Well, only two months after buying my dream car. The car I have lusted over for more than a decade, I am considering a new WRX. Its not that I don't like the S2000, I really do. Its a blast on twisty roads and is a true sports car in every sense. One big factor in considering the WRX is that our weather here in WV is really all over the place. Its basically like a rain forest where I live, oscillating between rain showers and sweltering humidity, neither of which are top down friendly. Then there's the winter.
That leads me to my next discovery. I'm not in love with the convertible thing. Sometimes its nice, but I could leave the top up 80% of the time and be happy. I didn't realize this until owning own now for the first time. Honestly if there was a hatch back option for this car (like modern 240z) I'd be all over it.
The S2000 is amazingly fun on twisting mountain roads which are plentiful in my state but often times they lead to a scenic destination which requires a short stint on dirt or gravel to get to the ultimate destination. Example, Dolly Sods or Spruce Knob for those familiar with the state.
I mean its not like I didn't already know this having lived in the state my entire 40 years. Its just that sometimes its not that obvious until your confronted with it. So between trying to neurotically keep this awesome roadster clean, shying away from rainy days, which are plentiful and dancing around this pristine 40k mile S2000 in my garage/ workshop its not as enjoyable as I had anticipated. I think I would rather just own a fun enough and more practical car that I can enjoy no matter what our crappy weather system throws at me.
I currently own a 2004 CR-V which I could also sell or trade to add to the pot since I would also be replacing it with the WRX. My third car currently is a Suzuki Sidekick modified as an offroad toy but is also sometimes driven as a daily beater. I will keep the sidekick forever so that will leave me with the WRX and Sidekick. Now, keep in mind I have never driven a current generation WRX. I drove a 2011 years ago and honestly, it was just ok for me but I have read and watched all the reviews that say the new one is better. My neighbor has a 2012 Sti that we are supposed to take on a drive soon too. I would not be buying a new STi. Its a bit out of my price range so I'm just considering a WRX. Sorry to sound so negative about such a great car. It may turn out that I like the S2000 too much after driving a WRX to sell it anyway.
What are your thoughts on the new WRX?

Thanks

 

I'd just get over the "pristine" factor and drive the S2000. Buy a hard top if it makes you happy.

Sure,your S2000 only has 40K miles. A new WRX will have 0 miles.

Just enjoy the S2000. Rain won't hurt it. And neither will a little gravel.

Your CRV is already a practical car with 4 doors. A WRX is a lower, less cargo friendly version of your CRV, essentially.

Or...drive a new WRX. See how you like it.

I am strongly considering a WRX to replace my TSX as a daily (in a year or two...or three. The TSX is paid off, so I'm in no rush). I would never consider it as a S2000 replacement.

Cars that *might* replace the S2000 if I needed to consolidate down to 1 car:
-Cayman S
-M3
-Just drive my S2000.
-Two S2000's.
-Another S2000.

 

I haven't driven the 2015+ WRX (only a 2004, 2006, and 2012), but if you are really tired of driving the CRV and refuse to daily the S2000 like me, a brand new WRX (non STI) is a fine choice.

Just keep in mind it won't be as exciting to drive, but certainly more so than dailying a CRV. However, is it more fun or practical than dailying a CRV and having the S2000 as a fun car? That's the question..

Another thing to think about, how much more on top will have you have to pay for a new WRX than you'll end up getting for your S2000 + CRV?
Will you want to mod it to? And keeping it out of warranty, it will be more expensive to maintain than the S2000 would be, and likely less reliable than the NA S2000. Something to think about for down the road. The depreciation will also be greater, and you'll immediately take a big hit on the taxes you pay (-~$3,500) once you drive it off the lot and pay taxes.

I've been considering the exact same thing and the above has stopped me. The SUV (worth little) I drive and car value are still ~$10,000 away from the cost of a new WRX after taxes with a few options.

And I'll agree with B Serious, a WRX isn't really an S2000 replacement. If you were to sell it, you'd end up missing it, they are totally different cars. One thing to think about though, on those rainy days you refuse to drive the S2000, do you really wish you were driving a "fun" car anyway? I don't mind driving the SUV as much during the winter months here, it's also nice having something with clearance for when you need it.

 

I have no problem DD'ing my S2000 in summer. Unless I have to park in the city or valet it.

The only thing a S2000 can't do is carry more than 2 people or carry cargo. That's what makes it impractical.

However, one's refusal to drive makes one's MINDSET impractical. Not the car.

 

See, this is why I ask such questions! Nice perspective you guys are giving me. I too expect that the WRX won't be the same sports car experience of the S2000. I would value my CR-V at only $4k or so with its 130k miles. Add the add the 18-20k I might get for the S and I'm still 7k or more shy of the WRX. Plus I wasn't really thinking of the instant and continual depreciation of the WRX. Maybe I need to lighten up a bit and do some more daily driving in the summer with my S.

 

Not into the roadster lifestyle? That's what the S2000 is all about, an open car that's positively catastrophic with the roof up! Only takes 6 seconds either way. Practical? Not in the least, it's a play car.

Consensus I've read is the newest WRX is the best of them so far but only in the STI version which you'll be constantly second guessing yourself if you get the base model. The BRZ is much less expensive and probably offers more non-roadster appeal than a 4-door Impreza with a hood scoop, turbocharger and some badges. I suspect used WRXs have been driven hard.

My family has three 2-year old Subarus all in 4WD -- no Imprezas. Wonderful in NE Ohio and North Country NY weather that I don't subject my S2000 which I only drive April to October.

-- Chuck

 

YOU CAN'T NOT DRIVE AN S2000.

 

Take it out on a track and your perception of the S2000 will change.

I bought my first S2000 after having driven modified WRX's and STI's for years.
The S2000 was a massive let-down.
Let's face it, the S2000 is dog slow compared to an STI.
The RWD handling scared me. The engine was buzzy and didn't have the massive torque I was used to.
I suffered from buyer's remorse for months.

Until I took it out on a track with the local Subaru club during an HPDE day.
And then suddenly everything changed.
I was faster than most of them, and I could stay out for longer (no brake fade).
The car was in its element and I suddenly understood what it was about.

Also take it out and drive it.
Keeping it in the garage to save it from rain/sun/salt/etc is like not having intimate relations with your girlfriend because you want to save her for her next boyfriend.

 

Another option, sell the S, and get another, higher mileage S, that you wont mind as much driving on occasional dirt road, etc. Maybe get a hardtop. Then drive it, drive it, drive it. Its not like it will be less reliable with the higher miles, if it was decently cared for, and then you dont have to worry about abusing a pristine car.

Sent from my SM-G920P using IB AutoGroup

 

Wow. That took a real turn I wasn't expecting on an S2000 forum.