For the most part, the problems associated with the 6-speed transmission occurred with some units built before Dec 31, 2003. I had my transmission swapped out three months after buying my car and it fixed my popping out of gear problem. The new transmission was still a tad clunky, but seems to have smoothed out with age. My 1st to 2nd gear shift is a lot better too, which I contribute to getting used to the short throw shifter and long throw clutch.