Or should that be THE STONEMOBILE? :D

John, have you considered the RX8? Damn fine car, and the ones in my area all are around the upper 20's as far as price goes. If you're dead set for an 04 Mustang, if you could wait for the 05's to hit you'll get a helluva deal on that 04 convertible. And with Ford or Mazda, if you know someone that works for either company they can give you an X-plan pin #. You'll get the car you want, usually around $300 under invoice with no haggling. You still get rebates and everything on top of that too. A guy that works on an assembly line is going to give me his last one (they have an allocated amount per year) so I can go buy a Mazda 3 next week.

Hope this helps!

I'm no car expert, so I don't know how good they are, but what about an Infiniti G35 (http://www.infiniti.com/content/0,,cid-30568_sctid-52054,00.html)?

If it were me, and I was going to buy a brand new Mustang, I would wait until the 05 comes out and buy one of those. Its a new body style and will get a lot of heads to turn when you drive by... at least for a while. Then after awhile they will be all over the place like they are now.

don't buy a mustang, unless you want a car that has cheap interior materials and inferior handling. mustangs do have good straight-line power, but that's about all they have going for them.

the 350z is a great car. you might also consider the infiniti G35, which is essentially a slightly toned-down luxury version of the 350z.

the mazda rx-8 would be a good choice, too. it's not as fast as the 350z, but the interior is nicer and more comfortable, there are two extra passenger seats, and it seems to have more responsive steering. if you are going to test drive a 350z, you should certainly try out the rx-8 as well.

if you are looking for a sport sedan, consider the subaru wrx STI and the mitsubishi lancer evolution. if you can wait until fall, the mr edition of the lancer evolution is supposed to be coming out. specs: http://features.evolutionm.net/newsitem/75#evospecs

Actually I'm leaning away from the Mustang at this point. The Nissan 350Z Roadster (convertible) and the Honda S2000 are both making me drool all over myself.

We were just approved for an auto loan that's much larger than anything I would want to spend on a single car, so we're off to test drive with "cash in hand" now. :) I have to be careful because we're also buying a new second car for general use along with the sports car (trading in the van). I don't want to get in too deep!

Oh, gonna check out the RX, too. ;)

Don't know what you're talking about with Mustangs... I eat 350Z's for a snack in my Mustang, on the road and at the autocross. But I do have a Steeda suspension and a built 302. I bought the car for $4000 (description here (http://forums.johnstonefitness.com/showthread.php?t=5192)) so I'm way ahead of the game, since I know what most folks paid for 350Z's. That's gotta hurt, getting stomped by an 18-year old car that cost 1/8th what they paid...

Bang for the buck is the Mustang Mach1 with 305 horses. Easily upgradeable, stable, nice car. Good straight line, good handling in the twisties... fun to drive. Real power is the Cobra. A Lightning pulley and those are 11-second cars. Just be careful of the independent rear, they grenade half-shafts all the time.

Be wary of convertibles in FL unless you have a garage... trust me. I put two tops on my '73 vert (one every five years) until I bought a house with a garage.

Have fun shopping... I love buying cars.

Actually I'm leaning away from the Mustang at this point. The Nissan 350Z Roadster (convertible) and the Honda S2000 are both making me drool all over myself.

We were just approved for an auto loan that's much larger than anything I would want to spend on a single car, so we're off to test drive with "cash in hand" now. :) I have to be careful because we're also buying a new second car for general use along with the sports car (trading in the van). I don't want to get in too deep!

Oh, gonna check out the RX, too. ;)

the s2000 is a nice car but it doesn't have a lot of low-end torque. it does handle well, though, and it is certainly a beautiful car. and as far as reliability goes, you can't go wrong with a honda.

good luck on your purchase. :tu:

John there is only one smart answer in that pricepoint.

Subaru Impreza WRX STi.

It outperforms ALL the cars you've listed, handily, *AND* is is a practical 4 door car. 300hp/300torque, 13.1 second quarter mile.

The only thing against it is the boy-racer styling, but you can debadge it, and a lot of folks have swapped the picnic table/ricer wing with a plain trunk.

This car is a SUPERB value. It will beat BMW M3's in most automotive contests.

And, it is AWD which has many performance benefits even on Florida streets.

Check it out, you won't be disappointed!

-Allen

I am putting up another vote for the G35 Coupe...like it was said before a toned down 350Z with slight edge on luxury. Personally I don't like all the Mustangs/WRX style cars since they seem to denote a kind of slight immaturity or youthness to them. Hey I'm 19 and im still pretty young but I still feel that you should get something a bit more adult like.

RX8 is nice, but if power is what you want the 350z is superior with a bunch more horsepower, and probably better engine reliability, since rotaries aren't known as the most reliable engines on the planet, whereas the Nissan V6 engine is based on a proven award-winning platform.

