Discussion
Killer2005 said:
russy01 said:
Elephant will be about the same as admiral, they are owned by the same group.
Not cheap is it. This is where I'm glad I live In the country! 24yr old paying £700! I don't think I could pay £2k for insurance.
I'd rather not but if it means having a car I want then I don't really care. Not cheap is it. This is where I'm glad I live In the country! 24yr old paying £700! I don't think I could pay £2k for insurance.
It's not what's stopping me buying one, it's more whether I should get a s2000/z4 or be sensible and save for a house (currently renting).
I'd say get a house, then save for the S. But I am rather sensible!
You need to go sit in one. I'm 5'11 and I find it fine, however any taller and id defo want to sit lower. You feel very propped up on the s2000 as it is.
Seat lowering - well a lot of people hack a couple cm off the bottom of the seat cushion for a cheap fix , however you have to remember the back of the seat won't go down by doing this.
Seat rails - this can be done but the rails aren't cheap.
Car on the ad looks ok but I'd always advise ppl to spend more and pick up a facelift 2004- . Only small differences but personally I think it makes the car feel and look much newer.
They are not great in traffic as to some extent they are a pig to get off the line (no low down grunt and the clutch gets heavy after a few mins in traffic). The day I bought mine I sat in a 2mile uphill stop start traffic queue, it was very hard and I was getting stressed out! But once you get used to the car it's not really a problem unless you are sat like this for 30mins everyday - I was used to a diesel with 3x as much torque - I could drop the clutch with no throttle and it would still pull away.
You need to go see one and have a go.
Seat lowering - well a lot of people hack a couple cm off the bottom of the seat cushion for a cheap fix , however you have to remember the back of the seat won't go down by doing this.
Seat rails - this can be done but the rails aren't cheap.
Car on the ad looks ok but I'd always advise ppl to spend more and pick up a facelift 2004- . Only small differences but personally I think it makes the car feel and look much newer.
They are not great in traffic as to some extent they are a pig to get off the line (no low down grunt and the clutch gets heavy after a few mins in traffic). The day I bought mine I sat in a 2mile uphill stop start traffic queue, it was very hard and I was getting stressed out! But once you get used to the car it's not really a problem unless you are sat like this for 30mins everyday - I was used to a diesel with 3x as much torque - I could drop the clutch with no throttle and it would still pull away.
You need to go see one and have a go.
havoc said:
Never had a problem in traffic - clutch isn't that heavy that you'll notice it within 15-20 mins stop-start, and it's got plenty of low-down torque for that sort of work - I've crawled without clutch at 1,200 rpm in my 'teg which has even less torque!
(REALLY hate those sort of comments...can't compare na petrol with turbo diesel, FFS.)
I'd be more concerned with not getting the engine warm, to be honest...but that goes for every car on that commute.
Ride is pretty good, not much harder than a stock Celica.
Height...go sit in one...leg length is likely to be the biggest issue.
Hate those comments as much as you like stressy. But if you have come from a very torquey diesel you will find it tricky to begin with as they are completely different,FFS.(REALLY hate those sort of comments...can't compare na petrol with turbo diesel, FFS.)
I'd be more concerned with not getting the engine warm, to be honest...but that goes for every car on that commute.
Ride is pretty good, not much harder than a stock Celica.
Height...go sit in one...leg length is likely to be the biggest issue.
havoc said:
russy01 said:
Hate those comments as much as you like stressy. But if you have come from a very torquey diesel you will find it tricky to begin with as they are completely different,FFS.
I was running a Focus TDCi for the first year or more that I owned the S2000 - didn't have any problem switching between the cars - the S2000 has plenty of wheel-torque unless you're the sort of person who expects to be able to pull away without using the throttle.My Car is ‘55, so facelift just before the higher Tax and without VSA.
Personally I wouldnt get too hung up on the VSA, having not previously owned RWD before the S2000 I was a bit apprehensive after reading so much about the S2000’s bad nature. However 18 months and 15,000miles later its been a pleasure and not for a single day have I wished I bought a car with VSA. Drive to the conditions and within your ability and you’ll be just fine.
Also my OH has had very little issues with it, she had the back out slightly when it was wet and she went a bit hot off the line at a light controlled crossroads, but if anything it did her some good. It taught her immediately to take it easy in the wet and quite frankly I can see a difference in her driving when she is driving the S2000. Instead of hooning around foot flat to the floor in her FWD she actually thinks more about the driving and pays more attention to the actual control of the car – instead of whats on her radio.
However it helps that she likes cars and enjoys driving. If she didnt she would have probably scared herself and would the car.
Id agree with Mikey (He knows what hes on about with the S) and say a late 2005 car and save yourself £200 a year on the VED to go in the fuel (hooning) fund.
Personally I wouldnt get too hung up on the VSA, having not previously owned RWD before the S2000 I was a bit apprehensive after reading so much about the S2000’s bad nature. However 18 months and 15,000miles later its been a pleasure and not for a single day have I wished I bought a car with VSA. Drive to the conditions and within your ability and you’ll be just fine.
