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Re~Mix · 05-24-2012, 01:44 AM

Hi guys,

Been lurking here for a few weeks. Just snagged my master's diploma in Mechanical Engineering and relocating to the south san francisco bay area.

I'm looking to purchase a new car in the sub $28 K region that will be fun to drive, last a while, be easy on the maintenance costs, and most important look good doing it. I have been considering the Scion FRS, used 2006/2007 350Z, Jetta GLI among others.

To be honest, I'm pretty much fixated on the Scion. I love the looks of this car, the concept, the rave reviews and hopefully reliability. The only problem is the limited availability, which i can deal with through a short term rental while i wait.

So the real question is, AT or MT? I have never driven an MT, however I can see the merits that make it a really good choice and will make this an even more fun car to drive. I am concerned about the learning curve though. I could deal with paddle shifters but working the clutch scares me. Don't want to ruin a brand new car and I only have access to a few lessons on friends manuals.

Father says its sacrilege to get something like this in AT and will sacrifice ability to resale. Thoughts?

05-24-2012, 01:44 AM	#1
Re~Mix Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Drives: 13' Scion FRS MT Location: San Francisco Bay Area Posts: 737 Thanks: 290 Thanked 333 Times in 191 Posts Mentioned: 7 Post(s)	FRS AT/MT for first car post college Hi guys, Been lurking here for a few weeks. Just snagged my master's diploma in Mechanical Engineering and relocating to the south san francisco bay area. I'm looking to purchase a new car in the sub $28 K region that will be fun to drive, last a while, be easy on the maintenance costs, and most important look good doing it. I have been considering the Scion FRS, used 2006/2007 350Z, Jetta GLI among others. To be honest, I'm pretty much fixated on the Scion. I love the looks of this car, the concept, the rave reviews and hopefully reliability. The only problem is the limited availability, which i can deal with through a short term rental while i wait. So the real question is, AT or MT? I have never driven an MT, however I can see the merits that make it a really good choice and will make this an even more fun car to drive. I am concerned about the learning curve though. I could deal with paddle shifters but working the clutch scares me. Don't want to ruin a brand new car and I only have access to a few lessons on friends manuals. Father says its sacrilege to get something like this in AT and will sacrifice ability to resale. Thoughts?