Way back in the summer of 2002 I was shopping around for an S2000. I had, more or less, negotiated a deal, and on August 12th, about 2 hours after it rolled off of the car carrier, I signed a three year lease for my 2002 S2000.

The car has been my pride and joy ever since. The oil and filter is changed every 1,000 miles, it is washed and waxed every other week (whether or not it needs it) and it is cared for as well as any car has ever been cared for. It isn't driven in the rain or snow (it's only been in the rain twice) and it is always garaged. I still park it in the furthest spot in the lot, and won't take it to any place where I can't park it by itself (and watch it). I've painted the calipers, added rear speakers and a 6 CD changer, a front lip protector and a Fumoto Oil Valve. I've kept records of everything. I can tell you every time the windshield has been cleaned, every time the car has been vacuumed, every time it's been washed and give you the receipt for every drop of gas that has ever been put into the car. Long story short, the car has been loved and with 14,624 documented miles, it is probably in better condition then the day I bought it.

None the less, my lease is going to be up in August so I thought I'd ask your advice on what I should do just for the fun of it.

(Feel free to say anything you like, I've already made up my mind, but I'm curious about what everyone will say.)

 

Based on the way you've kept your car, and the passion you've shown, I suspect there can be only one real answer .

I'd love to keep mine, but I suspect i'll be trading mine in and moving on next year. I've found keeping a heavily autcrossed car can lead to trouble so I'm enjoying mine one last year.

 

KEEP IT Rob!

 

You leased it?????

 

Yes. At the time I thought that it might be advantageous to do so.

 

As you are fully aware,with not knowing the payoff,which is none of our business anyway, we would be in no position to answer that one I'd say let it go back and buy a new S,....real glass in the back window, better handling, 17" wheels etc.etc.

 

Sorry, but he already has a glass rear window. The better handling is a matter of opinion. I won't start an '02 v '04 war here.

Rob, the point about the payoff above is the only fact we need to know to make this decision on a rational basis. I say give it back, and then buy it off the lot for less than the pay-off.

I know you'll keep it.

 

Robb,

Now that's a tough one. Only you can really answer it. You really baby your "S" so for sure it is a great car. If you did not already have the rear glass window I would vote for turning it in. But since you already have the 02+, the issue is more about how you like the older suspension and the 9K, vs the re-tuned suspension (with 17" wheels, a nice feature IMO) and the higher torque engine.

The March issue of Motor Trend was very complimentary to the new suspension. Against some pretty stout competiton the "S" ranked #5 out of the 10 sportscars tested.

At FC I talked with a guy who traded an 02 for an 04 and he said it is much improved. I believe this guy had a lot of track experience with both cars. My suggestion.... try to get a good test drive in an 05 and decide if it is good enough to give up your baby for a new queen. Good luck!

 

Maybe, maybe not. I'll let you know in a few days (my mind is already made up, but I want to hear everyone's opinion).

The payoff is in the very low 20s.

 

Very low 20s means 21 k to me. At that price, I would keep it. You cannot get a low mileage, known quantity for that price.