Hey all, i'm a newbie on this forum so forgive me for the instant questions. I've posted this on the main forum too but thought that you UK guys may have more of a clue due to road conditions and other cars similar. Not yankie spongy suspension motors

I'm desperately seeking a new car to replace my present motor, and the S2000 crossed my mind. They are great looking, have amazing performance, and arguably the best engines ever made.

The only thing putting me off is the handling. Now i've not tried one personally, but have been told that the handling on the pre-2002 models are fairly bad and have been know to cause accidents that other similar motors wouldn't. Something about the rear end not holding on, and dangerous in the wet. Is there any truth in this?

I know i've not driven one, but you can't really test the car on a test drive with a itchy sales man next to you so wanted your opinions. I really like the car, and can't afford to get a 2002 model due to cost.

Any help appreciated

 

The S2000 handles well. People coming from a front wheel drive 100ish BHP driving history can become unstuck in the rain when driving a 240 BHP rear wheel drive car. Driving a S involves being more aware of conditions, and knowing when to engage granny mode. Don't try racing a Sabaru around corners.

The standard tyres on the S are not best suited to wet weather condiftions either. They're bl@@dy marvelous in the dry though.

If you're sourcing a second/hand S from a Honda dealer, why not try to organise a day / half/day test drive ?

I think that you will have the same handling considerations with any of the roadsters on the market - the risk of these is reduced by having less bhp

CTR

 

[QUOTE]I think that you will have the same handling considerations with any of the roadsters on the market - the risk of these is reduced by having less bhp

 

Also worth considering a well cared for used example off this board, once youve test drove the dealer model.

Ian.

 

No need to worry - the car handles just fine when driven hard as long as you remember to be smooth with your inputs.

 

NoEscape

What car will you be changing from?

 

Thanks for the kind replies, i hope it didn't sound like i was slating the handling or anything, just that i read reviews (the only option i've had at this early stage!) and they say the handling pre-2002 was a little bit scary to say the least, but your right, everything is comparitive, having a RWD 240bhp S is gunna take some toloration and adjusting to.

As for me, don't laugh but i currently drive a 106 GTi everyday with 150bhp, but i do also use a Westfield 2.0 on the weekends, and have a bit of track experience using other RWD sports cars, so i'm not a novice in general, just on the S2000

Don't wanna go too much into questions cos i have the thread up on here about questions newbies ask, but i went to look at one on the weekend (X-reg) and found that the wheels were bubbling below the surface, is this common, surely that shouldn't happen on an alloy wheel?

 

NoEscape

Judging by what you've just said I think the S2000 could be right up your street

I have the '01 and love the handling

 

NoEscape, you're not a million miles from me and my S2000 (00 MY) is up for sale right now as I'm emigrating. If you want to see it / talk about handling / wet weather-dry weather / bubbling wheels / etc etc give me call on 07860 790456

Pete

 

I think corrosion on the pre 2002 model alloys was an issue - have a look at other threads. Is it still under warranty?

On handling - same rules apply as for all RWD cars. They drive differently to FWD/AWD and therefore can catch the novice out. Also, the S doesn't have all the mod driving aids that, say, a Scooby has. This means that whereas the Scooby will compliment a novice driver, the S will not (beware hedges backwards)