Thanks for waiting readers, this week has been crazy for writing and anything else I try and do. I continue my reviews of affordable cars with an underground monster. Although it is more commonly called street racing, underground and unofficial racing is the same thing. No matter what you call it, this next car is a favorite for the racers because they are plentiful on the used market, and SUPER easy to customize. These cars come with a stock 237hp engine which can boost this car 0-60 in about 5.5seconds. This car is cheaper alternative to the Lotus Elise, Porsche Boxster S, and the BMW Z4. Even though the car is cheaper, the performance is almost on par with the other cars listed. While the aggressive styling keeps this car timeless, it is also a bad thing. If you are a male, and are over 5’10, you are not going to fit in this car. If you are 5’11 you might be able to squeeze, but it will be very uncomfortable. A benefit to driving a Honda is that there are parts almost everywhere making running costs and maintenance relatively cheap compared to a Porsche and BMW.
The Honda S2000 is actually quite a good car. Parents will be surprised at its MPG and safety ratings, while teens will enjoy the convertible/roadster aspect. The Honda S2000 gets around the mid-twenties combined fuel economy, and is rated 5 stars for both the front occupants, and for the roll-over test. The styling of this car is almost described as a fighter jet version of the Mazda MX-5 Miata. The front clamshell is composed with a huge air intake, that helps define both the front of the car and the hood. It loses its fighter jet charisma and becomes rather bland when one looks at the middle of either side of the car. At the rear, one expects to have a banging rear-end like the Z4, Elise, and Boxster? No, this car has a rear-end that looks like a 2008 Toyota Corolla and a 2003 Aston Martin DB7 had a kid. This kid does not look hideous, but it leaves us wanting so much more. The driving experience is somewhat limited to the select few who will not fit, but if you can get into this car, you won’t be too unhappy. The interior of this car is subpar to say the least, but giving that it only cost $35,000(base) new, I expected a lot better. The Honda S2000 is not being produced anymore. One can purchase an almost fully loaded 2011 Dodge Charger SRT8 R/T Max for that price (just to put things in perspective). The Interior design is rather plain, even on Honda standards but everything is where it should be with nothing placed in a weird area. The seats are relatively comfortable, and the steering wheel is a perfect size. A unique feature about this car is the trunk space. Most people believe that little cars and convertibles do not have any “decent” trunk space at all. Well, to those people I say “This car has some of the best real usable trunk space for its class and price point.” Now that we have gone through this car, lets continue with what you can actually find for sale for $8,000.
While scanning around in the $8,000 maximum price, one can expect to find nothing. While scanning around in the $8,000 maximum price, one can expect to find nothing. Well, actually you can find a few cars but all of them are either wrecked, crashed, damaged, bad title or all of the above. Sorry!
While scanning around in the $15,000 maximum price, one can expect to find an abundant amount of ‘05’s. You can get a 2005 S2000 with as little as 70,000 miles, and going back to the ’01-’02 models you can find them with 40,000+ miles. One big advantage to this car is that it is a convertible. However, as with every car, expect the roof extensively before purchase because you could end up having to replace the top. The body style for this price range is one that never has more than 1-3 changes per model year. Most of the changes that Honda did on the S2000 came in to play behind the scenes (aka chassis, engine block, electrical stuff ect.). Do not be disheartened by sitting at your computer reading about how great a 6-10 year old car is with 70,000 miles. These cars still will cause some slight head turning, and will last forever. The interior of these cars are about the same comfort as the previous years, and the quality tends to be in average-above average condition (depending on the car) for this price range.
While scanning around in the $25,000 maximum price, one can expect to find numerous 08's with 25,000 miles on them and numerous '07’s (some '06's) with 35,000+ miles. This car is still only offered as a convertible. However, as with every car, expect the roof extensively before purchase because you could end up having to replace the top. The body style for this price range is the final morph that went into effect for the S2000. The biggest (and greatest change) that is noticeable is the giant protruding air intake. Do not be disheartened by the thought of driving a '08 with 25,000miles, or a '06 with 40,000miles. These are great cars that will turn heads even more than in the last price point. The interior of these cars received a minor upgrade in the comfort compared to the ‘05’s. The quality tends to be in above average condition (depending on the car) for this price range.
Bottom line: If you want a reliable Japanese roadster, this is your car no matter what year. The only caution I have is this “The Honda S2000 is not being produced anymore.” So just be careful out there, and drive safe. Hope you choose to park yourself in front of the next review about the BMW and Porsche SUV’s.
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