JDMV8

iTrader: (6)

Hello fellow CL members!

I am usually glued in the IS-F forum section, so this is a first for me to be posting here.

I am considering two cars: an 06+ AP2 (gen2) S2000 or an 04-07 (or just 04+) Subaru WRX Sti to upgrade from my 2007 Honda Civic Si FG2, and I'm weighing out the pro's and cons of each.
I'm 20 years old, under 6 foot, and I truly don't see any cons with the S2000 (besides winter driving, but that can be aided with a good set of winter tires and a light right foot).
With the STI, I see reliability as a problem: buying a used turboed car w/ a reputation of "spirited/track driving" seriously compromises any long-term and even short-term reliability.
However, engine diagnostics at a dealership prior to purchase should reveal the correct course of action (compression tests, leakdown tests, etc).
I'm looking for under 70k miles and I have an $18,000 budget (both S200s and STIs fall into my preference--just not many).

Thanks a lot guys, looking forward to any feedback!

Whitigir

First, dont tell me u r gonna sell ur isF

Second, S2000 is old, AP2 is 4-9 years old. Just like any older car, you will find rust or rattle, reliability aside if you inspected it carefully. S2000 is a roadster, so if u like road noise, wind blow, risk of having a stone in your face ar highway speed....sure, it make perfect senses to buy it. I had the stones on the highway hit my windshield for countless of times, and replaced 3 windshields. It s scary...to think.

Third, WRX is AWD, turbo and used car with engine dianostic like u said will reveal problems. Subaru has a lot of road noise in the cabin, but it feels raw, handling good, good for family with 4 doors. If a Subaru doesnt rattle...it is not a Subaru.

Finally, if I was you, I would go for FRS or BRZ. Negotiate it a bit, and pay like 3-4 k more out of your pocket, but u have a brand new car, great handling, warrantee, and choice of colors or options

edgeucated

iTrader: (4)

is this going to be your DD or is the ISF doing to be the DD?

If this car will be the DD, i would pick the wrx; its more comfortable, more room, and much better in bad weather.

However, if this car will be weekend/track car and the ISF will be the DD, S2K all the way. Nothing will handle quite like an s2k and they are keeper cars.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Curious what's wrong with the SI?

Guess since you already had Honda I'd go WRX

JDMV8

iTrader: (6)

Thanks for the responses guys.

BRZ/FRS is a great alternative..didn't think of that. But it just isn't in my desired price range for what I want to additionally mod on the ISF.
This is replacing the Si, never ISF
The Si has been a great dd for about 2 years, but even as a dd, I think a car should be fun (I'm still at that age where I don't have to pay a mortgage or raise a family)--just focus on career/girlfriend.
I am looking for a fun dd, and the Si, being FWD, doesn't live up to fun for me anymore.
I know what I sacrifice with an s2k as a dd, but the fun factor is tremendous.
I can manage a light, rwd, manual roadster as a dd and during snow driving.

Just by looking at my response, I am bolstering my argument for the s2000 in almost every sentence.
I think I may have sub-consciously made a decision

GQD_GS4

Speaking from experience, S2000 in the snow is a mistake even with snow tires (and 2 sand bags). I absolutely loved my S2k, but in terms of daily driving and practicality, WRX STi hands down.

Joey-E

iTrader: (1)

Tough choice fore sure both really nice sports cars.

RWD Roadster or AWD Rally Inspired car Hmmm

From owning 2 convertibles before (one RWD), id be leaning slightly towards the S2000. There is just something about the top down, wind blowing around you and sun shining down on you on a nice day
But the WRX is a whole different car and that AWD Turbo will put a huge smile on that face every time.

It comes down to what your looking for and personal taste. I suggest test driving or ride in each one and read up on the reviews

jimbosr1

i put a 142k miles on my 01 s2000 and had no issues other then rear tires which would get no more then 12k miles.so you can see that i put a boat load of rear tires on her.front tires would last 3 times the front. here are the pictures when i sold it
the z is what i bought after the s2000.i sold the s for $6800.a steal at todays prices.

marshall2j

^^$6800??? You should've called me! That was a steal and a half!

OP, get the s2K, but I would probably get the FRS/BRZ

gsrthomas

iTrader: (1)

For me I would personally go with a 2006 STI. This is was one of the best and most reliable years for the STI.

Try something different, S2k has similar power as your SI. Go stage 2 with the STI with a protune and never look back. I love both cars, but SI and S2K are very similar to each other. I would just want to try something different. Having a turbo car is fun too.

JDMV8

iTrader: (6)

correct! I want something different. The STI is different b/c it's 1) a turboed car: that's the main and only exclusive factor of it for me.
the s2k is 1) rwd, manual car, 2) convertible, 3) lightweight sportscar
although the SI and s2k share a similarity--they are both honda--they are two different worlds. the FWD on the SI just doesn't cut it for us car people (or at least for me anymore)

I am leaning more towards the s2k because I doubt I will ever own a car like that in later years..a "toy" car.

Aron9000

I'd go for the S2000, but then again it never gets cold/snowy here where I live. I think you'd be fine with an S2000 if you lived in Cinci or Columbus, but man I would not drive that car in some place like Akron or Cleveland, where they get that damn lake effect snow. Winter there is on a totally different level than other parts of Ohio.

Blackraven

What is the engine of the 2nd-gen S2000?

F22C engine?

JDMV8

iTrader: (6)

Yes, 2.2L w/8k redline.

1sWt2GS

iTrader: (6)

if its for DD purposes, get the s2k.

I have PLENTY of friends with S2K and the only con is storage space and having only 2 seats or it might be a little uncomfortable.