Your Honda dealer is waiting for you. Go.

 

I only have 1000 miles on mine it is notchy, but getting better. The notchy feel is between 2nd to 3rd at low RPM's.

BUY THE CAR!!!

 

The only vehicle I've driven that shifts easier is the MR2 Spyder.

 

The mere fact that you would take the time to post this question "specifically" to note your concerns and expectations about the shifting characteristics of this car, should you buy one, tells me that there is a better than average likelihood that you may be a compulsive/obsessive when it comes to such things.
I have no qualms about this car's shifting action. Sure, it has a bit of notchiness and can, at times, grind to some extent or another. Owners of recently purchased brand new cars have been making this remark as well, so "Is it fixed?" I've NEVER considered that there was anything that needed to be "fixed" and I have an '00. If you consider a bit of notchiness and the occasional grind under certain conditions is unacceptable, then NO, it is NOT fixed. If you are anal retentive (and you may very well be for the reasons already given) then do NOT buy this car. All that will happen is that you will post threads about how you grind whenever a particular set of conditions are encountered or how "gawd awful" notchy this shifter is. And this will add yet another "unhappy" owner thread to the vast numbers of threads on this forum to indicate what a POS shit car this is. (Of course, we all know that only unhappy owners post up stuff so as to make it appear that this car is full of problems.)
What is a "normal" and "incidental" characteristic to the VAST majority of S2000 owners becomes an insurmountable DEFECT to a VERY small minority of owners.
You should be looking elsewhere if your definition of what a "perfect" shifting car is what I "think" it might be.


ps. You will absolutely NOT like the shifting action of any Corvette, any Viper, any Stealth or VR-4. You WILL, however, be truly in love with the shifting action of a 1971 Datsun Pick Up truck with a 4 speed manual. That tranny was wonderful. It was truly smooth will no feel what-so-ever. The throws will be long and effortless. The gates are HUGE. You can find any gear you want by just going in that relative vicinity - no precision or thinking needed. And you will NEVER grind as by the time you push that shifter into the trunk of the vehicle you are following or pull it into its own bed, your clutch foot will most definately be on the floor and there will not be a hope in Hell of grinding.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by xviper
[B]The mere fact that you would take the time to post this question "specifically" to note your concerns and expectations about the shifting characteristics of this car, should you buy one, tells me that there is a better than average likelihood that you may be a compulsive/obsessive when it comes to such things.
I have no qualms about this car's shifting action.

 

I'd suggest you test drive a USED S2k, with about 20,000 miles on it and find out for yourself. When my car was new it was a bit notchy when cold but once it warmed up it was just perfect. 28,000 miles later, it is a completely different story

 

Don't get me wrong! There are those with genuine tranny issues who deservedly should get looked after by Honda.

 

I think those with genuine tranny issues are very few and far between.

I've had a 1-2 grind on several occassions but every single time it was my own fault, and I know it.

I have had a notchy shifter though. In cold weather (below freezing), if I am in neutral at a stop, I have to put the shifter into 2nd then into 1st. It wont allow me to go directly into 1st (unless I rev the car up to 2 grand then I can slide it in).

But thats just a characteristic I've noticed on all 3 Honda's I've owned now.

 

I'm not sure if I am expecting too much excellence in the shifting department or not. Let me say this: I own an '02 Honda Civic Si, the "mini minivan," which has a profoundly superb shifter.

So, it is possible for me to be satisfied with a car's shifting. If the S2000 works as well or better than my beloved Si, that would suffice for me.

Once again, thank you all for your help, advice and replies. The term "rifle bolt" really pleases me. That is what I would want.

 

However, it must be noted that you are one of the few "younger" guys who are well informed and knowledgeable about things mechanical. You are also far more mature than most and have an understanding of why your car ground those times and are not afraid to say it.
As for the "cold" reluctance to engage 1st, this is common. I routinely engage 4th before going into 1st (at a standstill).

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Purple Haze
[B]So, it is possible for me to be satisfied with a car's shifting.