TylerT

iTrader: (1)

Story here:

https://acurazine.com/forums/showpos...postcount=2475

Completely my fault, nobody to blame except myself. No other motorist were involved and I'm in good health. I would appreciate if we left out any accident discussion in this thread .. thank you

Looks like I will be car shopping this week and I'm scoping out a few cars already. I wanted to get everybodys feedback .. Here are the 5 cars I'm thinking of so far, in no particular order:

AP1 S2000
07+ 350Z
Another 7G Accord 6 speed
3G TL 6 speed
1st Gen MazdaSpeed 3

Budget: ~$17,000.

My only real necessities is if it's stick, RWD / FWD / AWD, reasonably fast but most important is reliability. I work 5 - 6 days a week and I'm always on the go .. the Accord really spoiled me in this category.

Right now, I am sort of leaning towards the Honda S2000 because it has been a car I've always wanted to own. My only problem is it's not as practical as I would want, however this is only a small sacrifice for a 9000rpm redline with the top down .

There are parts of me that want another Accord 6 speed because my current modifications will swap straight over and I know the car like the back of my hand. It has been extremely reliable and I still have a soft spot for it. I was pretty surprised to see how much cheaper than my other options... It wasn't hard finding a few around $12,000 with 50,000mi on it.

I don't know why, but the thought of a hatchback / wagon is really appealing to me, too. I've driven a Speed3 and I really enjoyed the ride. Gobs of torque, good aftermarket and very practical.

3G TL & 07+ 350Z would be my least favorable choices at the moment, but I would still take them into consideration if the mileage & price were right.

My apologies for the essay, what are your thoughts? If you have other suggestions, please feel free to post up.

Thanks,

RIP, she will be missed.

JnC

iTrader: (12)

I wouldnt drive out of my drive way with those tires let alone drive on the highway. I am sure you realized that a tad too late yourself

neuronbob

Of your list, I'd choose another 7G Accord.

You seem to like the 1G Speed3 and that's not a bad choice....though our "Mazdazine" members will chime in, I'm sure with more details.

From what you write, you are already biased against the 3G TL & 350Z, so I assume they are off the list.

The S2000 is a better second car than a daily driver IMHO, especially if you want to carry friends. It is at least very reliable. If you want to rock one as a daily for a while, then get another daily, relegating it to second car, that'd make sense.

VQPower37

get the s2k ... IMO ur still young and now is the time to enjoy a bit. if u feel later down the road that it is becoming to uncomfortable as a daily get another car and keep the s2k as ur weekend warrior

komet

Sorry to hear about the Accord TylerT

I'm lucky enough to drive both an AP2 (2006) S2000 and a 3G (2005) TL 6MT, so maybe I can chime in on those cars.

From what I hear, the AP1 S2000's are much more "raw" than their AP2 counterparts. This comes in the form of a stiffer suspension, higher revving 2.0 (as apposed to the AP2's 2.2) liter I4, slightly different gearing, and non-existent computer-assisted stability control. While I have never driven an AP1 S2000, I believe the following statement categorizes them quite well: "The AP1 is a track car you can take on the road, while the AP2 is a road car you can take on the track."

In my opinion, the AP2 would be better suited to your needs for a few different reasons:

1) While much cheaper than AP2s, the older AP1s (earlier than 2003 I believe) are infamous for being extremely sensitive to throttle inputs. If you go to S2ki and search around, you'll find many stories of people ending up in ditches or worse even when they have excellent tires on their car. I'm not saying it's impossible to drive early AP1's or live with them, but it's something you don't want to worry about if you're going to be driving it every day, rain or shine.

2) While just as reliable as any other Honda, AP1s do have well documented issues with burning oil. Once again, it's something you can live with, but not something you want to worry about on a daily basis.

3) Finding an AP1 that's in decent condition and properly maintained will not be as easy as finding an AP2 in an equivalent state. While this isn't a German car (no offense to those guys ), there are still things that can break and wear over time. Ideally, you'll want to find an S2000 (whether it be AP1 or AP2) with a low amount of miles to avoid things like worn soft tops and beat up transmissions and clutches.

Maybe there are some AP1 S2000 owners on here who can chime in about their experience. Honestly, if you were looking to get the S2000 as a fun / weekend car, then I'd say go for the AP1. However, you will find that the AP2 S2000 will be better suited for daily driving. If you're looking for information about the S2000, then S2KI is a great place to start. There is also the North America orientated S2KCA forum if you're looking for a more local experience.

Oh, and the 3G TL. I won't get too in depth about that car because there are a ton of other people here who own them. They are fairly difficult to find in the 6MT form, however it is well worth the search / wait to find one. I think you'll find the driving experience very similar to your V6 Accord. Definitely look into changing the transmission fluid to GM Synchromesh Friction Modified or Honda's newer MT fluid formula as well as removing the slave cylinder check valve. Those two "mods" will make the shifting experience hundreds of times better.

Maybe the RSX Type-S would be another good car to look into if you're looking for something with two doors that's light and tossable? It also has an 8,000 RPM redline and backseats (for punishment mostly). I think it would be a decent alternative to the S2000 if you can't get one.

I hope that helps you in your search. Good luck!

Carraway

I think the S2000 is one of the few cars that anyone who likes driving will either own or wish s/he'd owned. Despite that, I'm not sure it'd be a good choice as an only car. I don't know what lifestyle you have, but buying anything larger than a suitcase will take some planning, it might get uncomfortable on long trips and you can't really take more than one friend anywhere. Still it's awesome.

My impression of the Z is similar to the S2000 but with more noise, even harsher ride, a bit less responsive and with much worse visibility. Of course, the Infiniti Gs are the somewhat less sporty but more comfortable and refined versions. Considered those?

