Honda S2000 for daily driving - good idea?
Discussion
I bought one a few weeks ago, an early 99 model so the most 'dangerous' version, after coming from hot hatches it is a different kind of car altogether but really nice to drive, plenty of feedback, you just have to remember what you're in and not hoof it off roundabouts and out of tight corners but I'd expect that with any rwd car that has no TC. The car I bought has the later 17 inch wheels with Bridgestone RE050 tyres, had all the suspension bushes replaced (another thing to look out for on used models which can make then very unstable) and a geo setup done at the same time. Buy one that's been well looked after and you won't regret it.
Panayiotis said:
I drove one daily for 3 years, not the most comfortable car to be honest, but there is something about sitting in traffic on a crisp sunny morning with the top down.......that makes other think knob.
If you worry what others think about your car choice you aren't a proper petrol head. hah ^^ because their jealous? I'm sure their having a great time stuck in their generic euro box listening to their generic boring morning radio on the way to their generic boring jobs!
Anyone who judges someone based on them having a convertible with a roof down on a sunny day has clearly given up on life
Anyone who judges someone based on them having a convertible with a roof down on a sunny day has clearly given up on life
Clearly!!
I have the roof top at all times in my Eunos, unless raining. And even the sometimes I drive through it if light rain.
The new roadtser will be treated the same.
Funnily enough, I look at all the convertible drivers that keep their hoods up on a fair day, and think - knob!! Why buy one if you don't use it as intended!!?? Might as well buy a tin top otherwise.
I have the roof top at all times in my Eunos, unless raining. And even the sometimes I drive through it if light rain.
The new roadtser will be treated the same.
Funnily enough, I look at all the convertible drivers that keep their hoods up on a fair day, and think - knob!! Why buy one if you don't use it as intended!!?? Might as well buy a tin top otherwise.
RichwiththeS2000 said:
Exactly! A guy in a black S2000 passes me on the way to work most days and always has the roof up even on the best days. Honestly I just feel bad for him!
It's fine in rain, as long as you keep over 30mph the rain doesn't come in!
exactly - the faster you go, the drier you stay! It's fine in rain, as long as you keep over 30mph the rain doesn't come in!
krunchkin said:
the OEM stereo is universally dogs
t. Do what I did and rip it out - stick an Alpine DAB/Bluetooth head unit in - with DAB aerial on the windscreen and discrete microphone on the dash. Focal 2 ways in the doors, and self contained Focal active bassbins mounted behind each seat.Forget the headrest speakers - you wont notice if they are connected or not at any speed over 20mph. I get awesome sound even at 90 with the roof down.
nb - this only works if you and your passenger are shortarses as it requires the seats to be a notch or two forward to accomodate the bins. t. Do what I did and rip it out - stick an Alpine DAB/Bluetooth head unit in - with DAB aerial on the windscreen and discrete microphone on the dash. Focal 2 ways in the doors, and self contained Focal active bassbins mounted behind each seat.Forget the headrest speakers - you wont notice if they are connected or not at any speed over 20mph. I get awesome sound even at 90 with the roof down. Edited by krunchkin on Friday 12th July 11:35
Although I think your decision has already been made I'll reiterate what some have already stated. Great car - don't expect 100% refinement of an S class Merc, yes it's noisy on motorways and you have to change gear more often than a 3.0 twin turbo diesel. But the experience is fantastic - great engine, sublime gearbox... Makes driving it anywhere (for me) a pleasure. You deal with the motorway tedium because you know, at some point, you get OFF the motorway and onto a nice A/B road and then the fun begins!
In June I took mine from Guernsey to Aberdeen and back - 1600 miles all in. Had massive fun in Scotland, the Lake district (including Hardknott pass) and everywhere else we went. I was getting 32-34MPG on the motorway cruising at 75 and even when pressing on the fuel consumption wasn't nearly as bad as my MX5 turbo.
In June I took mine from Guernsey to Aberdeen and back - 1600 miles all in. Had massive fun in Scotland, the Lake district (including Hardknott pass) and everywhere else we went. I was getting 32-34MPG on the motorway cruising at 75 and even when pressing on the fuel consumption wasn't nearly as bad as my MX5 turbo.
