trading auto FRS for Manual
 

I made the noob mistake of getting an Automatic FRS and want a Manual now. This was my first car. I think I'm going to trade it in for a Manual FRS maybe even a BRZ soon but want others opinions on if its worth the trade. I want it just because I know it would be more fun and fun to learn. Ive only drove a manual twice and did alright ( they said ) Would a manual feel quicker then auto? Is it really more fun? And would the trade be worth it especially if I plan on aiming for 250whp in the future in this car. All opinions and statements welcome!!!

If you can afford the depreciation and really want the manual then sure. How it feels and if it's more fun is 100% subjective.

Not sure what you mean by "would the trade be worth it"? It's 100% up to you if it's worth it.

Best decision you can do. Meanwhile you are at it, do a favor to youreself and buy frs hot lava

It doesn't matter which trans you have, it's the driver makes it fast or slow.

What is fun? Cuz I can tell you both AT & MT, you can have fun time. I've seen AT tran FRS having fun going side ways. It's all about what you do with this car.

Only way that I've had fun in auto is straight line high HP. Other than that I think for this car; manual is the shit. Excluding long commutes in traffic then manual is shit. Naa I'll still take my 6MT

If it was me, I wouldn't trade just because of the transmission. You would take a big hit and it just doesn't make financial sense. But it is your money and ultimately your decision unless a parent had to help or they would be taking the loss.

I own a manual frs and an automatic DD. I would say I have more fun in the manual but it is purely subjective. My wife hates driving the manual and finds the auto much more enjoyable.

Seems odd to say "I know it would be more fun" and then ask for opinions. Bummer that the transmission is the defining factor for "fun" in this car for you! If you can eat the cost, go for it.

The car is already plenty of fun to me. I love the car. I kind of just want a manual to feel more attached to the car I guess. I always here people say manual is the way to go in this car and after driving in my friends manual BRZ I'm considering it.

Me saying more fun is going solely off what I hear other people say when Auto vs MT comes up

Kendall. I think you should trade it! Why? Because YOU want to. You're asking to get opinions but you'll always envy those who have the manual. Hey sometimes I wish I had the automatic as well in traffic so at least you have the major positive. But if you don't drive a lot in traffic. It would be a terrific trade.

growing up is an expensive experience.

Depends on what you think is fun. Many like the manual and think it is more fun because it is relatively new to them or they feel more engaged. Some are just elitists that feel a sports car "must" have MT to qualify as one. Modern ATs can actually do a better job of shifting at the right time than most people can though. There is no doubt that it is a different experience but not so sure it is any more or less fun.
Would you enjoy a MT more? Maybe but maybe not. Once the novelty wore off you may wish you had the AT back. Don't let what others say influence you on this. If happy with the AT then you could be just throwing money away to change for no good reason.

:lol:I would just keep it. Automatics are cool.:lol:

Clarkson on: manual gearboxes

It’s much better to have a manual when you are driving on a track for fun. Because then you are in charge and you have more control. But at all other times, a car with a manual gearbox is like a television with no remote control. A damn nuisance.

Speed is one thing. A while back, Richard Hammond and I had a bit of a drag race - with police permission, I should add, in case the Daily Mail is reading this - on a Romanian motorway. He was in a Ferrari California with a double-clutch flappy-paddle gearbox. I was in an Aston Martin DBS with manual. Both cars accelerated at exactly the same rate, but every time I changed gear, I would drop back about 10 feet. His changes were seamless. Mine weren’t. Mine couldn’t be.

Oh, I know there will be some snuffly noses and damp handkerchiefs from the purists. But look at it this way: when we are all driving hybrid cars that can find their way around by themselves and sipping fuel in the same way that a vicar sips his tea at an old lady’s funeral, there’s nothing to stop people who crave the past driving a big V8 with a manual ‘box and a longwave radio.

You make a very good point. Thank you you've given me more to consider on my decision of if I will trade or not

The rev-match really grows on you. Go for a nice hard drive in manual mode with the music off and windows down. Don't worry about how the gears are shifted, just work on shifting at the right time keeping the revs where they should be and setting up for the next turn. If an MT driver got plopped into an AT and found himself unable to have fun "because auto", just feel sorry for him/her and drive on.

life's short.... just do it if you can financially handle the loss of $$$$....as my late grandfather said to me, "cars will always be there and it's a terrible investment to make because they depriciate so quickly"....

I made the choice to get an AT because in the end, this is my daily driver and I often get stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic in my commute. It like being able to not have to worry about shifting or having my foot on a clutch.

When I want to have fun, I put it in manual mode - and I don't feel like my fun suffers for it. I like not having to take my hands off the wheel to shift.

The fact of the matter is this: the driver matters more than the transmission, especially when you do HAVE a manual mode in these cars. If you take the time to learn HOW to use it, I think you'll find you can have plenty of fun.

I have an AT BRZ, and I have fun driving it. However, my dad taught me to drive in a manual when I was 14/15 years old; my first car was a manual, and I've driven a manual for over 30 years (and ridden motorcycles for 20 years).