Also my OH has had very little issues with it, she had the back out slightly when it was wet and she went a bit hot off the line at a light controlled crossroads, but if anything it did her some good. It taught her immediately to take it easy in the wet and quite frankly I can see a difference in her driving when she is driving the S2000. Instead of hooning around foot flat to the floor in her FWD she actually thinks more about the driving and pays more attention to the actual control of the car – instead of whats on her radio.
However it helps that she likes cars and enjoys driving. If she didnt she would have probably scared herself and would the car.
Id agree with Mikey (He knows what hes on about with the S) and say a late 2005 car and save yourself £200 a year on the VED to go in the fuel (hooning) fund.
krunchkin said:
Spot of advice. My s2000 is a 56 plate and done 40,000 miles. Should it be approaching a "major" service soon, and what are the big items that need doing?
It lists everything in the manual. You may be close to the 51k biggy. Think its the usual bits plus, Brake Fluid & Valve clearances.
RenOHH said:
I test drove a 2009 S2000 this morning, what a machine! I was expecting the engine to be the most amazing part, (and it was amazing), but I was most impressed by the gear change (feeling, short throw and stick position) and the steering feel. It just felt so good to drive because the steering is so direct, the wheel is a great size and the weight is spot on. I got back into my 172 and it actually felt a bit light, whereas I always though it was quite heavy compared to other cars I've had a go in.
The engine is a riot, but I was surprised just how much it needs to be thrashed. I knew this was the case going into it, but I did expect it to rocket off slightly sooner. Nevertheless, it zips around like I thought it would - brilliant.
I think I want one, I just have to find the right car which will be a late 53 to early 06 (face lifted but still £270 PA tax), and bite the bullet on the £885 insurance quote (
)
You won't regret it! I bought a '55 reg a couple years back. I was 22 so the insurance was steep like your quote - but it does get better!!The engine is a riot, but I was surprised just how much it needs to be thrashed. I knew this was the case going into it, but I did expect it to rocket off slightly sooner. Nevertheless, it zips around like I thought it would - brilliant.
I think I want one, I just have to find the right car which will be a late 53 to early 06 (face lifted but still £270 PA tax), and bite the bullet on the £885 insurance quote (
)When driving other cars the things I miss the most are the gearbox and the throttle response. Plus the engine feels pretty naughty when approaching 9k in 3rd n 4th!!
You won't regret it - enjoy your search!
RenOHH said:
The sad thing about that insurance quote is it has my mum and my girlfriend on it as named drivers. I'm 24, 6.5 years with a full licence and I have 3 years NCB; yet its still s
t loads to insure! With me as the only driver it's somewhere around £1300.
9k in 3rd was quite a rush, I think it was 85-90? That was quite naughty. I asked the dealer if it was okay before I did it
Don't worry about it, I have my parents and OH on the policy, makes a substantial difference. I'm 25 now and looking to pay £600ish to renew in June.t loads to insure! With me as the only driver it's somewhere around £1300.9k in 3rd was quite a rush, I think it was 85-90? That was quite naughty. I asked the dealer if it was okay before I did it
Yup your right. Rough speeds are - 1st is about 45, 2nd is 60, 3rd is 90 and 4th is 110-115.
Hardly ever use my top. I think its a waste of time.
1 - It rattles and creaks which drives me nuts
2 - Its a 2 man job, several times when alone and the suns popped out I haven't been able to take it off.
3 - Its big. If its not on your car it takes up a fair amount of space.
I wanted one and made sure I got one when buying my car, however I have owned my S2000 for about 800days and I have probably had the hard top on for 10 of them at a push.
1 - It rattles and creaks which drives me nuts
2 - Its a 2 man job, several times when alone and the suns popped out I haven't been able to take it off.
3 - Its big. If its not on your car it takes up a fair amount of space.
I wanted one and made sure I got one when buying my car, however I have owned my S2000 for about 800days and I have probably had the hard top on for 10 of them at a push.
Don't worry about the boot. You can remove part of the floor which holds the tools (and dump them in the spare wheel) which frees up a huge space in the boot.
I can't find a good picture, but look at this one - http://greatcarsgreatprices.files.wordpress.com/20...
However it goes deeper than this pic shows.
We get all this in the boot fairly easily!
I can't find a good picture, but look at this one - http://greatcarsgreatprices.files.wordpress.com/20...
However it goes deeper than this pic shows.
We get all this in the boot fairly easily!
mikiesb said:
I am a big honda fan - had vti's and ATR and really wanted the s2000 and had the money to do it.. but couldn't justify it at the time and went with ATR instead.
Black with red leather - stunning !, or the dark navy blue and the
dash is very "knight rider" - engine note almost as good as a tvr !
Great car, under-rated, not practical for everyday use imo.
