FightingTL

I have been thinking about adding a roadster to my automotive lineup.

I want to spend around 30k so certain options must be used. Dont say Vette because I already have a c5 m6 'vert.


I was considering the following:

Sky Redline
S2k
350z


I dont consider a Porsche simply because it's 911 or bust.

Remember two seater, small, manual, 'vert.


Test drove the regular Sky because there is no redline available yet. Let's just say it was a little weird pulling into a Saturn dealership, but I did it anyway.

I was very dissapointed.

The brakes are unimpressive. Not only are they physically small but the car stops from 60mph-0 in only 3 feet less distance than the Aspec TL. I found that number unacceptable, however worse was the lackluster feel of the actual brakes. The brakes felt weak and underpowered to do the job, reminded me of slamming on the brakes in my Jeep.

The handling was okay, but .90 g's explains why I felt that the turns were just okay. Again, not bad, but not really impressive.

Lastly is personal issues with the car. For 30k I want power doorlocks, climate control and power seats. This car offers none of that. I wouldnt mind it if the car wouldnt cost 30k, but I find it ridiculous that GM actually puts a car out there near 30k that wont have these features. What really upset me was the fact that I had to take my watch off to reach the seat adjuster for the backrest. Yeah, my hand didnt fit between the side of hte car and the seat with a watch on.

Size. This thing is small, the interior is worse. They told me before I got into it that anyone under 6'3 should be fine. We'll Im just under 5'10 and my knees hit the dash as I drive. Part of it is the fact that I dont sit with the back of the seat at 90 degrees, but it was just way too tight.

I still look forward to seeing the redline because if they address the braking issue and handling issue, sports suspension was not on this model, they will have dealt with the biggest problems I have with the car.



Next up will be the 350z, which seems to be the frontrunner for most likely roadster purchase.


The s2k already has a handicap and that's because my better looking half doesnt like it.


So... what are your thoughts regarding any of the cars listed, or any cars you think should be added to the list?

StypeCL

s2K, and ditch the other half.

cob3683

I would go with the S2000 or Solstice.

I looked at the 350Z 2 weeks ago and to say that I was unimpressed would be an understatement. The exterior is gorgeous and it drives great but it was easily one of the worst interiors I have ever seen in a car. (Grand Touring model)

NSXNEXT

iTrader: (2)

Sky Redline but expect to pay MSRP + $$$$ to get into one at least for the first model year.

cob3683

I would also look at the MX-5. Haven't seen it in person yet but it looks like an improvement over the old model.

Sarlacc

Solstice GXP

kurt_bradley

I own an S2K. It's my second one. I could care less that it doesn't have power seats. I never move the seat. Other than that, it's the best bang-for-the-buck roadster in the price range you've specified.

FightingTL

Not true. I would be able to get the Redline at MSRP easy. They wanted to get me signed up for their list of those willing to make a deposit when it was time. No premium.


The solstice has the same issues the redline has, if you think the 350z interior is bad go sit in a solstice or redline.

(Not to mention I dont like the front end of the Solstice)


My first choice is the s2k, second is the 350z. If I drive the 350z and enjoy it I would have no problem picking it. Having looked at the interiors of all the cars, and having driven some of the cars thus far, the 350z is the best of the bunch so I am not sure where the guy that thought it was junk is coming from, in comparison to the competition. (Can't compare the 350z to the TL or to something like an m3 'vert)

The mx-5 is interesting but mazda is out of the question. Low 14's are definitely necessary.

FightingTL

We'll see what happens when I drive it back to back with the 350z.

I firmly expect the s2k to handle better and feel the road better. I expect the 350z to ride a little better and be faster in the straight line.

I am not crazy about not having all power functions, but blowing me away with driveability will easily trump that.

Sarlacc

The S2k has the best interior of the bunch in my opinion.

I really love the 350ZR...the interior design is nice...but the materials are cheap as hell.

I LOVE the solstice's interior design...but yes. It doesnt have the greatest materials known to man either. But you dont like the text...so I guess its out.

Right now...I would go for a 350ZR.....liquid copper/burnt orange...whatever the color is now w/ burnt orange leather and 6spd.....hot.

Dem1K

iTrader: (1)

350z would be my choice, with s2k being a VERY close 2nd...something about the new drop-top Z's just does it for me...white with 19" gold volks w/ a polished lip

Water-S

if it was me I'd go with a used Z4. to me the Z4 is SOOOOO SEXY.
If you could save up a couple years and get a Z4 M. that car doesn't only look good but it hauls ass.

Dem1K

iTrader: (1)

z4 looks like a catfish :| but I'm getting more used to them :P

fabrikated

the 350z vert is disgusting. the rear is AWFUL.

SakiGT

Personally I think the 350z roadster looks like a hightop rollerskate.

Id go used S2K and spend the rest on a supercharger

vishnus11

You already have a C5 Vert which is a nice drop-top cruiser. My money would be on the S2k for a knife-edged, fun to drive vehicle. In fact, I'm picking one up soon for the very same reason.

Deity711

I'd go with the S2K in a heartbeat. White with tan seats.

But I also think 350Zs look pretty good, and for some reason, the roadster looks really hot for some reason, esp. in that deep red they have.

iTimmy

S2000, more then likely that will be my next car. I love them, reliable and possibly the most fun you can have clothed for under $50k

Water-S

now since the Z4 M is new. however in a year or 2 when it's been out a couple years I think dealers will "work" more with the people wanting to buy them. so you can get into one for under 50 grand.

