Hi - I am looking for a good low buck performance car and have tracked down a very clean LX notchback - everything seems good except the tranmission - the basic problem is that it is quite hard shifting and when I am driving it it pops out of 3rd gear - this car is at a used car dealer and the dealer is telling me that he thinks this is caused by the clutch cable which is quite frayed and stretched
The tranny seems good other wise - the clutch engagement is very good - no slipping - there are no noises pointing to anything like a throw out bearing - the transmission gets easier to shift as it warms up but it still takes a lot of effort rowing it through the gears
I have driven standards for year ( present vehicles - 93 Ranger 5 speed and 79 Mazda RX-7 with a 5 speed ) I know these vehicles are amoung the best for slick and easy shifting transmissions and that it is not the best basis of comparision to put them side by side with a transmission dealing with the torque of a 5 litre but still I dont think it should be old farm truck stiff.
I have never driven one of these cars but from what I understand from reading articles is that the T-5 is a bit notchy but still pretty slick shifting
Any diagnosis or advice would be appreciated - I really like this car but would like to know what sort of issues I might be facing here - if the clutch cable diagnosis from the dealer sounds right that would be good to know also
Thanks