There was suspension revision on the later models I think about 05/06 that made it "step out less" and handle better, but you still need to know how to drive the car - very powerful rear wheel drive car - and when I drove I was careful "nailing it" round bends - eased the power in and out.
Insurance is high because a lot these cars have been in accidents due to driver error/over confidence.
Never owned one but borrowed one for four days.. would have one but small boot and only 2 seater and drinks petrol... have something more practical for now..
Agree with what you say.Black with red leather - stunning !, or the dark navy blue and the
dash is very "knight rider" - engine note almost as good as a tvr !
Great car, under-rated, not practical for everyday use imo.
There was suspension revision on the later models I think about 05/06 that made it "step out less" and handle better, but you still need to know how to drive the car - very powerful rear wheel drive car - and when I drove I was careful "nailing it" round bends - eased the power in and out.
Insurance is high because a lot these cars have been in accidents due to driver error/over confidence.
Never owned one but borrowed one for four days.. would have one but small boot and only 2 seater and drinks petrol... have something more practical for now..
Although for the type of car I'd say fuel consumption is very good - compare it to a 350z.
I use mine daily and quite honestly I think it's fairly good day to day - but again in sports car terms.
Just bean'd it back from the gym with the roof down - awesome car. It sounds fantastic! Don't think you can ever get bored of that hard edged sound at 8-8500 rpm.
Everytime I decide to look for a new car I go for a good drive in the s2000 and fall back in love for a few more weeks!!
mikiesb said:
good 2 c some honest feedback from a s2000 owner - thanks .
I was considering the nissan 350z tbh as recently went out in a chipped up nissan gt-r 550bhp beast and it felt safe as house's whilst being nailed by my friend - 911's m3's all stepped a side on our trip up north from london and we had great admiring looks - that car is the nuts and I only have felt as much power/and as safe (sure footed etc) as that in a lambo murch.
not a fan of rwd tbh nowadays what with unpredictable weather conditions here in the uk - but the s2000 is a car that a true enthusiast knows about - it's nice not to own a tt or m3 as they are more common.
now i am family man mr sensible hat is on !
I was set on a 350z, I drove 3 examples trying to find the right one. I then got offered a test drive in a S2000 - that was it. An S2000 was on the drive and I have never looked back. I have driven a 350z whilst owning the S2000 and it felt like a boat in comparison - much more GT and much less exciting (all IMO).I was considering the nissan 350z tbh as recently went out in a chipped up nissan gt-r 550bhp beast and it felt safe as house's whilst being nailed by my friend - 911's m3's all stepped a side on our trip up north from london and we had great admiring looks - that car is the nuts and I only have felt as much power/and as safe (sure footed etc) as that in a lambo murch.
not a fan of rwd tbh nowadays what with unpredictable weather conditions here in the uk - but the s2000 is a car that a true enthusiast knows about - it's nice not to own a tt or m3 as they are more common.
now i am family man mr sensible hat is on !
S2000 can be hardwork and you will have chaps in FWD hatches push you a long from time to time as they can just push and push. BUT how fast do you want to go? I agree that 4WD is the way forward if you just want to get places as fast as you can all the time, but I want my driving to improve and be rewarded for it - I don't want the car doing all the hard work.
Great car, but you have to understand them and you have to want one. Otherwise you'll end up joining the knobs who complain about it having no torque or something.
krunchkin said:
Sad thing is that when you get a non-modified one out on a track against some proper fast cars - M3s, Nobles, TVRs etc - it feels really weedy. 
Erm why would you expect otherwise. Of course it's going to feel weedy compared to cars 100hp more!!Compare it to a 350z, RX8, Z4 3.0i or a Boxster and it will feel at home!
krunchkin said:
ignore me. I love my s2000. I'm just getting that itch you get when you see what else is out there
Don't worry pal. I'm the same, I recently started a thread on s2ki about renewing my love for the car as I was getting tired of it. Whilst I love it some days, other days I search the classifieds furiously. I don't think this is the cars fault, just more like my desire for something better and faster.However truth be told the S2000 is great value and unless I spend 15-20k I can't think of anything worth changing to. I actually have a test drive booked for a M135i on weds (ideally I'd like something bigger) and whilst I know the BM will blow the S2000 into the weeds performance wise I know its going to fall short on most other driving aspects.
DanL said:
russy01 said:
However truth be told the S2000 is great value and unless I spend 15-20k I can't think of anything worth changing to.
I was the same - I honestly don't think there's a better sports car out there without spending serious amounts of cash. Ended up with a 650 that I'm very happy with after my S2000 - completely different, and not a car to throw into corners, but it sounds ace and goes like stink in a straight line.You may well find the 135 is just different enough that you're not comparing them directly, which is probably the only way to move on. I tell myself I'll be back in a sports car after this, but I've already got used to a comfy and quick cruiser - I suspect the next one will be another GT now I've discovered them!
Decisions. If only a could afford a California, that would be my ideal car ATM.
Gassing Station | Honda | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff