Would this be a good alternative?
 

So I really want a 370z, but I just simply can not afford one. I have always wanted a Honda S2000 since I was a teenager. And I have seen decent ones with between 60-80k miles for between $12k-$14k.

I was wondering if you guys would consider the S2000 a good vehicle to "settle" on? I know its an older vehicle and not as fast as the 370z but do you think it is a good enough car to purchase still?

I feel like I can have more fun in the S2K and there are a ton of mod options, I could always turbo it later on to make more power. Plus its a Honda so its very reliable. And its still a beautiful looking car to this day.

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7453/8...973e09e1_z.jpg
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/...psb0b76b92.jpg

Even though the S is under-powered i've seen videos on youtube of track races and the S is right on the 370's *** the entire race. So its a very capable platform.

My thing is, if the Z is what you want then you wont be happy until you get it. I hope that helps.

I do want the Z because I had a 350z and loved it, but while owning the 350z I always questioned my choice and wondered if I should have gotten the S instead.

They were basically brothers from other mothers to me.

sure if one of the brothers was on roids (370) and the other brother was scrawny (s2000) ... to me the 370 is more "beefier" and just down right better.

like stated above if you want a 370 then you won't be happy till you get one. seems to me like you don't which one you want more.

I know consumer report rated it with the highest insurance rate above some Mercedes. It must be a highly stolen car are very unsafe. Just my 2cents.
Wait and save your money for a year, they are dropping below 20k.

when i cant afford one i just work harder until i do.

The brothers comment was aimed at the 350z and S2000 since they are so close. A race in a straight or a track comes down to the driver. Both RWD, both 2 seat, both japanese, both sports cars with lots of aftermarket support.

welcome to 2004...

Not sure what the year of the car has to do with the enjoyment you get from owning it. The Mazda RX-7 is a way better car than the 370z and its from the early 90's

rx-7 is arguably better than many of the modern 'cars' but rotary engines are so reliable.

or you can say the celica gts

or the supra

or the mr2

or the 300zx

or the r32

or the silvia

or the evo 7

or the JDM civic

you know... every other car? LOL

haha, looks like buttons were pushed. rx7's are slow and break.

rx8's are even funnier.

The RX7 along with the Supra and NSX are iconic sports cars from Japan. The Z never hit the same status, that would be the GTR from Nissan. And the S2000 after the NSX is arguably the best sports car Honda has ever made.

RX8 is bogus.

Nothing wrong with an S2000. Smaller engine than the 370Z but I don't think you will be disappointed with the acceleration. Great DD for those that like to do some spirited driving. For me, it would be a coin toss. I'd check out some of the S2K forums and look for expensive problems such as the CSC on the Z.

i dont own the z for status. you should get a bimmer. those folks like status.

I was actually interested in a 07 335i they are sexy with lots of power, but I dont trust german cars.

Stock vs stock?

they are a hit or miss... you might get lucky. but based on your budget you're better off with a more sound car as far as reliability.

but a 10yr+ old car? things will break.

so just work harder, save up, and get the car you really want.

Well judging by the back end on the Z I imagine both cars are modded for the track, but im not sure. Its just impressive the S is able to stay neck and neck with the much more powerful (but heavier) 370

Depends on the engine mods of the S2000.

if i was to get a 4 banger vert today, i would hold off till the next miata is released and buy new.

unless you do fi it's slow anyways for street. just get a modern nicer vert of today.

True. But I heard the S responds alot better to simple bolt ons than a Z would, so there seems to be more potential for more power without having to spend an arm and a leg. Of course turbo both and the Z would win hands down.

OP. These threads really never work. You are on a 370z forum, the answers will mostly be biased.

You need to make a list of all the things you are looking for in a car. Daily driver? Weekend toy? Budget? Need back seats? Still want factory warranty? Lots of other things to take into account. Once you make a list you can start checking off cars that don't fit. Forums are a great place to do research and get opinions, but ultimately it will be YOU making the choice about which car to get.

That being said, pass on the S2k =P

The miata has never been a "sexy" car, the S is the only vert I find appealing for some reason. The designed it very well (looks wise)

The 300z was/is on the same level as the cars you mentioned... You forgot the Mitsu 3000GT:confused:

yah, that is true... the new miata looks like a perverted snake peeking through a hole. previous gens pretty much all look like a f-king joke too..at least their grinning facia do.

Haha miatas have lots of potential with the right mods or engine swaps but they are so hideous!

Sounds to me like you just want to get into something new NOW. The s2k has always been one of my favs but honestly get into a s2kcr if your wanting an s2k if not wait and save your day will come.

Isnt the CR only difference is that it has a removable hard top and no soft top and has a spoiler/body kit?

yah, but you get the CR status..

club ricer? was it?

this time of day i rather have a CS or BLT..

s2k's are fantastic cars with fantastic motors... stock internals on that can handle the same as our vq37. just food for thought fellas...

can you find a low milage 09 s2k for $12K or watever the op's budget was?

$12k wont even buy a used newish honda fit :D haha

.. nor a cannondale cf bicycle..

No way in hell. AP2 S2K's with low miles go for $20k+

My budget would be $15k