My first car was a 78' MGB. When I started driving in 96' it was already going on 20 years old. It was a good car to learn on I think... analog, no nannies, slow as eff...
I got into two accidents in it and was pretty lucky not to have gotten hurt. First accident was not my fault - I was side swiped on a highway doing about 30-40mph. I was able to countersteer the spin I was thrown into, I slid accross 3 lanes of Toronto 401 highway. I was lucky I was not struck again... The second accident was my fault showing off taking a turn too quickly on a side street with a pretty girl in the car. The rear came around and I hit a parked car. The MG had a whole 75hp or so LOL - if I had an S2000 with 200+ HP I'm sure I'd have gotten into a LOT more trouble.

If I were you I'd go the older Miata route. Find one for 5k and drive it 3 years... To a new driver it will be a blast, you won't care if you ding it up a bit and it's not as manic to drive.
One thing I do suggest though is finding something you will have fun with - nothing wrong with making driving fun - but take it from me, you will learn some lessons the hard way as we all do... experience is earned.

 

Get an AP2 which is a bit safer I guess?

 

I would say no. I started with an Integra (FWD) and still managed to do some pretty stupid stuff with it. If I had been in an S2k it would have been crashed for sure.

Fast forward 13 years and 50-60 autocrosses (getting fastest time of all comers 4 times) and I still nearly spun the S2k on the wet drive home from buying it! It is not for the novice, plain and simple. Snappy tail, short wheelbase, not a lot of steering feel, poor visibility with the top up, no traction/stability aids, no torque... it really isn't a car to learn on.
Great advice. Miata is far friendlier to drive at the limit. And actually, as a newer driver, you will likely have MORE fun because of this.

 

The early S2000 is a car that hasn't been watered down as much as the average sports car, nevermind most commuter cars. They have very high handling limits, with a small area of padding for mistakes, and once you blow through that there is nothing to save you. It's not a very good daily driver unless you specifically want a very raw car, but that's not something a new driver can appreciate.

Buy a Miata if you really want a two door convertible, chances are you'll be moving to something more sedate in a year. If you want a great car that I would liken to a golden retriever then find an E46 330i. Comfortable, sporty, good handling limits with a HUGE margin and very forgiving edge.

 

I would say that the s2k wouldn't be a great choice for a first car do to its unforgiving nature. When you get stuck in the rain and aren't used to over steer and being careful with the throttle you will have a bad time in this car, it is not forgiving even if you are carefull it still may get ya. I would start with something a bit easier until you get the hang for driving a bit more and then in a few years if you still want one go and get it!

 

Dangerous maybe isn't the right word. Maybe less forgiving? I had a crappy truck as my first car and pretty surprised I didn't wreck. I thought I was a good driver but still did plenty of stupid stuff. Taking a high performance driving class and maybe start with something more forgiving. I am willing to bet your insurance would be insane with an S2000 as well so thats something to think of.

 

Start here: Welcome to Tire Rack Street Survival. Real world. Hands-on.

I would suggest getting something more expendable for your first year. A NA (1st gen) Miata would be probably be the best option. Low initial costs, low maintenance, and a similar layout. After Street Survival, spend some time participating in autocross events to improve your car control skills and sensitivity.

 

I was a little worried about getting my AP1 because of all the "Snap-Oversteer" claims. After 2 years of autocrossing it, starting from a novice school, I think that concept is blown way out of proportion. I agree with the sentiment that it is about the driver. That being said, you will also need to budget to keep good tires on the car constantly. You will likely want performance tires that will wear much quicker than an average road tire, especially with the type of rear end alignment these cars like. The car is very neutral and sensitive to any driver input which makes it unforgiving. The short wheelbase also lends to it spinning rather quickly if momentum gets it moving that way. It's characteristics lend to it being a handful at the limit in comparison to the average, terminally understeering commuter car. Its limits are also higher than said comparison and things happen much quicker.

I got my car at 24 after learning the hard way prior to my S. If your age on this site is accurate, I trust you may be ok. When I was younger I would have said that I was responsible in a convincing, well spoken manner but I was not.I started driving when I was 16 and absolutely should not have been in a car like this on the street. In a controlled environment, with an instructor to keep me honest, I think I would have been absolutely fine. I don't think the issue is that of driver skill but going too crazy on public roads. If you drive like a sane human being on public streets, the car is in no way dangerous as long as you keep all components in good shape. IMO, you should not be approaching the real limits of this car on public roads. Maybe it is different with lower grip all-seasons or something, but I feel like it would be nutty of me to go 9/10ths on public roads. Conditions change too often and I'd be going too quickly to account for much around blind turns and what not. I've done 70+ on the highway in heavy rain, autocrossed in the rain, and driven in everything but snow/salt. The car does not have bad behavior unless you instigate it. Don't put yourself in a situation which may cause you to throw the car off balance and you should be alright. Unless of course you atuocross or track it, instigate all you'd like. It will be a great teacher of car control.

 

Your 1st sentence speaks volumes. I doubt any new driver can handle a car well. As a parent with an 18 year old I recommend that you Get some miles under your belt. Drive during the rain, snow, and fog. After a few years go for an s2000. The s2000 is dangerous bc drivers over estimate the car's capabilities, especially during bad weather. A Short wheelbase, 50/50 weight distribution, and rwd makes the car very flickable but can tempt you to push the car to its limits and beyond. How old are you btw? Good luck!

 

Times have certainly changed and so have the performance of vehicles.

My first car was a 1979 Chevy Monza 2+2 with a smallblock 350/turbo 350 with shift kit and I was 16. This car would smoke the tires from light to light and was a blast to own back then, but it handled like a car of its time. I never wrecked the car or even got into an accident but I guess I was just a little lucky.

As some have said, the S2000 inspires confidence with its handling and that is the biggest hurdle with this car. Some think that the car will keep you planted no matter what but there are just too many variables, speed, tires, rain and Vtec being a few. I have tossed the S around and it has done the same to me but I have respected the car and its limits, once you surpass a limit without disaster then you re-evaluate your abilities and change your shorts.

Good luck with whatever you decide but be fully aware that this car does inspire driver confidence, even to those that don't have great ability.