tonner_notts

after thinkin abuot going to elise or vx220,
thought the s2000 would be a good compromise, any thoughts on the car, runnin costs etc, mpg?

LG John

The background: I've had a 2001 Saxo VTS from new for 30k miles, an My99 2nd hand for 30k miles, two pug 406 v6s 2nd hand for 35k miles and have driven a large number of other cars. I now have a 2003 S2000 and it is by far the best car I've owned. I don't just say that because its my current car - I'm not like that. If you don't believe me go though my posts and you'll see that when I had my scooby (few years back) I often said elements of owning the VTS were better!!

If it is 100% driver thrills you are after then the elise or vx would be better. The S2000 however is a far more complete car for anything other than track/weekend driving. It looks amazing, gets good attention and feels so special to drive and be in. Running costs are incredibly reasonable given the performance and mpg is around 27mpg for me and I kick sh*t out of mines. Service intervals are every 9000 miles.

Many people have driven the S2000 for an hour, day, weekend and been bitterly dissapointed. Very few that have owned one have had anything other than great things to say about it. Bottom line is you need time to learn the handling and time to get used to the engine power delivery. I was very slow through the twisties in my S2000 for the first 5-10,000 miles! Then I just started to really click with the car.

No, it won't match an Impreza from 3000rpm, no you can't drift it like a 200sx and no you probably won't keep up with an elise around a tight track where your extra power won't show. But overall it's an absolute machine and out the box if you are willing to rev it to within 50rpm of the limiter in every gear then it will make rapid progress!! I've modded mine by fitting a carbon air feed into the standard air box and a single exit exhaust - it did a 13.749 @ 103mph at Crail. I'm sure I don't have to explain to you what that will do to a basic elise or non-turbo vx in a straightline nor a scooby once rolling.

imi

thats a good summary from Saxo Boy on the s2K.

Its a very good package, doesnt suit everyones driving style, but if youre into Vtec engines then this is a masterpiece.

Dream Weaver

Dont bother if you are 6ft or over and weigh more than average, I tested one recently but although I could fit in it, it wasn't a comfortable fit - the steering wheel doesnt alter for up/down movement.

Nice car though, if a little cheap feeling inside (switch gear etc)

RRH

Wish I'd gone for the S2000, which was my first choice, but was pursuaded by wife and daughters that a saab 9-3 aero convertible was more 'suitable'.

stupid stupid stupid, all girls talk crap.

LG John

When you say cheap what are you comparing too? Its lightyears ahead of my scooby or pugs! The switches and **** are nicely dampened and feel very solid. Quality is close to the last shape golf which was very solid IMHO. It wouldn't look that shabby next to a z3/z4 in my opinion. Not quite as nice but certainly not cheap.

RRH

you have to admit that not much feels as cheap inside as a peugeot!

LG John

Found s2ki I see

Dream Weaver

Not sure why I found the interior cheap, the switches etc just reminded me of an 80's Datsun or something.

We had just tested a TT Roadster before that though, which felt better inside, and of course had more room.

I would love an S2000, so would the Mrs, just a shame they are so tight inside.

RichB

I disagree with DW, interior is good, plenty of room, I'm 6ft and more than 15 stone

DW - Are you Mr & Mrs Michellin man?

The boot space is poor and a funny shape, you wont get a normal large case in it.

Not much changes across the MY range but from 02 you get rear glass and then bigger (nicer) wheels and styling changes on the 05s

Should be some deals around although some dealers still want daft money, theres a black/black 04near me for 23k, looks like an import too...

I tried to sell mine in Apr/May and didn't have a sniff. '02 23k red/black £17-18k 2owners and mint. (Even Saxo Boy couldn't be ar$ed to have a look despite him moaning about not being to find any for 18k OK - so he was a few miles away...)

Dream Weaver

I'm 6ft and approx 17 stone with long legs and although I could fit inside and drive it, it was just too tight to be comfortable on any long journey, I also wasnt keen on the big hump in the floor.

Its the long legs thats the problem for me, the steering wheel caught on my knees making spirited driving difficult. I could fit a smaller wheel, but wasnt keen on spending £19k on a car then having to change the wheel.