I think that learning to drive a manual and getting relatively good at it is mandatory if you're a car enthusiast. It's just one of those skills that's always good to have. When I first started to learn how to drive, besides learning all the rules of the road and trying not to crash into other drivers, much of my attention was focused on not stalling the engine when starting from a stop, or hill. How to make a smooth shift, at what RPM, etc. Basically, the mechanics of driving a car (how to make it go vs, how to drive it in traffic).

Do you remember when you first started learning how to drive you had to concentrate on keeping the car centered in the lane? Do you still struggle to keep between the lines? I don't even think about it now. It's second nature. That's how shifting gears became. Yes, in the beginning, driving a manual was fun because I was learning how to shift smoothly and at the correct RPM. Each successful shift and downshift was a little victory. But, eventually, I just didn't think about it anymore. I shifted when the feel and sound of the engine told me; almost automatically. I had become the automatic transmission.

When I no longer thought much about how to shift, my focus turned to the other 'fun' aspects of driving, like what line to take in a curve, braking points, apexing, limits of traction etc. When you look at good drivers/riders in racing or GP (motorcycle); they're not congratulating themselves every time they make a good shift; it's not 'fun'. They've already mastered the mechanics of the gear shift. They're focused on strategy and tactics. Like being aware of their environment; the track surface, their competitors etc. Something you can still do in an AT.

Learning how to drive a stick (to me) is like learning how to balance on a bicycle. Once you've learned how to do that, you just 'do it', and you can now focus on endurance, control in turns, cadence, what gear to use etc.

I think that having driven a manual transmission for as long as I have, has allowed me to appreciate the auto transmission. I'm not sure I would appreciate it as much if I were just starting out and it was my first car, or I had not learned how to drive a manual. I'd probably feel like I was missing out on an important aspect of learning how to drive. I don't miss not having a clutch. I don't do any sort of driving like drag racing or drifting where a manual is necessary. I drive in traffic and canyons. I use my paddle shifters to change gears when I want to. I have fun every time I drive. I don't miss having a manual one bit.

I'll also mention that if the car did not have paddle shifters as a way of changing gears, I would not buy it. Not having the ability to change gears when I want would definitely detract from the fun of driving, but not having to use a clutch to shift gears doesn't detract from it at all (for me).

So, if it were my first car, or first sports car, I'd probably go with a manual. You are missing out by starting out on an AT; you're missing out on the fun of learning how to drive a manual.

This car isnt about fast,its about handling. That's why I like the manual for this car.
Heel and toe when you about to make a corner, it is super fun to do so with this car.
I don't mind to stuck in the traffic. I enjoy being in the traffic, I dont need to shift too much in traffic anyways.

P.S Hidden feature for those who doesn't know.
When you put on 2nd gear with 6mph on traffic, the car will move like automatic without pressing any gas.
You guys can try it on a flat road.

I'm set in my ways. I tried really hard to enjoy driving an auto FR-S but I feel naked without that third pedal.

OTOH, the auto is a MUCH tougher transmission

Well, first off, Kendallkab, you didn't make a "mistake" you made a "choice". Don't beat up on yourself.

Yes, I think you would find it be fun to learn to drive a manual.

Would it feel quicker than the auto.. ?? You may think so, because you are doing something ..... however, for most new drivers, with a modern transmission, they won't be able to shift faster or smarter than an AT can.

Would it be worth it..??...... well, maybe so, but it wouldn't be one of your better "investments" ..... ;)


humfrz

This is probably the most intelligent and comprehensive statement I have ever read in the old AT vs MT debate!
Many (most?) of the "MT Yo" crowd have probably never spent enough time in, or even drove one of these modern paddle shifted cars. These things are not your daddy's old auto Corolla but a car equipped with a tranny that can perform shifts faster and better than any human if you let it but still give you the option to decide what gear you want and when you want it. You can have the best of both worlds as long as you truly learn how to use it.

both trans is fun to drive, u cant go wrong, if your planning to trade it with manual trans, i would wait for the 2017 model, just my 2 cents.

Do whatever makes you happy! However, if you think you're getting a faster car, you're wrong. From a dig the manual is faster because it can dump the clutch, however, from a 5-60 roll the auto was actually a tenth faster, DESPITE having taller gears (Car and Driver). And if you really want to be faster, get 4.88 gears which really helps the car.The slush box in this car is fantastic; changes gears in .3 of a second, faster than you or anyone ever will.

Get the manual because you LOVE changing gears during the good and bad (nyc rush hour traffic).

As someone else mentioned, manuals are fun and rewarding when you first learn it. After a while, it becomes second nature and it loses its coolness factor. And then you realize that modern slush boxes are faster anyway lol.

My 95 Miata had to be manual because, well, autos from that era sucked. My FRS had to be auto because I fell in love with the crisp quick shifts and the Rev-match. BTW, I can't comment on auto in auto mode (makes sense?) because I prefer "selecting" my own gears.

Also, if you decide to ever go boost, know that the AT holds more power.

