[Araaadi]

Firstly I would like to blame roach's thread on trading his sti for a s2000. I have been bored with my civic for a few months now, I have a 2011 civic se. I am just bored because it's slow there's no thrill. I currently owe 16,000 on my car, I am looking to see if I could trade in it and pretty much cancel out my loan and start a new loan on a 06 s2000 I saw on craigslist for $19000.

In my head so far

Pros of my civic are
cheap finance rates (0.9)
warranty till 2018
cheap to mod
32xxx kms
I am first and only owner

Cons of civic are
automatic
slow
no thrill

pros of s2k
convertible
fun to drive
not much mod needed
could take to auto x
timeless look
cheaper monthly

cons
2 seats
higher interest rates
low remaining warranty
98xxx kms
older car

Is it a worthy trade in? Sorry if it's a repeat of roach's thread, I just didn't want to hijack his thread.

[Energy]

You remind me of myself awhile back. I had a new 08 Civic sedan and modded it out but like you I got really bored of it and traded it in for an S2000.

I can't help you with the financial stuff but I know that I never looked back after that trade.

[Sky_High]

Cons of civic are
automatic
slow
no thrill
I am first and only owner

That's a con? :fulloffuck:

[Araaadi]

Oops ill fix that. Thanks =)

Yea, I bought my civic in a rush when i turned 19 just to have a car. If I got a SI I wouldn't want to trade but I am quite bored and been meaning to try something new. I was considering a frs/brz/370z but they're way out of my price range until I finish school.

[afadafa]

I think there are probably more factors that play in with regards to your decision making. How about practicality? Do you have a family? It will ultimately be up to you and what you prioritize right now. If you're young (or older) with no serious commitments, and are looking for some thrill in your life then, by all means, do it because the S2000 will definitely fulfill that.

Also, don't speak too soon about "not much mod needed", because if the mod bug bites, it is very easy to get carried away with this particular car in my opinion. Switching from a Civic to a S2000 is a whole other ball game, they are completely different types of cars, which is why it is important for you to reflect whether a roadster will fit your current and immediate future lifestyle (especially if you will only have access to this one car). You will find that both OEM and aftermarket parts for the S2000 will be significantly more expensive than most Hondas, which means replacement parts and maintenance parts will be more expensive. I hope you make the right decision! (you all know I'm rooting for the S2000 on the inside!)

[icemiko]

I went from a 8th Gen Si to a S2000 and it is a completely different car. The S2000 out handles the Si and in terms of performance/handling, it is the better car.

98xxx KM is nothing as long as the car was maintained properly.

Like others said, it really depends on what you need/want at this stage of life because the S2000 is only a 2 seater and it will be costly if you start to mod it.

And with the shitty rainy weather here, don't expect to be opening the top too much.

[Araaadi]

The km's don't bother me too much, I am going to take my time in finding the right s2000 , the one I was looking at might be sold.
Two seats don't bother me, I am youngest in my family , only have a gf to drag around and if i go out with friends they can drive. The top down is an added bonus I guess, I would most likely get hit by the mod bug and slowly change things, a hardtop being one of them.

I guess I have my mind pretty set on getting one if I can find a good deal, but if it doesn't happen I guess I won't be too crushed.

[4444]

so you drive a car you don't own (owe $16K on it) and want to upgrade to a potentially more expensive

you are the problem with this world

do this instead, get a life - a car doesn't make you... but maybe that's just me, i've bought all my cars with cash (and no, i'm not a baller, just hard working an fiscally responsible) and have had some nice cars to date

also, whats to say you won't tire of s2000 within a certain time frame?

[4444]

also, trade in a 2011 se civic for $16K - ya, right

[Supafly]

so you drive a car you don't own (owe $16K on it) and want to upgrade to a potentially more expensive

you are the problem with this world

do this instead, get a life - a car doesn't make you... but maybe that's just me, i've bought all my cars with cash (and no, i'm not a baller, just hard working an fiscally responsible) and have had some nice cars to date

also, whats to say you won't tire of s2000 within a certain time frame?

Thats great; want a cookie?...cause Im pretty sure nobody gives a flying fuck about you and your opinions. It IS you.

This guy wants a car that makes him HAPPY, I think thats all that matters.

[46_valentinor]

^how does he have a problem?
you don't know his current financial state so concluding that he has a problem just because he wants to get rid of his car and get a car thats pretty much in the same price range a problem?

i bought my first bike when i was 16, a bigger bike when i was 17 and my s2000 when i was 18, i made sure i knew what i was getting into and worked and attended school at the same time. paid of my car in two years and didn't let the payments take over my life.

i would say if you don't know what you are getting into then you are an idiot. if you do your homework, are responsible with the commitment then no, you're not an idiot. its part of growing up.


to the op, drive one to see if its worth it and make sure you do a test drive with the top up and also down! =D

[dvst8]

Op,

Depends on your priorities. You will need to decide on these yourself. No one will be able to decide for you.

No doubt the S2k is a great car to have. If all the other things in your life are working out, you will enjoy driving it a lot more.

[cho]

i have a 09 civic that im financing
so many times i've thought about trading it in, etc etc

i've already put so much money into it, why end up just throwing it away
only 2 years left, either can be the daily, or i can sell it straight out for some cash back

i say dont dig yourself deeper in the hole by losing MORE money returning it and getting ANOTHER loan

just my 2 cents

(i agree with the boring automatic side of things though zzzzzzzzzzzz)

ps. 4 doors more whores

[asr]

It is your call now. You drive a civic now, so you must really like the V-tec. S2k is Corner>straightline. Great car for Autocross or track.
If I have extra money, I will go for a s2k in future for sure.
I test drive one s2k with 45000kms and clean title. The color is white with red interiror. I would say the car is 98/100 super mint condition. Price was also fair 24000.
The reason I didn't buy the s2k is
1. when the convertible is closed, there are two huge blind spots behind you. It is very hassle for me to back the car.
2. It is a small interior space with 2 seats

[Araaadi]

so you drive a car you don't own (owe $16K on it) and want to upgrade to a potentially more expensive

you are the problem with this world

do this instead, get a life - a car doesn't make you... but maybe that's just me, i've bought all my cars with cash (and no, i'm not a baller, just hard working an fiscally responsible) and have had some nice cars to date

also, whats to say you won't tire of s2000 within a certain time frame?

Just because I finance the car, it doesn't make it not mine. The way I see live is obviously different then how you see it. I am young once, I want to enjoy life while I am young. I don't want to be 24 and done school and wish I did life differently. Money comes and go with time and it isn't something I worry about. I want to be able to grow up and tell people I enjoyed my life and did things the way I want. If it is choosing to blow a whole lot of money on cars, then be it, this is a forum of car enthusiast , I'm sure everyone here blows a stupid amount of money into their cars.That being said, I've been told that the s2000 I want is most likely gone. So I will be paitent and when another one that interest me comes into the market, I will go test drive it and see if I do love it enough to trade in. Also decided to go test drive a 370z/frs/gen coupe to see if they might be worth the wait.

[mos_skeeto]

I was in a similar mindset a while back. How about looking at a ~$5000 mx-5? It's no s2000 but it's fun to drive and you can get your hands dirty with a haynes manual and learn about doing your own maintenance. I ended up not doing this because insurance is quite high but it could be an affordable summer or weekend car.

[Acura604]

Summer cruising with the top down is almost over... FALL/Winter is approaching.. definitely NOT S2000 time. skip it and revisit Spring 2013.

[ree666]

Also factor in, if s2000 is your first manual and rear wheel car you have to be careful of the car's characteristics like snap-oversteer.

im 23 and have gone through my share of cars, and i wished i went straight to the s2000. Make sure you are financially stable, because there are unforeseeable costs of driving. I bought mine when i was 20 in university and made sure i had saved enough to purchase out right because big car payments and school isnt a good mixture.

And I do agree with your yolo speech, if your spending money on a means of transportation might as well get one you really enjoy =P

[Energy]

Cons of civic are
automatic
slow
no thrill


You're too young for this. Lots of people go YOLO for the wrong reasons (smoking, drugs, alcoholism, affairs, etc) but you should be able to enjoy a fun car while you're still young*.

*As long as you can financially afford it.

[SumAznGuy]

Is this car going to be your daily driver?

If it is, please consider you will need snow tires for the car when the temperature starts to drop.
And all season tires would just be WRONG on the S2000.

[46_valentinor]

^+1

a GOOD set of snow tire makes all the difference. i was able to make it up a pretty steep hill in 08 when my dad's jeep on all seasons couldn't.

[skiiipi]

Just because I finance the car, it doesn't make it not mine. The way I see live is obviously different then how you see it. I am young once, I want to enjoy life while I am young. I don't want to be 24 and done school and wish I did life differently. Money comes and go with time and it isn't something I worry about. I want to be able to grow up and tell people I enjoyed my life and did things the way I want. If it is choosing to blow a whole lot of money on cars, then be it, this is a forum of car enthusiast , I'm sure everyone here blows a stupid amount of money into their cars.That being said, I've been told that the s2000 I want is most likely gone. So I will be paitent and when another one that interest me comes into the market, I will go test drive it and see if I do love it enough to trade in. Also decided to go test drive a 370z/frs/gen coupe to see if they might be worth the wait.

I know exactly how you feel
i went thru this EXACT same scenario a few month back in february.
I wanted to trade in my subaru spec B for something "fun". I spent 2 month hunting for the "right" S2K....found one, only to have it sold the same day I was driving to the dealership with deposit in hand.
I ended up "settling" with a BMW Z4, dont regret the decision at all. Though I am currently looking at buying a second vehicle for winter/daily use.

My conclusion is...if you can afford it...do it..but I would suggest you buy a second vehicle (or have access to) on the days that you just need more room....sucks that I cant even put a large cooler in the trunk of my Z4.....

[jpark]

...And with the shitty rainy weather here, don't expect to be opening the top too much.

if you go faster than 75km/h you wont get hit by the rain. true story

[Araaadi]

I was just about to grab snow tires for the civic and get my subs installed but im iffy about it till winter hits. So snow tires will be a sure thing with the s2000 and it will be my dd.

[Glove]

anyone who says yolo should get insta banned

[Energy]

I was just about to grab snow tires for the civic and get my subs installed but im iffy about it till winter hits. So snow tires will be a sure thing with the s2000 and it will be my dd.

When I had my civic I went through two winters with regular all seasons.

But for my s2k I immediately got snow tires as it was my dd. You NEED winter tires if you're going to drive during colder months.

[4444]

Just because I finance the car, it doesn't make it not mine. The way I see live is obviously different then how you see it. I am young once, I want to enjoy life while I am young. I don't want to be 24 and done school and wish I did life differently. Money comes and go with time and it isn't something I worry about. I want to be able to grow up and tell people I enjoyed my life and did things the way I want. If it is choosing to blow a whole lot of money on cars, then be it, this is a forum of car enthusiast , I'm sure everyone here blows a stupid amount of money into their cars.That being said, I've been told that the s2000 I want is most likely gone. So I will be paitent and when another one that interest me comes into the market, I will go test drive it and see if I do love it enough to trade in. Also decided to go test drive a 370z/frs/gen coupe to see if they might be worth the wait.

you don't 'own' the car - you owe more on it than its worth

and this is your idea of 'enjoying your youth' - driving around in an s2000? that's waht you want to tell ppl about when you're older? when you're 24 or 30 or whatever, you think some girl is going to be impressed that you drove an s2000, but now don't have 2 pennies to rub together and live at home b/c you still owe money on it?

fuck, ppl are losers these days

you should be enjoying your life, not enjoying getting there... that's what cars do - and yes, i've had nice cars all my life, but i worked hard to get them, not just borrowed

[Energy]

Hmm you said you paid cash for all your cars but sometimes it's smarter to finance or lease. Being able to pay cash outright is great but not everyone can do it.

And aren't you being a bit presumptuous by assuming he doesn't work hard? If he's working a good job while in school and can afford to set aside some money for monthly payments towards a car then why not? Isn't that why we work in the first place? To be able to get what we want? You also mention being able to enjoy life... Well driving an s2k is a great way to enjoy life.

Of course OP should be smart about where he spends his money. If getting the s2k will stretch you too much then it's better to wait. If you can comfortably afford it then go ahead.

[ajax]

you don't 'own' the car - you owe more on it than its worth

and this is your idea of 'enjoying your youth' - driving around in an s2000? that's waht you want to tell ppl about when you're older? when you're 24 or 30 or whatever, you think some girl is going to be impressed that you drove an s2000, but now don't have 2 pennies to rub together and live at home b/c you still owe money on it?

fuck, ppl are losers these days

you should be enjoying your life, not enjoying getting there... that's what cars do - and yes, i've had nice cars all my life, but i worked hard to get them, not just borrowed

I'd say driving an s2000 would be considered enjoying life. Perhaps he will fall into auto-x after he gets it. I'd say that would be pretty enjoyable. Life isn't just about impressing some vagina at age 30.

[Roach]

you don't 'own' the car - you owe more on it than its worth

and this is your idea of 'enjoying your youth' - driving around in an s2000? that's waht you want to tell ppl about when you're older? when you're 24 or 30 or whatever, you think some girl is going to be impressed that you drove an s2000, but now don't have 2 pennies to rub together and live at home b/c you still owe money on it?

fuck, ppl are losers these days

you should be enjoying your life, not enjoying getting there... that's what cars do - and yes, i've had nice cars all my life, but i worked hard to get them, not just borrowed

Your post is chalk full of assumptions:

- That Araadi's idea of enjoying youth is based on having an S2000 alone.
- That he gives a shit about impressing a girl with his car.
- That he won't have 2 pennies to rub together at 24 or 30.
- That he will be living at home at those ages.
- That enjoying his life is solely based on what he drives.
- That anyone gives a fuck about how hard you have worked for the supposed nice cars you've had.

That's a lot of assumptions on which you base your assertion that "people are losers these days".

Having posted a similar thread recently and been given a ton of insightful information from RS members it's a shame there are people like you on this forum who utilize this place to stroke their own ego.

Kev

[Roach]

Araadi, I checked out the car you are talking about (grey '06 from Land Rover Richmond). I believe it was traded in on a new Range Rover Sport. Unfortunately, it looks like it was modded in the past with a lot of ill-fitted body pieces like large rear fender flares and a poor-fitting front lip.

IIRC, the car was listed privately on craigslist for $19k for a couple of months before it was traded in. Therefore, I'm guessing he/she got about 13-15k on trade for it. You could probably offer 17k and see what happens assuming the car is still there.

And if it's gone no big deal. Winter is coming and I imagine the market will soften up a bit for S2000's (until next summer!)

Kev

[TypeRNammer]

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/386791_10151193057593760_1726553393_n.jpg

Must be this one, I quickly peeked at it and the front bumper fitment was :rukidding:

[belaud]

you don't 'own' the car - you owe more on it than its worth

and this is your idea of 'enjoying your youth' - driving around in an s2000? that's waht you want to tell ppl about when you're older? when you're 24 or 30 or whatever, you think some girl is going to be impressed that you drove an s2000, but now don't have 2 pennies to rub together and live at home b/c you still owe money on it?

fuck, ppl are losers these days

you should be enjoying your life, not enjoying getting there... that's what cars do - and yes, i've had nice cars all my life, but i worked hard to get them, not just borrowed



Its ironic you even mention finances when you're purchasing "nice cars" all your life, the depreciation value of any vehicle is almost always 50% after 4-5 years, this especially goes for the european cars, as well as domestics.

Unless your car is highly sought after (ITR, WRC WRX, NSX) its not even an investment to begin with. You don't even have the rights to call anyone losers.

@OP: It's a better idea to not re-finance the loan, your money pit gets bigger. But if you live by "YOLO", don't let the opinionated stop you from doing what you want.

[Araaadi]

you don't 'own' the car - you owe more on it than its worth

and this is your idea of 'enjoying your youth' - driving around in an s2000? that's waht you want to tell ppl about when you're older? when you're 24 or 30 or whatever, you think some girl is going to be impressed that you drove an s2000, but now don't have 2 pennies to rub together and live at home b/c you still owe money on it?

fuck, ppl are losers these days

you should be enjoying your life, not enjoying getting there... that's what cars do - and yes, i've had nice cars all my life, but i worked hard to get them, not just borrowed

You make it seem like everyone who finance a car is dumb,how is me paying for my car monthly not working hard to get a car.Driving around in a s2000 is part of enjoying my youth, I don't do things in life to brag about it 10 years down the road, and if you need a car to impress a girl there must be something wrong with you or you're going after the wrong girls.

And for the rest of you guys, thanks for the input guys, I am in no rush to grab the s2k, the one at land rover was just the first one on craigslist that fit my price range. I wouldn't get the car if my monthly payments increased, I am pretty good with finances and wouldn't make a decision unless it is manageable to me.

[Energy]

If your budget is around $19k you should have no problem finding a good car. Low mileage AP1s or early AP2s can be had for that money.

Edit: or not? I just looked at Craigslist and it seems like s2000 prices are holding steady or are even higher than before...

[Groot]

2003 Honda S2000 (http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/van/cto/3214514487.html)
Chu Blue is best blue :troll::troll:

[Araaadi]

Don't worry guys, I'll pick up a north face asap for top down winter driving.
Yea my budget is about 20k, so I can have room to haggle and make a deal.

[jpark]

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/386791_10151193057593760_1726553393_n.jpg

Must be this one, I quickly peeked at it and the front bumper fitment was :rukidding:

woah thats the moonrock grey paint... super super rare color, was only offered for 1 year on 06's i believe, it looks really nice imo, almost like a ferrari grigio grey almost

[Araaadi]

woah thats the moonrock grey paint... super super rare color, was only offered for 1 year on 06's i believe, it looks really nice imo, almost like a ferrari grigio grey almost

That's what caught my eye with the car, I loved the colour.

[jbsali]

the car is not good for the winter, it's made for spring/summer. If you decide to get it, i would highly consider a winter beater.

btw, don't forget about mpg+, 91+ octane

[Supafly]

and yes, i've had nice cars all my life, but i worked hard to get them, not just borrowed

Im pretty sure the OP doesnt sell dimebags....the guy is actually going to school and works a legitiment job...something you should consider as being a dimebag dealer isnt something you want to brag about when you're 30.

[Great68]

you don't 'own' the car - you owe more on it than its worth

and this is your idea of 'enjoying your youth' - driving around in an s2000? that's waht you want to tell ppl about when you're older? when you're 24 or 30 or whatever, you think some girl is going to be impressed that you drove an s2000, but now don't have 2 pennies to rub together and live at home b/c you still owe money on it?

fuck, ppl are losers these days

you should be enjoying your life, not enjoying getting there... that's what cars do - and yes, i've had nice cars all my life, but i worked hard to get them, not just borrowed

Ok Mommy.

[SumAznGuy]

the car is not good for the winter, it's made for spring/summer. If you decide to get it, i would highly consider a winter beater.

btw, don't forget about mpg+, 91+ octane

While I drove my S in the winter, I agree with jbsali.
The gravel and salt mixture that they used in Burnaby sandblasted the fenders on my car. There is about a 1 cm part where the fender liners do not cover. :okay:

mpg isn't that bad in the S. As long as you are hard on the gas and in Vtec, I was getting 11L/100 km on a regular basis and got it down to 9.5L/100 km when I was on skinny snow tires and 5w20 motor oil.

4444 has a point though. OP, I understand you want to enjoy your youth, but at the same time is it worth all the debt which will affect your later years. Drive the civic, save up your money and when you are financially secure, get the car of your dreams. You are 20/21 so you still have plenty of youth left.
BTW, how much $$$ down were you planning on putting down for the new car?

Roach can get the car because it isn't his DD car and he can afford it.

[bing]

After you sell/trade in your civic, how much are you going to put down on the s2k ?

Doesn't look like you'll get anything back so if you put 0 down, your payments will be like $5xx per month for 36 months. You'll have to work slightly more hours to make up the difference. Whether that trade off is worth it is up to you.

[UFO]

When I bought/financed my first new car back after I graduated, I got bored of it after a year and a half as well. I was set on trading it for an older pre-owned Miata. I crunched some numbers and realized that in that 12-15 months, my car had depreciated about 30% (~$7500) in value vs. what I was to pay by the end of my financing term. Essentially I was 'paying' ~$500/month in vehicle depreciation, plus the $300/month financing, so really I was paying a total of ~$800/month for the first year and a half I owned the car. This is when I learned that leasing really isn't the devil I thought it was and works out really well for those who want to change things up every 2-4 years or so.

So I decided to just suck up my car lust, paid out what I owed on it to save a few hundred bucks interest, and drove the car and used it as an appliance for the next few years, and I still have it now 6 years later. It's been perfectly reliable and cheap to operate which was why I bought the car in the first place, and has gotten me from A to B with no drama. This allowed me to save up for a condo and to build a personal reserve fund to go back to school without having to take out a student loan. Sure I'd have more fun in a 2 seater drop top, but that was a good lesson for me to learn and I'll never be buying a brand new car off the lot again unless I win the lottery.

Just thought I'd offer up an alternate to the yolo view.

[4444]

Its ironic you even mention finances when you're purchasing "nice cars" all your life, the depreciation value of any vehicle is almost always 50% after 4-5 years, this especially goes for the european cars, as well as domestics.

Unless your car is highly sought after (ITR, WRC WRX, NSX) its not even an investment to begin with. You don't even have the rights to call anyone losers.

@OP: It's a better idea to not re-finance the loan, your money pit gets bigger. But if you live by "YOLO", don't let the opinionated stop you from doing what you want.

Nice is relative, and I've only bought one new, but I would change any of these decisions - I don't need a lesson on vehicle value depreciation, but thanks for trying to look smart

Owing $16k on a low end civic tells a story in and of itself, that the car is not easily afforded, and chances are if fella loses his income, parents are taking over payments, which is so fucking lame - I bet girls love a guy who drive a car they can't afford (and if they do, quality girls, those) - and yes I'm assuming this guy is buying an s2000 to try to pick up ladies

sometimes financing is 'better' from a purely investment standpoint (returns on investment vs payment in financing - but also consider post tax returns on investments), although I don't buy this argument - finance rates are low, but you can always negotiate a better purchase price with cash. I also doubt most ppl invest properly to get the better marginal return

As for leasing, only time this makes sense is through a corporation for the better tax write off

If the kid had cash or perhaps 50% cash to buy the car, I wouldn't care less, but do you ppl even realize that easy credit and buying everything on credit has totally helped fuck up the north American economy (no not the only reason, I'm not interested in talking about the economy in depth here), so many ppl 5yrs later end up regretting buying 'toys' once they realize how life didn't quite turn out as planned (ie no $100k salary straight out of university)

[4444]

Im pretty sure the OP doesnt sell dimebags....the guy is actually going to school and works a legitiment job...something you should consider as being a dimebag dealer isnt something you want to brag about when you're 30.

Haha, what? I am the furthest thing from a drug user or dealer, Im a multiple designation suit and tie businessman, thanks all the same

[jpark]

this thread is giving me a fucken headache

[bing]

Nice is relative, and I've only bought one new, but I would change any of these decisions - I don't need a lesson on vehicle value depreciation, but thanks for trying to look smart

Owing $16k on a low end civic tells a story in and of itself, that the car is not easily afforded, and chances are if fella loses his income, parents are taking over payments, which is so fucking lame - I bet girls love a guy who drive a car they can't afford (and if they do, quality girls, those) - and yes I'm assuming this guy is buying an s2000 to try to pick up ladies

sometimes financing is 'better' from a purely investment standpoint (returns on investment vs payment in financing - but also consider post tax returns on investments), although I don't buy this argument - finance rates are low, but you can always negotiate a better purchase price with cash. I also doubt most ppl invest properly to get the better marginal return

As for leasing, only time this makes sense is through a corporation for the better tax write off

If the kid had cash or perhaps 50% cash to buy the car, I wouldn't care less, but do you ppl even realize that easy credit and buying everything on credit has totally helped fuck up the north American economy (no not the only reason, I'm not interested in talking about the economy in depth here), so many ppl 5yrs later end up regretting buying 'toys' once they realize how life didn't quite turn out as planned (ie no $100k salary straight out of university)

Average consumer debt jumps to highest since 2004 - Business - CBC News (http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/story/2012/08/23/debt-canada-transunion.html)

[EvoFire]

When I bought/financed my first new car back after I graduated, I got bored of it after a year and a half as well. I was set on trading it for an older pre-owned Miata. I crunched some numbers and realized that in that 12-15 months, my car had depreciated about 30% (~$7500) in value vs. what I was to pay by the end of my financing term. Essentially I was 'paying' ~$500/month in vehicle depreciation, plus the $300/month financing, so really I was paying a total of ~$800/month for the first year and a half I owned the car. This is when I learned that leasing really isn't the devil I thought it was and works out really well for those who want to change things up every 2-4 years or so.

So I decided to just suck up my car lust, paid out what I owed on it to save a few hundred bucks interest, and drove the car and used it as an appliance for the next few years, and I still have it now 6 years later. It's been perfectly reliable and cheap to operate which was why I bought the car in the first place, and has gotten me from A to B with no drama. This allowed me to save up for a condo and to build a personal reserve fund to go back to school without having to take out a student loan. Sure I'd have more fun in a 2 seater drop top, but that was a good lesson for me to learn and I'll never be buying a brand new car off the lot again unless I win the lottery.

Just thought I'd offer up an alternate to the yolo view.

Good for you for sticking with the car, but that's the exact reason why I don't believe in buying brand new cars early in one's career. Its such a money sucker and you WILL get bored of it.

Buy a used car, preferably 2-3 years old while there is still some warranty left. It'll take some time to look for a good one and let someone else take the depreciation hit and let them fix any minor defects and problems with the car. I just bought a 2009 Mazdaspeed 3, $18,500, 40,000km. Car is like new except for a few minor chips on the hood. I saved almost $20k compared to buying new. Yeah it took a while to find one I liked, but I would totally do it again. In 2 years if I get bored of it, I can probably sell it for $12k and its only a couple of thousand in depreciation.

[Supafly]

Haha, what? I am the furthest thing from a drug user or dealer, Im a multiple designation suit and tie businessman, thanks all the same

assumptions are a bitch aren't they.....

[Rdk1]

Well,

I think I just recently went through a very similar situation, so I'll chime in a bit.

I've thought about trading my 07 Camry XLE for half a year. I bought it brand new (well my dad did when I just got in post secondary). I made sure my dad was okay for me to trade it before I did.

So I finally decided to (2 weeks ago) trade my Camry for my friends s2000. He took my Camry to Calgary for school, and I plan on driving it this winter until I save up more money for a winter beater. (I was stupid in buying me some Ohlin DFVs... :banghead:) This is my last semester in Uni. I also work part time as a Wedding Videographer so I do have some income to spend.

For my trade, I got money on top, which I used to buy hard top and will be using the rest on buying winter tires and a car canopy (no garage), AND I'm not paying monthly payments as I already paid off my old car.

I got 2-3.5k on top of trade-in value (12000-13500) and I bought the MINT and Low K (76k) s2000 at trade in value. (12000). The deal made sense to me because my Camry was depreciating very quickly and will continue to do so, (6 months ago dealer quoted 14500, it dropped 1.5k in half a year) where as the S2000's been selling for quite a bit. I also couldn't even sell my Camry at 16000. It sat for a good couple weeks without any serious bite other than tire kickers.

I did spend quite a big chunk of my savings to fit the s2000 for the winter though, and I'm still kind of scared about crashing it because my AP1 is notoriously tail happy.

I haven't regretted my decision as I've loved the two weeks I've driven it AND I made quite a few friends at S2ki who've been very helpful. However I'm also ready to bear the consequences should things go south. I'm looking to do a bit more PT work to save up more money just incase something happens. (taking the bus this entire semester would be one if I decide it's still to dangerous even on blizzaks). So you'll have to be prepared for things as such when you purchase a RAW sports car.

One thing I know is that if I kept my Camry I'll always have the itch and distraction of looking for another car. But now I'm very satisfied and know what it's like to own a cool sports car and I plan to keep this car for as long as I can. I've also learnt the process of buying another car (I replaced all fluids + sparkplugs...etc right after buying the s2k)

Personally, the s2000 made me into a better driver too, and I felt good because I got something I wanted, at the manageable budget I envisioned.

As long as you KNOW and are prepared for what may lie ahead, I personally believe that it's not too bad of an idea.

Best,

[NLY]

Well,

I think I just recently went through a very similar situation, so I'll chime in a bit.

I've thought about trading my 07 Camry XLE for half a year. I bought it brand new (well my dad did when I just got in post secondary). I made sure my dad was okay for me to trade it before I did.

So I finally decided to (2 weeks ago) trade my Camry for my friends s2000. He took my Camry to Calgary for school, and I plan on driving it this winter until I save up more money for a winter beater. (I was stupid in buying me some Ohlin DFVs... :banghead:) This is my last semester in Uni. I also work part time as a Wedding Videographer so I do have some income to spend.

For my trade, I got money on top, which I used to buy hard top and will be using the rest on buying winter tires and a car canopy (no garage), AND I'm not paying monthly payments as I already paid off my old car.

I got 2-3.5k on top of trade-in value (12000-13500) and I bought the MINT and Low K (76k) s2000 at trade in value. (12000). The deal made sense to me because my Camry was depreciating very quickly and will continue to do so, (6 months ago dealer quoted 14500, it dropped 1.5k in half a year) where as the S2000's been selling for quite a bit. I also couldn't even sell my Camry at 16000. It sat for a good couple weeks without any serious bite other than tire kickers.

I did spend quite a big chunk of my savings to fit the s2000 for the winter though, and I'm still kind of scared about crashing it because my AP1 is notoriously tail happy.

I haven't regretted my decision as I've loved the two weeks I've driven it AND I made quite a few friends at S2ki who've been very helpful. However I'm also ready to bear the consequences should things go south. I'm looking to do a bit more PT work to save up more money just incase something happens. (taking the bus this entire semester would be one if I decide it's still to dangerous even on blizzaks). So you'll have to be prepared for things as such when you purchase a RAW sports car.

One thing I know is that if I kept my Camry I'll always have the itch and distraction of looking for another car. But now I'm very satisfied and know what it's like to own a cool sports car and I plan to keep this car for as long as I can. I've also learnt the process of buying another car (I replaced all fluids + sparkplugs...etc right after buying the s2k)

Personally, the s2000 made me into a better driver too, and I felt good because I got something I wanted, at the manageable budget I envisioned.

As long as you KNOW and are prepared for what may lie ahead, I personally believe that it's not too bad of an idea.

Best,

and 4 days later..

2000 S2000 AP1: 77XXXKM Red Leather - $20500 (Richmond) (http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/rch/cto/3270827350.html)

Looking to sell a 2000 S2000 (AP1)
77XXX KM, Local car, no accidents.
Third owner.

RED Leather Interior Condition 8.5-9/10.

Recent mechanical inspection: New sparkplugs, filters, oil changed with mobil 1 5w30.
Brakes at 85% & NEW TIRES.

NEW PARTS INSTALLED
Recently installed JVC Bluetooth/Ipod Deck @ Richmond Future Shop: 470
Blackvue DR-380 720p Front dash cam: 250

INCOMING: (In shipping) That will be included with the car : NOT INSTALLED.
Forbidden OEM Replica Hard Top Silverstone exterior with Carbon Fibre Interior: 3000
Ohlin DFV Suspension 8k Front/10k Rear. : 3000+
Ebay AP1 OEM replica front lip: 100.

I bought it two weeks ago out of a whim. My loss is your gain.
ALL inspection performed at MINIT TUNE RICHMOND.

Asking 20500 FIRM, with all parts included.
Email me with your contact information. Looking to sell SOON.

http://i.imgur.com/hwyGB.gif

[hi-revs]

^LOL!

[too_slow]

Owing $16k on a low end civic tells a story in and of itself, that the car is not easily afforded, and chances are if fella loses his income, parents are taking over payments, which is so fucking lame -

Maybe he got the car @ 0% financing? Why would you put $ down if it's 0% you dumb s*it?

[MrGoodbar]

Well,

I think I just recently went through a very similar situation, so I'll chime in a bit.

I've thought about trading my 07 Camry XLE for half a year. I bought it brand new (well my dad did when I just got in post secondary). I made sure my dad was okay for me to trade it before I did.

So I finally decided to (2 weeks ago) trade my Camry for my friends s2000. He took my Camry to Calgary for school, and I plan on driving it this winter until I save up more money for a winter beater. (I was stupid in buying me some Ohlin DFVs... :banghead:) This is my last semester in Uni. I also work part time as a Wedding Videographer so I do have some income to spend.

For my trade, I got money on top, which I used to buy hard top and will be using the rest on buying winter tires and a car canopy (no garage), AND I'm not paying monthly payments as I already paid off my old car.

I got 2-3.5k on top of trade-in value (12000-13500) and I bought the MINT and Low K (76k) s2000 at trade in value. (12000). The deal made sense to me because my Camry was depreciating very quickly and will continue to do so, (6 months ago dealer quoted 14500, it dropped 1.5k in half a year) where as the S2000's been selling for quite a bit. I also couldn't even sell my Camry at 16000. It sat for a good couple weeks without any serious bite other than tire kickers.

I did spend quite a big chunk of my savings to fit the s2000 for the winter though, and I'm still kind of scared about crashing it because my AP1 is notoriously tail happy.

I haven't regretted my decision as I've loved the two weeks I've driven it AND I made quite a few friends at S2ki who've been very helpful. However I'm also ready to bear the consequences should things go south. I'm looking to do a bit more PT work to save up more money just incase something happens. (taking the bus this entire semester would be one if I decide it's still to dangerous even on blizzaks). So you'll have to be prepared for things as such when you purchase a RAW sports car.

One thing I know is that if I kept my Camry I'll always have the itch and distraction of looking for another car. But now I'm very satisfied and know what it's like to own a cool sports car and I plan to keep this car for as long as I can. I've also learnt the process of buying another car (I replaced all fluids + sparkplugs...etc right after buying the s2k)

Personally, the s2000 made me into a better driver too, and I felt good because I got something I wanted, at the manageable budget I envisioned.

As long as you KNOW and are prepared for what may lie ahead, I personally believe that it's not too bad of an idea.

Best,

Wow, you sure make a compelling argument to get an S2000. Also, nice ad.

[NLY]

$20500 for a MY00 S2000 with 77k :fuckthatshit:

even with the addition of replica hardtop and rebuilt ohlin coilovers

http://i.imgur.com/RfUgl.gif

[ForbiddenX]

Maybe he got the car @ 0% financing? Why would you put $ down if it's 0% you dumb s*it?

Lol that's what I did with my car. It was 0% for 4 years so why not.

[UFO]

It's fine if you're keeping the car long enough to pay it off. But if you sell it after a year or two you likely owe more on the car than what you could sell it for

[Speed2K]

Summer cruising with the top down is almost over... FALL/Winter is approaching.. definitely NOT S2000 time. skip it and revisit Spring 2013.

He might be able to find a better deal during the winter; in the spring sellers will probably jack-up the prices.

Also factor in, if s2000 is your first manual and rear wheel car you have to be careful of the car's characteristics like snap-oversteer.

Snap-oversteer won't be a problem if the op is looking for an '06+ S2k.

[jpark]

^op already bought a tsx

[Speed2K]

LOL, so extreme, 2 seater, rwd convertible to 4 seater fwd sedan. I hope he enjoys the car!

[Araaadi]

Yea, sorry I didn't do an update. During my search for an s2000, I was looking at a few ap1s and looked at the frs and g37s/370s. A clean ap2 was hard to come by and it was in the price range of a frs, and I wasn't really into the whole soft top thing so then I would need another 3000 for a hard top, the frs/g37/370z were my next choices but a little out of my price range, then I saw a black 2010 v6 tsx on way to school. Went and checked it out the next day and I felt it suited me best because im not a small guy at all. Then I put the fun factor into consideration, and decided to just take PRS this fall and if I enjoy riding buy a bike. I figured it would be best to have practical for school/work days and when summer comes along I will have something impractical for the fun I was missing out on with my civic. I am very happy with my choice, I finally don't feel too big for my car, and it is a very fun car to drive with its 281hp.

[4444]

Maybe he got the car @ 0% financing? Why would you put $ down if it's 0% you dumb s*it?

Name calling is so childish, seriously 'dumb shit' - its not even very imaginative or funny

Anyway, let's say you finance at 0%, I agree, you would not want to ur anything down, from a financing point of view

But, and a really big but, when you finance at zero apr, chances are you are paying a higher capital amount than, say, if you paid with cash - in this day and age, cash is king, you can negotiate way more with a cash purchase. Before the global financial crisis, quite the opposite was true, you were in a better position if you were financing, so people like me who buy their cars with cash (and not because I'm a drug dealer or anything like that) were in a worse off situation.

So, please, tell me if I'm wrong, but recently a family member bought a car with cash (a learned trait) for just shy of 20% off, now granted they have bought 3 cars from same dealership in last 7 yrs, but still, would that person have saved that money if they were financing it at 0% - what would you rather have, pay 80k now with cash or 100k at 0% financing? I'd rather pay 80k, personally (just as an example)

Or maybe I'm just a dumb shit who knows nothing about finance

[UFO]

OP, if you don't mind sharing, what did you end up getting back for your Civic?

[too_slow]

Name calling is so childish, seriously 'dumb shit' - its not even very imaginative or funny

Anyway, let's say you finance at 0%, I agree, you would not want to ur anything down, from a financing point of view

But, and a really big but, when you finance at zero apr, chances are you are paying a higher capital amount than, say, if you paid with cash - in this day and age, cash is king, you can negotiate way more with a cash purchase. Before the global financial crisis, quite the opposite was true, you were in a better position if you were financing, so people like me who buy their cars with cash (and not because I'm a drug dealer or anything like that) were in a worse off situation.

So, please, tell me if I'm wrong, but recently a family member bought a car with cash (a learned trait) for just shy of 20% off, now granted they have bought 3 cars from same dealership in last 7 yrs, but still, would that person have saved that money if they were financing it at 0% - what would you rather have, pay 80k now with cash or 100k at 0% financing? I'd rather pay 80k, personally (just as an example)

Or maybe I'm just a dumb shit who knows nothing about finance

Cash incentives are minimal on Civics/Corollas. The Civic is a $20k car, not a $100k car. This is car enthusiast site, not a 'financial lounge' per se.

[4444]

Cash incentives are minimal on Civics/Corollas. The Civic is a $20k car, not a $100k car. This is car enthusiast site, not a 'financial lounge' per se.

In that case you're not negotiating right, I've bought for me and others, cars in and around that region with big cash incentives, crv's with $5 k off for cash

Ironic, I'm the dumb shit, but you're the one paying too much for your corolla/civic and not understanding finance

[El Bastardo]

This came to mind while reading this thread

Family Guy - uptight asian guy - I work really hard, cause I'm no fun! - YouTube