Just mulling things over. Had an Elise I dearly loved, just couldn't afford it. Now I'm looking at either a Solstice or S2k.
Went to the Honda dealer today, they had 4 S2ks, must admit never paid much attention to this car before, but it's really well built. Might be happy with it. I asked him about deals as these are all listed at 33 and change. Asked him if I could get one for less than 30, he seemed to think I could.

Prolly go and test drive tomorrow, if I like, I buy, maybe!

Downer is that it the stereo doesn't have mp3 cd capability. Does anyone know if the unit has an aux port for ipod or mini disc?

How much of a nightmare to change out the stereo?

Chris

 

The S is going to be MUCH closer to the handling / performance of the Elise than the Solstice. I like the styling of the Solstice more, but the plus side of the S is its ENGINE and SUSPENSION. These 2 things I think will leave people wanting in the Pontiac....because it is just that....a Pontiac. Their reputation for great engines is not that of Honda.

John

 

I have an Apple IPOD Mini with i-Trip FM modulator that goes on top of the IPOD Mini. It seems to work great if that is what you want. I for one like to keep things intact without much alteration. It works for me but you might have something different planned. Good luck!

 

s2k all the way, go out a nd drive both and make up your mind then. the s2k power wont be as impressive bc they probably wont let you take iit into vtec. i suggest asking a s2ki member near u for a spirited ride.
the stereo is not hard to change at all.

 

Although I am not really sure what engine the Solstice is gonna have when it is released I am fairly confident in saying that coming from an Elise you will be very happy with the S. Test drive one and you will see...it has much of the same attitude as the Elise, and it is not quite as punishing/impractical.

As for the Stereo...the stock Honda stereo pretty much blows if you're an audiophile in the least. Many people opt to upgrade the system for this reason, and your mp3 issue could easily be remedied this way. I would advise not to buy the optional headrest speakers...the consensus seems to be that they are terrible for the astonomical price. Save your money and put it towards an aftermarket system.

Good luck with your decision!

Craig

 

S2k now, solstice never. with the above.

 

If you're seriously considering the Solstice, drive them both before you buy anything. You'll still be able to get an s2000 for under 30k in 6-12 months. Or you could listen to a bunch of, "forum experts", who have never driven the car or seen a reputable review, and make a decision based on that.

 

I have a sinking feeling that this is going to turn into a Solstice-bashing thread, so I'll be the first to say that there's a good chance the Solstice will be a good car. In fact, for being so late to the party, it had better be a really good car.

The S2000 however, is a really great car. I agree with everyone who has said that the transition from an Elise to an S2000 will probably be easier than the transition from an Elise to a Solstice. If you were coming from a Miata or a Z3, I might say differently, but the Elise is probably one of the few cars more hardcore than the S2000.

Do yourself a huge favor and go take an S2000 for a test drive. If you like what you feel, buy one because I doubt waiting for 6 mo. to drive a Solstice will put the same grin on your face. Then again, if you don't like the S2000, I hope you enjoy your Solstice Every Solstice bought is one less SUV in front of me

 

I have the Dension Ice>link in my '05 and it integrates flawlessly with the stock system and allows the remote factory controls to adjust volums and change tracks. FWIW, I'd get a new '06 miata before a Solstice....

 

I personally like the Saturn Sky a LOT better than the Solstice, although they essentially are the same car underneath.

The Solstice is only going to have 170 HP until a turbo version comes out later (who knows when).

Compare that to 240 HP for the S2000.

The S2000 has a much bigger trunk than the Solstice.

I'm predicting resale on the S2000 will be much higher than the Solstice, since Pontiacs generally depreciate a lot faster than Honda.

Overall I think S2000 wins.