Barry,

I don't have an issue with most of what you're saying... and I don't think Honda is justified to provide a crappy service because it underpriced their car by 10,000 dollars.

I'm just not sure if your example applies. It's a different business. Honda segments their customers into different service levels, something a doctor, like yourself, doesn't do. They even went all the way into creating a different brand for that in the states, the infamous Acura brand... so they are very conscious of the need to serve customers differently depending on their (customer's) potential value. It is just one of those facts...

I also believe that the s2000, given its specs, price point, attracts a mixture of drivers less benign to the hardware than your average SLK owner. That is something that Honda has to deal with. If you ask me what percentage of cars are overreved by misshifting I wouldn't have a clue, but I would bet money that is higher in the S2000s than in the Accord, or the Porsche Boxter for that matter. In the end it all adds up.

There is really nothing scientific in all of this analysis. Just (un)common sense .

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by dlq04
[B]Luis,

Honda's President gave a SAE presentation shortly after the S2000 began production.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Barry WY Silver/Black '01
[B]... even if the car was underpriced by $10,000 from the beginning.

 

from my own imagination...

 

oh, come on.

Just compare it with the BMW Z4 2.5. It's more expensive than the s2000 and lacks:

A/C
a powered soft top
an LSD
Xenon headlights
Cruise Control
a 6 speed gearbox
leather seats
a few other things
and most importantly, 56HP!


IMO it's obvious that the s2000 is underpriced when compared to the competition... At least for the moment.

BTW, Chris, how did you like the driving experience? It's getting rave reviews in magazines across europe. I personally like the style, my only concern is that BMW will sell them by the millions and will end up as ubiquous as the Z3 is.

 

I did not get to drive a six speed, but did a pretty good job of thrashing an automatic. I liked it, think it feels refined compared to the S2000 and frankly found it easier to drive fast, at least fast on the street. Goes, stops, and handles very well and feels every bit as solid as the Honda. It lacks the raw edge of the S2000 so I am unsure of what tires me sooner.. the lack of that raw edge, or having it all the damn time which I admit gets to me now at times.

Surprised that I enjoyed and was impressed with the things I have learned to live without like adjustable seats, steering wheel, etc. I am still not taken with the styling although as willing as they are to cut a deal I am sure there will be plenty of them around so I will become accustomed to them.

If I was in the market for a car I would certainly be interested in it. I've got to guess that the marketing plan cannot allow any mention of an M version for a couple of years, but once sales plateau the M may appear as a real performer.. so that possibility will hold me for a while.

 

I'm back.

Click here for the full story:

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/showthread.php?...threadid=124847


Thanks to all of those who supported me.