Well the RX-8 is paid off in June, and thats leaves some room in my automotive budget. I really want to keep the RX-8, it has been a great daily driver and is still a blast to drive after almost 5 years and 66k miles. I'd like to pick up another toy. Something less pratical than the RX-8. Why? Its a great time to buy a car, cars are cheap especially recreational cars. And I would like to keep the miles on the RX-8 low to keep it for a while. Anyway I would like to buy something under 20 grand, probably under 15, I figure I would take out a small 1 - 2 year loan and put down half or so. I dont want to get into another 5 year loan.

So I am really thinking about a S2000. i drove one briefly and loved it. It wouldnt be pratical for my only car in Chicago, so I didnt consider when shopping for the 8. But now with the economy I could pick up a nice S2000 with about 20 - 30 k miles for around 13-14.

Other cars I am considering.

C5 Vette - Always wanted a Vette. Some can be had really cheap, but probably abused. I would only go for one in nice condition, but that would set me back around 20. Only thing I dont like is there are too many of them. 3 in my parking lot at work during the summer.
FD RX-7 - The only downside is the reliability, I dont want an unexpected engine rebuild.
Lotus Elise - This is the one I would really want, but I dont want to take out another 5 year loan. Maybe in another few years when I have a bit more $$$.

edit: Would be looking at an AP1, possibly a 2004 AP2, but nothing newer. Mostly because they have taken most of their new car depreciation, and I figure that they should hold most of their current value for a while. And I have seen nice looking examples under $15k with under 30k miles. Cars have been selling at great prices lately, mostly due to the economy. A $15k car right now was $20k a year ago.

 

No thoughts.

 

elise would be fun but as you mentioned, not worth it if it's out of the financial range you were looking at.

C5 Vette... C6 is better. I dont think I would go for a C5 honestly... just doesnt even interest me for some reason.

S2000.... I'd go for it. Only problem is that you're mileage/cost is a little off... For 13-14k I would expect a little bit higher mileage... closer to 40-50k miles I think. I really like the s2k so in my opinion that would be a great buy. I've been considering one to replace the 8, but I can never decide if I would miss the 8 too much. Plus I'm not sure if it has quite as much space as I'd need.

All the cars are good, but from what you described it sounds like the s2k is the best for you out of those choices. You might be able to find a great deal, but I'd expect to pay a little more or to get one with a few more miles on it, but still a good car.

edit: did you care whether the s2000 was AP1 or AP2? Cause if you wanted AP2, you'd have to expect to pay a little more for that since it's a newer model probably

 

Sounds like Elise won't be on the list. I agree^ C6 if vette!

Not to digress, but I'd give some serious thought to around an 04 or newer 330ci; very doable in that price range and with a little looking around, you'd probably get one with extended warranty.

S2k wouldn't be my choice cause those cars are difficult to sell.

 

I have an RX8 and my brother has an S2k AP1 model. I like the 8 better and it feels much more refined. When I drive the S2K, I keep thinking in my head "I can't wait to get back into my 8". The S2k is a blast to drive especially top down and getting all the chicks attention but at the end of the day, I feel much more comfortable driving my 8. They're both good cars with very similar traits and it'd be nice to be able to own both. If I were you though, i'd go for that lotus elise if you can

 

1. elise
2. 2004+ s2k

 

for your price range and what you are looking for in a car i think i'd go for the s2k.
i've mulled over trading my 8 for an s2k but i dont know if i can give up all the extra space

but defintely would make a nice second car!

 

Hey why not?

 

The S2K would make a great second car, to go along with your RX8. I actually had an RX8 as my second car (STI as daily, and now Mazdaspeed 6 as daily), but I was one of those that had nightmares with my 8 when it first came out.

Nice to see the car has become more reliable and durable since my nightmare. Love the car and miss the car. The S2K is so durable and reliable, you really can't go wrong, and they are extremely affordable used now, much like the RX8.

