Hey all!!!!!!!!

This is probably going to be the lamest post on the forum but anyway....

I'm thinking about buying an S2000 in two weeks when I get home from a year of travels but having read the section on the "twitchy" rear end of the S to be honest I'm terrified. S2000 is chosen over boxster (looks sh1te) and z4 (feels sh1te). This is going to be my only car and will be used as a daily driver throughout the year come, rain, wind, hell and high water. Some members seem to dispose of their S's in the winter because of this issue and I won't have this "luxury".

Details:
1. I'm 26 and this will be my first serious car (last one was handmedown Mondeo).
2. I'm looking at a second version 02-03 S approx 14,000pounds.
3. Journeys will be mixed backroads plus lots of M4 use.

Scared but have always thought the S was the best value serious sports car around since I was 18.

Advice please

James

 

Just go get one, and then do the 1st Lotus course or something similar to practice. No need to be scared, but cautious is good. The problem with the S is that people who've only driven Mondeos and the like don't have good throttle control and get in a RWD car and drive it the same way, the classic case being hitting the throttle before straightening out the wheel coming out of a roundabout. I don't think it goes that quickly, but if you over correct it does bite back and throw you round the other way very fast, and that's something you just need to go practice on an airfield.

Somebody will now tell you that the standard tyres are no good through the winter, but personally I've never had any problem.

 

You'll be fine. I used mine in all weather and did 46k over 2 1/2 years and my driving style is not exactly sedate
Just take it easy and don't get over confident.
Do some of the days mentioned in the post above.

 

I was 27 when i got mine and it was the first proper rwd car (excluding vauxhall carlton, yes, really...) ive owned (tho driven many others thru working in t' trade) and i have since driven through the winter rain,sun and snow! Its absolutely fine, as my learned fellow owner above says treat it with respect, gradually build up your pace with experience and youll be fine...go for it!

 

The S2000 is fine in winter if you know how to treat it.

 

Thanks guys - Ade73 - love the wheels.

Next issue - private/dealer/independent.

Quite fancy going private - have seen other users asking for help when buying. I'll travel anywhere within 50miles of M4 along its length but I don't get back from Oz until July 12th. I'm checking autotrader and ph everyday and getting excited but will most likely ask for a critical appraisal before doing the deed - it's all a bit daunting for a newbie. God - didn't even consider different tyres - got a lot to learn.

 

I posted something very similar to you re wet weather concerns, no RWD experience etc shortly after I bought mine (though I couldn't afford the insurance at that age). For the past 4 years I have used mine all year round and even managed to keep it out of the ditches unlike some

The car is specialised IMHO, and does need looked after - I'd want to make sure the previous owners knew what they were doing re checking oil, sticking right tyres on, not stuffing it into hedges etc.

I would judge each car on it's merits rather than specify dealer/private etc at that age. Warranty cover from dealer is very valuable (my 02 was extremely unreliable), but prices will be OTT - could get a very good deal from a knowledgeable private seller if you are lucky.

 

You can buy a Honda warranty for any Honda car under 7 years old with FHSH.

Also I'd avoid any of the Jock cars - 20k of Jock meet miles is about 100k of normal mies

 

Go for it. But be aware of what you have got in the wet or icy conditions and you'll be fine. It is a high performance car that is exceptionally rewarding to drive. See any of the best motoring programmes to convince yourself

 

James - I had similar fears myself, when I was looking only earlier this year. I'm 26, and my only previous experience of rwd drive action, was a quick track day in a Ferrari F355. And my daily driver at the time was a 75bhp VW Golf. So it was quite a jump for me as well.

Don't worry about the "twitchy" rear end. So long as you take care to begin with, and slowly build up confidence as to what the car can do. Don't think it will bite if you lift mid corner like a mid-engine car can do high speeds. Just take care. Besides, if your anything like I was, you'll end up driving slower than normal, when you've got the roof down

I use mine for everyday use, and my only regret, is that most of my miles that I put on the clock, are boring commuting miles. But at least I'm doing the daily run in style. It might be a good idea to try and get a GT (with hardtop), so you have that option in the winter months, for when it's a bit colder.