Blindeye_03

So I have been doing research on the s2000 mainly because I want another "roadster" type car. I used to have a miata 6 years ago but sold it because it was just falling apart (12 yr old car - had to replace the motor and get more work on it after that). I am a little leery of buying something that old again. BUT I miss the car like you couldnt believe. Ive had dreams that I had it or another one - yeah really odd.

Currently I have a 2010 mazdaspeed3 that has been great. Its had a few things come up but nothing that my local dealership wont fix, but it has me thinking if I really want to keep it around long term. I love the 4 doors and that I have room for hauling crap..except I havent really needed it in the year Ive owned it so far to haul people or stuff. I have a bike rack I throw on the hatch of my car for when I hit the mountain bike trails, but other than the utility of the hatchback I love how much torque this car has. I came from having the '92 miata and a '03 civic si, so having something with less torque and more top end power doesnt bother me (the Mazda has a lot of low and mid power, and really has no power in the upper rpms due to the turbo & throttle plate).

Anyways I started my search for an s2000 because I dont want another Mazda, and I am confident the Honda will last a long time (I had the si for 5 years before stuff started to break, and it never needed any work other than normal maintenance), and offer a TON of fun in the mean time.

Ive been searching and cant really find much out about what normally wears out - other than the soft top of course, stuff like suspension and bushings? I found a few 06 & 07 cars with low miles but I have found a few 03-05's as well but I was trying to stay with something sort of new. I know about the differences in the model years and while I think the 2.2L would benefit me more for around town driving, I wouldnt mind the 2.0L either and am sure I would be more than satisfied.

I just need to pull the trigger on placing my mazdaspeed on autotrader - its not about the money because I owe a lot less than what its worth and what other cars are going for right now and have enough that I would most likely have lower payments than I do now. Its the do I really want to part with this car and get into something else that I may like a lot more? Because once I do it, I cant just go back... Im thinking that after 6 years with two fwd hatchback cars that I am wanting the convertible again. Especially since I am dreaming about it!

Sorry for the rant and for it being my first post, I would like some sort of feedback though so that this huge post isnt a total waste .

JCarp21

I have a MY00 with 119k that I daily drive and has given me zero issues. Also I can fit my road bike and mountain bike on the back with no problems, although there are days where I wish I had more torque. I think you'd be happy with an AP2 (04+), more practical gearing and "better" ride quality. Welcome and good luck!

Blindeye_03

Thanks! I just listed my Mazda for sale on autotrader. Is it normal to see 06 & 07 s2000's with around 10k-20k miles on them going for more than the excellent condition says on kelly blue book?

JCarp21

For me if I scan the local Craigslist I'll find everything priced fairly high regardless of mileage or year, you really just have to wait for a deal.

Blindeye_03

Well I *think* I may be getting into a black '08 tomorrow... The only concern I had was the drivers side bolster wear and a tiny hole maybe 3mm in size but the dealership actually said they would repair it at no charge.

Blindeye_03

Well I went and got it.. 2008 berlina black with 40k miles.. I havent had a grin on my face this big (from driving a car) in a while - and this is coming from the mazdaspeed3 which I liked but lacked personality.

JCarp21

Awesome choice! Now get some pics of it up lol

Blindeye_03

I have spent quite a bit of time already detailing the interior, and next I am replacing all of the fluids and some other maintenance parts - probably overkill but I have no idea if any of them have been replaced.

1bluedog

That is a real nice car!