Long story short my grand father passed away a month ago, and left me his s2000. It's a 2005 w/ 60k miles, he only drove it in nice weather and it's garage kept so it's in mint condition. Needless to say I'm stoked, I drive a 2004 Civic EX and I've never really owned anything that could be considered a sports car. I'm 27 so I have about 10 years of driving experience... but I'm extremely new to stick shift, having logged maybe 4 hours total. I drove stick once when I first got my license and again recently for a refresher.

I'm just wondering if you guys have any advice for me. This is a real nice car, and I'd like to not f@#k it up. Obviously I'm trying not to ride the clutch or do anything stupid, but anything I should watch out for or know with this car or driving stick?

Thanks guys!

 

Sorry about your grandfather but congrats on the car.

1. Learn to drive stick out in the country...not in the city with tons of traffic! The best way to learn is to find a super long driveway or private road and practice starting off from a stop in 1st gear as this is the toughest part to learn for new stick drivers. Also practice backing up in Reverse and parking in a deserted lot before you actually have to do it in a crowded lot.

2. The S2000 is very twitchy, you have to be light on the gas, brakes and steering or you will get into trouble...it's no civic.

3. Once you get the hang of it practice some aggressive driving in an empty parking lot to get a feel for it's balance and how and when it will break loose and spin on you.

4. If the road is wet drive like a granny!

5. Check those tires! S2000's EAT tires. Most rear tires will be shot after 10,000 - 20,000 miles depending on type. Bald tires + wet roads = death.

Enjoy it. Read up on these message boards there is more information than you could ever use.

 

Memorize where the clutch engagement point is on the S. Make it muscle memory in your left leg. Other than that, it should be a breeze.

 

Practice the manual, check fluids, check tires, wait for a sunny day and go for a it top down. You will know that you Gradfather give you a great, great car. Don't get to exited at first. Just enjoy it!!

 

Practice practice practice. Once you master driving a stick than you will really enjoy driving this car. An s2000 is a real driver's car so learn it and than enjoy it. good Luck