If you had to choose one as your daily driver, which one and why? And why not the others?

And if you have another new car suggestion feel free to offer it and say why.

Price range is b/w $20k-30k, but I wouldn't spend $30k for a Subaru (STi) or Mitsu (Evo). Only the S2000 because I like it that much.

 

WRX........AWD, practical, fun to drive, can be made extremely fast is desired, negotiable pricing. The car has enough features so that it will be fine as a daily driver.

My opinion is that the S2k is a perfect 2nd car, not a primary one. I have 2 friends with them and stand by that statement.

Not into the RSX at all, would get an RX-8 over that car and I don't even like the RX-8 that much.

If not the WRX, I would consider the 350Z.....going by your list.

 

i would pick the 350z, i rather have leather and shit cuz im a snob yo.

 

Leather is only available on the next model up on the Z chain, I believe. The Touring model.

Being a daily driver and only car, one of the things that's important to me is reliability and dependability. The WRX and 350Z seem to be the least reliable of the group and the S2000 and RSX the most. That is a broad statement but it's based on simply reading reviews, visiting forums, talking people who own them, and my employment at an Acura dealer (RSXes never seem to come in for service with any big issues).

The RSX really is wimpy-looking stock compared to the other cars listed though. But it's cheaper so money could go to appearance. It has the easiest manual trans in the world, so it wouldn't be a pain in traffic. Then again it's such a high-schooler's car (no offense to those of you in high school). Pretty much the antithesis of the S2000/350Z). The WRX is also close to the RSX end of the age spectrum.

The S2000 is so sexy and fairly rare on the road, it's just pushing the budget range. I wouldn't be getting it because it's a convertible, that's for sure. I've never cared about/for a vert top. The interest is in the handling, the ease of driving it (short shifter, good clutch), and the looks of it.

I'd love to have a car that offers a tolerable daily drive and can still be the fun weekend car. The S2000 and WRX offer that best. IMHO.

The WRX (haven't test driven it yet) probably has the heaviest clutch of the group and it's admittedly pretty ugly. It also offers the best year-round driving (AWD is so much nicer than a 2700lb RWD s2000) and tons of mods are available as Beltfed mentioned.

The 350Z (haven't driven that yet either) I can't say I really care about much but it's very popular. Seems to have a lot of issues with the manual transmission though, reading their forums. Then again so does the WRX but you know those are all because they're modded to hell.

 

He said it all.

 

all the other cars are nice but as daily drivers the WRX/S2k will get tiresome. The 350z will cost you a good amount of money.

RSX-S is relatively cheap and can be made insanely fast with alittle work. You have excellent build quality etc., etc.,

WRX could be fun but turbo lag on a 4 cylinder ain't my thing. Interior is CHEAP. The car costs 24k. No thanks....

s2k....omg id love to have the car. If you can deal with the RWD and the small storage capacity then

my choices in order would be:

RSXS
S2k
350z
WRX

price and comfort are the main factors fo me.

 

i will pick 350Z.......... hmmmmm coz i luv V6!!!!

 

wrx, but not the newest model year. try to find like an '02 model. the newest model years are friggin EXPENSIVE. stickers are close to 30k... you should be able to find an excellent deal on an '02 to get it off the lot if there are any remaining. better yet, if you dont mind purchasing a slightly used one, you could probably find one with way under 10k miles for somewhere in the teens (~18k) anyways, good luck.

 

You have to defind your daily driving conditions...

IMO, if your daily driving involves lots of spirited roads/twisties, and you treat every twist and turn like it's a track, then I think the S2K is for you. The car fits like a glove, and it makes you feel like you are a part of it, instead of just driving it. (I know I'm biase )

But on the other hand, if you have to deal with stop and go traffic as your daily driver, than I would not even pick anything from this list, and just stay with the CL type S. Your location says DC, so judging from the few days I was there buying my car, I can say that it's not fun driving any kind of stick shift on DC freeways.

So if you must choose, I would urge you to choose something that is going to give you the full satisifaction, and put a ear to ear grin on your face everytime you drive it. Instead of somthing you think it would be good, and end up getting rid of it in a few years. (This S is a keeper for me)

When I was shopping for a manual (because I love manuals, and that is the only regret from having the CL), I test drove pretty the exact same cars on your list, and I ended up deciding on the S, like you side, I just like it that much. But I know I was in the ball park of 25K, so I got an used one instead... and trust me, you can find great deals on used ones now... especially the 00, and 01's with the stiffer suspension for the hardcore people, instead of the watered down softer suspensions they have now.

Sorry for the long post... but good luck with your choice!

 

WRX
350Z

 

The suspension changes with the MY04 which comes out next month. The MY03 is out now and is still the same great car as it has been the past three model years.

I don't actually commute on the DC beltway or major highways during rush hour right now, so really it wouldn't be that bad commute-wise.

It really isn't a practical "only car" being that it lacks rear seat and trunk cargo space. The clutch isn't a pain though, and I'd like to think that not having a backseat means I never have to be the one to drive to lunch/dinner/movies when out with friends, and lack of cargo space isn't too terrible since I tend to go to the store twice a week for groceries anyway so what I generally get would easily fit in the s2000's trunk.

Plus I like the idea of a go-cart handling, 2-seater, high-revving car for weekend fun. It's essentially perfect stock. The WRX, on the other hand, can be made as powerful as one wants, has back seats, and more trunk space.

The real kicker would be the AWD versus RWD, living in Maryland where we get plenty of snow in the winter. But being that it's likely I'll be moving to Phoenix in the next few months, at the most I'd have whatever car I get here for one winter. And the s2000 does as well as any other small (non-AWD) car in snow if you get a set of snow tires for it. The lack of low end torque certainly makes life easier on slippery roads.

