I'd likely buy a new power hard top Miata, but a used Elise would be very tempting.

 

nsx

 

After 9 years of ownership I still love my S2K. However, after 5 years I was itching for something new. I am lucky enough to not have to sell the Honda, but added a C6 ZO6 to the stable. Can't complain about 500+ horsepower and all that torque. Since the cars are totally different it was easy to justify having them both. This last winter I got the bug again to add something extreme to my garage. After looking at Ariel Atoms and realizing they were just too impractical for street use I turned my attention to Lotus. Found a rare 2009 Lotus Exige S 260 with 120 miles, untitled, and got a great deal. I cannot take the Lotus out unless I am prepared to have long conversations with people about the car and its specifications. I get thumbs up with the S2K and ZO6, and blank stares with wide open mouths with the Lotus. So I now have the perfect garage of sports cars that are the best bang for the buck. Which car I drive depends on my mood, the weather, and who is coming with me.

 

i actually sold my s2000 like a week ago and planning to get a Lexus SC430, v8 baby, too bad it weights a sh!t load. But it does do 0-60 in 5.8 so not bad!

 

My girlfriend has a 05 sc430 and the v8 is great. I like the car a lot but you can feel the weight in the brakes and handling. Its a decent car but imo its not worth the 68k price tag brand new.

 

I plan on keeping my car forever. But if i had to get rid of the s2000 id get a Black C6 Z06. Maybe a 5.0 mustang or even a gt500.

 

If I have to get rid of the S today, I would get an 02+ NSX-T, but I would get a daily driver like a hyundai sonata hybrid (40mpg)to go to work.

 

As everyone else said, I plan on keeping the S as long as possible. With regular maintenance, I hope to keep the cost of fixing it down. A paint job every couple years as needed won't be too bad. But, as your question posed, if I had to get something else, I would definitely be looking into an NSX or a Lotus. While they may not be 'convertible' in the same sense, you can go 'topless' which is something I really enjoy in the S. If I couldn't get my hands on one of those for a particular budget I was working with, I would probably move over into the BMW 135i. It's not a two seater nor convertible, but for the money is a good deal.

The S is really in a league of its own - for the price, very few cars can give you the power, precision and pure fun it provides. If nothing else, I would be happy with an MX5 (my wife has a new 2011) as it is lightweight, drives very well and is easy to modify for large gains.

 

e9x M3 or whatever they call it when i want one

 

I haven't had my S THAT long and was already considering changing it for a newer one, since I plan on having one FOREVER! hahaha
However, I love the 2.0/9K red....

When it comes down to it, I don't think there's a comparable vehicle in that price range when it comes to reliability and 'fun factor'.... If you decide to change it up, just test drive'em all and make an educated decision based on all factors...just know it won't be the same.