driving inspiration to anything else compared to the S with a reasonable price tag

 

Hands down MX-5. The decision would be whether or not to get the PRHT.

 

Awaiting the FR-S.

 

I think most of you have reached the same conclusion I have. I'm no Honda fanboi, but I really can't come up with anything in the price range that compares. I'm willing to talk the price of the S2000 when new, about $30K. For that money, I am looking at used cars to find anything comparable. A used Z4? Too much of a cruiser car, not enough of a sports car. Boxster S? Big money for a used low mileage example. Probably a base C6 Vette could be had for near that money, but the convertibles are usually a bit higher.

As for the Miata, I just don't ike the latest body style. Maybe they will redesign it, but as someone said above, that is a step backwards.

The Elise, Exige and Atom are a bit too minimalist for me. I put on about 5,000 miles a year and I find the S2000 delivers them in relative comfort with a reasonable suspension and good seats with decent room in the seat of the pants.

I sure wish Honda had kept developing this car instead of discontinuing it. I know the sales volume dropped off, but I think they have themselves to blame for letting the car go stale.

 

I am having the same problem and even including coupes there isn't much that excites me. If you can go a little over $30k, then your logical choices in convertibles would be Z4M, Boxster, C6, and 370Z (All of which I prefer the coupe version). All nice cars and technically an upgrade, but none of them really have that "gotta have it" factor to me. Really the only thing I would want to step up to is a 09+ Cayman S which is at a totally different price point. It is a testament to the S that other cars just don't seem as fun.

 

I sold my 03 S after owning it for 7 years.

*Big Mistake*

Bought an 08 S to replace it.

The only other fun car that interests me would be a rat rod. But I've never driven one. I just like the look and the concept of total customization.