As far as status or appearance, the s2000 is hands-down the car to have of the ones listed. The RSX and WRX are much more younger cars. The 350z is hit or miss, but is really getting played out, at least the stock appearance of it is. The s2000 is more a money car.

So really there's a lot to balance - performance, practicality, perception, and price. Any one of those could bring about a different front-runner.

Where I live now there is nothing BUT twisties and fun roads to romp around on during the weekends. Then again the trade-off is it snows here throughout the winter months.

The WRX seems like it would be the best in both worlds. I'm going to start doing more in-depth reading of NASIOC and other Subie sites, as well as test driving one soon.

 

Among your list, WRX or 350Z. S2000 would not be a good daily driver, is it going to be your only car? RSX TYPE S would be slower than the other three. If you really need a Acura, why not buy TSX instead? But the best choice I would say is either 350Z or Accord EX V6 coupe/sedan.

 

If you are moving to Phoenix pick the one with the best AC. You will need it. I would buy the s2k, resale in AZ should be higher because it is convt.

 

How so? If it comes down to mpg, I actually get better gas mileage with my Z than my CL. Why, I have no clue, but I do

I use my Z as a daily driver. No problems whatsoever. It's quiet, roomy inside (for 2 people only), decent gas mileage, decent stereo, etc.. Only downsides are lack of 4 seats and limited storage space.

In regards to reliability, there are some issues, but if you got one now it would be an 04 model. Many issues were low on VIN #'s models

 

Dude, its like the CL if what you're saying is correct concerning the transmission problems. I'm sure it will be corrected. My guess would be that a bunch of kids are dogging the shit out of them. Alot of kids who can't drive stick are fucking them up. That car is ROCK solid. AWESOME driving experience.





MY VOTE for what choices that you've listed is by FAR the S2000.


And as for the snow comment, we got ONE WEEK of snow this past year FOCKER! And if you don't like the convertible in the winter, throw the hardtop ON!

I was considering getting one, but the only problem was that the dog (doberman) didn't really fit that great in the front seat!

Other than that, I would've had it. Thinking long term, the S2000 has an amazing fucking resale value. THE BEST OUT OF THE BUNCH.

SUPERIOR HANDLING, great gas mileage, GO-KART like handling, and it has the ability to be very tame around town.
In the twisties the car is a total beast. WICKED. however, pushing it too hard, added with the weight of the car will throw the back out. Then again, you'll probably never drive it the way I know how to. :P (sarcasm)

 

The 350Z.
More heritage
The Track model is the bomb (only second to the G35C)
Bigger than a WRX
S2000 Not Practical
RSX not even in the running (although a nice little ride for what it is)

 

I think he could give two shits about a cars heritage.

S2000.

 

Also, I look forward to testing the 350Z and WRX, I just don't have a day off until next Tuesday.

I really want the s2000 but I'm thinking it might actually be a bit out of my budget range. Will figure that out over the next couple weeks.

 

If the s2k is out of your pricing range wouldn't the 350Z be as well?

My vote is 350Z all the way. I think C&D put the Z against the s2k in a comparison. You should check that out.

 

Let's see - S2000 - around $30k plus tax/tags.
350Z Performance - around $29k plus tax/tags.

Yeah you're right. I was thinking the Performance Z was around $27k. Oh well, no loss there since I wouldn't pay $30k for a Nissan... well I shouldn't say that until I test drive it to be sure.

And yeah, I read the C&D comparo b/w Z and S2k (both had positives and negatives) and I read the 5-way comparo in last month's R&T that included the s2k (it won btw).

And next month's C&D reportedly has a competition between 5-6 tuned cars including the Comptech S2000 (it wins, if I heard correctly).

 

i vote the wrx. it is hella fun in the twisties, yeah it has some turbo lag but it kicks in nicely and throws you back at about 3k, it has 4 doors which can be good and bad, although it handles very well subaru has come up with a great suspension that is great for daily driving also (i find it to handle better than my cl did and i think it has a nicer/smoother cruising ride), it is definetly not as refined as the cl but it does have everything i need (6disc changer, heated seats, 5mt, power windows/moonroof, real foglights, awd, backseat, cruiseconrol etc etc.... the only things it really lacks are steering wheel mounted controls (o.. and it has a momo steering wheel) leather, and memory seating) i got mine out the door with everything for 24k and yes its an 04'.

just go test drive one and youll love it.

 

None of your aoptions are good daily drivers for your climate. An S2000 would especially suck in the snow. The more I see the new Maximas...the more I like them! That would be an Ideal daily driver with a toy in the garage!

 

Well did you catch it??

Cause the Comptech Supercharged S2000 came in first place...

I should have taped that.... but I got the Magazine too...

I'm sure they will run that show again some time in the near future... If you didn't happen to catch it.

So what's the verdict?

 

not to nit pick or anything man, but RSX-S isn't that much cheaper than the WRX. Also, by "insanely fast" i'm assuming your talking about turbocharging the RSX, which is a great idea but will cost you. Next, by logic it would be much easier to make an already turbocharged car fast because, well, its already turbocharged so all you have to do is tinker with boost/upgrade turbo and any other parts depending how far you want to go. With an RSX-S you're starting from scratch when it comes to boost, you have no choice but to upgrade most internals if you want any kind of serious speed upgrade. Oh yeah, and guess what you get if you turbocharge an RSX?(making it "insanely fast" of course) Turbo lag on a 4 cylinder...which, obviously is not your thing.

 

So the S2000 and 350Z are out of the price range.



AND dude, I do too know what I'm talking about. Learn to drive a stick! They are ALL easy to drive. :P

Between the WRX and the RSX-S there is NO comparison! WRX HANDS DOWN!


Now come back and give us an update!!! :P