As for the TL, I haven't seen many with manuals (I looked), and the $17K budget may limit choices further. It would be much more practical as a daily driver, however, as would the Mazdaspeed 3 or Accord.

To throw in some other choices, have you considered either generation TSX? It may not have as much power as you want, but the 1G is especially nimble and practical with a great manual transmission. There's the WRX but insurance rates tend to be absurd.

But from everything you've said, I'm wondering if you've considered a Hyundai Genesis Coupe or Ford Mustang. Both have plenty of power, are RWD, can be found with manuals, should have nice ones available within your budget and be fairly reliable.


As for my own decision, it doesn't sound like you'd be interested in a plain Mazda 3, but I decided on one despite shopping for much more expensive cars. I bought a pretty well optioned out new one with a manual for a few hundred over your budget. My thinking is that for the cost of a BMW/Infiniti/Acura I could get a fun, practical, fuel efficient commuter with the Mazda and find a true RWD sports car like an S2000.

Sarlacc

IF you managed to spin out the Accord like that...than I would NOT get a s2000. You'll spin it and totally 4x faster.

Mr. Maker

iTrader: (4)

Chevrolet Beretta. Timeless.

neuronbob

AP1 owner here. I love no electronic nannies. Respect the car and you won't get hurt. Mostly, that means keeping good tires on so you don't spin out. Buy a mid-2002 or later and you'll be good for most of the early model issues. My now almost 25k mile 2002 is in excellent shape for a 10-year-old car.

That said, AP2 is a better daily driver, especially 2006+ for traction control.

That said, I'd still rock another Accord of the choices you made for the reasons I stated above.

dreem1er

iTrader: (2)

Since you have a few cars your thinking about i think you should go on autotrader set your price and see what Pops up. You never know what your going to come across. Me for example when i bought my tl i was actually looking for a 2door coupe, i had a 92 Sentra coupe and i wanted another 2door, i went to a few dealers and couldn't find a cl. I ended up taking a tl for a ride and buying it that same week explore your options theres tons of cars in your price range right now

KaMLuNg

iTrader: (5)

part out the accord... get something different...

MarbleGT

S.

TylerT

iTrader: (1)

I appreciate everybodys feedback! Thank you.

This really caught my eye this morning:

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...27766468&Log=0

A-spec, all options with reasonable mileage ..

I'm also throwing around the idea of checking out Speed6s ..

I will keep everybody posted!

ttribe

Sorry to hear about the wreck.

From your list - Z-car.

dallison

I drove one before with the top up and didn't enjoy it at all. But we drove it on a pretty bumpy road. It was the first time i almost had car sickness from driving something.
I really wanted to like it too.

purplerims

Ctsv...

phee

iTrader: (5)

im going to say that you shouldnt rule out a miata.

SuperTrooper169

iTrader: (2)

Dude so sorry to see the Accord smashed up like that. Ugh. That TL A-Spec you posted up looks .

neuronbob

That A-Spec TL looks good, but then I'm biased, I owned a 3G A-Spec TL a few years ago.

TylerT

iTrader: (1)

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...23825620&Log=0

Found one.

Carraway

But Mr Gold can't give up his ride! I can't believe he had that much done to it and neglected hanging a pair of fuzzy basketballs from the mirror.

gatrhumpy

iTrader: (1)

Do it! I too when from a V6 Accord to a TL (although Type S) and I love it.

jayhawk815

Maybe I'm just unfamiliar, but isn't $16k for an 9 year old TL, even fully loaded, kinda high? 73k miles is relatively low, but still seems like more than I'd be willing to spend.

TylerT

iTrader: (1)

Here's another Accord 6 speed:

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...25479735&Log=0

I'm loving the mileage & navigation.

If I could talk him down to 12,500 I would consider this over the TL.

And once again, thanks for everybodys feedback.

dreem1er

iTrader: (2)

That tl is good find so is the accord, good thing about the acord is you already have parts. I would probably get the tl from those two :shrug

Aman

I think they're both a little high. There was someone in Ontario selling a 2005 AV6MT with 100k miles for $8,500. MS6s are starting to get pretty cheap as well.

Out of those choices, Beretta.

iSeeYouTwo

I honestly like the TL more. Rare color combo + 6MT + A-spec = Winning.

Just try to negotiate the price. I'm sure he will budge a little, especially if you're paying cash.

vas25tl

That TL is a very very very rare find.

Jattrisky2003

U can probably pick up an WRX for about that price. Very reliable as long as you stay with minor bolt on's, get it tuned and dont beat the crap out for it!

TylerT

iTrader: (1)

I received an update from my insurance company saying the car is a total loss.

From their preliminary inspection, the car is worth $8,360.00 with $647.00 sales tax with all the options listed / condition of the vehicle prior to the accident. I will be receiving about $1200 back after I pay my $500 deductible and the bank is paid off.

Now that I will be debt free, I couldn't justify in my head putting myself in $14-$16,000 in debt and starting the whole cycle over again ...

I decided I'm going to get a car that's paid off. I have 2 appointments setup for a test drive and the cars are currently located in LA. Pics will be posted on Saturday or Sunday depending on which of the 2 cars I will buy.

I promise you guys won't be disappointed.

They originated in the 80s, RWD and can be had cheap.

Anybody want to take a guess as to what it is?

ttribe

Mercury Capri?

TylerT

iTrader: (1)

charliemike

What was your new budget? I can't imagine it was only $1200.

myron

iTrader: (4)

240, 300zx, miata

TylerT

iTrader: (1)

$4500

RPhilMan1

944

dreem1er

iTrader: (2)

Nissan 240

Aman

Supra? Nobody?

Carraway

DeLorean! OK, maybe not. Mk. I GTI?

speedemon90

4500 and you're buying a car in the 80s did you put an extra 0?