My1stCadillac
Active Member
I first test drove a 2022 but didn't buy it because it had option packages that were not of interest to me at the time.
I ended up buying a 2022 at a later date that had problems I blamed on myself when it was actually a faulty car. I should have walked away but my excitement got the better of me and I purchased the car. I think that car was damaged by the shipper because back then GM had trouble hiring shippers and they hired any moron to ship. I think the dealer knew the car had issues and let me take it anyway. The issue was the car would get stuck in 2nd gear.
I ended up having the transmission replaced under warranty. The replacement transmission made odd whining noises because I think the technician messed up the install. I took the car to another dealer and had a second replacement transmission, which turned out fine, but I got rid of the car because of the carfax issues and I no longer trusted it. It was an ordeal, but GM made me whole on the deal with the help of my lawyer.
I traded the 2022 for a 2024 4BW Manual, which I have had no issues with. During this process I went to Spring Mountain twice and drove their manual cars on track. I drove 3 separate manuals when I was there.
At the end of the day, I have driven 8 different manual transmission 4BW cars when you add up the test drives, replacement transmissions, etc.
They are all notchy going into 2nd gear either on the downshift or upshift. It gets better at full operating temperature but never fully goes away. If you own one of these cars, you need to accept the notchy transmission and appreciate the car for what it is. I have gotten to enjoy the mechanical feel of the transmission from the direct linkage.
I used to have an S2000 and recently drove a friend's new Integra Type S. The Type S was a great shifting car, but the shifter inputs are so light that it gives the impression that it is weak and could break. I know it wouldn't break because Hondas are built well but I walked away appreciating the mechanical feel of the BW even more.
I hope these insights help and I wish you the best with your car.
