Talk me out of it - Honda S2000

1973911s · 08-07-2006, 12:40 PM

I have been looking for a nice P-Car to get, and if you know me I am an ANAL FREAK. I am looking for a P-Car, this is like new, has records and hasn't been tracked.

This weekend, I went and drove the Lotus Elise, and S2000. I am in love with the S2000, and am about to pull the trigger.

I can get a new one for about 4K off of sticker, it is tight getting in and out, but not as bad as the Elise, but a blast to drive.

i would use this car on the weekends, or maybe to work once in a while.

Tell me why I shouldn't do it, and that I will eventually will find the P-Car of my dreams.

The S2000 will cost about 5 less than what I was planning on spending for a G50 or 993, it is new, would only buy some nice mats, clear bra, etc.

Michael

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

Go drive a Boxster S. You can get a slightly used one for less than an S2000 right now - and it'll actually have torque.

Jared at Pelican Parts · 08-07-2006, 12:43 PM

It's a Honda.... get the porsche

motion · 08-07-2006, 12:45 PM

Michael,

You're going to get real tired of rowing gears in that little sewing machine. Plus, when you go to sell it in a year you're going to take a bath. Be patient, the right 993 will come along. It took me 6 months to find mine, all the way across the country, then I gutted it and rebuilt it the way I wanted it!

84porsche · 84porsche's Garage

Michael,

You already have a glorified Honda. Be patient. Get a 993/996 or go get a Boxster S. You sound like you want a convertible and you want a roadster. Heck look at the BMW M roadster or Z4. If he didn't sell it, swbsam has a beautiful 99 M roadster with real low mileage that he paid a fortune for with real low mileage.

Chris

kaisen · 08-07-2006, 01:07 PM

They are nice cars. Have to rev the snot out of them. Piston speeds are ridiculous, so accelerated wear is expected.

Lots of other good alternatives mentioned, but also consider the new Pontiac Solstice and Saturn SKY. Torquier and handle just as well.

E

Rodeo · 08-07-2006, 01:08 PM

Bunch of Porsche snobs

I really liked my S2000, got it new in 01, I think I had it for 18 months or so. I never got tired of shifting ... let me tell you, staying in the power band from 6 to 8+ K is addictive. And fun! The sound is incredible when you get on the cams. True, if you drop below 6k the power decreases, but not horribly.

I got the sense that the car would happily live its entire life above 6,000 rpm. It was solid and reliable. The brakes were great, and the car was really comfortable. My single complaint was vague steering feel, don't know how the new models are in that regard. And it could be tail happy at the track.

Personally, I probably would not buy new though. There are plenty of clean low mile used S2000s around, and they can be had for bargain prices. If you find a good one, buy it, continue to look for the prefect P car, and then sell for a small net cost when the time comes.

Steve Carlton · 08-07-2006, 01:11 PM

My brother just got one at invoice and leased it with the 0.00059 lease factor = about 1.4%. The car is a little tiger, highly regarded, and has adequate torque since they bumped the engine up from 1997 to 2157ccs.

Rodeo · 08-07-2006, 01:24 PM

Here was my solution to the dilemma -- all three now gone, but not forgotten

1973911s · 08-07-2006, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Rodeo
Here was my solution to the dilemma -- all three now gone, but not forgotten

So what did you replace all three with?

vash · vash's Garage

two of the best (no particular order) things that i LOVE about my 911 is my ability to work on this car, and the comaraderie i get with friends that share the same interest. i want a S2000 bad, for fun commute duty, and occasional track/AX fun, but it will never replace my nine. i always love the afterglow of getting some DIY project on the 911 done. right now my 3 day old clutch package is feeling extra silky! any of my hobby cars need to fit the criteria. i dont think the honda will.

1973911s · 02:55 PM

Your guys are right, I would much rather pull out of my garage in a 993 then the S2000.

This one came up last night for sale, price seems right, and seller would split shipping. Not sure I like the body work, and I really want a 95 so I don't have to worry about the OBD issues.

Michael

84porsche · 84porsche's Garage

That car looks very very nice. Remember, you can make it look however you want after you buy it. Different bumpers etc. At least then it will be personalized. Not to mention, you'll be back in Guards Red again.

Rodeo · 08-07-2006, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 1973911s
So what did you replace all three with?

Lotus Elise for the S2000
Honda Pilot for the 5 Series
G50 Porsche for the G50 Porsche

motion · 08-07-2006, 03:50 PM

I think it looks great! Of course, I'm a little biased.... that is my car in coupe version

dd74 · 08-07-2006, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 1973911s

Yeah - this looks a lot better than a glorified Miata.

stuartj · 08-07-2006, 05:08 PM

S2000 has just a fanstastic engine and gbox, noting all previosly mentioned concerns about the high power band. Honds build quality. I spent a weekend driving one to and from Porsche course where we where driving all the then current (996) Porsches. I found that the Boxsters were superior.

The rear end of the s2000 is a problem. Its unsettled on anything other than perfect tarmac. Mid corner bumps can really upset the car, spitting it sideways. Didnt inpsire confidence.

Rodeo · 08-07-2006, 05:18 PM

Stuart, Honda made the back end much less lively starting with the 04 models:

New for 2004

Objectives for enhancing the 2004 S2000 chassis included simultaneously improving both at-the-limit track performance and the street performance during everyday driving conditions. Honda engineers re-visited the performance of the tires and suspension to improve overall handling of the S2000 and enhance "limit controllability." To accomplish this, the tire size was increased, body rigidity improved, rear suspension bump steer qualities minimized, and the rear roll center was lowered.

Significant changes include:

Revised spring, shock absorber and stabilizer bar rates
17-inch wheels and tires (increase from 16-inch)
Optimized rear toe settings
Enhanced suspension bushings
Revised Electrically Powered Steering (EPS) programming with optimized steering gearbox ratios and enhanced steering bushing rigidity
Body rigidity increased
Brake pedal rigidity and build-up feel increased
Brake pads upgraded to enhance brake fade durability and master cylinder power ratio optimized

Wayne, you are the first person I have ever heard describe the S200's ride as harsh. My 89 911 with Bilstein sports is much stiffer than the S2000. I almost think the car you drove had a problem, or was stiffened up considerably after market.

08-07-2006, 05:21 PM

Hondas are queer

stuartj · 08-07-2006, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Rodeo
Stuart, Honda made the back end much less lively starting with the 04 models:

[i]New for 2004

Objectives for enhancing the 2004 S2000 chassis included simultaneously improving both at-the-limit track performance and the street performance during everyday driving conditions. Honda engineers re-visited the performance of the tires and suspension to improve overall handling of the S2000 and enhance "limit controllability." To accomplish this, the tire size was increased, body rigidity improved, rear suspension bump steer qualities minimized, and the rear roll center was lowered.

Thats interesting. Wasnt just me then. The one i had was a maybe an 02 model, certainly pre 04.

The rear end was the notable flaw in what was a real drivers car. Load of fun.