If brute power for price is the desire then an 05 mustang GT is definitely what the doctor ordered :)

Or, if you have a family go with the 300c with hemi or dodge magnum. v8. Either of those is not too pricey, large, and 300+ horsepower. It's not a sports car, but you wouldn't know that when it beats you at the lights!

Actually I'm leaning away from the Mustang at this point. The Nissan 350Z Roadster (convertible) and the Honda S2000 are both making me drool all over myself.

We were just approved for an auto loan that's much larger than anything I would want to spend on a single car, so we're off to test drive with "cash in hand" now. :) I have to be careful because we're also buying a new second car for general use along with the sports car (trading in the van). I don't want to get in too deep!

Oh, gonna check out the RX, too. ;)


A VERY wise decision. I personally like the RX8 much more than the S2000, but all the cars mentioned are so much nicer than a Mustang, IMO of course. I just don't see anything special about driving a car that every other guy 16-20 years old does.

:gl: with whatever you decide!

I was always a big twin turbo fan of the late 90's 300zx, rx-7, & supra. You could do so much with them thangs. Out of the suggested choices, I'd rather have the RX-8. All the other sports cars like it, copied off of it in the first place. I never really liked the Mustangs or any other American made car in the past 20 years.

I know I'm probably going overboard here in terms of price, but a BMW M3 is always a nice choice. Although, I guess it takes certain people (w/ money) to really understand & appreciate the quality & engineering of a Beamer.

Buying a 2004 or 2005 has its difference in price, and each year there really aren't that many new features, if any, to compensate for the price tag. If you're getting it from the dealer, you'll have the same warranty anyways. Whatever your choice, I would buy used, so it would be paid off sooner, and you'd have more money to put towards upgrades, repairs and/or maintenance.

I hope John seriously considers, and test drives the Mazda RX-8! That would be my choice!

I don't see the correlation between you getting in shape, and your choice of car. I suggest either buy American (the job you save may be your own), or get an import that gets excellent gas mileage so less oil is imported, and less pollution is generated. You as an IT person, are aware of many jobs being sent overseas. Many people buy foreign cars because they (think) are getting better quality. Maybe IBM or Oracle, are able also to get better workers in Bangalore India at 1/10 the cost of a programer here. It is unfortanate that this became an issue just because the White Collar Yuppies are now losing their high paying jobs, but when 100's of thousands of auto jobs were lost in the 80's because people are buying imports, it wasn't the yuppies problem.

When I read about John purchasing a new car in the 30k range I commented on how things must be working out well for him to which he looked at me, gave me two thumbs up and said "All the Whey!!!!"

:D

Thats a joke in case anyone is not crystal clear.

... and the Honda S2000 are both making me drool all over myself. the Honda s2000 corners like its on rails, and has a very high red-line. make sure you test drive this car properly, and take it OVER 6,000 rpm when driving. thats when the engine changes into a beast, and shows who in Honda designed it. remember, this engine was designed by a group different than the standard honda engine guys...

also, the s2000 has LIMITED storage space. trunk is tiny, and there really isnt any internal storage inside the car. there is a little bit of space for cd's, but thats it!

id still buy that car tho, just because if driven correctly, its very fast.

I don't see the correlation between you getting in shape, and your choice of car. I suggest either buy American (the job you save may be your own), or get an import that gets excellent gas mileage so less oil is imported, and less pollution is generated. You as an IT person, are aware of many jobs being sent overseas. Many people buy foreign cars because they (think) are getting better quality. Maybe IBM or Oracle, are able also to get better workers in Bangalore India at 1/10 the cost of a programer here. It is unfortanate that this became an issue just because the White Collar Yuppies are now losing their high paying jobs, but when 100's of thousands of auto jobs were lost in the 80's because people are buying imports, it wasn't the yuppies problem.Talk about a tangeant :D I'm in IT and all my cars have been, and are, autos. Outsourcing aside I know with certainty that I can't do a single thing about it, so in the meantime I'll buy the best thing I can for my money, and for me it's been import. Such is capitalism.

It is unfortanate that this became an issue just because the White Collar Yuppies are now losing their high paying jobs, but when 100's of thousands of auto jobs were lost in the 80's because people are buying imports, it wasn't the yuppies problem.Don't you think it has a little to do with free trade, export assistance, NAFTA, and/or globalization?

This thread is not about the politics of cars, so take it elsewhere if you want to talk about that! Thanks. :)

It's a done deal. We bought a pretty loaded Honda Civic for daily driving...

...and, after test driving nearly every car mentioned in this thread except (ironically) the Mustang, I fell in love with the S2000 (http://www.hondacars.com/models/model_overview.asp?ModelName=S2000&bhcp=1&BrowserDetected=True). It drove like a dream, handled corners effortlessly and was fast as hell. The head turning factor was pretty cool, too. :p

It was a tough choice between the 350Z and the S2000, but in the end the S2000 just "did it" for me.

When I was test driving the S2000, I told the salesman I was going to get on it pretty hard and he said "yeah, do it." Well, I was expecting a lot, but its performance surprised even me. Good description, corbint! :tu: The low end torque was pretty amazing and, according to the salesman, is much improved over the 2003 model. No complaints here. Oh, the "Engine Start" button is a neat little extra that really adds to the all-digital race car "cockpit" feel.

It's black, convertible, fast and attractive. Exactly what I wanted after driving minivans for the past 8 years. No buyer's remorse here!

We have to bring both cars back for some of the options to be installed. I'll get some nice pictures then. In the meantime I may throw a few quickie pix up here tomorrow if I have time.

This is what it looks like (except mine's black on black):

Congrats on the car. You managed to get the purchase in prior to kids. Maybe in a few years you'll have to trade it in again for another minivan ;)

damn, just as i was going to come back and suggest the Chrysler CrossFire @ 34k "nicely loaded"

good choice, the s2k has decent gas mileage, not that you are a daily driver! I own 2 honda's, they purr like kittens and are reliable as hell. its funny that the previous post mentions "buy american". lots of Hondas are assembled in the US with american-made parts. not sure where the s2k is assembled, check the door sticker.

now, what is your CUSTOMIZED plate going to read, and when will we see pics of you and lisa in the new stone-mobile?

and yes, low-end torque in the s2k was greatly improved in the 2004 model versus 2003 model. the engine used to kick in around 6k rpm, but im reading now that its been changed to a much lower 3k rpm.

Congrats on the car. You managed to get the purchase in prior to kids. Maybe in a few years you'll have to trade it in again for another minivan ;)
search for a few other threads on this very topic... john and lisa have no plans for kiddos, so their purchase will probably be long-term, unless John gets a wild hair to go buy a motorcycle!

damn, 3 posts in a row... im such a post whore

1970 Plymouth Hemi-Cuda

http://www.musclecarcalendar.com/hemi_jack_8.htm

And if you want to hear this bad MF-er:
http://www.musclecarcalendar.com/hemi_jack_3.htm
That's a 426 Hemi powering 2 tons of Detroit steel baby.

cars are to slow and not fun to drive for my taste :)

i woulda suggested an 04 gixxer 750 or a yamaha r6

:tu: Good job on the S2000! :tu:

I'm a Prelude owner and that is basically the new version... the 'testbed' for Honda's performance technology that will eventually end up on the Accord. Great choice, IMO... It's probably the best handling car discussed in this thread in the price range and when the VTEC kicks in, I'm sure it's sweet. Have fun and take those badges off!

That's gonna be a fun car :) I wouldn't mind a convertible myself, but if I did get one it would have to be a Jeep Wrangler 4x4 with a 4" lift and Super Swampers! Muddin' is fun stuff. ;)

Nice pick, John! I was looking at those too, but I ended up with an 01 BMW 330Ci. A roadster is just not practical in Colorado.... :d_frown:

John, I've been :drool: over S2000s since they were first released... so I say GREAT choice!

damn, 3 posts in a row... im such a post whore

LMAO!

Congrats on the car John, get those pics in for us! :jumping:

John, I've been :drool: over S2000s since they were first released... so I say GREAT choice!
I agree, the S2000 is a great looking car - definitely wins for best roadster currently on the market. What really makes me drool though is this:
http://www.comptechusa.com/store/s2-sc.html
Don't know if you'll ever be in to tweaking, but if so... the comptech supercharger really makes the S2000 scream.

Of course... once the Pontiac Solstice comes out, I'll have a new favorite roadster :) Don't like the front end, but the Ecotec engine under the hood is 10 times better then any other 4 cylinder on the market (not stock, but has more potential then anything else).

I've been driving it all day and couldn't be happier with it. The car rocks.

I took these pictures today at Lisa's parent's house:

http://twowiresthin.com/S2000/

nice f***ing car man!

This thread is not about the politics of cars, so take it elsewhere if you want to talk about that! Thanks. :)

It's a done deal. We bought a pretty loaded Honda Civic for daily driving...

...and, after test driving nearly every car mentioned in this thread except (ironically) the Mustang, I fell in love with the S2000 (http://www.hondacars.com/models/model_overview.asp?ModelName=S2000&bhcp=1&BrowserDetected=True). It drove like a dream, handled corners effortlessly and was fast as hell. The head turning factor was pretty cool, too. :p

It was a tough choice between the 350Z and the S2000, but in the end the S2000 just "did it" for me.

When I was test driving the S2000, I told the salesman I was going to get on it pretty hard and he said "yeah, do it." Well, I was expecting a lot, but its performance surprised even me. Good description, corbint! :tu: The low end torque was pretty amazing and, according to the salesman, is much improved over the 2003 model. No complaints here. Oh, the "Engine Start" button is a neat little extra that really adds to the all-digital race car "cockpit" feel.

It's black, convertible, fast and attractive. Exactly what I wanted after driving minivans for the past 8 years. No buyer's remorse here!

We have to bring both cars back for some of the options to be installed. I'll get some nice pictures then. In the meantime I may throw a few quickie pix up here tomorrow if I have time.

This is what it looks like (except mine's black on black):




John, good choice on a good car, *BUT* did you at least test drive the Subaru Impreza WRX STi?

I know you didn't cause if you did you would have bought it
:d_frown:

Oh well, enjoy the new sportscar!

-Allen

Maybe its just me but dont you find the S2000 to be a tad bit...small?

Maybe its just me but dont you find the S2000 to be a tad bit...small?
For hauling kids, yeah. For hauling ass, no.

John, good choice on a good car, *BUT* did you at least test drive the Subaru Impreza WRX STi?

I know you didn't cause if you did you would have bought it
:d_frown:

Oh well, enjoy the new sportscar!

-Allen
there isnt a drop-top WRX! ;-)

John, good choice on a good car, *BUT* did you at least test drive the Subaru Impreza WRX STi?

I know you didn't cause if you did you would have bought it
:d_frown:
the sti is a nice car. personally, i would rather have a mitsubishi lancer evolution. but either of those cars would be a great choice if all you are interested in is brute performance.

but if you're looking for a roadster, neither of those cars will do. i love convertibles. there's no greater joy than driving with the top down on a warm summer day. plus the s2000 is a beautiful head-turner; the sti is kind of boxy and ugly.

i wish i had john's s2000. :d_frown:

i've never really had any interest in cars before, i look at them and say "oh yay another sports car.....*dont care*" but this car is really good! i want one now!! its just so futuristic and well...cool :p
very nice choice, im going to start saving for one of these!! (i'll get the hover version when im able to aford one... :rolleyes:

For hauling kids, yeah. For hauling ass, no.

LMAO, I love the way you think dude!! :cool:

John, good choice on a good car, *BUT* did you at least test drive the Subaru Impreza WRX STi?

I know you didn't cause if you did you would have bought it
:d_frown:

Oh well, enjoy the new sportscar!

-Allen

Allen, I share your love of the STi. I do love my WRX, honest, but an STi would have made me need to change my underwear. heh. Someday.

I hadnt checked in over the weekend. Sweet car John. I love that "I have a new car" feeling. Im sure it ties right in with the way you are feeling about yourself now.

John, good choice on a good car, *BUT* did you at least test drive the Subaru Impreza WRX STi?

I know you didn't cause if you did you would have bought it Fast a hell, along with the evo, but both fall into the boyracer category. They are kind of the wet dream of the 18 year old who'd sell his soul to have one of these. I'd say that they are a cop magnet more than almost anything else on the road. They're faster than the S2000, and more practical with the seating, but there is something special about a two seater convertible. If he pulls up to work in an s2k his co-workers will be envious. If he pulls up in a WRX STI with a 30 foot factory wing they'll think he's having a mid-life crisis a decade or so early :)

John,

Congrats on the new car. The S2000 definitely has a lot of bang for the buck! My best suggestion to you would be to find a nice twisty road this weekend, put the top down and have a nice drive :D

Hey John, congrats with the s2k. I was in the market for a convertible two seater last year. I chose the MR2 Spyder (Absolutely Red 2003). I was considering the s2k but I liked the mid engine layout, the handing, and the look of the MR2 Spyder more. I bought it in Dec. and I just love it. My wife and I love getting a baby sitter and going out in the early evening to dinner with the top down. A sports car is just sooo much fun. A great website for keeping your baby clean is www.autopia.net. It has everything you want to know about keeping your car's shine and the convertible soft top in like new condition. Good Luck :tucool:

If he pulls up to work in an s2k his co-workers will be envious. If he pulls up in a WRX STI with a 30 foot factory wing they'll think he's having a mid-life crisis a decade or so early :)
I would disagree with that reasoning - I'd be more likely to say someome with a roadster is having the midlife crisis, but John is too young to fit into that category. The STi just wouldn't suit him. Sure its fun to drive a car with so much power - but there is just something different about being able to put the top down, wind in your hair, driving a nice tight package (as opposed to the large sedan feel). Having driven a Miata on several occasions, as well as quite a few sport sedans, the difference is huge, and is all about preference.

Oh and if I had $30k to spend on a car, I wouldn't get an STi either. I'd rather get something that had easy potential. Sure the 2.5 turbo can produce a lot of power modified, but the engine inherently has a limit. Bigger engines, like say the Nissan/Infiniti 3.5L V6, has more potential in it - which is why my $30k choice would be the G35.

Personally, my 30k car choice is a Miata (19k), turboed (~7k),rollbarred ($500). 200rwhp on a 2300 lb car with 50/50 weight distribution= yowza

no warranty on the miata if purchased new and mods added! john has full bumper to bumper warranty, fantastic $ to horsepower ratio, and didnt have to do anything except sign on the dotted line!

Lotus Elise would have been fun too...

its funny that the previous post mentions "buy american". lots of Hondas are assembled in the US with american-made parts. not sure where the s2k is assembled, check the door sticker.

