Replace the S2000...

[PiKe]

As much as I love this car, I feel like I'm going to have to change for something new, the roads I drive on are literally falling apart and it's done nothing but rain since I bought it (2 years ago)!

Now herein lies the problem, the S2000 was cheap to buy and is cheap to run/maintain.

I can't really find anything comparable, I'm after something more refined and something that will cope with the terrible roads I have to drive on.

I quite like the Audi TT but it's just SO expensive!

On the flip side of the coin, a small hatchback might suffice but I'm worried I will just find them boring after the S2000.

 

[PiKe]

What you wanting to spend?

As little as possible

I'm not sure of the value of my S but I'd say no more than 5k on top, I know that severely limits my options but I really can't afford any more.

 

[PiKe]

Same here really. My S2000 is handling the roads ok. Save the VTEC for the summer you will miss it once the sun comes out!

Do you not find the constant clattering of stones on the under body annoying?

 

[PiKe]

You'll get that with any car.

I'll go take a pics of the buggered road to show you what I have to contend with, essentially loose stone all over it.

I've been in other cars as a passenger over the same stretch and it's nowhere near as bad.

 

[PiKe]

So you want some recommendations for your budget of £5k plus whatever your S2000's worth.

Don't you think it might help to tell people the age / spec / mileage / condition of your S2000 then?

However I think you'll regret this come the summer, depending on the length of your commute, which is...what?

55 plate with 30500 miles, decent condition but wheels have seen better days and the front bumper is sandblasted from road grit.

The length of my commute is only 4 miles.

 

[PiKe]

I think I'm maybe just losing the love for it... chipped wing mirror, scratched rear bumper (not me!) corroded wheels (again not me) and a leaking boot (tried lots and lots to stop it and sealed everywhere but it still leaks).

Drivers door is stone chipped and the constant beating on the sides of the car from road crap isn't helping either.

Seems like no matter how hard I try I can't keep it how I want, I know with dailys you've got to accept some wear and tear but still

 

[PiKe]

As above

But i'd get some nice aftermarket wheels and fit a hard top which will be expensive but will quieten down the cabin

It's a GT so I already have a hard top, I'm getting some quotes for respray and new wheels but living where I do I don't have access to well known repair shops like you lot in the south.

I've never come across wheels I like better than the oem multi spokes.

 

[PiKe]

Think I hit report instead of reply.

Where is the boot leaking? Far left corner?

Right wing, I need to take the boot lining out completely, get in with a torch and get someone to run a hose over it I think.

It's sealed all around the seem where the wing meets the boot, but it's had a new rear wing at some point judging by the crap welding.

 

[PiKe]

with regard to the wheels, its a case of "they all do that" Ive not seen an S2k without corroded wheels. Mine are in a terrible state and are being refurbed next month.

Just keep it! You live in the best place possible to enjoy an S2k in the summer! Didnt notice your location the first time round!

Ive never noticed stones making a noise under the car! its mainly speed bumps i have to contend with round here. Still wouldnt get rid of it though!

Should I have arch liners in the rear arches? Because that's where the majority of the noise is, sounds a lot like if you were to go off-track into the kitty litter.

 

[PiKe]

Boot liner is out! Let's just say the boot well... I had to pale it out.

Now to find the time to shut myself in there..