Compared to my old Mk2 MR2 there just wasnt enough room for me.

LG John

Just a few! Other end of the country I'm amazed you didn't manage to sell yours as it looked like a stunning example and you had some excellent pictures to intice buyers. In the end the 2003, in a colour I prefer, near major airports at 10k miles with some nice extras was worth me going for ta £19,000. I fear to think what it's worth now

I have an amazing ability to buy a car just as the **** falls out of its market. I bought my My99 scooby and then they started losing £1000 a day it seemed!!

Dracoro

I'm 6'4 and 15/16 stone and fitted in my s2000 ok. Need to play around with the seat to get it just right. No problem in long journeys either. My back was fine as were my legs etc. Yes steering wheel could do with adjustment but it's not in a bad position in the 1st place for most people.

Dunk

iTrader: (1)

SB,
What's the tank capacity / range ?

D

Dracoro

200 - 325 miles depending on driving style and how close to the poor gauge showing empty you wanna go I usually filled up around 300 miles so about late 20's mpg. About 170/180 miles on a track day.

Dunk

iTrader: (1)

Thks - If 300 miles is achievable then it's one to consider, I do a fair amount of miles & hate having to stop continually to fill up.

D

tonner_notts

just done a insurance check, itc comin out at quite alot, 800 quid more than my wrx, and about 1500 more than a vx

Colinj

I am also considering one of these as my next car to replace my UK Turbo!!

Early ones seem to be selling for £12k so its between that & a P1

2 very different cars..........think I need a test drive in both!!

Out of interest what mpg are you guys getting in your s2k??

RichB

MPG - £40 fill up (ish) - 220 miles and I'm getting twitchy.... Have had 260-280 on a run but I do like to 'progress'.
Insurance - Tonner can't believe its more than your WRX unless the WRX is an L plate and the S2k is an 03 or something...
Try A-Plan in Thatcham on 01635 874646. They are the daddies
Also try Liverpool Victoria and Elephant, LV were good for my previous (high risk) car and Elephant (actually Bell Direct) were good for my first year of S ownership.

I think I paid 650 ish this year. FC, garaged, dorset, 33, no c or c's, gf on policy, 8+ncb.

Dream Weaver

Insurance was also an issue when we were looking. TT Roadster was about £697, S2000 was £1400. :O

Rapid17

I have an S2000 and reckon it's a great motor. Running costs are reasonable, insurance group 20 though. I bought mine in October 2004 so have had all this summer to drive it and have enjoyed every moment. I am only 5' 7" tall and fairly slim so i don't find it a tight squeeze. The driving position for me is perfect. Geoff.

Dark Blue Mark

The S2000 is probably the longest ive ever owned a car Nuff said.

MB

LG John

That is worrying given you've only had it around 7-8 months!! You seriously have issues man

Dark Blue Mark

LOL

VW Polo
Citroen AX GT
Fiesta XR2i
Scoob UK 96
Scoob UK 99
Golf GTI (rubbish -2 months)
Scoob STi4
Integra Type R
Scoob STi5
S2000!

MB

dexter

Saxoboy, thank God for that, as I thought it was just me that was afflicted with this complaint.

Aztec Performance Ltd

iTrader: (234)

With regards to the interior quality - I was very dissapointed when I went to look at the first few S2000s. They were pre-2002 and for me they just didnt feel special enough inside.

2002 However was far better and 2004 better still.

I'm not sure I would get one which is pre-2002, but 2002 onwards feel very special and are an absolute joy to drive and own. Also voted number 1 in the Top Gear 2005 survey.


Bob

Dark Blue Mark

Yeah mine's old hat Bob

MB

Aztec Performance Ltd

iTrader: (234)

I think the problem was that we saw a couple at the dealers (04 models) and benchmarked our expectations against that. The differences between the models are very small but make a big difference. Ended up with an 02 in black with red leather + front+rear spoilers, 04 radio door and a few other touches.

Supercharged S2000 should be a hoot.

Pie_n_Chips

Well it would be if he ever got round to finishing it

Colinj

The guy that works on my car has a supercharger CTR - AMAZING car!!!!!