Few questions for a soon to be owner
10-15-2012, 04:38 AM
#21
Registered User
Join Date: May 2008
Location: North Wales
Posts: 787
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I agree with NineBolts! At the end of the day, if you want one and can afford one then go for it, the only way you'll get the driving experience is to get out there and drive one. Take it easy, get used to the car and the power delivery, give it maximum respect in adverse conditions and I'm sure you'll be fine.
One thing you may not have factored into your running costs is the RFL - it's much much higher on the facelift models. I've just renewed mine at £270 for the year (2002 model) but I believe 2003 on models are over £400
One thing you may not have factored into your running costs is the RFL - it's much much higher on the facelift models. I've just renewed mine at £270 for the year (2002 model) but I believe 2003 on models are over £400
10-15-2012, 06:00 AM
#22
Same as what has been said above .... and I agree with Chris and Clive - if you want one and you know you can afford one then go and get one.
10-15-2012, 11:56 AM
#23
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
1. It's almost twice as long as your Corsa, but more importantly RWD which will be totally different to what you may be used to. Any RWD car is a potential widow-maker if driven badly in the wrong conditions. The S2000 is no different, but better balanced and more forgiving than some of its rivals. By all means give it the beans, but sensibly and according to the road/conditions. Do this and it won't hurt you or itself. Don't and it probably will.
2. Can't speak for this as I have zero interest in modding cars and never modded mine. Didn't see the point but I suppose it's down to personal opinion. Plenty on here do, and do so cost effectively from what I can tell. Like anything, it will come down to how much you want to spend.
3. What you need to ask yourself - or your budget - is whether you want the first gen model (smaller wheels but more engaging), second (better equipped and better looking on 17s but a little less raw and involving handling-wise), or third (even better appointed, marrying the good bits of the previous two but the very later models do have ongoing question marks over engine build quality). Bar the wheels and colour combos available to each, to the non-enthusiast they don't look too dissimilar.
4. More than likely in your area. Check out the relevant area on the site.
5. Probably not a great duty cycle for any car TBH but don't see why the S should exhibit any problems another car wouldn't, so long as it gets a proper blast every now and then.
2. Can't speak for this as I have zero interest in modding cars and never modded mine. Didn't see the point but I suppose it's down to personal opinion. Plenty on here do, and do so cost effectively from what I can tell. Like anything, it will come down to how much you want to spend.
3. What you need to ask yourself - or your budget - is whether you want the first gen model (smaller wheels but more engaging), second (better equipped and better looking on 17s but a little less raw and involving handling-wise), or third (even better appointed, marrying the good bits of the previous two but the very later models do have ongoing question marks over engine build quality). Bar the wheels and colour combos available to each, to the non-enthusiast they don't look too dissimilar.
4. More than likely in your area. Check out the relevant area on the site.
5. Probably not a great duty cycle for any car TBH but don't see why the S should exhibit any problems another car wouldn't, so long as it gets a proper blast every now and then.
Where is the areas for the regions? I can only see the meets section and its all mixed in with one another, maybe i need to be a member or something.
Quick question, are you sure you put in 2yrs NCB or 20? either that or are you a lottery winner?
As for the "discoraging" post, in the corsa if you floor the throttle going round a bend you may understeer and make some smoke, do that in an S2000 and the back end will become the front end then the back again etc. etc. until it stops and you crawl out from under the car and out of the ditch, if you're lucky. In other words 100% driving concerntration 100% of the time, and no dicking about, the S200 dosn't like show offs.
Forgot to add be ready for 30MPG at very best, and thats on super, don't use unleaded moonshine, and your 5min journeys, will just get you off choke, say 10MPG.
As for the "discoraging" post, in the corsa if you floor the throttle going round a bend you may understeer and make some smoke, do that in an S2000 and the back end will become the front end then the back again etc. etc. until it stops and you crawl out from under the car and out of the ditch, if you're lucky. In other words 100% driving concerntration 100% of the time, and no dicking about, the S200 dosn't like show offs.
Forgot to add be ready for 30MPG at very best, and thats on super, don't use unleaded moonshine, and your 5min journeys, will just get you off choke, say 10MPG.
IMHO Corsas are more dangerous than an S2000; under-powered, skinny budget tyres and poor suspension. You don't get "bitten" by the rear end coming round, you just get "bitten" by it under-steering and carrying straight on into the scenery.
With regard to question 5.
I love "just popping to the local shop" in mine - I always end up taking a round trip of about 30 miles, via at least two towns
Mine warms up pretty quickly - I start getting heat from the blowers within a couple of miles or so, but 5 mins isn't enough to get the oil up to temp - so I wouldn't want to be hitting v-tec at any point in that commute.
If you can afford the car, insurance and maintenance then go for it I say.
With regard to question 5.
I love "just popping to the local shop" in mine - I always end up taking a round trip of about 30 miles, via at least two towns
Mine warms up pretty quickly - I start getting heat from the blowers within a couple of miles or so, but 5 mins isn't enough to get the oil up to temp - so I wouldn't want to be hitting v-tec at any point in that commute.If you can afford the car, insurance and maintenance then go for it I say.
