The Honda S660 has captivated many car enthusiasts since its release in 2015 as a full-fledged sports car that goes beyond the boundaries of a kei car. However, there are some unavoidable drawbacks to owning an S660.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what you should consider when buying an S660, and the reasons why some owners have sold theirs, while also looking into the car’s history and features. If you’re considering buying an S660, be sure to read to the end and use this article as a reference for living a car life without regrets.
What is the S660? Unraveling its appeal and history
S660
The S660 is a two-seater open sports car developed by Honda that meets the kei car standard. It was released in April 2015 and was highly praised for its stylish design and nimble driving.
Development background: As a successor to the Beat
S660
Development of the S660 began in response to calls for a successor to the Beat, a light, open-top sports car that was popular in the 1990s. The Beat adopted a mid-engine, rear-wheel drive (MR) layout and gained many fans as a car that offered the enjoyment of full-scale sports driving despite being a light car. However, production of the Beat ceased in 1996, and no successor was released for a long time after that.
The birth of the S660: A masterpiece born from the passion of young engineers
S660
The development of the S660 was carried out by a team primarily comprised of young Honda engineers. They aimed to create a light open sports car that inherited the spirit of the Beat while further evolving it with modern technology. As a result, the S660 is equipped with a newly developed 660cc turbo engine mounted midship, achieving nimble handling and excellent driving performance. It also combines the open feeling of an open car with the economy of a light car.
Participating in motorsports: Proving the potential of the S660
Taking advantage of its high driving performance, the S660 is active in the domestic motorsports scene. The “S660 One-Make Race,” which has been held since 2015, is a race open only to S660s, with many drivers engaged in heated battles. The S660 also competes in the Super GT series, proving the car’s high potential.
S660 Cons: What you need to know before buying
The S660 is an attractive car, but it does have some drawbacks that you should be aware of before purchasing.
Limited storage space: A compromise you need to make
Because the S660 is a two-seater open sports car, storage space is limited. It’s sufficient for everyday shopping, but you’ll need to be creative if you plan to carry a lot of luggage, such as for travel or leisure. There’s also very little storage space in the passenger seat, so you’ll need to be careful when traveling long distances with two people.
Ride stiffness: a characteristic unique to sports cars
The S660 is a car designed for sporty driving, so the ride is on the stiff side. Some say it picks up bumps in the road easily and can be tiring to drive long distances. If comfort is important to you, you should carefully consider whether to buy an S660.
Low vehicle height: Be careful of bumps and rough roads
The S660 features a low ride height, typical of a sports car. However, this low ride height means that you need to be careful when driving over bumps and rough roads. In particular, there is a risk of scraping the bottom of the car at the entrance to a multi-story parking garage or on a steep slope.
Important points to note about open-top cars: They are dependent on the weather
S660
Since the S660 is an open-top car, it is inevitably subject to the weather. It can be difficult to enjoy open-top driving in rainy weather, strong winds, or cold weather. Also, opening and closing the top is a bit of a hassle, so you need to be careful if you open and close it frequently.
Reasons for selling the S660: Real opinions of owners
The S660 is an attractive car, but some owners end up selling it for various reasons after actually owning it. Here we will introduce the specific reasons why owners have sold their S660.
Lifestyle changes: marriage and having children
Because the S660 is a two-seater car, many owners give it up due to lifestyle changes, such as marriage or the birth of children. As the family grows, there are more and more situations where a two-seater car can be inconvenient. Also, since it is not possible to install a child seat, the S660 cannot be used by people with small children.
Lack of storage space: low practicality
The S660 has limited storage space, making it less practical for owners who need to carry a lot of luggage on a daily basis. If you use your car for various purposes, such as shopping or leisure, you will likely find the S660 inconvenient in many situations.
High maintenance costs: Even if it’s a light car, don’t be careless
Although the S660 is a kei car, because it is a sports car, maintenance costs are higher than for a regular kei car. Consumables such as tires and oil are expensive, and fuel economy is not that good. Also, automobile tax and vehicle inspection fees are set high for a kei car.
Other reasons: breakdowns, boredom, etc.
There are many reasons why owners sell their S660s, including breakdowns and boredom. The S660 is a precision machine, so there is a risk of breakdown. Also, because it is a car with a strong personality, some owners seem to get bored with it.
Who is the S660 recommended for?
The S660 is a recommended car for the following people:
- Those who want to experience the nimble driving and open feeling of an open car
- People who want to enjoy driving a sports car
- People who want individuality and style in their cars
- People who don’t have a problem with a two-seater and don’t carry much luggage
- People who find value in owning an S660, even if the maintenance costs are high.
A word from the editorial department
The S660 is a full-fledged sports car that goes beyond the boundaries of a kei car, and has many appealing features. However, it also has some drawbacks, such as limited storage space and a stiff ride. When considering purchasing an S660, it’s important to understand these drawbacks and carefully consider whether it suits your lifestyle and needs.
The S660 is a wonderful car that offers great joy to own, but it is also a car that requires some compromises. I hope this article will be helpful to anyone considering purchasing an S660.
