Which convertible would you pick for under $20,000?

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Apr 11, 2011 | 04:45 PM
  #16  
I'd go with S2000. That interior is designed really well, the steering wheel and shifter is in perfect location.
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Apr 11, 2011 | 04:59 PM
  #17  
Honda S2000 Hands down.

The later models especially are just a pure beauty to drive. The motors were great, and if you had the cash you could really put down some crazy power to those rear wheels. Handle so well too!

White S2K convertible + red interior = *drool*
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Apr 11, 2011 | 05:09 PM
  #18  
Depends on what you want in a convertible:

SC430 - ultra luxury smooth riding cruiser
S2000 - high reeving sporty track racer-ish

Honestly, both will put a smile on your face.
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Apr 11, 2011 | 05:45 PM
  #19  
s2k or z4. both nice cars. good luck
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Apr 11, 2011 | 05:51 PM
  #20  
Quote: White S2K convertible + red interior = *drool*
+1 on this!!!

From that list, I'd probably go with the S2000, but I would probably go with a NB (99-05) Miata. IMO, it's the best body style of the 3 gens, and they're relatively cheap. You just have to beef it up, otherwise it'll be concieved as a chick car.
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Apr 11, 2011 | 07:29 PM
  #21  
s2000 no doubt.
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Apr 11, 2011 | 07:37 PM
  #22  
Another vote for Miata
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Apr 11, 2011 | 07:38 PM
  #23  
You can't go wrong with the Porsche, S2000, or the Miata to be honest.
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Apr 11, 2011 | 08:43 PM
  #24  
Quote:
I would probably go with a NB (99-05) Miata.

You just have to beef it up, otherwise it'll be concieved as a chick car.
No....that's an old but inaccurate stereotype. Plenty of guys drive even base-level Miatas. And it has been on Car and Driver's Ten-Best list for many years.
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Apr 11, 2011 | 11:11 PM
  #25  
s2000 for me
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Apr 12, 2011 | 01:55 AM
  #26  
S2000, then MX-5.
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Apr 12, 2011 | 02:35 AM
  #27  
The high-rev, low-torque nature of the S2000 is much less of an issue on a weekend car. I'd lean towards the S2000 but would also consider the Boxster S, mostly for the novelty factor of the MR layout. Those two would be high on my list, well above the rest of the pack.

My big complaint about the Cayman/Boxster is that the steering feel is not as good as the 911; this is possibly due to different steering ratio. The 911 steering is simply magnificent but that certainly doesn't apply across all Porsche vehicles. It has been many years since I last drove an S2000 but based on my recollections I would rate the steering feel of the S2000 higher than the Boxster/Cayman. I also think the S2000 suspension gives better road feel, although this may be at least in part due to its significant advantage in the weight category.
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Apr 12, 2011 | 09:26 AM
  #28  
Quote: The high-rev, low-torque nature of the S2000 is much less of an issue on a weekend car. I'd lean towards the S2000 but would also consider the Boxster S, mostly for the novelty factor of the MR layout. Those two would be high on my list, well above the rest of the pack.

My big complaint about the Cayman/Boxster is that the steering feel is not as good as the 911; this is possibly due to different steering ratio. The 911 steering is simply magnificent but that certainly doesn't apply across all Porsche vehicles. It has been many years since I last drove an S2000 but based on my recollections I would rate the steering feel of the S2000 higher than the Boxster/Cayman. I also think the S2000 suspension gives better road feel, although this may be at least in part due to its significant advantage in the weight category.
There isn't much steering feedback in the s2000. This is due to the electric power steering. Although it has a very quick turning ratio, the actual feedback is very numb.
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Apr 12, 2011 | 11:06 AM
  #29  
Quote: There isn't much steering feedback in the s2000. This is due to the electric power steering. Although it has a very quick turning ratio, the actual feedback is very numb.
The S2000 has plenty of feedback. A lot of people just don't like it because the variable ratio is done electronically instead of with hydraulics and they knee-jerk reject any steering that is electronic. My only complaint about the S2000 is a bit of dampening on center, but this is not as big a problem for me as the high steering ratio near center on the Boxster. As I mentioned in my post, maybe if the Boxster steering feel was as good as the 911 I'd rate these two differently.
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Apr 12, 2011 | 11:31 AM
  #30  
Boxster S...Porsche, there is no substitute
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