Buying a Roadster; 5 speed vs 6 speed!?!

[Anonymous]

Hi all,

I don't own a Roadster yet (gotta sell my car first!), but I test drove one a couple of weekends ago and was very impressed. My first car was an AW11 (mark 1 MR2) and I was impressed to find that the Roadster was more like my old MR2 then the mark 2 MR2 (which is still good - but a bit big and heavy - to the detriment of handling, IMHO). I loved everything but the 80's styling and rust of my old MR2 and really wanted a newer version - which I feel the roadster is + being a convertible too is a real Brucey bonus!

The car I test drove was brand new and had the 6 speed box, which I was very impressed with. I can only afford a W or X reg Roadster though, which will only have a 5 speed box - so how will this compare (I haven't had the chance to drive a 5 speed MR2 yet)?

Is the 6 speed just a 5 speed box with 6th gear, or are the ratios different? Or is the 6 speed box closure ratio'd and hence better to use?

I'm still going to buy a Roadster if the 5 speed box is pants or not - I was just wondering! Are there any other differences between the latest and W/X reg Roadsters that I should consider (I know there's some cosmetic and bracing/suspension differences)?

BTW, other than the usual caveats;

Corroded alloys,
Pre-cat failure,
Accessory drive belt tensioner rattle,
Steamed up headlights,
Roof ears and poor hood fit,
Brake callipers/disc/hub corrosion,
Various interior squeaks and rattles,

Are there any other common faults/problems I should look out for when buying a Roadster?

Thanks in advance,

Adrian  s;) s;)

[markiii]

I think you covered most of teh common problems, I take it yio used teh search  :-) :-) :-)

Personally havingdriven both I'd say there is very little in it.

changes to rear wheel diameter and different ratios on teh 03 mean that acceleration wise and top speed they are much the same, I've certainly never found myself wanted to change into 6th.

In theory econiomy should be a little better on teh 6 speed as revs will be a little lower when cruising.

I would be more concerend ref the suspension and bracing differences to be honest. But dpendant on your plans once you've bought it this may be a non issue.

[Anonymous]

Thanks - I did use the search   s:lol: :lol: s:lol:

The suspension and bracing differences won't be an issue - I have plans!

From what I've read the best modifications to sort this on a 2000 roadster are;

1. Anti Flex Plate.
2. Front strut brace.
3. TRD Member brace kit.
4. TRD sportivo suspension kit.

Is this roughly what I would want to consider doing and in that order?

Has any one got any good recommendations for the anti-flex plate of front strut brace (good part at a decent price)? Anyone know where the cheapest places to get these from are?

Thanks!

[markiii]

well its what I've doen and it works very well.

cash permitting I'd do teh sportivo before the member braces though.