It's time to get another car but I'm having a hard time deciding. I'm considering the RX-8, 350z, and the S2000. Whichever one i get i will be getting a used one. What do you guys think? I'd like to get the best bang for the buck and my budget tops out at about $20,000.

 

I own a 350. If you do end up with a 350z Id say go for the 07-08 models [including the Nismo Z]. They are the best most polished versions of the 350z models. You can get around 320 rwhp with basic bolt-ons and a tune on the N/A HR Z.

Looks are subjective and any of those 3 are lookers. All look good to me. Interior hands down goes to the Mazda with the S2k then 350z. 350z isnt the best materials used and can feel a bit cheapy depending on which car you are coming from. I like it and it doesnt bother me but the other two deffinately have better interiors materials.

Cant go wrong with any of them. If you like power and very good handling you will lean toward the 350z. If you want excellent handling and decent power you will like the S2k/RX-8. I suggest you take a test drive of all of them 07-08 models and them your decission will be clear.

 

find me a nismo with under 25k miles for $20k and done deal! hahaha

 

E39 M5 haha

 

My vote is for 350Z but i'd actually recommend the G35 given you'll have more room and refinement.

S2000 is my 2nd choice. Not much power so you'll have to rev it up. If you want a convertible 2 seater, only Boxster gets better.

RX8 is underpowered and you'll have to visit dealers more often for oil changes. It's the ugliest of the 3 also. I used to have a 94 RX7TT and the RX8 is a huge disappointment for rotary enthusiasts.

 

Thou asks for too much.

 

hahaaha just throwin it out there. do you guys think i should also consider an Evo or STI?

 

Hell yeah. Evo 9 if you can get one for 20k. Imho the 350z looks better but the Evo is hands down much easier and cheaper to mod to nasty levels. And they do look great with the right mods.

 

i think evos are cool but they're a bit TOO ricey for me. i just think that you get more of the eye's appeal from the Z, S2K and Rx-8

 

Cant argue with that one. They are totally differnet kinds of cars from the other 3. Sounds like you really want a true sports car and not just a fast car with sportscar performance. Have you driven a Z, RX-8 or S2k yet? I think the only way you are gonna "know" which one fits you and gives you the biggest grin and catches your eye at the same time.

 

I would personally go for the Z.

 

Never had an RX8. No dealers around here anymore.
Had a 350. Not a bad car. Not as much fun to drive as it is to look at.
I have an S2000. Really great car. The connection to the controls is so good. The feel and balance. The way you work a little for speed is also exhillarating. Holds 2 sets of golf clubs. Purrs like a kitten or screams like a banshee.... just push the thin pedal. I have a 996TT too, but the S2000 gets most of the use as it is just a blast.

Really love this car, and now that it's discontinued, seriously thought of buying one to pickle for future....

 

I recommend the s2000 hands down over the rest.

350z:

The 350z is heavy, the VQ35 and VQ35HR both had oil consumption issues that eventually resulted in and engine replacement along with the G35 Coupe. The shifting is notchy and has a god awful amount of vibration in the clutch pedal and the shifter it self. The stock block is weak as all hell and does NOT like boost at all and responds like garbage to bolt on modification, it sometimes even LOSES power because of them. The interior build quality is **** and you are lucky if you have not had the transmission replaced or rebuilt before 60k.

RX-8:

This car is fun to drive but a maintenance ***** and does not hold up very well. The interior is loaded with cheap plastic that breaks, the transmissions have been known to go at ridiculously low mileage even though they are cheap to replace ($900.00) or so for a used one. They need to be redlined once a day and have proper warm up and cool off time as well which is a pain. The longevity of the wankel rotary is limited, you must check your oil every other fill up and more often than not add a quart of synthetic. Gas mileage is horrible and many suffered an incorrectable flaw regarding it. If you get a good one, expect between 16-18mpg city at best, if you get one with the fuel problem expect 12-14mpg city no matter how you drive. They get very hot inside over time and require someone special to even tolerate the mishaps.

s2000:

No torque, it MUST be driven HARD to really feel what it's got but overall it is light years ahead of the other two in terms of overall quality, build and performance. The 6 speed gear box is as good as it gets and the handling is sublime. It is a true drivers car that just needs a little more punch. Expect a problem free ownership as long as you keep up with it. I know of a solid amount of people that beat and track theirs and have over 130k on them and have yet to experience a hiccup. These cars are great and will be remembered for a long time as a true, great sports car while the 350z and RX-8 will just... ya know. All components of this car are top notch however don't expect your diff to last very long if you take it to the strip and launch it.

I have a significant amount of seat time with all of the above and while the 350z and RX-8 aren't BAD cars, they are surely forgettable. The s2000 will offer miles and miles and miles of worry free top not quality fun in regard to the cars physical being, performance and the feeling you get when you tool on one. I have driven 996TTs, M3's, M5's, Corvettes... you name it. And this car is still one of my favorites.

Good Luck.

 

thanks for the great input 11past9

 

I would go for the 350z. My reasoning for this is because there could be a lot more modifications done compared to all of the other choices

Rides:
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lx470
bmw 540i
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E300 turbo diesel
2006 911 carrera c2 convertible