S2000s are 100% japanese. They are made in the Tochigi factory along side the NSX (best sports car, period). It's really hard to compare the S2000 with anything like the STi, 350Z or especially a Mustang. Horsepower does not necessarily equal performance. When it comes to all out fun in driving, I don't think you can beat an S2000. Good choice. A great site for S2000s is S2Ki.com (http://www.s2ki.com/), they have a good forum.

I wish the S2000 was the equivalent of US$30k here :(

Lotus Elise would have been fun too...It's also quite a bit pricier, and from what i recall the passenger seat is like a 2/3 seat - not even a full seat. The car is VERY small. It's basically a street-legal go kart.

It's also quite a bit pricier, and from what i recall the passenger seat is like a 2/3 seat - not even a full seat. The car is VERY small. It's basically a street-legal go kart.

They go for around $40K if you can find a dealer who has one. Since they've just been released to the US in a street-legal version, they're hard to come by.

I had the privilege of racing a European-spec Elise that a friend imported from Canada a few years ago. They corner like they're on rails and it's the only four-banger I've ever driven that had V8-quality power. Of course, its power-to-weight ratio is beautiful being that it's fabbed just about completely out of aluminum. You can take a 90-degree turn at about 40~45-mph with the tires singing and not break the car loose. It is absolutely amazing. I've driven 600+ HP supercars and they couldn't hold a candle to the superior handling the Elise provides.

I will have one, someday. Oh yes, I will. :tucool:

They go for around $40K if you can find a dealer who has one. Since they've just been released to the US in a street-legal version, they're hard to come by.

I had the privilege of racing a European-spec Elise that a friend imported from Canada a few years ago. They corner like they're on rails and it's the only four-banger I've ever driven that had V8-quality power. Of course, its power-to-weight ratio is beautiful being that it's fabbed just about completely out of aluminum. You can take a 90-degree turn at about 40~45-mph with the tires singing and not break the car loose. It is absolutely amazing. I've driven 600+ HP supercars and they couldn't hold a candle to the superior handling the Elise provides.

I will have one, someday. Oh yes, I will. :tucool:

The Elise is what began my quest for a roadster! I just could not justify the $40,000 plus expense as a second car that would be garaged six months a year so I got the MR2 Spyder instead for almost half the cost. It also handles incredibly. The twisties are it's home. I will hopefully someday will own an Elise. Maybe for my 40th birthday in four years. :tucool:

John you are officially the man I love to hate!
Every time I looked at this thread I thought ahhh americans he probably chose a gigantic SUV with a massive petrol guzling engine, I dont envy such cars. But noooo I was mistaken you got a Honda s2000 the car which when I see in the street I just have to go over and touch and look inside. For that I despise you. I hope you know I am only joking. Hope you enjoy the car(which I am sure you will).

Every time I looked at this thread I thought ahhh americans he probably chose a gigantic SUV with a massive petrol guzling engine, I dont envy such cars.

People are getting away from big trucks now. My buddy just bought a brand new Z71-loaded Suburban with over $13,000 in discounts because they can't sell the big SUV's now that gas prices are going up.

The Elise is amazing, Tank. I've driven many four-cylinder sports cars and the only ones with true "oomph" seems to be the Lotus line. The Honda/Toyota 4-cylinder lines lack torque and only make power at near eardrum-shattering RPM's unless you begin to modify them significantly, taking away some of their streetability. In Florida, that's important where summer temps reach 100+ degrees, so streetability and creature comforts like AC must work 100%. My Trans Am puts down 440-HP fully modified, gets 32-MPG in 6th gear on the highway, and idles cooly at 190-degrees no matter the outside temps... so I'll always be loyal to my American V8's.

BTW... furthering the Lotus idea... that same friend has a European-spec turbo-four Lotus Esprit that'll giddy-up too. Not the same as the Elise, but not disappointing either. It's not the handler the Elise is; the mid-engine design makes it want to fishtail because it's a bit ass-heavy. I actually spun it out at the track... scary stuff, when you're driving someone else's $50K+ supercar...

I apologise for the stereotype.

The Elise is amazing, Tank. I've driven many four-cylinder sports cars and the only ones with true "oomph" seems to be the Lotus line. The Honda/Toyota 4-cylinder lines lack torque and only make power at near eardrum-shattering RPM's unless you begin to modify them significantly, taking away some of their streetability.
i would love to have one. i wish i had $40k to spend on a car. :d_frown: it's amazing the lotus elise is so fast with such a dinky little toyota celica engine inside it.

Nice choice of car. It was on my wish list, until a friend bought one. I can't get my knee under the steering wheel, even with the seat fully back, and the wheel fully up.
Thankfully I have the 'other' car with the 9000rpm redline.

Andrew.

i would love to have one. i wish i had $40k to spend on a car. :d_frown: it's amazing the lotus elise is so fast with such a dinky little toyota celica engine inside it.I think it weighs something in the area of 1800 lbs, which is hundreds of pounds smaller than the tiniest econobox you can buy in the US :eek:

EDIT: It's a touch under 2000 lbs, whereas the new chevy aveo, which is puny, weighs almost 400 lbs more.

