[Porsche virgin]

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.