Mus

iTrader: (2)

my mrs wants to buy a new motor she was thinking of a mini but there so common and i dont like them ive convinced her that the S2000 is a far better car to own, obviously i will be driving it occasionaly ive owned 2 integra type r b4 and i know honda is reliable providing you look after them

but after looking at a few adverts ive noticed there seem to be quite a few CAT D and CAT C alarm bells ringin has any one had one B4 what are they like to live with and what are they like to drive i read some of the parker reviews they seem to be a lot of mixed reviews? the budget is about 9k to 9.5k.

Julio Jordio

They can be a little tail happy when cornering at speed, or when wet. I really like them though, the interior is much better on the later models.

Dracoro

I've had 2. Great cars.

Never crashed or had problem with handling. GEO settings are worth doing every 2 years or so by all accounts (note to self, must get my geo done soon )

They are 240bhp through rear wheels although no TC or stability control to wipe up after those that can't drive properly. These are options on 2006 models onwards.

If you're worried, just keep it all smooth and under 6000rpm round bends and in the wet and you'll not have any problems.

A lot of owners have been hot hatch drivers moving up, some will have the right attitude and drive them well but some will try to drive it erratically like a hooligan and end up crashing. ultimately these are proper powerful RWD sportscars, there's no namby pamby aids to help the rubbish.

Loads of good info at S2000 Forums -> UK S2000 Owners

Luther

iTrader: (13)

..... excellet cars... had my mates 2005 for two months when she left the country for an extended holiday and loved every minute of the experience.... loves its v-power but when that vtec kicks in its all worth it.

Only other thing is its a lil cramped if you're over 6ft so you'll find the roof down most of the time....

Mus

iTrader: (2)

ive been in other RWD cars and when you put ur foot down in the wet on a stright the back end steps out not pretty is controlable?? cheers lads.

f1_fan

iTrader: (9)

I own one and think it's a great car. The initial models were a little tail happy, but Honda sorted that when they released the facelifted version. Now it's no worse than any other RWD car.

You will find lots of people saying they are gutless etc. but that is just because they don't understand VTEC power delivery. Nothing really happens until 6000 rpm and then all hell brakes loose upto 9000 rpm - love it.

Beautifully built and bombproof reliability.

In my opinion it is also the best looking 'budget' 2 seater convertible and even looks good with the roof up.

Try one

scoobynutta555

A nice looking car but not as nice as an Elise in the budget bracket

f1_fan

iTrader: (9)

Well having owned both I think I am qualified to say and the Honda is better looking so that's that

IMHO anyway

Mus

iTrader: (2)

i heard the elise will brake ur back and they have reliablity issues thats why most people drop a vetec or an s3 lump.and the new elise has an engine from toyota with vvti.not sure about them realiablity is very important for me.

Aztec Performance Ltd

iTrader: (234)

Great cars. Would choose a S2000 everytime if looking for a drop-top between £10-25k.

Great build quality, great to drive, great to own.

Elise is not in the same catergory.

Go for a 02 onwards if you can though as they made a few tweaks to suspension and interior/exterior.

The reason for so many accident damaged cars is they can be tail happy in the wet, and the tyres are like semi slicks (purpose designed for the S2000). Never even come close to an off myself though.

scoobynutta555

Yes the Elise is in a different category, however, it's still a budget car and better looking by miles IMHO too

Get leather seats in an Elise and you'll have one of the best driving positions and great comfort for long trips.

My mate's wife is looking for a s2000.

Mus

iTrader: (2)

ur mates wife is very wise and clever.lol

the elise is a great drive and ive admired them for years not sure about reliablity ive never owned one b4 but ive owned 2 intgra type r and i know they are great for long drives and are very reliable man i should sell my scooby.lol

but my god will you see bob5 s2000 now that is one good looking car.

f1_fan

iTrader: (9)

Owned both. The Elise is a great car but not easy to live with day to day. The S2000 is definitely more reliable and better built.

Mine looks very similar to Bob's

Aztec Performance Ltd

iTrader: (234)

Wasn't ever mine and don't have access to it anymore either

Was sold last year.