Thing about the elise is that it's so small that if you were a really heavy guy it would start to make a truly noticeable effect on performance. Of course a car that small you'd not be able to fit into anyway I guess.

The Elise is tiny. It almost looks like a toy car it's so small, no joke. The original race-prepped European versions were sold barebones, as this one was - nothing in it but a driver's seat, steering wheel, shifter and pedals. The rest of the cockpit was exposed stamped-aluminum and steel bracing. Even the floor pan is exposed. I expect the American versions will be heavier due to US requirements and the "creature" comfort factor that Americans have to have.

The nice part is, being a small guy, that car fit me like a glove. My Trans Am felt like a lead-sled driving home that day... compared to this svelte little razor-sharp car. It was a monster at the autocross (I turned top-time of day co-driving the Elise that day). When we put it back on the trailer at the end of the day... it was like having to give back the best toy you ever played with as a kid. Sadly, he sold it a year later... and I only drove it that one time. :d_frown:

The Elise is a beauty. I would wnt one, but aren't they pretty expensive?

And as for warranties- well, I can turbo the car myself, so I can handle whatever else comes up :)

Although, for pure HP, I would go with a C5 corvette, if money were not concern

Thanks for all the feedback/comments/compliments/advice!

I'm enjoying the hell out of the car. I'm not supposed to hit it too hard until the engine has about 600 or 700 miles under its belt, but couldn't resist a couple of fast runs when I found myself on an open road. :whistle:

It's awesome how this car comes to life when VTEC kicks in. The engine just KICKS from 6k RPM thru redline. It's weird getting used to the idea that the engine wants to be revved that high - it's like a motorcycle in that sense. Once VTEC does kick in, the look on an unsuspecting passenger's face is a mixture of excitement, surprise and fear. :D

I love this car more and more each time I drive it... except for the increased police attention. Some cop rode my ass for 5 miles today even though I was going the speed limit and was staying in one lane. No one else was around me, but he stayed right on my ass. "Gee I'm so intimidated by you officer. " What a putz...

time for you to donate some cash money to the local policemans fund or something, and get the "sticker" for the back of your car. cops usually back off of those that donate!

time for you to donate some cash money to the local policemans fund or something, and get the "sticker" for the back of your car. cops usually back off of those that donate!
The Police Benevolent Association?
I had 3 of those stickers (from 2000, 2001 & 2002) on the front windshield of the Caravan I just traded, but was never pulled over. Cops ignored me in that vehicle for some reason. :confused:

yep, the Benevolent Association... was going to say that initially but didnt know if it was something else in orlando.

Heres the deal with minivans John, and Im sure you know... I can take the wifes Honda Odyssey, and haul ASS in it... its got a great motor, and for its size, really moves. Will cops pull me over? Hell no! Why? Because, in their mind, Im either speeding to the grocery store, or going home. That is all. This is why those turbo minivans are the ultimate sleeper car. Nobody bothers minivans, and they soak up radar for the smaller cars, ie the s2000. This is why the copper was on your ass, matching speed with his, to verify what you were doing!

I have however been pulled over in my car... Thankfully I know the 911 dispatch folks who also run the police dispatch, and can just chirp them on my nextel(yes, small town!).

John -

If you like the performance your car has now...check out the superchargers for the S2000 from Comptech.

I run 6psi on a Procharger in my G35....you need to keep Kleenex near by for the nosebleeds.. :D

I love this car more and more each time I drive it... except for the increased police attention.


Welcome to my world. Everything I drive says "pull me over" except my wife's truck. I was pulled over (after a nerve-wracking several miles of tailgating by said officer) coming to work last Monday for having a brake light out in my Mustang (http://www.cffb.net/_junk/P7240003.JPG). It took the officer, a sweet woman (who could probably bench press more than any of us) 10 minutes to tell me that I had a brake light out, as I sat there sweating it out thinking that I must fit the profile of some serial killer who drives a black 'Stang coupe...

I respect police for their job, but damnit, what have they got against law-abiding, sportscar driving folk?

Welcome to my world. Everything I drive says "pull me over" except my wife's truck. I was pulled over (after a nerve-wracking several miles of tailgating by said officer) coming to work last Monday for having a brake light out in my Mustang (http://www.cffb.net/_junk/P7240003.JPG). It took the officer, a sweet woman (who could probably bench press more than any of us) 10 minutes to tell me that I had a brake light out, as I sat there sweating it out thinking that I must fit the profile of some serial killer who drives a black 'Stang coupe...

I respect police for their job, but damnit, what have they got against law-abiding, sportscar driving folk?

