Hey guys, so today was the first time I got to test drive a 2002 s2000 with 67k miles at the local dealership and during the test drive for some reason the soft top latch kept on popping out on the driver side. Would I have to replace the latch itself or the striker? Also I noticed that there was a small clanking noise (not grinding) once in awhile when I was shifting gears. Is this normal or should I be looking for a different s2k?

 

Not sure about the latch, someone else will chime in.

The transmission should not make a sound as you shift gears but you may hear a slight "clunk" sound as you release the clutch and the drive-shaft and rear differential take torque, just depends on how smoothly you shift and release the clutch. If you drop the clutch as you shift gears on this car it will feel and sound rough.

 

When i first test drove my car, i kept in mind that it is a 2000lb roadster, the trans is a few inches from your body and there is minimal sound deadening. I was prepared for strange and maybe scary noises it was gonna make compared to other vanilla vehicles i'd driven. My suggestion is drive more than one to make sure the noises are normal. Mine cluth buzzed like crazy but i didn't mind. Oh and tell them at the dealership to fix the latch!

 

Hard top strikers will fix most latch problems and will resolve rattles. The shifter can be quite notchy when the transmission is cold. It's all normal. Most used AP1s will require a few fine touches to bring them up to speed.

 

I agree with TougeS2k. When buying a used bike, I was concerned with the noise from the brakes. Then I test drove a new one at the dealer, and my concerns were gone.

S2000 drives like a broken car when new. Still, I am amazed that there's almost no rattle after 30K miles on such a harsh driving convertible. Honda is amazing.

 

i think the sound you're probably hearing from the trans is normal. Like someone said above the trans can be quite notchy when cold. It will make noises and feel rough. Drive for 5-10 minutes and then see if it still makes it. If not than its normal.

 

Test drive a few more before buying anything..