Topic: Manual transmission or Automatic?

[No H2O]

When we shop for new vehicles, the first screen we use to filter choices is the availability of a manual transmission.  It narrows the selection in a hurry, these days.

Same here.

Its unfortunate, but quite a few interesting cars are only available with an automagic transmission.

Then there are manufacturers that have manuals in other markets, but only in an automagic in our's.

[blur911]

I prefer an automatic in a truck, I don't mind a manual, had one in my F250, but as my better half couldn't really drive it as a second car we got an automatic F150 to replace it. 
Our Outback VDC was only available in automatic and is primarily her car,  for how we drive it I also don't mind the automatic.  Same with the Jag.
My cars are all manual, fun cars work better that way.  My lower back doesn't always agree though.

[No H2O]

My cars are all manual, fun cars work better that way.  My lower back doesn't always agree though.

I do remember cursing my clutch while driving from Newark to JFK through Manhatten during rush hour. 

I felt sorry for the Ferrari owner who was in the next lane, moving a meter at a time while on the Long Island expressway. What a waste!

[Jaeger]

When we shop for new vehicles, the first screen we use to filter choices is the availability of a manual transmission.  It narrows the selection in a hurry, these days.

Too true.  And there are a good many models notionally available with manuals, but not stocked by dealers because they are hard to move.  So getting to test drive one can be difficult, and then a purchase becomes a special order - and there goes your negotiating position.

Jaeger

[toolatecrew]

I think if the DSG had a stick shift on the floor so it felt like you were still rowing gears but there was no clutch pedal I'd probaly be fine with it. That's what I really miss..the satisfying feel of the gear change going into each gear. I don't really miss pushing down on the clutch pedal.

[2JDM]

I think if the DSG had a stick shift on the floor so it felt like you were still rowing gears but there was no clutch pedal I'd probaly be fine with it. That's what I really miss..the satisfying feel of the gear change going into each gear. I don't really miss pushing down on the clutch pedal.

This.  I have always wondered if this would be a reality later on. Oh, and no automatic mode either. Basically a manual with no clutch.

[blur911]

I think if the DSG had a stick shift on the floor so it felt like you were still rowing gears but there was no clutch pedal I'd probaly be fine with it. That's what I really miss..the satisfying feel of the gear change going into each gear. I don't really miss pushing down on the clutch pedal.

This.  I have always wondered if this would be a reality later on. Oh, and no automatic mode either. Basically a manual with no clutch.

You could get a Porsche 911 with a Sportomatic 40 years ago, it worked just like that.

[Jaeger]

I think if the DSG had a stick shift on the floor so it felt like you were still rowing gears but there was no clutch pedal I'd probaly be fine with it. That's what I really miss..the satisfying feel of the gear change going into each gear. I don't really miss pushing down on the clutch pedal.

This.  I have always wondered if this would be a reality later on. Oh, and no automatic mode either. Basically a manual with no clutch.

You could get a Porsche 911 with a Sportomatic 40 years ago, it worked just like that.

I've driven one.  My impression - totally lame.

Jaeger

[Leviathan]

Every car I've owned has been a manual. The manual in the Tribute really makes the most of the modest engine and it's pretty fun to drive. Well, as fun as a Tribute can be I guess 

[Gamefreak]

Its unfortunate, but quite a few interesting cars are only available with an automagic transmission.

Then there are manufacturers that have manuals in other markets, but only in an automagic in our's.

Sounds fun!  Does it fly?

[5 Wheel Drive]

The Forester is a manual.  Every car I've owned has been manual.  Before were were married, I taught my wife to drive a manual on my Miata.  She picked it up no problem, even cars she has bought have been mauals.  I've been driving a manual for so long, I get screwed up if I get into a car that doesn't have a clutch pedal.  Whenever we've been car shopping, if there wasn't a manual option then it got crossed of the list. 

I thoroughly enjoy driving a manual.  Times I've been stuck in traffic, having a manual hasn't bothered me in the least.  I've tried "tiptronic" type automatics, it just isn't the same for me.  It will be a sad day if manuals ever disappear in place of dsg types.