Answer: Nothing at all. Like the sweet lady said, you had a tail light out. ;)

John - Outrun the cops...just 'cause you can


This is actually a true statement. A s2000 recently outran two of Durango's finest for over thirty miles. He was a very good driver and was running upwards of 130 on twisty mountain roads, leaving the officers far behind. HOWEVER, he was not able to outrun their radios, and he tried to go offroad when he saw the roadblock ahead. Needless to say, that eneded that chase. I don't think you want to know about the laundry list of charges......

Oh and btw, most officers I know couldn't care less WHAT kind of stickers you have on the car....a violation is a violation. :)

nice lookin car jon!

personally, i cant stand 4 wheels.. i cant stand being couped up behind a wheel of any car.. having no power, braking, handling (all compartively speaking of course)

two wheels for me.. you want acceleration?? braking, handling..

this is where its at :drool:

http://members.shaw.ca/vidr6/kneedown.jpg

after riding bikes.. 0-60 in under 2 seconds.. running the 1/4 mile in 10.. hoping into a porche or even a bmw and romping the thorttle.. i sit there waiting, ok, come on.. wheres the power?

trying to pass someone.. its just not as fun :D.. but when you blow by a 911 on 2 wheels and the guy try's to catch you, but he cant.. now thats fun :D

and jon.. dont break in your motor how the manual recomend.. "nice and easy".. thats complete BS.

break it in this way http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm

after riding bikes that have been broken in this way.. you can totally notice. there is ALOT more pull, bite and power

Answer: Nothing at all. Like the sweet lady said, you had a tail light out. ;)

I have donated a great deal of money in the name of illegal frolicking on public roadways; I'm no stranger to police lights in the rear view. Strangely, those times were before I owned performance cars (haven't had a single ticket since acquiring my performance cars). As I said, I have nothing but respect for the law - I simply don't care for the attitude I seem to receive on traffic stops.

Why do they insist on the phony intimidational attitude? They come across as assholes - I'm not intimidated in the least and it only further incites my anger. Now, I have been stopped a couple of times in my performance cars for one less-than-legitimate reason or another - with no tickets as a result. The attitude I have received from law enforcement those times has been unquestionably poor. To the traffic stop at hand, I put forth that the unnecessarily extended time it took this rather stout woman to avail me of the reason I was being detained is more my grievance than the fact that I had a taillight out. Sure, the reason for stopping me was legitimate. But is it really necessary to put on the whole "I'm big 'n bad" attitude over a f#$%ing tail light?

I think not.

I have donated a great deal of money in the name of illegal frolicking on public roadways; I'm no stranger to police lights in the rear view. Strangely, those times were before I owned performance cars (haven't had a single ticket since acquiring my performance cars). As I said, I have nothing but respect for the law - I simply don't care for the attitude I seem to receive on traffic stops.

Why do they insist on the phony intimidational attitude? They come across as assholes - I'm not intimidated in the least and it only further incites my anger. Now, I have been stopped a couple of times in my performance cars for one less-than-legitimate reason or another - with no tickets as a result. The attitude I have received from law enforcement those times has been unquestionably poor. To the traffic stop at hand, I put forth that the unnecessarily extended time it took this rather stout woman to avail me of the reason I was being detained is more my grievance than the fact that I had a taillight out. Sure, the reason for stopping me was legitimate. But is it really necessary to put on the whole "I'm big 'n bad" attitude over a f#$%ing tail light?

I think not.

The answer is simple: fear. They come across as assholes because they are scared. You instinctively recognize this, and interpret it as a "phony intimidational attitude". Like all animals, when confronted with danger, humans respond with fight or flight syndrome. However, most animals prefer not to fight, even when they have an advantage, just because survival dictates that injuries are bad, even if you win the fight. This may not be the case in terms of modern society, but the animal instincts within us were developed over thousands of years, and "civilization" cannot breed them out in a few hundred years. So perhaps you could recognize that the officers pulling you over are scared and cut them some slack. After all, they are all too aware that any stop they make could be their last.

The answer is simple: fear. They come across as assholes because they are scared. You instinctively recognize this, and interpret it as a "phony intimidational attitude". Like all animals, when confronted with danger, humans respond with fight or flight syndrome. However, most animals prefer not to fight, even when they have an advantage, just because survival dictates that injuries are bad, even if you win the fight. This may not be the case in terms of modern society, but the animal instincts within us were developed over thousands of years, and "civilization" cannot breed them out in a few hundred years. So perhaps you could recognize that the officers pulling you over are scared and cut them some slack. After all, they are all too aware that any stop they make could be their last.

The response is appreciated. Now and again I forget there's two sides to every situation; sometimes I fail to put myself in the "other guy's shoes" for lack of ability to ever see myself there.

The response is appreciated. Now and again I forget there's two sides to every situation; sometimes I fail to put myself in the "other guy's shoes" for lack of ability to ever see myself there.

