What's up guys. I'm an s2000 owner, and I love my car. I frequent the s2k boards and even the VW forums so I guess you can see I appreciate performance vehicles of all types. I chose my s2k because of the potential that they have, the relaibility and overall performance of the car. I've decided to trade up for something different partly because I'd like more room (back seats) and because I'd like something better suited for rain/snow (winters coming). The G coupe was my first choice so I found this site and started looking around. I was so disappointed to hear about the tranny problems that these cars have. I wasn't aware that such an issue existed. I was going to try to pick up an 03 6M but learned that the problem is most predominant that year. Can someone please be honest and tell me the real deal? Are the 04's any more reliable? How about the 05? How often does this really happen? I want something with the potential to be pretty badass, and I want to make sure I have a good platform to start with. I'd appreciate any comments that you have.

 

05's have the newest tranny's. But every car has it's share of problems

IIRC...the S2000's had major engine problems when they first came out. Dealer claimed it was "oil starvation" but from posts I read on s2ki.com it was more faulty engine design. Honda had claimed to build a race engine but couldn't properly supply oil to the cylinders.

Manufactures make mistakes, but as long as they fix them. I'd rather have to replace a tranny than an engine, anyday.

Hooman

 

I have an 05 6MT no problems

 

i think the "problems" with the coupe is a bit exaggerated since complaints are more likely to be discussed on forums than anything else. i've owned an 03 coupe and now an 05 coupe....i haven't had any problems except for the window streak which was taken care of at the dealers during the first maintenance. i still think that coupe is a great car (especially for the money).

 

You have to take what you read on this board with a grain of salt. Fact is, a good deal of the tranny issues described here are not "issues" per se. To clarify, I feel a lot of what is described on these boards are just the tranny not being as smooth as say a Honda or Acura. Does it really hamper operation? I'd go out on a limb and say no.

Of course, there are some tranmissions that needed to be replaced. I'd venture a guess that the individuals on this board complaining about transmission issues are not a good market representation of what others have experienced. A lot of individuals who are having these issues will likely seek the internet for explanation.

Also, I would like to comment on your need for a winter vehicle. The coupe in its stock configuration is a poor choice. The summer tires are all but unsuitable for a dusting of snow and even in climates where temperatures remain low through the winter, the tires struggle for grip as I'm sure your S2000 does now. The solution of course is to plan on the purchase of a winter set of tires.

The G35 is a great car and I've been very satisfied with my ownership experience thus far.

 

I have had my 03 for some time now and have had no problems what so ever not once. My mom has an 04 Acura TL and her tranny is starting to shift very rough. My dad has an 03 I35 and has no problems with his either.

 

^ you have auto though.

The issues tend to be with the 6MTs and if anything its more of an annoyance issue than problem. Plain and simple, our transmission are strong....yet still noisy. People tend to attribute noise to be a problem....but its not a problem, rather a "characteristic".

 

I am a previous owner of a Acura 2002 RSX man 5 speed, this car is suppose to have the best shifter.....I never got used to the second gear grind. Acura released a TSB for syncro, had them replaced and the car stil grind un second.

I am now a owner of a 2004 g35 m6 coupe. yes the shifter is much more "mechanic" you feel everyting that's going down there. I actualy like it, much more force is needed to shift gear but I know what to expect from the gear box, the feel is consistent. With the RSX I could get buttery smooth shift en then, randomly, an terrible grind and some even experience gears pop up.

The main thing that's suprises me the first shift was the force needed to shift gear VS my RSX

test drive the g35 m6 , I knew at that moment I would like to tame that beast...