I had to get the AT cause my wife refused to learn to drive a MT in case of an emergency (only reason I would ever let her drive it lol). I thought it would not be as much fun but the AT on this car is really great and very responsive. I love it. Unless you plan on tracking the car or it isn't your daily driver the novelty will run out fast. I love driving MT cars myself but there are really only a few places to drive it where it really makes a difference. Driving red light to red light in a MT gets really annoying quickly. Plus changing clutches gets expensive since you are new at it. I also agree with Dark Phoenix. The driver really matters also. To me though I am happy I got the AT since I drive through grid lock a lot.

You have another option: Try the CVT.

I would do it, given finances arent going to hurt you. I was in the "AT is fine, too" camp when I was driving my SLK55 (AMG 7spd auto with paddles) on weekends and a '99 C Class every day.

After a year with a 5mt Fiat Abarth and 4 months with a 6mt FRS for dailies, I won't go back to an auto daily. The clutch is so light and easy that traffic isn't an issue. Paddles are not nearly as fun/engaging as a proper manual.

For the OP, I'd suggest finding a friend or family member with a manual transmission and ask if they'd let you learn before you made a big purchase.

I'd take a look at the resale value first and see if you can stomach the depreciation. Automatics do a little better in the used market but the initial hit on the twins is still pretty high.

This debate will never end. No right answer. He's my take. Having AT gives choices. You can have fun with the paddles or relax in traffic with the auto. I'm not sure, but I would predict a lot of AT owners would start to increase the time they are in auto vs. paddles because it is more convenient. Maybe not.

The point I'm making is that a person driving a manual doesn't have a choice. They need to be constantly aware of the gear they're in, engine speed, aware of traffic situations requiring gear changes, etc, etc.

Ones a little more engaging than the other whether good or bad.

As for the OP. Have you considered trading with someone who desires a AT?

It won't be your last car unless you fail the "Did not Crash" test.
Give it a year or two and work the manual mode.
You can get a stick car later on if others opinions are still more important to you.

Ehhh
Not really, all that shit becomes just something that happens after you drive a manual for a while.You are rarely thinking about which gear to jump into because it just happens. The only time really a manual becomes a pain in the ass is 1st gear traffic. If you can get into 2nd and stay then better but if you are in puttering along stop/go traffic, get to know your clutch and first gear well

Which, for most, the transmission has nothing to do with. The AT owners always seem to have at least some rational argument for their choice, and the MT dudes always quickly get to "but muh involvement!" as if driving an AT in manual somehow requires less thinking about gear choice for whatever you are doing.

Clarkson, as always, is right.

OP, there is no right answer to your question. Learn how to drive YOUR car better than your buds who sneer at you for your AT.

I say go for it. It's a dumb move financially but fuck it. We bought these cars for fun, not financial investments. YOLO

The auto takes about 8 secs to go from 0-60, which is about average for most cars on the road. The manual can do it in 6.5 seconds. (But even at 6.5 seconds people still bitch that its "slow" for a sports car.)

But anyway, the extra acceleration aside, the real fun of the manual is that extra control. I can rev up the RPM separately and control how hard I want to connect the clutch with every shift. I can let it up slow for leisure driving or I can snap the clutch up and send the tires spinning. It's fun to do that in mid turn and send that ass sideways (when no one is around you of course). It's also great when you nail that perfect 7400 RPM upshift and chirp the tires into the next gear. Even if this car had one of those fancy dual clutches that are faster the 6MT (like on a BMW M car) I would still get the slower 6MT

Non-smug personal choice. Winner!

I am saying it is "more" fun to drive with MT with this car. Because you can do alot stuff with MT.

"if driving an AT in manual somehow requires less thinking about gear choice for whatever you are doing."

Thats not true,driving a manual is a second nature once you get used to it.
If you tell me to drive an AT in manual now, I probably need to think when I shift.

"The auto takes about 8 secs to go from 0-60, which is about average for most cars on the road. The manual can do it in 6.5 seconds. (But even at 6.5 seconds people still bitch that its "slow" for a sports car.)"

From a dig yes. From a roll no. Look up car and driver auto brz test.

If possible borrow or rent a MT and see what you think, got to watch out for the grass is greener syndrome.

I’ve got an MT and love it. I’ve never owned an AT. That being said, sometimes when I’m in bumper to bumper traffic for an hour, the idea of an automatic sounds pretty good.

It’s not an insignificant financial hit to swamp, and not worth it if you only want to keep the car a short period of time. But if you’re going to keep it for many years, then I’d say go for it. You don’t want to get up every morning getting into the car and thinking you wish you had an MT.

In the end only you can decide what’s best for you.

The auto vs manual debate comes up so often on this forum it's almost comical. There are so many factors to take into consideration that a stranger won't be able to decide for you. Only a potential owner or actual owner can really make the decision.

All of the answers I've seen before and here are always the same. I'm not sure if I ever see an OP come back and tell us what they did. It's like a movie with a to be continued ending...

True of the AT as well, I suppose. I can't recall the last time I looked at the tach, speedo or gear indicator. Speed, feel and sound are about all you need.

Everyone should learn to drive an MT, it will make you a better driver whatever you are in.

But 0 60 isn't measured from a roll. To say your car post a faster 0 to 60 from a roll doesn't make much sense. 0 to 60 means 0 mph to 60 mph not rolling at some variable to 60mph