S2000 driving impressions

rammstein · 11-08-2004, 08:48 PM

I've been contemplating a more reliable vehicle. The S2000 seems to be very inexpensive (I've seen good 2002 examples for 22k with very low miles). I was thinking about trying to test drive one. Anybody have any experience/comments on this car?

cantdrv55 · 11-08-2004, 09:16 PM

One S2000 looks just like another S2000. IMO, the car has no soul. It drives like a Honda until you hit the power band then it transforms itself to an Indy racer. There have been a few reports about reliability issues but I think they're minor. I don't like the seating position much as the door is too high for me to rest my elbow on. It really does corner like its on rails. I once thought I'd buy one of these but it would mean having to get rid of one 911. No can do! It may sound like I don't like the S2000. On the contrary, I like it just fine. I wouldn't give up my P-car to own one though. Check out this site for more info:

www.s2ki.com

Porsche-O-Phile · Porsche-O-Phile's Garage

If I wanted to wind up the engine to 8 grand before getting any power, I'd just go take out the motorcycle.

If I wanted 90 ft-lbs of torque, I'd likewise go take out the motorcycle. Or maybe a rider-mower.

s_wilwerding · s_wilwerding's Garage

You can get a used Boxster for about the same price as an S2000, and the Boxster does pretty much everything better than the Honda, other than peak power.

Mule · 11-09-2004, 05:05 AM

Great shift, great steering. Wouldn't pull a greased string out of a cats ass.

Porsche virgin · 11-09-2004, 05:28 AM

The S2k is a very nice car. To me, it was too expensive for the initial buy-in. They hold their value pretty well. I was looking at a new S2k for $33k vs. a 911 for $13k-$16k. There are a few things you should know. First, the pre-2002 cars had some engine problems. A few had serious problems. I'm not sure exactly what they were, but we're talking take-the-engine-apart problems. Those first cars also had a plastic rear window. They are also TWITCHY as hell. I have autox'ed a few of them, and I ALWAYS spin them. If you look at the car wrong, it spins. In that respect, it is like a 911. You need to be a highly skilled driver to take full advantage of the car. Next problem. Not all of the people who bought them were skilled drivers! MANY of these cars ended up in the hands of the Fast and Clueless crowd, so they have been thoroughly beaten. By 2004, however, they got it right. If you have ever driven a Miata, you have an idea what the '04 S2k is like. A Miata on steriods, that is. The '04 and later cars have excellent brakes, are quick, and fun to drive. They are also MUCH easier to control at the limit. Coming out of a modified 951, you are going to be disappointed with the actual driving experience, I think. The Honda will, however, NOT break.

A suggestion for you. Keep the 951 and drive it less. Then buy a $5000 Miata. Have your fast, fun car (the 951) and a reliable, fun everyday car (the Miata). Just my $0.02!

Hope this helps.

Porsche-O-Phile · Porsche-O-Phile's Garage

First off I'd never get a "new" car, since it's a complete rip-off. I'd get a 2-3 year-old model at most recent. Good choices would include: an older 911 (maybe 70s-80s vintage, so long as it's in good shape), a turbo Miata (yes, those are out now), the BMW Z4 (in a couple of years, once the suckers have eaten the depreciation), the Boxster S (likewise), or maybe a Cooper S. The S2000 is a "fun" looking car, but it's still a Honda. If it can't produce at LEAST 150 ft-lbs of torque, what's the point?