Considering a S2000.
#41
Burning Brakes
iTrader: (1)
well this is an interesting thread.
not pertinent to the rest of what I'm about to post, but, Car & Driver rated the TL-S 6mt at a 5.5 0-60 and a 14.1 in the 1/4. Do people not trust C&D ratings? I saw someone post a 5.9 0-60 for the TL-S 6mt which I highly doubt.
anyways, to the OP - what kind of budget do you have? I've seen some people offering up alternatives, and you yourself have talked about an E36 as another alternative as well. The cars brought up in this thread range significantly in price.
are you taking a loan? I probably wouldn't buy an s2k as my only car in college unless my parents were loaded and gave me whatever I wanted, because as noted you'll spend money on good rubber and the car only serves one function, so if you've borrowed money for it, that would keep you pretty broke. All depends on your situation, though, I guess.
You want a driver's car, and 0-60 is important to you, it seems - how hard are you planning to drive the car? Cost of ownership is going to go up as you put the cars under stress, even if they are performance machines.
I have an '05 TL and wanted a 135i for the longest time - I still like them, but I ended up buying a TL-S 6mt instead because I couldn't find a 135i (definitely a true driver's car) with a manual and hardtop on the used market for less than low 30's.
I know I would beat that car, and I know it would break. If I could pay for it in cash, different story. I'm not into the business of buying toy cars and taking out loans on them - I have a 1986 Lotus Esprit turbo with 60k miles that I got for $8800. Older? Yes. Still very cool and very much a driver's car but I owe nothing on it. I wouldn't buy an s2k in college unless I had the cash to buy it outright and also had a daily driver. That's just me.
So, I would say, in general, s2k probably not a good idea as your only means of transportation. While in college, I would have loved a TL. That's a sweet ride for a college kid - reliability and nice amenities and highly functional.
not pertinent to the rest of what I'm about to post, but, Car & Driver rated the TL-S 6mt at a 5.5 0-60 and a 14.1 in the 1/4. Do people not trust C&D ratings? I saw someone post a 5.9 0-60 for the TL-S 6mt which I highly doubt.
anyways, to the OP - what kind of budget do you have? I've seen some people offering up alternatives, and you yourself have talked about an E36 as another alternative as well. The cars brought up in this thread range significantly in price.
are you taking a loan? I probably wouldn't buy an s2k as my only car in college unless my parents were loaded and gave me whatever I wanted, because as noted you'll spend money on good rubber and the car only serves one function, so if you've borrowed money for it, that would keep you pretty broke. All depends on your situation, though, I guess.
You want a driver's car, and 0-60 is important to you, it seems - how hard are you planning to drive the car? Cost of ownership is going to go up as you put the cars under stress, even if they are performance machines.
I have an '05 TL and wanted a 135i for the longest time - I still like them, but I ended up buying a TL-S 6mt instead because I couldn't find a 135i (definitely a true driver's car) with a manual and hardtop on the used market for less than low 30's.
I know I would beat that car, and I know it would break. If I could pay for it in cash, different story. I'm not into the business of buying toy cars and taking out loans on them - I have a 1986 Lotus Esprit turbo with 60k miles that I got for $8800. Older? Yes. Still very cool and very much a driver's car but I owe nothing on it. I wouldn't buy an s2k in college unless I had the cash to buy it outright and also had a daily driver. That's just me.
So, I would say, in general, s2k probably not a good idea as your only means of transportation. While in college, I would have loved a TL. That's a sweet ride for a college kid - reliability and nice amenities and highly functional.
#42
the overexplainer
I agree, unless you have a source of income taking out a loan just to buy a car isnt wise.
I know someone with an s2k working a low paying hourly job. He's pretty much slave to his car payments.
Anyways, all I ever drove in college was a '93 integra worth less than my macbook.
I know someone with an s2k working a low paying hourly job. He's pretty much slave to his car payments.
Anyways, all I ever drove in college was a '93 integra worth less than my macbook.
#43
RAR
Ha. You know what I had in college? An old manual Subaru station wagon that looked something like this:
![](http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o222/BlueDodgeRam/random/09-04-07_1357.jpg)
but it carried all my shit, got good mileage, and was a workhorse. Didnt get me killed trying to race it either
![](http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o222/BlueDodgeRam/random/09-04-07_1357.jpg)
but it carried all my shit, got good mileage, and was a workhorse. Didnt get me killed trying to race it either
![Thumbs Up](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
#44
the overexplainer
^ so spoiled! that thing must've been a awd rally beast. ![Tongue](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/tongue.gif)
I do miss being able to carry my road bike in the back of my integra hatch without having to take any wheels off. My TL cannot do that (really wished it had 60/40 seats).
![Tongue](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/tongue.gif)
I do miss being able to carry my road bike in the back of my integra hatch without having to take any wheels off. My TL cannot do that (really wished it had 60/40 seats).
