^I don't like the 350z vert at all.. It looks awkward both with the top up and down.. I do like the 2006+ facelifted coupes in Daytona blue.

Alas, I am more interested in a small 2 seater convertible. The Z will look like a monster parked next to those 3 cars. I just learned that S2K do not come with heated seats! I think that's enough for me to cross it off the list.. :(

There is another new thread. He ended up selling Z4M. He's driving the BS now.

I think we should keep 350Z roadster out of this since it just can't get any uglier.

lol and its hard to find a used 350z convertible

^ for good reason. And I think any remaining survivors should be crushed.
Sorry to any 350z vert owners on RS. :lol

I think the s2k is a hugely better value, in terms of initial purchase cost, maintenance and repair cost (I've owned an '03 for two years now, and expenditure on repairs has been very minimal for an 8 year old car), better fuel consumption, and lower insurance cost.

But if you're cross shopping these cars $10,000 apart in price, that leads me to understand that value is not a consideration for you. In that case, I don't see why you wouldn't go for the Z4M. You're doing a lot of highway cruising and that's where the power and refinement shines. An s2k is only really fun when there are tight mountain/canyon corners to carve, where you can really stretch that motor out to the 9000rpm of awesome. When you're stuck doing the same speed in traffic on relatively straight roads, the s2000 becomes borderline annoying.

As for the seats being uncomfortable, I used to get tons of back pain (from previous motor vehicle accidents) from the car, and it's because the lumbar support is nonexistant. That's why you shove your own lumbar support behind the center seat cushion like I did - I bought a pneumatic adjustable one for $40 at some store at Aberdeen. I've never had an issue since, and because the thing's tucked inside the seat, it all looks stock. PM me if you want more info on this.

^Sonca, help me install one. My back hurts.

^Hmm, that's a fair assessment. To be fair, I only plan to keep this car for 2-3 years
(I do intend on moving back to Vancouver when the company finishes restructuring - lateral transfer to Van ops). When that happens, I plan on selling the MSP6 and CAR#2 and just get one car (i.e. B8 S4?)

I do like something that has a high resale value + high fun factor. The NC MX5 and AP2 seems to hold better value than the Z4-M based on avg selling price vs MSRP.

Thanks to those S2k owners that have offered their insights. There's a LOT of AP2s @ the Abbotsford Honda that I drive by all the time. I will definately check it out over the weekend. RRat: I'll let you know if I do end up buying an AP2!

Cheers,
J

hmmmmmmmmm.. no.

:lol

Test drive is the key.

i just returned the lease on my z4m couple of months ago,
i can't speak for the maintenance part since it was under warranty for me
but heres what i think of the Z4M:
pros: nimble, pretty fast, easy to control, alot of features, interior is vey nice(leather, heated, gps, etc)
cons: very uncomfortable for long drives(my back will start hurts if i drive for more than an hour), manual transmision only(suffers from the CDV that causes jerky 1st to 2nd gear shift that some bmw have)

i have also drove my frd's s2k few times as well, the two cars have very very different feel. i find the s2k to be much more beasty and more raw power. but then again my frd's car is heavily modded. i can't speak for the miata, never driven one.

-the 04+ (AP2) has a clutch delay valve too
-the s2k also only comes in manual
-there's a typo in your post. i think you meant to file "manual only" under PRO.

so out of curiosity, what's next for you?

Thanks for sharing! i'll definately test drive the S2k + Z4M before pulling the trigger..

If this is just a fun weekend highway car, you're going to want power. I would personally go with the Z4M.

Being able to pass pretty much anything you want with ease on 2 lane highways is awesome.

Z4M for sure. S2000 is really noisy, "feels" cheap, and yes -- the seats are quite uncomfortable for long distance driving.
Haven't sat in any Miata ever so can't say anything

Clutch Delay Valve can easily be removed, roughly 1hr job if its your first time.
And LOL, manual only is a pro :D keeps many retards away from owning the car as well :D
Well said from a domestic owner :D little do you know, the S2000 actually has enough to pass most things on highway 1 easily :D

Yep the S2000 is noisy, but so is any car with a rag top. Most of that you call noise is music to my ears, engine peaking to 8000+ revs. Z4M also does 8000 Revs. No reason to buy a miata really, when the comparison is to a Z4M and an S2000. If you want raw fun, S2000. If you want more comfort and more speed, Z4M.
Test drive both of them. The first time i drove the S2000, it's engine made me wet my pants :haha: so nimble, light, and responsive. Probably bold statement to say this: most fun and lightweight car under 50g. But i also like my friend's Spartan Black Z4M.

look harder for a 987. 986 boxster S'es arent bad actually...

driven a couple at work.. and theyre great for what they are.


too bad theyre still worth a shiny penny. i've seen some 996 conv's for less than 30k... maybe give those a look..? you cant resist the sound of a porsche when driving with a top down.

BMW for luxury and quality imo.
The biggest concern about the BMW is that maintenance cost would be slightly higher.

There's something to be said about having a powered hardtop.

The SLK may look a little girlie but being able have the top down in the middle of winter and not feel could because of the neck scarf option is also a plus.

the what now?

Hahahaha. Funny because I drive an import about 99% of the year.


Until you come up to that Z4M... or MS3...

The MX5

the s2000 is nice, but for me it just looks really old

the Z4 will seem old to other ppl since the new Z4 is out


the MX5 is new and it looks pretty sweet; after all its just a car to enjoy in the sun for fun.. you dont need the s2000, and the Z4 (+ they'll cost more to maintain) the miata comes pretty packed with features too in the GT model (the one with the hardtop)

anyway thats my opinion ^^



edit: but the Miata mx5 GT costs $40k+ ??? is the US version different? (woaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhh way better deal in the usa... wth is mazda canada thinking)

When you cruise on a highway in a S2000, do you know what RPM you are in? it is like 3800-4100. After 1 hour you will go nuts as it has virtually no sound proofing, 30 minutes if you have an aftermarket exhaust. S2000 are fun cars but is pretty much just a toy to use for fun, although a very reliable toy.

what about SC430? the design is starting to grow on me

http://cornerbalance.files.wordpress...p211.jpg?w=600

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/b...i808/art02.jpg

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/b...i808/art01.jpg

lower + wheels + exhaust and ur set

arent ms3 around the same as S2k?

personally I'd go with the S2K.. simply because I'm pretty money concious. If you're comfortable with dropping the few extra bucks then go for the bmw fsho