Glad I could help :) Too bad not everyone displays your level of maturity. I work at a college, and a LOT of those people could use an attitude adjustment. I try not to let that affect my professionalism, though. :D

I suppose if I must admit that I'm getting older... that with age, comes wisdom... then what the hell happened to me? :p

One of my best friends - and owner of a pristine 390+ HP Camaro SS - is a police officer, he has been since he was 19. Most mature, level headed individual I know. Stood with me at my wedding. Excellent cop; one day he'll be an elected sheriff if he pursued it. Honest to a fault. We're convinced we were separated at birth. He and I share a mental connection that's sick... we almost finish each other's sentences.

You wouldn't believe he was a cop if you met him. His personality is so diametrically opposed with the stereotype in his profession that it's crazy. You can't visualize him in a cop car until you see it.

Right now... hehe... he's in charge of traffic enforcement in his city. I rib him all the time that I'm going to come flying through there (a la "Super Troopers") and make him chase me down. The prick did pull me over once, and I didn't know it was him. He got me good that time... :D

I suppose if I must admit that I'm getting older... that with age, comes wisdom... then what the hell happened to me? :p

One of my best friends - and owner of a pristine 390+ HP Camaro SS - is a police officer, he has been since he was 19. Most mature, level headed individual I know. Stood with me at my wedding. Excellent cop; one day he'll be an elected sheriff if he pursued it. Honest to a fault. We're convinced we were separated at birth. He and I share a mental connection that's sick... we almost finish each other's sentences.

You wouldn't believe he was a cop if you met him. His personality is so diametrically opposed with the stereotype in his profession that it's crazy. You can't visualize him in a cop car until you see it.

Right now... hehe... he's in charge of traffic enforcement in his city. I rib him all the time that I'm going to come flying through there (a la "Super Troopers") and make him chase me down. The prick did pull me over once, and I didn't know it was him. He got me good that time... :D

I think most people who meet police officers off duty think of them this way. It's only when you meet them on duty that they come across as officious jerks.
We (officers) do seem to have a tendency towards fast cars, tho. Those of us who aren't married, I mean. I drive an '01 BMW 330Ci myself, and I luuuuuuuv my baby. I almost bought a WS6 Firebird, tho. I decided I was more interested in road manners than pure speed. Despite that, this car has more speed than I will ever need!

I turn into Mr. Asskiss when I get pulled over. It's kind of pathetic, really, but I don't want to get a ticket and I really do have a lot of respect for cops because they do a very tough job and seriously risk their lives every day. How many people get up for work and think "I could die today"? Cops probably do, and doing a job like that takes a lot of guts.

The next time I get pulled over (...and it won't be long the way I've been driving the S2000 ;)), I'll pop the "record" button on my iPAQ and post the conversation on my web site. You guys will crack up at what a puss I'll be just to save the points on my license (not that the JS charm always works...)

Years ago I used to speed all the time on interstates. (Never in a city. Don't want to kill somebody (or somebody's pet) who runs into the road unexpectedly.)

I would drive 90 to 105 mph everytime I was on the highway. (Stupid.) Sometimes faster. (More stupid.)

Then I got pulled over one day going 95. A $200 ticket and a Saturday spent in Defensive Driving class later I decided not to speed anymore.

Now the fastest I ever go on the highway is 75. (Limit is 70.)

my little brother was in town, and at 2am, he just HAD to go wardriving... so i drove him around... now, the fact we actually found some access points in BFE where I live was more than amazing, so I pulled over on the side of a somewhat "major" road and proceeded to kick some traceroutes, etc through this specific AP.

a state trooper sees us, and pulls up behind me. at the time, we had 2 laptops, 2 15dB yagi antennas, GPS units, etc. additionally, i didnt have my wallet(meaning NO LICENSE), couldnt find the registration, and WOE IS ME, my damn tags were a month expired.

i live in the country, so these country troopers instantly go into "CATCH THE HACKER" mode when they see "one of dem thar komputars".

well, i expected to get my ass handed to me, but instead, chirped a buddy on my nextel who does 911 dispatch for my county. needless to say, the state trooper busted my balls, then proceeded to tell me to get my ass home and in bed, no ticket served. in fact, he walked up to my car and said "are you troy?"

HAH!

unfortunately, i cant get out of anything like that outside my county!

I turn into Mr. Asskiss when I get pulled over. It's kind of pathetic, really, but I don't want to get a ticket and I really do have a lot of respect for cops because they do a very tough job and seriously risk their lives every day. How many people get up for work and think "I could die today"? Cops probably do, and doing a job like that takes a lot of guts.

The next time I get pulled over (...and it won't be long the way I've been driving the S2000 ;)), I'll pop the "record" button on my iPAQ and post the conversation on my web site. You guys will crack up at what a puss I'll be just to save the points on my license (not that the JS charm always works...)


Someone told me that the best way to beat a ticket is to admit that you were speeding. Don't say you weren't speeding or try to deny it but rather apologize and say something like you'r not used to your new car yet.

It's worked for me a few times although not this past weeks $300 dollar ticket.

Finally appeal every ticket you get which I have done successfully a few times and hope to do again with this last ticket.