#45
RAR
![Thumbs Up](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
#46
To begin, I love my 04 TL. A lot. It is a great car that has never failed me. It is fun to drive, good gas mileage, and its sexy.![Tomato](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/tomato.gif)
However, I am considering moving to more of a drivers car. Main reason being, is I want a 6 speed that I can toss around. I love Honda, as my Acura is my third Honda, but it just doesnt have the feel that I am looking for. I know in a straight line (which im not all that worried about) the TL may slightly beat the S2000, but around turns i've heard that nothing in this price range really compares.
The only drawback that is really keeping me from moving to a S2000 is the size. I know it is much much smaller. I currently am in college, so I dont have a family to cart around. Rarely do I have more than one person in my Acura, but it does happen. I dont carry around too much either.
Okay, so someone talk me out of this. Or talk me into this. Opinions? Who here has driven the S2000 and the Acura TL.
![Tomato](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/tomato.gif)
However, I am considering moving to more of a drivers car. Main reason being, is I want a 6 speed that I can toss around. I love Honda, as my Acura is my third Honda, but it just doesnt have the feel that I am looking for. I know in a straight line (which im not all that worried about) the TL may slightly beat the S2000, but around turns i've heard that nothing in this price range really compares.
The only drawback that is really keeping me from moving to a S2000 is the size. I know it is much much smaller. I currently am in college, so I dont have a family to cart around. Rarely do I have more than one person in my Acura, but it does happen. I dont carry around too much either.
Okay, so someone talk me out of this. Or talk me into this. Opinions? Who here has driven the S2000 and the Acura TL.
#47
I have both, and if you can afford to keep your tl and buy s2000, do it. Besides the nsx, these two cars are the great examples of Honda engineering and design.
The s2000 is faster due to its incredible hp/curb weight ratio. Quite honestly the tl feels like a boat after driving the s2000.
I love my tl--I have owned it since 2004 and hope to drive it another 7 years, but if you can get a clean low mileage model grab it
The s2000 is faster due to its incredible hp/curb weight ratio. Quite honestly the tl feels like a boat after driving the s2000.
I love my tl--I have owned it since 2004 and hope to drive it another 7 years, but if you can get a clean low mileage model grab it
I must say, my s has been the most reliable car I have owned. I drive it hard nonetheless . Good luck with your search
#49
6spd FTW
Join Date: Oct 2007
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Picked up a Miata recently for something a bit smaller and fun to bang around in. But there's no way I would get rid of the TL for a car that small for a daily... I am not tall by any means (5'11") but that car is small. There's a nice turbocharger in my closet waiting for the spring time to go into the little Miata for extra fun times.
But I second buying a toy car outright without a loan. Paid for the Miata in cash, you shouldn't tie yourself to payments for a non-essential vehicle that you WILL use and abuse.
But I second buying a toy car outright without a loan. Paid for the Miata in cash, you shouldn't tie yourself to payments for a non-essential vehicle that you WILL use and abuse.
#50
Racer
Thread Starter
So to begin, I would not be able to afford a second car at all right now. One car would be it.
I would not want to take out a loan, so my price range would be the current value of my TL, plus maybe a little extra cash. Currently I have no student loans either.![Smile](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
I know the TL is an awesome car for college, it really is just about everything I want, except for a drivers car. Something RWD with a 6 speed or 5 speed is what im looking for. I have pretty much ruled out the S2K, its just too small. I know I would regret trading it for my TL in a later day.
The E36 M3 would be awesome, 2 or 4 doors, and a great handling car. Maintenance is where it might get me. E46 is cool too, but idk if i could find a good one that has been taken care of for the price.
I have always loved the look of the G35. A set of coils while tucking some tire looks awesome on that car. Yes the interior may not be the best compared to the TL, but its still all right. Ive been in one.
350z?
So what other suggestions might there be? And keeping the TL is ALWAYS and has ALWAYS been an option. I love it. I am just craving more, and I dont feel like i can wait four more years until im out of school.
I would not want to take out a loan, so my price range would be the current value of my TL, plus maybe a little extra cash. Currently I have no student loans either.
![Smile](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
I know the TL is an awesome car for college, it really is just about everything I want, except for a drivers car. Something RWD with a 6 speed or 5 speed is what im looking for. I have pretty much ruled out the S2K, its just too small. I know I would regret trading it for my TL in a later day.
The E36 M3 would be awesome, 2 or 4 doors, and a great handling car. Maintenance is where it might get me. E46 is cool too, but idk if i could find a good one that has been taken care of for the price.
I have always loved the look of the G35. A set of coils while tucking some tire looks awesome on that car. Yes the interior may not be the best compared to the TL, but its still all right. Ive been in one.
350z?
So what other suggestions might there be? And keeping the TL is ALWAYS and has ALWAYS been an option. I love it. I am just craving more, and I dont feel like i can wait four more years until im out of school.
![Tongue](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/tongue.gif)
Last edited by jonboy10; 12-31-2011 at 09:23 AM.
