Which would you get?

vjarnot · 06-05-02, 05:26

backstory: married, no kids, own a Tundra, looking for another daily-driver

Which would you buy, and why? (or feel free to suggest others)

Honda S2000
Subaru WRX
Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII (is it worth the wait?)

Obviously, I understand that it comes down to test-drives and personal preference; but I'd like to hear some opinions. Anyone have any insight into when the Evo might make it's appearance (I've heard early '03 or late '02), and in what quantities?

USA: 3, PORTUGAL: 2 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks...

JustinTRW · 06-05-02, 06:08

So what is your budget? I assume low $30k from your three choices. I'll suggest some other cars once I hear back from you.

Of the three you mentioned, I would go for the S2000. You may not like its daily driving habits though because of the high-rev engine. The interior is nicely arranged, if a little sparse. You have to love the driving dynamics and the roadster appeal. If there is anything wrong with the car, it is a lack of low end torque and the fact that it can be dangerous at the handling limit. Best shifter of the group. The one I drove was VERY fun when driven quickly. It feels like any other Honda around town (that is good and bad), but with a firmer ride.

The Subaru is a great car, just don't get it in blue (the paint looks thin, if that is possible). However, I don't like the interior quality, but the overall drive compensates. Four wheel drive is nice, but this thing needs Z-rated rubber as soon as you get it. It comes will all-seasons unfortunately. Shifter not as nice as the S2000, but this car is much more practical because of luggage space and rear seats. Tossable.

I can't comment on the Evo, since I've never driven one or seen one. You pretty much hit it on the money that you must test drive all of these cars.

vjarnot · 06-05-02, 08:10

Yeah, my budget tops out mid thirties or so... I considered a BMW 330Ci, but decided that it was too much luxury and not enough performance for 40k.

I could go higher on price; but not for a daily driver. I also considered an M3 or M coupe briefly; but I wouldn't be able to bring myself to drive a 50k+ car to work...

My real big problem with the choices I listed above:
The S2000 is due for a change in '04 - I don't want to get one and regret it soon.
The WRX may be augmented by a STI model from Subaru to compete with the Evo - will I regret a WRX when (if) the WRX STI is released.
The Evo requires a lot of waiting - if the quantities are limited, it may go for more than MSRP - a concept I refuse to accept.

JustinTRW · 06-05-02, 08:31

I was going to suggest some other cars, none of which are quite as sporty as a 3-series BMW. My other suggestion was a Porsche Boxster, but that certainly isn't a value car (217hp for 47k). Can't argue with the handling though.

There are also a few other sports cars I was going to suggest, but none of them as refined as a S2000 when it comes to handling.

What kind of changes are coming to the S2000? When are the STi and Evo VI due? I had my dealer write MSRP max price on my pre-order deposit for the C32. That could solve your price gouging problem. In my case though, MB is not allowed to sell over MSRP anyway, so I was safe from that hassle. M3 owners have a different story!

vjarnot · 06-05-02, 08:47

Your questions illustrate the cause of my indecision precisely:

What kind of changes are coming to the S2000? When are the STi and Evo VI due?

The S2000 was only scheduled by Honda to run through '04; net speculation is that (in order of probability) Honda will :
a) major redesign (quite likely)
b) stop production altogether
c) extend run without major redesign (not likely)
(keep in mind, however, that I'm not an S2000 expert)

The STi is currently speculation based on the fact that Subaru will need it to compete with the Evo. Subaru has announced nothing.

The Evo (US is expected to get the VIII) is definitely probably

coming ... I've heard October '02, November '02, December '02, January '03, or spring '03 as possible release dates. Mitsubishi has announced nothing (to the public anyway; the car mags are sure that the Evo is coming).

4DSC · 06-05-02, 08:53

I would get the S2000 just because it's a convertible and it's about 180 degrees different from the Tundra. That way you can have a great summer car and somthing to drive when you're feeling like "something different".

JustinTRW · 06-05-02, 08:58

I just dug up and old post on the C32 board about a guy who drove an Evo VII briefly (a Euro model for US testing). He said it was quick, and estimated high 13's for the 1/4 mile. This means Subaru is goign to match that. Both will have killer handling.

This IS a tough choice! This was one of the main reasons I did not give into my Boxster temptation that had been lingering for quite a few years. Next year or the year after, it will have a significant bump in power.

Here's another thought that just hit me. Get in line now for a Lotus Elise which is coming. You know that won't be upgraded for a while. Reliability is the major issue with that car though.

Wish I could help, but I'm scratching my head myself.

bobs_2k2_6spd · 06-05-02, 09:39

Have you considered an Infiniti G35 coupe?

The sedan is already out but the 6 speed coupe is on the horizon (September?) and it looks really sweet! ~280HP rear drive six speed. If you want a little more sport with a little less luxury, you could opt for the Nissan 350Z.

Everyone seems to love the G35 sedan and the coupe should be even nicer if you do not need 4 doors.

Check it out at: http://www.freshalloy.com/site/cars/...upe/home.shtml

vjarnot · 06-06-02, 08:33

Yeah, I'd kind of forgotten about the 350z; problem with it will be availability ... I have a feeling they won't be able to meet demand.

Definitely one to put on the list, thanks!

Dr. Jones · 06-06-02, 11:12

i wish i had to make that desision. Talk about 3 of my dream cars right there. my input... WRX are great... even for aftermarket, though they are fine stock. Two most common complaints, intereior feels cheap, and the paint chips easily. The paint chiping is not just the blue color, i've detailed a black wrx that had the same problem.. its all the colors. S2000 is great all around. For a daily driver though it's up to you. It is just a little 2 seater roadster... most people use those cars for fun not chores. Evo would rock (suposed to be better than wrx stock) but last time i heard there was some debate about weither or not it would even make it to the us.

vjarnot · 06-06-02, 02:02

Yeah, it's a nice problem; but you have to admit it's a difficult one. A big part of my problem is that the STi, Evo, and 350z aren't even out yet. In this instance I think ignorance of the future models would have been bliss. I could've just chosen between S2k and WRX and been done with it...

DCopp · 06-06-02, 10:56

the 350Z is gonna turn heads and snap necks...especially in silver...looks like $1,000,000!!!