Here is the sad truth gentlemen.....


If you want anything that comes close to the fix you get driving your S, you'll need to nearly double up on the pricetag.

 

I have no plans to sell this car anytime soon. Honestly, there's nothing out there anywhere near my pricerange that would compare.

 

It will probably be 2010 or 2012 before I put enough miles on the S to justify getting something else. Who knows what will be available then?

 

If it ever happens, it'll probably be for a classic Ferrari or maybe an E-type Jag. I consider this unlikely, but possible. As others said, there's really nothing out there currently that's anywhere near the price that would make me trade the S. I'd like a Modena, or possibly even a previous generation F355 cabrio (god, they're gorgeous), but that's fantasy-land right now.

Oh, and the Elise... Guys, be warned about the ownership experience. Lotus doesn't have a stellar rep (that's an understatement) here in the states. As much as we bitch about Honda dealers, you can ratchet that up tenfold (from what I hear) when you talk about Lotus.

 

 

After owning my S2000 for 3 years I got a turbo Beetle which I've inexpensively made faster than a stock S2000. Handling isn't in the same league but it is much easier to drive everyday, has tons of room, tons of torque ( what's that like? and gets better gas mileage. I couldn't get better than 20mpg in the "S" and now get 30 mpg with a faster car. It's a fun car in it's own right and is a true sleeper and my car payments are now one third of what they used to be for the "S". I have no regrets getting rid of the "S". My brother and many local friends still give me a VTEC fix every now and then.

 

Dusty, buddy... Take this from an old fart who really knows... You will need your playtoy when your little one(s) arrive. Don't give up the sports car for the kids -- I believe you'll regret it and ultimately blame them for this sacrifice.

If I had it to do over again, as much as I love the little tax exemptions, I'd have made more time for myself and for my wife and me than I did over the years. A little top-down motoring is a fantastic stress reliever when you need to escape from the day-to-day grind of raising a family.

That said, obviously, the S will not do as a family car. You need an additional set of wheels.

 

I tried an '04 Rio, but it didn't stir my soul like the '00 does. So I'll keep the '00 until it's not drivable. If it's from an engine issue, I'll just get another F20C. If it's from frame damage (like a wreck) I might transplant the engine/tranny to a WCM Ultralite.

If it's ever a complete loss, the Elise and C6 Z06 seem interesting but I really don't know what I'd do.

 

i dont forsee getting rid of my S at any point, she'll just move over to more garage and weekend duty than anything. the next daily driver will either be a carrera 4s or an Sl55

 

I will probably pick up an M3 or a C6. But I am keeping the S also I think. I thought modding the S would be a drain on my pocketbook?!?!?

It's so much cheaper to mod cars than remodel my house....now that is a true money pit!! But my house is going to be sweet when I'm done, so I guess I shouldn't bitch too much.