Test drove a 03 Honda S2000 the other night. Nice car to drive I have to admit. This one had been wrecked and somebody did a crappy job of repairing it, but gave me a real feel for the car and I liked it. Looking at them and BMW Z3’s mostly. Want something in the late 90’s or newer for less than $15K. Some of the Miata’s aren’t bad, but think of them as chick cars, same thing with the Boxter for some reason. I like the S2000, but the only ones I can find around here are that dark yellow color and I don’t want two yellow cars. If the right deal came along I would do it, but not real crazy about that yellow for some reason. Anybody have any other suggestions.

 

Jim, are you looking specifically for a two seater? 3 series BMW's might fit the bill if 4 seats were OK. I never really considered the Miata a chick car. Of course I think any car you buy should be RED. The Mitsubishi Eclipse is a good looking convertible sporty car, but it does have the 4 seats, although not much rear leg room (actually none).

 

Really want a two seater. I want a sports car, not a sporty car.

 

My brother bought an Audi TT vert and although I haven't driven it, he just loves it, say's it drives like it was on rails. Got it relatively cheap too.

 

I would put my money on the S2000. That motor is essentially a detuned NSX motor in it, and man it is def. REV happy! I had one when they first came out for 3 days as a "demo" and I had a smile everytime I would up 2nd gear! It is reliable as heck, great looker, great fit and finish... What else can I say..... I t also hanldes like a go-kart.

 

Yea Jim I read your other post after posting on this one and noted that you were looking for a two seater. Are the Saturn/Pontiac Solstices still too expensive. I've ridden in a solstice and really liked it. Of course you could always look for a Vette or a Viper.

 

S2000 would be my choice. Try to get a 2004. The updating did wonders for the car. I had one for 2yrs (yellow). For more expense and less reliability, next would be the Boxter S. The older non-S cars are pretty lame, though they handle well. You'll just have to replace the motor, if it hasn't been already, and the interior wears poorly. I'm a die hard BMW person, but the Z3 is just light years behind the others in suspension development. I did spend some time on track with an M Roadster, which was pretty entertaining.

Miatas are great cars, and in your price range you could pretty much buy the best of the best. They just aren't that special.

Of course, if you want prestige, resale and the most unique experience, then an '80's 911 could be had in great condition for $15k. I really enjoyed that car.

 

E36 M3.....95-98
those are very nice cars......i feel it is better than the S2000, miata's, Z3....etc.

$15K.....buy a 242 and spend $10grand into it.....hehe

 

Just drove an 04 Silver Metalic (grey not silver) S2000. OH MY GOD! Only had 35K on it and it was in perfect condition. Had that combination red/black interior that I didn't really care for and I wish the grey was darker, but the car was fantastic to drive. It does not feel quick at all until you push the gas and then it goes.

Guy sold really nice exotic sports cars. A Viper was pulling off the lot when I pulled in. Somebody had just bought it. He said in the summer he drives S2000's more than any other car cause they drive so nice. He had quite a few 90ish 911 Porsches. I had 80 911SC and that's just not what I want. It's work to drive them. Loads of fun when you feel like it, but not a good car to commute to and from work.

His price on the car was $17,995 which is above what I want to spend. But at least I got to drive it. Pretty sure that's the car I'm going to zero in on, but I might just keep test driving them. Doesn't cost me a thing. Don't know why but I really want a rag top.

 

Test drove an S2000 a few months ago with a friend and they are SWEET!!!

 

Only sweet past 5000rpms thought......Handel is really good too.
If you do get one, get a chip for it ...It will level out the power with a flatter torque curve.....

Hope you fine a good one Jim!