Mus

iTrader: (2)

bad news

timmy2take

iTrader: (7)

Elise or VX220 for me over an S2000

Aztec Performance Ltd

iTrader: (234)

would never have a Elise or VX220 for daily driver.

scoobynutta555

I would and I have. 50 mpg on nul not to be sniffed at

lordretsudo

We bought one new a year or so ago. It's the wife's car officially, but I drive it quite a bit. A picture of it from the 'view my Scooby' link:



I really like it, though the VTEC engine takes some getting used to and is a very different beast to the Scoob. It's great having a power soft top after a couple of convertibles with manual roofs, and I think it's very smart looking, especially with the hard top on.

They're also very rare, at least in my area. I've only ever seen a couple of others about. One thing I would mention is that they are extremely expensive to insure - more than a Scoob or an Evo IME. Fuel consumption is also very poor, and like a Scoob, it needs to be run on super unleaded. It's not ideal having two Super unleaded cars in the family at present, I can tell you :-(

My brother-in-law had a VX220 and I thought it was an awful car - build quality was a world away from the S2000. I've never driven an Elise so can't comment, but their looks are certainly not for everyone...

Saxo Boy has posted a couple of long, detailed posts about the S2000 in the past which we found helpful when deciding whether to buy one - a search should throw them up.

Harryr34

iTrader: (9)

I owned an 04 S2000 for approximately 6 months. I would definately recommend the S2000 as it has an awesome engine, gearbox, brakes, handling..........

Alot of people write these cars off due to the lack of traction control and inexperienced drivers...

However if you are over 6ft then it will be a little cramped, I am 6ft 3, looking back i don't know how i managed to put up with the lack of space for 6 months i guess the driving experience made up for it

Mus

iTrader: (2)

as much as i would love to compare them u should never compare vauxhall to honda.honda is in a diffrent leaug

Pixel Pedro

I'm just getting my asbestos suit on at this moment ..... but .....

A MX5 knocks the other 2 seaters into the weeds as an overall package - fantastic cars!!

Ignite your flamethrowers - I am ready!

http://www.lasplash.com/uploads/1/1m..._lasplash1.jpg

http://www.mx5ownersclub.co.za/uploa.../history_9.JPG

http://blogs.cars.com/photos/uncateg...x5hardtop2.jpg

f1_fan

iTrader: (9)

Actually the MX5 is a very good car - does what it says it does perfectly.

Not as accomplished as an S2000 IMHO, but then not the same price either.

Pixel Pedro

My MX5 costs £180 a year to insure, does 40mpg, delivers peerless reliability, has not lost 1 penny in depreciation in 6 years, open top motoring on a budget - Fantastic

New_scooby_04

iTrader: (4)

Edited for accuracy.

The S2000 is just about acceptable if you're a heterosexual man, as it's a bit geeky and willfully Japanese! The MX5......no, no, no.....ducky!

Ns "Pete, you are sooo busted!!!" 04

SqeekyMclean

Big fan of Honda, a bit pricey some their cars nowadays

Mus

iTrader: (2)

in this world u get what u pay for.the mx5 very reliable top notch motor but if aint turboed and it aint vetec wat the hell is it??? lol

performance wise the s2k is a totaly outclasses the mx5
and not been rude but it used to attracts the much older generation

j_81

iTrader: (3)

Have driven my mates s2000 a few times now and really like it, the v-tech does take a bit a bit of getting used to though.

My mate imported his late last year from Japan for about 8.5-9k i think it was an 03 plate.

Pixel Pedro

Ha Ha - yeah, yeah, yeah, heard all the hairdresser comments - generally from people who don't know what they're talking about in all honesty.

I'll let you kiddies into a little secret (as I'm a mature gentleman) - the women LOVE a man who can get in a MX5 with style, they attract women like a honey-pot.

You kids keep '***** Waving' ......... I'll be taking your girls for the ride of their lives in my MX5

Mus

iTrader: (2)

thats a bargain