So after 14 years and 230,000 miles in my '92 MR2, I decided it was time to get a new car before it became a matter of urgency. I knew roughly what I wanted to spend, and I researched a used "new" MR-S, the 350Z, the Pontiac Solstice/Saturn Sky, Honda S2000, Chrysler Crossfire and Mazda RX8. I actually test drove a Solstice, 350Z, S2000 and Crossfire before I made my final decision.

I have to say, the S2000 is a nice piece of kit - when you get it wound up, it really moves very nicely, it handles great and ... yet ... it failed to stir the soul. It's like any Honda product - nicely designed, well engineered, very competently executed - and dull. Bland styling, the lack of choice over softtop vs. hardtop, and just the general Hondicity of it ... blah. I kept the MR2 for 14 years, I plan to keep my next car for 10+ years, so the softtop was out for me - plain matter of longevity. I have been quite satisfied with the 4-cylinder sound from the MR2, but the V6 noise from the Z was intoxicating, so even though the S2K's motor is quite impressive for a 4, it's still just a 4.

Finding a dealer that had a Solstice in stock and was willing to let me test drive it more than just around the parking lot was tricky. Finally found one that had a silver one, nicely appointed, for $25K ... plus an additional $3K in markups (the lowest I found, incidentally) willing to let me drive it, though the salesman felt compelled to ride along. Well - it was nice, a little faster than my old 130HP (Hi, Toyota!) MR2, beautiful to look at IMHO, and certainly the best GM product I've ever driven. But - at $28K ... jeez.

The Crossfire was just a joke - a huge letdown. Tacky, plastic, cheap-looking interior, lackluster performance and a high pricetag. Next!

Never got around to trying the RX8. Even though it seems to be quite highly rated for power & performance, and the styling is OK, it just looked cheap, like a wannabe. Big difference from the RX7, IMHO, which I thought was a very stylish ride.

So I bought a 350Z Touring, in Daytona Blue ... and I love it. I was able to get VPP pricing on it through my employer, so that didn't hurt too ... wow.

 

what year? ( congrats)

 

I'm guessing 2006 since he got VPP pricing on it.

 

congrats and good choice, you'll love it!

 

welcome, my 91 MR2 is as good as sold come the end of the week!

I guess me and greddysetgo are the resident MR2 gurus.

Ive had my MR2 for 15 years, well lets just say its been in the family, it is now currently a show car and been alot of fun, but as you say the Z's growl is intoxicating! Its a GT not a Sport Compact!

Good Luck with the Z, I know you'll enjoy it!