#52
Senior Moderator
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Get a CR-Z with a 6MT and slap a supercharger on it
![2 Cents](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/2cents.gif)
#53
Safety Car
iTrader: (4)
I never really saw anything cool about the S2000's. I just feel there are soo many other cars that offer wayyyyyy more. From the information I gathered they certainly arent fast, sure they handle good but what does handling really matter on public streets? They dont really have any options or features, they are incredibily tiny, probably unsafe if you get hit by anything larger than a Smart car. If you like small cars that handle good and are fun to drive I would rather get like an 01 Prelude SH. I always thought those were pretty cool, but ofcourse finding a mint unmolested Prelude of any sort is darn near impossible these days. They all have been owned by 17 year old boys who love blue lights and huge wings.
Moral of the story, I say keep the TL (or get a 6mt TL-S), or something that offers more than the S2K.
James
Moral of the story, I say keep the TL (or get a 6mt TL-S), or something that offers more than the S2K.
James
#54
Instructor
I had a 2005 s2000. Loved it! Threw it around and rev it to redline every chance I got and only needed oil changes. Planning to get another the first chance I get to nice back to Florida.
I also had 2 preludes. A prelude Si with a jdm h22 swap and a 99 prelude SH. nothing compared to a s2000. It's like everything in a prelude perfected and multipled by 10
I also had 2 preludes. A prelude Si with a jdm h22 swap and a 99 prelude SH. nothing compared to a s2000. It's like everything in a prelude perfected and multipled by 10
Last edited by LIQUID0401; 01-01-2012 at 07:16 AM.
#55
Safety Car
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S2000= Fun, quick, reliable. Also SMALL, only 2 people.
I just got rid of a 2010 Camaro SS/RS because my WDP TL HEAVILY MODDED 6-speed wasnt fast enough for me. I was a fool for tradding it in on the Camaro. Sure the Camaro was awesome, RWD, FAST, but after 26 months I was not sad to see it go. 2 doors suck, small back seats suck, even though I was mostly the only one in the car. I got the POWER BUG out of me. Over those 26 months I gradually started missing my TL more and more. I have owned 3-TL's and many other cars and trucks.
ALL I CAN SAY is look VERY CLOSE at both "PROS" and "CONS" !!!!!
Choose wisely. Make sure you really only want FUN, because thats all an S2000 IS.
Just a strong suggestion.
Happy New Year Brother
I just got rid of a 2010 Camaro SS/RS because my WDP TL HEAVILY MODDED 6-speed wasnt fast enough for me. I was a fool for tradding it in on the Camaro. Sure the Camaro was awesome, RWD, FAST, but after 26 months I was not sad to see it go. 2 doors suck, small back seats suck, even though I was mostly the only one in the car. I got the POWER BUG out of me. Over those 26 months I gradually started missing my TL more and more. I have owned 3-TL's and many other cars and trucks.
ALL I CAN SAY is look VERY CLOSE at both "PROS" and "CONS" !!!!!
Choose wisely. Make sure you really only want FUN, because thats all an S2000 IS.
Just a strong suggestion.
Happy New Year Brother
![Smile](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Last edited by JD TL-S; 01-01-2012 at 09:21 AM.
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LIQUID0401 (01-01-2012)
#56
I've owned three S2Ks... Two AP2s and an AP1...all three were stock. All but one was used as my DD. Not everyone can have that type of car as a DD and not everyone is capable of handling the car properly. It's certainly not the fastest thing on the road, but you'd be hard pressed to find a car that handles as well as the S does.
At the risk of being flamed on here...those who say the S2K does poorly in the rain and snow either don't know how to properly handle the car, drove it with overly-worn tires or just plain acted foolishly behind the wheel.
My S2Ks with Dunlop WinterSport tires put my 05 TL to shame in the snow. IMHO, front wheel drive is the only drawback I can think of with the TL. I've owned many cars over the years and front wheel drive has always been a joke in the snow.
At the risk of being flamed on here...those who say the S2K does poorly in the rain and snow either don't know how to properly handle the car, drove it with overly-worn tires or just plain acted foolishly behind the wheel.
My S2Ks with Dunlop WinterSport tires put my 05 TL to shame in the snow. IMHO, front wheel drive is the only drawback I can think of with the TL. I've owned many cars over the years and front wheel drive has always been a joke in the snow.
#59
Intermediate
hey guys
the s2k and tl are night and day I own a 06tl auto and a 01 GPW 421rwhp which is the best RWD sportscar Ive ever owned.I picked up the TL for snow and comfort the s2k is a weekend street car
the s2k and tl are night and day I own a 06tl auto and a 01 GPW 421rwhp which is the best RWD sportscar Ive ever owned.I picked up the TL for snow and comfort the s2k is a weekend street car
![Wink](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif)
#60
Instructor
That's my plan for my next S. I want a boosted s2k so bad. Full race made amazing power on stock block. Can't wait.
#61
Instructor
I didn't read all of the posts in this thread, but if you can afford to, keep the TL and have the S2k as a weekend toy. NO REGRETS, best of both worlds. Just go to S2ki dot com if you have questions about them. They have beaten the AP1 Vs AP2 question to death on their forum.
The TL and S2K is like Comparing Apples to Apple Pies. 2 different worlds.
The TL and S2K is like Comparing Apples to Apple Pies. 2 different worlds.
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