If you are sensible, you'll have a great time, if you are not, you will probably regret ever contemplating getting one. At 21 I had a ITR (DC2) and would highly recommend. You get the same screaming VTEC, it's nearly as fast (probably is quicker in the hands of 90% of drivers) and a genuinely fantastic car. It is FWD yes, but has a very neutral chassis and you often forget which wheels are the driven ones.
I had that for 2 years and learned a little on how to drive fast(ish) and did quite a few track days then moved ?up? to Elise and S2000 later. Both are different propositions and of course RWD convertibles, but as for sheer driving pleasure, the ITR matched them both.
If you are looking for a cheap ish roadster, the S is a great buy, but whilst running costs are low when you consider it's performance, it is not a cheap car to run really, compared to a corsa (apologies if that sounds rude / obvious).
At the end of the day, it's your money and your choice and people will have different views. You can crash any car if you drive it like a tool, but keep to YOUR limits and don't try to find the cars and it'll reward you 10 fold. Don't forget the cars limits are often way way above that of the driver. It is after all a car designed for the road and the average Joe to enjoy.
If you just want to pose around, then again, why not, it's your money and your choice. I had mine to drive and I really enjoyed it, Euro trips, track, daily drive, but I enjoyed a nice sunny day with the roof down as much as the next owner. You don't have try to set new land speed records to enjoy a car.
I had that for 2 years and learned a little on how to drive fast(ish) and did quite a few track days then moved ?up? to Elise and S2000 later. Both are different propositions and of course RWD convertibles, but as for sheer driving pleasure, the ITR matched them both.
If you are looking for a cheap ish roadster, the S is a great buy, but whilst running costs are low when you consider it's performance, it is not a cheap car to run really, compared to a corsa (apologies if that sounds rude / obvious).
At the end of the day, it's your money and your choice and people will have different views. You can crash any car if you drive it like a tool, but keep to YOUR limits and don't try to find the cars and it'll reward you 10 fold. Don't forget the cars limits are often way way above that of the driver. It is after all a car designed for the road and the average Joe to enjoy.
If you just want to pose around, then again, why not, it's your money and your choice. I had mine to drive and I really enjoyed it, Euro trips, track, daily drive, but I enjoyed a nice sunny day with the roof down as much as the next owner. You don't have try to set new land speed records to enjoy a car.
I think thats the thing i didnt realise until joining the forum that on a average day i will see maybe two "average joes" driving a s2000 and i just thought it was a great car but after joining there seems to be a worry about the cars handing. I think that's because of the posts of crashes and actually owners losing control of there s.
Hi Carper, good luck with your excellent choice of S2000 
Any chance you could share the name of the insurance broker/underwriter? Curious about what you call affordable, plus a wee bit jealous as all I could afford at your age was a 1.6 Golf Driver! (yes I'm very old
)
Any chance you could share the name of the insurance broker/underwriter? Curious about what you call affordable, plus a wee bit jealous as all I could afford at your age was a 1.6 Golf Driver! (yes I'm very old
)
. Unless you know this to be true go for it. 
I agree with NineBolts! At the end of the day, if you want one and can afford one then go for it, the only way you'll get the driving experience is to get out there and drive one. Take it easy, get used to the car and the power delivery, give it maximum respect in adverse conditions and I'm sure you'll be fine.
One thing you may not have factored into your running costs is the RFL - it's much much higher on the facelift models. I've just renewed mine at £270 for the year (2002 model) but I believe 2003 on models are over £400
One thing you may not have factored into your running costs is the RFL - it's much much higher on the facelift models. I've just renewed mine at £270 for the year (2002 model) but I believe 2003 on models are over £400
10-15-2012, 12:02 PM
#25
1. Get the geo checked if the car feels nervous.
2. Do a skidpan / airfield / instruction day.
3. Lose the speed before a corner / don't go too fast into it.
4. Don't brake or accelerate mid corner.
5. Be smooth with steering / throttle and brake inputs.
It's really not that difficult to drive, maybe more difficult to drive well but it's lovely to just drive.
10-15-2012, 12:11 PM
#27
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Cheshire
Posts: 475
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
That insurance quote is seriously cheap, I'm 23 with 4 years ncb and I just managed to squeeze under 2k, that's for my second year with the car too! Admiral wouldn't even quote me.
10-15-2012, 12:23 PM
#28
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
10-15-2012, 12:24 PM
#29
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
that seems very werid although i know of a 19 year old with a boxer so i guess its hit and miss. I also think it depends on area and who else is on your policy.
10-15-2012, 12:27 PM
#30
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Carper' timestamp='1350331014' post='22083961
the main question is if i were to get a average man from the side of the road who was sensible, always stuck to speed limits, had good tires, didn't drive loads in bad weather would he really have a problem owning a S?
1. Get the geo checked if the car feels nervous.
2. Do a skidpan / airfield / instruction day.
3. Lose the speed before a corner / don't go too fast into it.
4. Don't brake or accelerate mid corner.
5. Be smooth with steering / throttle and brake inputs.
It's really not that difficult to drive, maybe more difficult to drive well but it's lovely to just drive.