 

[Jaeger]

I thoroughly enjoy driving a manual.  Times I've been stuck in traffic, having a manual hasn't bothered me in the least.  I've tried "tiptronic" type automatics, it just isn't the same for me.  It will be a sad day if manuals ever disappear in place of dsg types.

 

Prepare to be sad.  The writing is on the wall and has been there for some time.

Jaeger

[dkaz]

I think some tests have shown that if you compare a car with DSG and a car with a traditional manual, the traditional manual will still overall have better acceleration despite the DSG advantage in shift speed. Back to the drawing board. 

Only my first car and a 50cc scooter was automatic, I've owned eight manuals including my current Mazda 5, but I think I'll be looking into a hybrid, electric, or somewhere in between (plugin hybrid) the next year or two.

[dougjp]

I thoroughly enjoy driving a manual.  Times I've been stuck in traffic, having a manual hasn't bothered me in the least.  I've tried "tiptronic" type automatics, it just isn't the same for me.  It will be a sad day if manuals ever disappear in place of dsg types.

 

Prepare to be sad.  The writing is on the wall and has been there for some time.

Jaeger

Unfortunately true, its difficult even now to get a manual in top of the line versions of new cars being introduced, even if they haven't been eliminated altogether. Combined with the sticker shock for new cars coming out, particularly in the Compact segment, with all the options "we" are used to having, I no longer see any decent performance (with some luxury) manual transmission new cars being introduced in the future which will have good value for money. This has changed my approach to buying.

[Great_Big_Abyss]

On full size trucks, the domestics could never seem to put together anything decent, tall heavy clutches and long throw agricultural transmissions were the norm. Standard autos were the best things that ever happened to them.

True, but I had one exception, being a 1988 Ford 150 (heavy half) straight 6 with a 5 speed Mazda manual.  Fantastic driving experience.

That's the same transmission that's in my Ranger.  It's a wonderful piece of machinery. 

One of the reasons I love manual transmissions in trucks (or any front engine/rear wheel drive vehicle) is that the shift lever is directly attached to the transmission.  No rubbery shift linkages for me, thank you very much.  Plus, the gear stick vibrates with the engine, and moves slightly when you press the throttle.  I love it.  It's very visceral.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

One of the reasons I love manual transmissions in trucks (or any front engine/rear wheel drive vehicle) is that the shift lever is directly attached to the transmission.  No rubbery shift linkages for me, thank you very much.  Plus, the gear stick vibrates with the engine, and moves slightly when you press the throttle.  I love it.  It's very visceral.

Sounds like my Outback.

[TopGun]

.....
No rubbery shift linkages for me, thank you very much.  Plus, the gear stick vibrates with the engine, and moves slightly when you press the throttle.  I love it.  It's very visceral.

Bang-on.  Just like a Miata...and an RX-8...both of which have seen my garage.

[TopGun]

^^
And in the case of the RX-8, many other garages as well ;-) ;-) ;-)

Nice one!  Ah yes...the frustrations we put up with.  I should just give up and drive a Corolla...it's much more efficient too.   

The guys at the garage today took a good look at the Protege5.  There were pretty amazed it had as many kms as it does.  Just a tie-rod boot that needs to be replaced...darn it all.   

[5 Wheel Drive]

.....
No rubbery shift linkages for me, thank you very much.  Plus, the gear stick vibrates with the engine, and moves slightly when you press the throttle.  I love it.  It's very visceral.

Bang-on.  Just like a Miata...and an RX-8...both of which have seen my garage.

Ohhh, I loved the shifter in my Miata.  After I replaced the clutch, it was the best pedal/shifter combo I've driven.  It's the only car I've kicked myself for selling.   

[caretaker007]

1 manual Civic  , 1 manual accent  , and 1 auto Rav4    .... made both kids learn on the stick BEFORE we let them use the D FOR DUMMY AUTOMATIC..