Replacing an S2000 (another what car)
Discussion
First off apologies if this is in the wrong place, mods feel free to move.
I've had my S2000 5 years now. I've loved every minute of it, and continue to do so. However sometimes I do wonder if I should sell up and try something else, every time I go to do this though, I cant bring myself to post the advert as I can never think of anything I would replace it with.
I'm lucky enough that I can use it as a second car, for the occasional weekend drive and trip to the ring. I was going to start doing a few track days next year.
So if I sold the S2000, I think it would fetch around £5-£6000 looking at the current market. I wouldn't really want to take out any loan or finance unless I really, really had too, and my rate of saving at the moment is rather slow due to just purchasing my first house so most of my savings are going into that!
Given the above info, what would you guys do? Keep the car, purchase something else for that amount of money? Or simply use that as a deposit and finance something newer/nicer?
I've had my S2000 5 years now. I've loved every minute of it, and continue to do so. However sometimes I do wonder if I should sell up and try something else, every time I go to do this though, I cant bring myself to post the advert as I can never think of anything I would replace it with.
I'm lucky enough that I can use it as a second car, for the occasional weekend drive and trip to the ring. I was going to start doing a few track days next year.
So if I sold the S2000, I think it would fetch around £5-£6000 looking at the current market. I wouldn't really want to take out any loan or finance unless I really, really had too, and my rate of saving at the moment is rather slow due to just purchasing my first house so most of my savings are going into that!
Given the above info, what would you guys do? Keep the car, purchase something else for that amount of money? Or simply use that as a deposit and finance something newer/nicer?
If you like the revy nature of an NA engine then you could buy a Renaultsport Clio for some fun and still have cash for deposit. There are cars for any budget, all are great. I found the S2000 really was not great for long distance and the Ring drive I found very tiring.
I'm on my third RS Clio and its the only car I've ever bought more than one of.
I'm on my third RS Clio and its the only car I've ever bought more than one of.
Krikkit said:
If you've got itchy feet I'd try something new. Probably an E46 M3 at that kind of money (perhaps a bit of a ropey one).
An E46 has crossed my mind, a close friend has one and it is certainly a great cardaveco said:
How about a 350Z or a Monaro?
Both are interesting cars with a bit of character.
I've never considered a Monaro, interesting suggestion!Both are interesting cars with a bit of character.
Rubber-Ducky said:
If you're after a toy for occasional weekend blasts and the odd track day, have you considered a motorbike? That budget would get you licence, kit and a nice bike with change for several track days...
Do you know what, I have been considering thistreeroy said:
If you love your car, why get rid of it? Simple 
A valid point sir, the problem with spending time on here is you realise there are just so many cars to try! Now wheres the lottery win so I can keep this and try something else..
My first thought was 350Z when I read the opening post. They're quite agricultural compared to an S2000 but it's a proper old-school RWD experience.
ETA Serious suggestion - what about an RX-8 for half that plus a contingency/mods/track days fund?
ETA Serious suggestion - what about an RX-8 for half that plus a contingency/mods/track days fund?
Krikkit said:
If you've got itchy feet I'd try something new. Probably an E46 M3 at that kind of money (perhaps a bit of a ropey one).
Alas, the cheapest one in the classifieds is £7k and I suspect you'd need quite a lot more than that for a decent one. I've got a 330Ci currently and it really is a lovely thing, but it needs another 100bhp, a proper mechanical diff and more noise. Never driven an E46 M3, but I imagine that would fit the bill perfectly.Chris71 said:
My first thought was 350Z when I read the opening post. They're quite agricultural compared to an S2000 but it's a proper old-school RWD experience.
ETA Serious suggestion - what about an RX-8 for half that plus a contingency/mods/track days fund?.
For some reason the rx8 just doesn't do it for me! ETA Serious suggestion - what about an RX-8 for half that plus a contingency/mods/track days fund?.
I have had a rather long drive in a friend's 350z before and thinking back I do remember enjoying it
If you are happy with what you have and don't want to take on higher cost I'd just keep your S2000.
But if you just fancy a change you ought to find a BMW Z4 in budget. Look for a facelift 3.0Si - it's no VTEC, but a straight 6 that revs to 7,000rpm isn't all bad - and you do get 265bhp as well as keeping RWD and the roof-down experience when you want it.
Failing that add 50%+ to the budget and get a Z4M Roadster for 343bhp and an 8K red-line!
Good luck whatever you decide to do.
But if you just fancy a change you ought to find a BMW Z4 in budget. Look for a facelift 3.0Si - it's no VTEC, but a straight 6 that revs to 7,000rpm isn't all bad - and you do get 265bhp as well as keeping RWD and the roof-down experience when you want it.
Failing that add 50%+ to the budget and get a Z4M Roadster for 343bhp and an 8K red-line!
Good luck whatever you decide to do.
I was having the same dilemma, I have a similar value S2000 and was trying to think of something to replace it with as a fun car that maybe had a bit more practicality (so I could bin off the cheap estate I'm commuting in).
The problem with this price range is you get expensive/overpriced versions of cheap cars (350Z for example, you can get one for £3,500 or a better condition one for £6k-ish but it's ultimately still the same car) or you get really ropey versions of cars that you should really spend ~£10k on (E46 M3 as mentioned above!).
I ended up saving a little money and instead I'm replacing the dull estate with a hot-hatch and keeping the S2000 as a second car. There's nothing for the money that does the same things, it's not the fastest thing out there but it's just so much fun!
The problem with this price range is you get expensive/overpriced versions of cheap cars (350Z for example, you can get one for £3,500 or a better condition one for £6k-ish but it's ultimately still the same car) or you get really ropey versions of cars that you should really spend ~£10k on (E46 M3 as mentioned above!).
I ended up saving a little money and instead I'm replacing the dull estate with a hot-hatch and keeping the S2000 as a second car. There's nothing for the money that does the same things, it's not the fastest thing out there but it's just so much fun!
Got to admit its hard pickings.
But, i think if you have an itch to change the car on a regular basis, you won't be truly satisfied till you take the plunge perhaps? Alternatively line up a set of choice replacements and drive each one back to back with your own. Maybe then you can decide if changing is really what you want to do.
Keeping in line with the original post though. If you were to change. I would be looking at these maybe as good choice replacements.
Porsche Boxster S - 3.2 . 2 seater and despite their image really do drive pretty well for a nice weekend blast and i've seen a few on the ring and at other such track days. Can be expensive to repair but just do your homework i guess.
Second choice. Vauxhall VX220 - i've seen them for about the £8k mark. So adding a little more to your budget but not the kind of amount you'd need to finance and a great car despite the badge.
But, i think if you have an itch to change the car on a regular basis, you won't be truly satisfied till you take the plunge perhaps? Alternatively line up a set of choice replacements and drive each one back to back with your own. Maybe then you can decide if changing is really what you want to do.
Keeping in line with the original post though. If you were to change. I would be looking at these maybe as good choice replacements.
Porsche Boxster S - 3.2 . 2 seater and despite their image really do drive pretty well for a nice weekend blast and i've seen a few on the ring and at other such track days. Can be expensive to repair but just do your homework i guess.
Second choice. Vauxhall VX220 - i've seen them for about the £8k mark. So adding a little more to your budget but not the kind of amount you'd need to finance and a great car despite the badge.
Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff