I've just got a couple of questions...

1.) Price - What is the lowest you guys think I could purchase a brand new (2002) S2k for? What do you think I can talk them down too? The Retail price in my area is around $32,400 - give or take a few hundred.

2.) The hard top - how difficult is it to put on/take off? About how long does it take to put it on or take it off? Does Honda sell some sort of storage rack for it so it doesn't just sit in my garage floor when not in use?

3.) Performance - anyone in this forum is obviously a fan of its performance, but what kind of cars have you beaten on a track setting? On a street setting? How heavily modified?

4.) Fun Factor - If you have driven other cars like it, how does it measure up to other cars in its class (convertibles/roadsters around $30k)?

Thanks in advance. I'm excited to read the responses.

 

1.msrp
2.the hard top is like another 3000 dollars! Please dont buy a honda rack for it for like 50000 dollars. No I dont think they make a rack! I dont have anymore money o spend on the hard top.
3.Mine not broken in yet. I don't know. If you ask ITR people, ITR is better. If you ask s2k people s2k is better. I think depending on the track and driver, the two cars can be close.
4.Wasn't it the most fun car to drive based on a magazine???

 

Consumer Reports rated it most fun car to drive, I think they know what they're talking about.

 

Hey Reverend,
I have recently moved to St. Louis from Atlanta, Georgia and ordered an S2000 from Frank Leta Honda (on St. Charles Rock Rd.). If you would like for me to help you find a good deal or would like any assistance, answers, etc., just let me know - I'll be glad to help.

To answer your questions:
1) Now seems like the time to buy. Don't wait until Spring to purchase the S2K - you'll be likely to pay a premium if you do. You'll definitely be able to purchase an S2K for MSRP in St. Louis (Frank Leta is a guaranteed MSRP dealer). However, if you have the time and patience, you might be able to find some new S2000s in Chicago for below MSRP (some reportedly for $30K). Ed Napleton has a Sebring Silver with F/R spoilers and side strakes for ~$32,800 (basically MSRP and free options). Take your time. If you custom order, expect for the car to come in April/May.

2) Expect to pay between 2500-3000 for the hardtop (incl. installation). I believe that the hardtop can be removed in under an hour (only an estimate... maybe even less) by two people. There is a storage rack for sale (check out http://www.handaaccessories.com) from Honda. If you prefer, some hardtop owners have been able to suspend their hardtop from their garage via a harness (check out http://www.s2ki.com for specific details).

3) Sorry. No racing experience here. Hopefully, I will be able to hook up with the local chapter of the SCCA and begin autocrossing in the Civic.

4) Sorry, can't help here either. But I can tell you there aren't many roadsters/convertibles in the same class/price range that can compete with the S2000. (1) A loaded Miata would cost around $26,000, would be more benign, but considerably slower (2) A low-end Z3 starts under $30,000, but has a dated chassis and suspension + a weak engine (the inline four, not the sweet six, but that would cost you)(3) A Mitsubishi Spyder Conv. - no comparison here, seats four, but a competent boulevard cruiser (4) Chrysler Sebring Conv. - haha, just kidding... NEXT!!! (4) Toyota Solara Conv. - Nice quality, but in a different world performance wise... *racks brain for others...* uhhh, that's all I can think of. My point is, there is no comparison. You can't go wrong... however, the upcoming RX-8 and 350Z seem like promising alternatives.

Best Regards,
David

 

I thought the s2k's were supposed to run high 13's low 14's stock. That would smoke a stock ITR. Correct me if im wrong.


Yager-

 

HondaVtec,
If you need any help finding other Honda enthusiasts or people who frequent SCCA solo meets, such as myself, I know most of them in the St. Louis. Feel free to email me with any questions you might have.

If you see this car cruisin around town, feel free to wave - its me. http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4292358237

 

1) msrp now, a bit more come summer - or just harder to find what you want
2) cant comment, but intend to acquire one this fall - regardless of hassle
3) performance is top notch, but thats all relative - head to a local honda dealer, establish that you'd like to buy a new S2000, but that it entails driving one of their used ones - try and use the 20 minute test drive to its fullest.
4) I drove the Z3, SLK, Boxter, before I bought my S2000. Nothing comes close for the money, unless you talk about modifying a lesser car (i.e. Turbo Miata madness)
5) Panty dropper

Demian


[Modified by killingtime, 9:18 AM 2/5/2002]

 

yeah, what demian said.

to add my own .02

racing: i've tracked (road course not f'ing drag strip) and autocrossed my s2k and it's very competitive at both. at the track, i have lapped faster cars, e.g. 911, nsx, vettes, etc., but it's more about driver ability than the car anyway. same with autox. it's an F'ing blast to race.

fun factor: nothing beats it...period. diregarding price, i'd take my car over just about ANY other car out there this side of a 911tt or ferrari. it's not the fastest car but it's sooo fun to drift, revs to 9k, turns & brakes (w/race pads) on a dime, looks cool, topless, smooth as butta 6 spd shifting, perfect 50/50 balance...blah blah.

S2K IS GREATEST CAR EVER CREATED BY HUMANS

heh. you get the the point.


[edit]darn swear filter. this place sux.




[Modified by Speedy, 11:15 AM 2/5/2002]

 

and your pos bimmer...

 

Unfortunately for you, its the only way I know how to drive.