I think that's your best bet. Fantastic machine, though not as comfy and more raw then an RX8 (the way it was intended to be), but an absolute BLAST to drive, and you can't beat a true sports car like the S as a weekend cruiser, and have a smooth comfy 8 as a first car. Best of both worlds. Good luck!!!

 

Listen to him.

 

+1

I've had both (first the s2k, now the rx8). I miss having a roadster, but I do love the extra space on the 8. Personally, the S beats the 8 on performance and handling, but not by much.

One thing I hated about the s2k was having to get new tires 8-12k. Other than that, the car is rock-solid. s2k's have a very good community also.

 

Another thing I am wondering about is anyones best guess as to the resale value of an S2000 in another 3-4 years. Say I get one with 30k miles for $15,000. I am only driving the RX-8 10,000 miles a year. Figure I split that between the two, although probably more for the RX-8, as would not buy snow tires for the Honda. 4 years from now I'd have a S2000 with under 50k miles. I would think that $10-12 thousand be about what the car would be worth at that point. Heck, they are done making the things in a few months and if the economy turns around I might be able to get most almost all of the cash back. Does this sound accurate or am I way off?

 

Before you go out and get a S2000, can i recommend the C5-Z-06. They can be had for just a little more coin , but the car will reward you in more ways than one. 405HP,.3 ticks slower than its younger brother the C6 Z-06 from 0-60. They handle like there on rails,great looks, great sound from a stock motor, the potential to mod is insane where as the S2000 simple bolt ons won't net you much unless you go FI, just like the 8.

THe C5 Z-06 is tame as a daily driver. Gets 26-28mpg on the highway , and when you put your foot through the floor she transforms into a beast!

 

Vette, or spend a little more and get a BMW Z4.

The S2000 is not a great car and has many downsides in my opinion (like the Del Sol inspired interior that doesn't fit anyone over 150 lbs and 6 foot, or the unlined top (hell even a 20 year old RX-7 convertible has a lined top with a glass rear window) more rattles than a 04 RX-8, and odd driving position. Of course if you are on the small side, then the driving position may not bother you.

 

Is the S2000 really different enough to justify as a second toy? I know the S2000 is more raw, plus a convertible would be fun, but the 8 and S2000 are both high-revving, nimble sports cars. Different, but similar in many ways too.

 

S2000 or Vette are too much like a daily driver type of car, which you already have.

If you can stretch the budget enough I would get an Elise. Otherwise, pay cash for a 1st gen Miata and slap on a turbo. It will be rough, loud and extremely fast, perfect for a weekend toy IMO.

 

Consider insurance too. An Elise would be ridiculous. I'm currently debating trading my 8 for an 06 or newer S2K. Wife says no but hair in the wind says yes!

 

I think that the C5 Z06 is just out of my price range. If I had another 10 to play with I would have a hard time deciding between an Elise and a C5 Z/standard C6. I know that there are Z06s out there in the low 20s maybe below but those have been clearly beaten around. If I went for a Vette I would only go for something that and was not abused. And a Z06 in good condition is about 25. But I would love to get one.

 

But I want something that is still streetable enough to use a lot in the summer. Just more hardcore than the Mazda. I think the elise would be about perfect except for the $$ involved.

I have thought about doing a Monster Miata on several occasions, but projects like that always end up costing more than you originally think.

 

Check on the Miata forum, there are many streetable FI'd Miatas. The BP engine had a cast iron block and a fairly low compression ratio, so they're just about the most reliable aftermarket turbo cars out there.

 

i love the s2k as well. i think of it as the rx8's harsher half. get one, you will love it

 

I just skimmed the rest of the posts in the thread, but I don't think this was mentioned:

How about two wheels instead of four? Depending on how you far you'd go with your "thrill" factor, why not consider a bike?

 

S2000 sounds like a great choice, especially for the price range and mileage. Ive seen many S2K at a very decent price (11k-16k) with VERY LOW MILEAGE.

As for the Corvette.....you already know that its hard to even find one in a decent shape that HASN'T been beat the crap out of!

I would definitley say to go for the Honda S2000 and if I was to choose which model, it would definitley be the AP1 without a DOUBT.