I owned one for a couple of years and ran it as a daily for a year, I loved it. Felt quite special each time I drove it. I'm 6'4" and was comfortable on long journeys.
If you drive like a prat in the rain, you'll get bitten - which is where most people who have had crashes have smacked theirs. Other than the insurance, I think for the performance they represent excellent value and..... feel more special than an MX5
If you drive like a prat in the rain, you'll get bitten - which is where most people who have had crashes have smacked theirs. Other than the insurance, I think for the performance they represent excellent value and..... feel more special than an MX5
I nearly got one as a DD also after a 330ci, they're great cars with bags more character, speed, feedback and handling than the flabby BMW. I ended up in a 350z which has a much better torque response and to be honest, most dreary days in this country it's a better DD.
Still hanker after the S2000 though and prices are excellent for what they are. If you buy an older one do keep some cash aside for the bushes etc as mentioned as it'll make the experience all the better.
As far as the 'scary handling', with a well set up car, only scary drivers end up with scary handing. Drive according to the conditions and it will be fine. If you need your confidence boosting, try www.carlimits.com (went there with my exige and learnt more in a day than over 12 years of road driving and track day tuition).
Still hanker after the S2000 though and prices are excellent for what they are. If you buy an older one do keep some cash aside for the bushes etc as mentioned as it'll make the experience all the better.
As far as the 'scary handling', with a well set up car, only scary drivers end up with scary handing. Drive according to the conditions and it will be fine. If you need your confidence boosting, try www.carlimits.com (went there with my exige and learnt more in a day than over 12 years of road driving and track day tuition).
Well I have owned an s2k for a few months now and all I can say is what a car I work in car sales and drive a wide range of cars everything up to ferraris I'm not saying s2000s are better than ferraris mind but for the money you pay for this car you will not be happier with your purchase slow in the low end but crazy fun mid to high range have had it kick on me a couple of times but that just increases its fun factor my advice would be buy one test driving isn't like a day to day drive of the car you don't get a true feel for the car i have mine as a daily driver and the only time I smile is when I'm driving this car 10/10 also fuel economy isn't bad at all I drive a 2001 ap1 with 82k on clock hope to hear from you fellow s2k owners soon 😊
Si_man306 said:
I nearly got one as a DD also after a 330ci, they're great cars with bags more character, speed, feedback and handling than the flabby BMW. I ended up in a 350z which has a much better torque response and to be honest, most dreary days in this country it's a better DD.
Still hanker after the S2000 though and prices are excellent for what they are. If you buy an older one do keep some cash aside for the bushes etc as mentioned as it'll make the experience all the better.
As far as the 'scary handling', with a well set up car, only scary drivers end up with scary handing. Drive according to the conditions and it will be fine. If you need your confidence boosting, try www.carlimits.com (went there with my exige and learnt more in a day than over 12 years of road driving and track day tuition).
Mate I was tossed between the 350z and the s2000 I went with the s2000 as I had drove a couple 350z there fun but I have loved the S2000 since I was in high school and to own one means the world to me 😊 Hope your still enjoying your choice though buddy as both are fun cars mind your fuel consumptions probably higher 😜Still hanker after the S2000 though and prices are excellent for what they are. If you buy an older one do keep some cash aside for the bushes etc as mentioned as it'll make the experience all the better.
As far as the 'scary handling', with a well set up car, only scary drivers end up with scary handing. Drive according to the conditions and it will be fine. If you need your confidence boosting, try www.carlimits.com (went there with my exige and learnt more in a day than over 12 years of road driving and track day tuition).
billzeebub said:
S2000 a perfectly capable daily car. I would have thought a Boxster would be even more adept as a daily driver with its engine type and practicality (2 decent size boots, lots of storage areas). ..Boxster would be my choice for a daily definitely
As much as I agree, I'd be so worried about engine issue with the Porsche. I'm sure it's overblown but it just puts me off. Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff