Should I trade in my car for something more practical?

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dmw16

Diamond Member
Nov 12, 2000
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Ok, so 1.5 years ago I bought a 2001 Honda S2000. I loved it at first, but eventually it started to wear on my as a daily driver. It is loud, small, no trunk space, etc. But I live with. Come last winter I bought snow tires and got around ok. Now, after some snow we got yesterday and nearly spinning a few times I've decided I want something safer and more practical. Not to mention cheaper to maintain.

The car has 76500 miles on it and has 1 year of warranty left. However, I drive a lot and I think the value will drop a lot as I close in on the 100k mark. I am also getting married soon and I dont like to put my future wife in my S2000 because it isn't all that safe given the other huge cars on the road.

So I am thinking of trading it in on an 06 VW GTi (the new body style). The GTi has 16k on it and is $16k.

So give it to me people of ATOT... :)

CLIFFS:

Bought a 2001 Honda S2000 last June (1.5 years ago)
S2000 is bad in the snow, loud, tiring to drive, expensive to maintain
Want something safe w/ airbags and traction control
Thinking of trading the S2000 in on a 06 GTi (and losing about $1000 on the S2000)

Moved from Off Topic
moderator allisolm
 
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dmw16

Diamond Member
Nov 12, 2000
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I had thought about the garage section...sorry. still adjusting to all these new choices :)
 
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manowar821

Diamond Member
Mar 1, 2007
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The GTi is an amazing vehicle, fast, comfy, luxurious, and roomy. I think it's superior to the S2000, too.

<--- VW Enthusiast... :p
 
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dmw16

Diamond Member
Nov 12, 2000
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It is certainly superior in terms of day to day driving. From the standpoint of pure performance the S2000 is superior. But my life is primarily focused on driving to and from work.
 
purbeast0

purbeast0

No Lifer
Sep 13, 2001
53,638
6,522
126
I have a 2003 GTI 20th edition. I will tell you it is not good in the snow w/it's normal set of wheels on it. i need to get some steelies for this winter. i personally don't like the new GTI body styles though.
 
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maddogchen

Diamond Member
Feb 17, 2004
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hmmm....change your car to fit your new lifestyle or change your lifestyle back to your old self?
 
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dmw16

Diamond Member
Nov 12, 2000
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I guess that is a matter of taste. I really like the new look. And Im sure it is better in the snow than an S2000 :)
 
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dmw16

Diamond Member
Nov 12, 2000
7,608
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Originally posted by: maddogchen
hmmm....change your car to fit your new lifestyle or change your lifestyle back to your old self?
Click to expand...

Well I can live with it if I have to.

My main thing is safety. I will have a wife soon so me coming home safe is important to more than just me now. Plus I put her in my car a lot and on long trips I dont really like it.
 
Zenmervolt

Zenmervolt

Elite member
Oct 22, 2000
24,514
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Keep the S2000. That way you'll be sure to have a car where all the electronics work.

ZV
 
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ayabe

Diamond Member
Aug 10, 2005
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Keep the s2000, if you want something more practical buy a used accord or camry, then you can have both.

Two door GTI isn't exactly a family car to meet possible future needs anyway.
 
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dmw16

Diamond Member
Nov 12, 2000
7,608
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My fiancee has had 2 VW's and both have been good. Truth be told my S2000 has had a few major mechanical issues (namely bad trans output shaft).

An old accord or camry isn't all that safe. doesnt have side impact airbags (a self imposed requirement) and I dont want to own and pay insurance on 2 cars.

As for a family..that is many years and another car away.

I have heard the GTi's are pretty good on reliability.
 
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GoatMonkey

Golden Member
Feb 25, 2005
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From what I've heard, VWs are mechanically reliable, but you'll get a lot of rattles and squeaks. A good number of those electronic gadgets break fairly often also.

VWs are a lot of fun though. And if you want to make it even more practical there is a 4 door option now also.

 
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dmw16

Diamond Member
Nov 12, 2000
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4 door is a little too practical at this point :)

No car can rattle or squeak more than my S2000.
 
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ayabe

Diamond Member
Aug 10, 2005
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Originally posted by: dmw16
My fiancee has had 2 VW's and both have been good. Truth be told my S2000 has had a few major mechanical issues (namely bad trans output shaft).

An old accord or camry isn't all that safe. doesnt have side impact airbags (a self imposed requirement) and I dont want to own and pay insurance on 2 cars.

As for a family..that is many years and another car away.

I have heard the GTi's are pretty good on reliability.
Click to expand...

Used as in 2000 or newer which can be had for a decent price, you can get side air bags in a Camry and it has slightly better crash test ratings than a new GTI.

But I digress, get what you want :p
 
ponyo

ponyo

Lifer
Feb 14, 2002
19,688
2,811
126
Originally posted by: dmw16
4 door is a little too practical at this point :)

No car can rattle or squeak more than my S2000.
Click to expand...

Really? I didn't notice any rattle or squeak the short time I had mine.

Do what you have to do. Cars are easily replaceable and you can always get another fun car when you're in better financial situation.
 
overst33r

overst33r

Diamond Member
Oct 3, 2004
5,761
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You're saying the S2000 is expensive to maintain? You're in for quite a surprise if you get a GTi...
 
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dmw16

Diamond Member
Nov 12, 2000
7,608
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Originally posted by: mariok2006
You're saying the S2000 is expensive to maintain? You're in for quite a surprise if you get a GTi...
Click to expand...

Well the S2000 has 2 sets of wheels. It goes thru at least have a set of $1000 tires every summer. Requires lots of scheduled maintenance. Maybe Im missing something on the GTi.

THe end result is that I need something more practical.

As for noises, the S2000 rattles are from the softtop. BUt over time that and the road noise grates on you. I drive 400mi a week between going to work and grad school.
 
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jagec

Lifer
Apr 30, 2004
24,442
6
81
Originally posted by: dmw16

Well the S2000 has 2 sets of wheels. It goes thru at least have a set of $1000 tires every summer. Requires lots of scheduled maintenance. Maybe Im missing something on the GTi.

THe end result is that I need something more practical.

As for noises, the S2000 rattles are from the softtop. BUt over time that and the road noise grates on you. I drive 400mi a week between going to work and grad school.
Click to expand...

Given that Goodyear Eagle F1's would be $680 for a full set, and a much more reasonable set of Falken Azenis is $386 for a full set, I REALLY doubt that claim. Do you do burnouts all day long on the most expensive rubber you can find?
 
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fbrdphreak

Lifer
Apr 17, 2004
17,555
1
0
07 Subaru. All Subaru's are top rated in IIHS safety tests. The non-turbo models get reasonable gas mileage. Anywhere from the smaller Impeza to the Impreza wagon to the mid-size sedan Legacy to the Legacy wagon. Something for everyone :)
 
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