Car Dilemma
 

Howdy,
I want to throw a question at you knowledgable FR-S peeps. I have decided that the FR-S is the car I want to purchase....but it's down to deciding between the transmission and color and I could use some advice.

I test drove a manual ultramarine blue this afternoon, and a red automatic two weeks ago. I have grown up on automatics, but somewhere inside of me says it would be a shame to not have a manual in this vehicle. I am all for learning to drive stick, but I stalled 2 or 3 times in 7 minutes today with the FR-S and it has me a little worried. I've test driven other manuals (camaro, MS3) and never stalled them....so coulda been nerves or just something little like seat position.

I am planning on test driving another auto tomorrow and hopefully make a decision...any input is welcome in the meantime.

The other issue I have is the color. I like the blue, it's classy but still looks sporty....but there's something about the red that just fits. What do you think will have a higher resale value 5 or so years down the road.

Sorry for the long post.....just had to get these thoughts out...
Thanks!
-Douglas

entirely your choice. there are goods and bads on both. but if you want an opinion, the manual will make you feel more "intune" with the car. you will feel more like a driver...others see it different but again it is your choice. best of luck and have fun

With all the traffic now a days...

Your best bet is an automatic.

There practically no difference in speed.

But I thought the automatic had taller gears? Reports were that the automatic felt like it didn't have the spunk of the manual due to this.

footwork and gearboxes induce more endorphines than flicking an index finger to shift lol

sorry that sounded douchy my last post. i dont mean any offense to those who prefer an AT :)

No better way to learn how to drive MT. You have motivation

I'd say follow your gut instinct. You can't really go wrong with any of the colors. Only one I haven't seen in person I think was the Argento.

As far as transmission is concerned, my cars were always a manual. I just like interacting with the car. Traffic has never bothered me.

... Well that's a lie. There was only 1 time I've ever said I wish I was driving an automatic. That was when the freeway was closed down to 1 lane due to a fire going uphill. I was going uphill for over an hour. In addition to that I had also needed to use the bathroom for just as long. That was hell.

Anyways, from what I've heard both transmissions are pretty good. If gas mileage is your concern then the auto might be for you.

Go w Red AT...

Problem solved

He's in Maine... I'm sure he doesn't have to deal with the same traffic woes as some city folk.

I would recommend the manual.

By by recommending the manual I don't mean at all to bash the AT. It is a VERY good AT. The best true auto I've ever driven.

The clutch on this car is quite different than the manuals I've driven, so I wouldn't be too concerned about stalling it when you're inexperienced. Honestly, if you decide for the manual, you will be plenty good within a couple days and just keep getting better. Don't worry about whether or not you'll be able to do it. Decide based on something else.

I feel for you because that's where I was the night before I got mine. In the end I just remember all those times on my way back up from San Diego to LA and how my calf and knee would feel after being in traffic for 3 hours.

I also choose AT because I know my GF will sometimes drive depending where we are coming from.

Don't let stalling effect your choice at all. Stalling will not be a problem at all after a bit of time. If your gut says manual, go with your gut. A manual transmission makes you more a part of the mechanical experience. You are operating a machine, not a video game.

I brought my manual raven home today, and I LOVE IT! It took me 2hours to get home. Usually it takes 20 minutes to get home. This time I detoured through every winding road in the area! Just me and the machine. Fantastic! The clutch is light, but not hard to get used to after a few miles.

I do agree also that it is a very good automatic. One of the best I've driven, and I don't blame people for making that choice too. Love the blip of the throttle on downshifts! Hmmmm... Confusing isn't it.

Colour is a personal thing. I can't help you there.

Colour is of course personal preference but "basic" colours like white, black, & silver generally tend to have a higher resale value/easier to sell, as they are less style dependant.

Having said that, I wouldn't let it affect my choice - buy what you like and enjoy it man!