this car is probably an ideal fit for you. and it's a bit rare to hear that on this forum.

less sexy but cheaper would be a miata.

 

I actually posted on a miata forum asking the same question on some NC Miatas ;].... but iunno, I've yet to compare both side by side, but it seems like the stock NC Miata suspension is a bit lackluster, whereas I hear the S2K's is great. So if I end up feeling like I need to modify the Miata's suspension, I might as well gotten the sexier S2K ;]

Thanks for the replies guys, keep em coming.

 

go test drive

 

I've just moved from my 4th Miata to an S2000 and the differences are night and day.

I know we all like to rave about our current vehicles but I'll tell you clearly that the S2000 is a totally different animal to a Miata.
Not as easy to own day to day, restrictive elbow room, artificial steering (but much better than I thought it would be), double jointed cabin storage and feisty nature but jeeeeesus this thing absolutely flies.................and it grips and grips and grips.

It really does take work to keep it on the boil (I was left out of 2nd gear uphill corners by a 320 BMW diesel this morning) but the fun is in extracting all the performance and realising that when your ears say "CHANGE UP CHANGE UP" the rev counter says "KEEP GOING, 9K IS MILES AWAY".

Subjectively it feels as quick as a Miata pre-VTEC and sooooo much quicker on cam that it's on a totally different planet.

I know this bit could rankle some people but I drove a few AP1's before purchasing my '05 with F20C engine and AP2 chassis, this one inspires so much more confidence in fast road driving than the pre '03's that I would recommend an '03 onwards if your budget will stretch.

I have nothing but praise regarding Miatas, they really are a complete package but S2000's are something else entirely.

Try one.......

 

As far as old vs new goes:
If money is an object, older is better, and equally fast as later model except the CR.
If you aren't sure of your driving prowess, the earlier models are more prone to "bite", though!

There are reasons others have bought '06, and there are different reasons I bought an '01. Neither is "right" or "wrong", just represent different priorities.

 

Thanks for the replies guys! Seems like I'll be ok at some events with the stock roll bar (I don't TT, only HPDEs and open lapping days).

Coming from an old 15 year old car (the 96 240sx) that I had to mod alot to get it to be where I wanted (old soft suspension, terrible stock seats, big and clunky stock steering wheel) I really want something I can enjoy outta the box, without tearing it up too much, sounds like it's a great choice.

 

^

Well said from both above.

Unlike all those AP1 vs. AP2 crap.

Both have their Pros and Cons.

Whatever suits your needs and desires is what matters.

 

I would say: Get the best low mile s2000 that you can afford. I wouldn't blow your whole budget though, because you will probably want better tires on it.

Other than that, I don't like the plastic rear window that came on the first few years, like I have.

Good luck finding the right deal.