Test drove an S2000 - Wowza!

"sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
10/07/2018 at 18:04 • Filed to: None

I got an offer of a $40 Visa Gift Card to test drive a new Hyundai ( !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! to do that if anyone wishes) and the Honda dealer across the street from the Hyundai dealer had a grey ‘05 S2000 identical to the one pictured. I’ve always sort of liked the S2000, but never driven or ridden in one, and since the day was dismal and dreary and the car lot empty (wouldn’t tire kick on a day when it was busy) I went to take a look.

Holy heck was I impressed. I’ve driven some fairly driver-oriented cars (including the two I own) but nothing close to this. It was great to drive, and surprisingly comfortable. The seats actually fit my stout build much better than my Saabaru, which surprised me. What I loved the most was the feel of everything, both to touch and to operate. The clutch, gas, brakes, steering, and especially the super short throw shifter were all a delight. Also, I tend to thing the Germans are the masters of interior layout, but this thing was pretty damn good. Everything was so close to the steering wheel/shifter that you barely needed to move your hand, and apart from a few select buttons hidden behind the thick but tiny steering wheel, was very easy to find. I also find it to be a very attractive car. Long story short...I kinda want an S2000 in my life at some point. It’s probably not gonna be my next car, given how well they hold value, but maybe the one after that...

DISCUSSION (18)

Spridget > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
10/07/2018 at 18:30

You could sell the Saab + Alfa and try to buy one; I feel like the S2K combines the advantages of both well, and I’m not even an S2K guy.

LongbowMkII > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
10/07/2018 at 18:46

The ergonomics are excellent on my AP1. I like the dash being so close, I can adjust the volume by extending my finger out just a bit further than the turn signal. Pretty neat for a 2000 MY vehicle (before the Great Wheel Buttoning of.... umm... 2002?)

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Spridget
10/07/2018 at 19:20

I thought about that, but there are a few issues.

1. Selling both of them would only get me a very old, high-mileage S2K in not such great shape.

2. The S2k wouldn’t turn heads at a car show nearly as much as the Alpha does.

3. The Saab is a hatch with a big trunk to haul all my crap, especially to and from school. Also, it does great in snow. The S2K has barely any storage space in comparison, and I’m not sure I’d really want to DD it during a Midwestern winter.

If I’m gonna buy one, it’s gonna have to be as a second car or if I live in a warmer climate.

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
10/07/2018 at 20:16

My friend has an S2kCR, it’s heavily modified but I do remember when I was stock, still pretty darn good. It’s redonkulous now.

functionoverfashion > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
10/07/2018 at 20:51

I kinda feel bad for the marketing guy whose idea this was. They successfully lured in an active member of an enthusiast-centered car blog or whatever this is; instead of talking about the Hyundai you came here to spread the word about the free $40 and sing the praises of an outdated but still excellent Honda that you found next door.

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
10/07/2018 at 21:27

These are great if you can fit inside. From my impressions the driving position was spot-on, but the seats are very near the floor and there isn’t much headroom...or useful seat back rake adjustment.

Joe6pack > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
10/07/2018 at 21:41

Guy at work has one. I've already put him on notice if he decides to sell. They are quite sought after.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > functionoverfashion
10/07/2018 at 21:46

Haha yeah, although I drove an Elantra GT and am now considering leasing one this winter so it wasn’t a total waste.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever
10/07/2018 at 21:47

I’m 5’6” so as long as it’s big enough horizontally I’m fine.

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
10/07/2018 at 21:56

Yeah, I’m 6'1 which is why I don’t have an S2000. When do you plan on moving on one? Months or years?

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever
10/07/2018 at 22:21

Years, assuming prices don’t skyrocket

boxrocket > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
10/07/2018 at 23:35

I’ve driven a few, and while I appreciate what it is and can do, it doesn’t appeal to me. Mostly because I feel too outboard, such that my left arm doesn’t even really fit where it’s supposed to. I don’t have that problem in a Miata, Fiata, MR2, etc.

RiceRocketeer Extraordinaire > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
10/08/2018 at 00:20

I’ve lived with almost that exact car in your picture for 7 years now. That engine at 4k rpm cruising on the highway will want to make you want to gouge your ears out in no time.

boxrocket > boxrocket
10/08/2018 at 06:23

To elaborate some: The S2K fits like a glove, only the glove was made for someone with only a left index finger and thumb (and maybe middle finger, still working on the analogy) , so you have to figure out where to put your normally-equipped other fingers inside this glove without them going numb or getting in the way. It’s the opposite of a D3 -platform Ford Taurus and D4-platform Explorer in that regard.

You're a moron > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever
10/08/2018 at 09:41

Im 6 1 and it fits like a glove. I’ve owned it new since 2003 it has 165,000 miles on it.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
10/08/2018 at 11:36

Had an AP1, can confirm. It’s an excellent car and a very easy one to maintain at that too. I too was surprised by the interior quality and how solid it felt . Will say though that it makes for a pretty horrible commuter, which was its ultimate downfall for me. Too loud, hangs at 4500RPM at freeway speeds, stiff, and no torque for stop and go. If you’re hitting the backroads, auto-x, or track days on a regular basis though it’s driving heaven.

The car I sold 5 years ago is worth quite a bit more today…so if you seriously want one I’d encourage you to try making it happen sooner rather than later. A good number of these got/are being abused as well, so prices continue to climb for the clean examples.

feather-throttle-not-hair > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
10/08/2018 at 14:32

My friend bought one recently and I got to hoon around in it a bit. It was really weird coming from and then going directly back into my 350Z. The S2K was just....much more of a sports car. Much quicker steering, shorter gear ratios, everything more immediate. It also had way less torque (AP1) and every time you want to go fast, its an event. Not a twitch of the gas pedal, an EVENT. Everyone will stare at you, your engine sounds like its going to murder someone.

I don’t think i’d want to daily it, the clutch was heavy and visibility was terrible with the top up. Also, you have to really really pay attention with that steering. No sneezing! You will crash!

Future next gen S2000 owner > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
10/09/2018 at 16:30

Welcome to the club!