So guys I finally got to drive one of these amazing machines and it was great. The tech just got done stripping the plastic off the hood when he pulled it up for me. it was sprinkling a little so we had to leave the top up. Anyways...here's my impression. Gearbox is great...love it...weird how you have to press down on the shifter to reverse. Stereo is acceptable...I could live with it. WHY I DIDNT TAKE IT OVER 5,500 rpms I DONT KNOW!? I had it set in my mind that this was my car and I didnt want to rag it out with only 5 miles on it. THIS CAR WAS MADE FOR THE CORNERS! 80 mph through the twisties and I was amazed at the balance for the car. stiff chassis (Very would be an understatement) and tweaked suspension...it road more like a race car than a roadster (which is a plus in my book). Now it did kinda feel like your typical 4-banger at low revs (lack of torque) and I prayed for a stiffer clutch but it drove with a sense of luxury too (which is not a good or bad thing...but). Exhaust note was quite but noticable. Seat profile was top of the line and great lateral support...my only complaints would have to be the price and the clutch...
Oh well...its mine regardless...even if someone else buys it...hehe

 

That's great that the dealer let you take one on a maiden voyage. I got to ride in a couple of friends' cars before I bought mine. You learn a LOT riding with owners!

One thing you shouldn't be doing, though, is pushing the engine into VTEC range so early. It's a good thing (for you or whoever buys it) that you didn't take it over 6K.

Hope you join the club, Red. I'm lovin' every minute in mine.

 

Not unreasonable...other shifters do this too. Think about it this way: That tight lil' shifter has 6 (actually 7 w/ reverse, right?) all knitted together w/in a path of 3". Soooo...would you care to find reverse at 9K when you were trying to slam it into 6th gear at 95 mph? Uuuuuuuglllllllyyyyyyyyy! But it *is* an understandable question. And as you can see, the pressing down to get to reverse is a little helpful way to stay out of areas you ain't supposed to play in -- course, someone more mechanical than me would probably say that for one reason or another, my scenario wouldn't allow reverse to be engaged even if the driver accidentally pressed down on the shifter... That's fine, but my scenario works for me as a reason anyway.

Ahhh, just tell me to shut up, would ya?! It's a daaaaamn nice car, and that's really what this thread was supposed to be focusing on, right?

 

Wingman,

Your explanation is right on target.

Some kind of "reverse lockout" is almost universal on European cars with manual transmissions. Even old 4-speed VW beetles (the old, air-cooled ones) had it. You might not be able to get the shifter into reverse and let out the clutch, but you could sure grind the gears if you accidentally tried.

I was apalled to find that my Integra didn't. I guess the Japanese just do things differently. But the S2000 is made correctly.

Red Celica,

Don't feel bad; there are stories of people returning to the dealer because their S2000 wouldn't go into reverse. If you've never driven a car with this feature, it would be confusing at first.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by RedY2KS2k
[B]Red Celica,

 

Yep, quite a machine. I just got my blk/blk one today, and can't wait to put in the break-in mileage so that I can see what it can really do!

 

Junction, have a blast. Just got through my break-in, and OH MY, I started probing some limits this weekend. I think more mine than the car's!!!

W1ngman, I think the S2000 is full of quirks... Can't do the convertible without the parking brake on. Can't find the gas cap switch unless you know where it is to begin with. Oil dipstick that looks like it's part ofthe cam cover... I think the list goes on... Damn straight I wouldn't give someone the keys without a little lesson. Does that bother me? No way. Besides, no one's getting my keys

Best wishes.