FightingTL

Z4 is a nice suggestion but I dont like the looks at all and it's too slow.

If I wanted to go BMW I would definitely go M, but the idea here is something 30k and under and not with a ton of miles. ('Vert M3 in that price range would have a ton)

The s2k would almost be a no brainer for me but the issue is getting my other half to move to the dark side. This isnt something I get to pick on my own because she will get to drive it and you dont want to upset the other half. I do have my vette and that was an all on my own that she doesnt mind.

The Solstice is out beyond the front end, same interior size as the Saturn and I just dont fit comfortably. I dont even have to get into the badge that's on the car that bothers me because I'd have to drive the thing with my knees touching the underside of the dash. (Same as the sky)

I'll update you guys when I drive the 350zR and the s2k, hopefully one this week and another in two because I go out of town.

Sadly this is almost a tease because I wouldnt make the purchase until we move into our new place which we should close on in early-mid august.


List and suggestions, to make it easier:


Sky Redline
Solstice GXP
350zR
S2k
Z4
Z4 M
Miata MX-5

NSXNEXT

iTrader: (2)

Wait till this comes out in a convertible.

F23A4

I used to be more in favor of the S2K but now lean towards the Z.

iTimmy

There is something about a light weight car that I like, I think the fun to drive car that beats out the s2k in the $50k range new is the Elise/Exige.

FightingTL

I already have a vette, I want something smaller, or at least that feels smaller.

SodaLuvr

Solstice >*

In fact, I'm seriously thinking about buying one of those or a G6 GTP.

Time For Sleeep

I woudl say s2k hands down. How can your SO not love the look. It's so clean.

SodaLuvr

Isn't the S2K being discontinued soon? If so, why should one even consider a soon to be discontinued car....???

JPhat22CL

how bout a chrysler crossfire srt6? 300hp, 6speed, two seats, even though they are domestic still pretty sweet

iTimmy

There has been rumor of the S2k being discontinued for at least 4 years now, but its remained just that, a rumor. I think its a testament to the cars abilities that it still hangs with newer designed cars, much like the NSX, and its a fairly old chassis compared to the other's on the list. Honda did something VERY right when they designed the S2k its a blast to drive when it came out and its still great. Even when they are discontinued they will have a cult like following and for a good reason, there is nothing like it for near its price.

The steering feedback and balance of the car is second to none, I don't think GM will be able to replicate that any time soon. The weakness of the car is straight line performance(which isn't bad), its the only area the car really could use some improvement to keep up with newer cars.

I think a K22 with jackson racing supercharger would be the ticket

FightingTL

Find me one for 30k with under 25k miles and I can deal with the lackluster handling.

There isnt a used one around here for under 42k, not spending that much on a roadster.


Took a 350zR out today and it was a blast. The interior is lightyears ahead of the rest of the competition, and of course it's no comparison to my 05 TL Navi.

Someone said that the nissan interior was junk, I really wonder what they are comparing it to because in the class of cars it's in, it's top notch.

The braking was great, the tranny was smooth and the clutch was much lighter than my C5. It was a grand touring with navigation, so it was definitely a nice ride. It was a new 05 with a sticker of 42k, got them down to 36k without much effort, only to test the waters. I see no need to buy a grand touring with navigation, and I am certain I will find what I want a year old for under 30k.

The s2k is next on the list, but I really doubt its superb handling will over come being slower in the straight line and the nicer interior.

Time For Sleeep

Love the S2000 but I thought it was supposed to be a slow seller.

Can anyone bring up any empirical evidence to prove/disprove?

oonowindoo

if climate control, power seat, power doorlocks are must for you. Then s2k is out because it doesnt offer any of those.

IT is a pure sports car with nearly little to none luxury features.


if you just want a CRUISER then 350z is good.... efforless acceleration with many features. but 350z as heavy as it is + convertible = super heavy....

If u want a DRIVER's car. the s2000 with no substitution.

oonowindoo

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S2000 is a 6 years old car. You can expect ppl buying them like hot cakes after its 6th year.

oonowindoo

____________________________________

slower straight line ?

regular 350z coupe might be slightly faster than s2k ( about 1 car length up to 80mph). But convertible is SLOWER... ALOT SLOWER

PixelHarmony

Lotus Elise!

DownUnder

No, they're not. The 350ZR is a tick slower to 60MPH then the S2000 with a high clutch drop after that the 350ZR starts to pull away from it after 100MPH. And without a clutch drop on the S2000, the 350ZR has more torque for effortless acceleration in the city.

cob3683

I was comparing the Grand Touring model to other cars in its class. The Z I sat in was $38,000+ (coupe), and for that much money I felt that the interior was not up to par with its competitors (G35/3-series)

FightingTL

14.0-14.2@ 99-101 in a manual 'vert 350z, is more than enough to beat 99% of the stock s2k's out there.

oonowindoo

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LOL which magazine did u find that time from?

In reality that is not even close to the real time.

14.0-14.4 is average for 350Z COUPE .. there are few exceptional fast stock 350z.. but they are rare.

average s2k is right around 14.4 too but the difference is 350z has more high end power (100mph+)

i have had 3 G35C ... 350ZR weighs just as much as a G35C.... and it is a known fact that has been proven many times that s2k is faster than G35C.

Dem1K

iTrader: (1)

g35c weighs 50lbs more than the 350zr, but that's rather negligible

I would have to say that a stock 350zr vs. S2K would definitely be a drivers race