Ready to order... convince me to get the manual

[tez2013]

Just joined the forum... seems like a great community here. Hoping to get your thoughts on a couple of things.

So, I've driven both, the manual and the auto. Both felt pretty good and I was actually surprised at how decent the auto was in the sport mode (keeping the revs high, downshifting aggressively and blipping throttle on downshifts).

I'm looking to get this car because it seems to be a very fun car to drive. This car would be my daily driver and I'd be spending a fair bit of time in traffic. Question is how much fun does this auto (which is pretty good) sap from the driving experience of this car? This would be my first paddle-shift car... seems like it improves the auto experience?

I'll also note that I already have a weekend manual car that I track quite frequently, so now looking for something that would be a lot of fun mainly on the street and autocross, but also occasionally on the track. That being said, I've never commuted in a manual car on regular basis, so I'm afraid it may get pretty old in traffic rather quickly...

So, I guess I'd like to hear from people that were in my shoes and have gone one way or the other. Per name of the thread, I'm leaning towards the auto due to practicality in traffic but wonder if I'm going to giving up a lot during more spirited driving?

:happy0180:

[Josh B]

Just buy the manual. I commute in a 7MT dump truck with air brakes pulling a trailer. I laugh at people who complain about traffic in a manual passenger car.

[whaap]

While my new FR-S is a manual I get irritated at a specific group of drivers who think the size of their man hood is determined by their ability to drive a manual transmission. I've driven both. My last car (Miata) was an automatic. My car before that (911) was a manual. It's definitely a difficult call. Whether you're actively driving a manual or laid back smelling the roses with an automatic, you're still traveling in a neat little coupe. They both have their advantages and disadvantages. Test them both and get the one you want. Do not let yourself be influenced to get something you truly don't want.

[czar07]

dude buy a MT. It will be the best decision you make

[jpjamiso]

Get the manual. All my daily drivers for the last 10 years have been manual, I live in a small city with plenty of lights, and the only times I have really been tired of the manual is when there is a problem on an interstate highway so traffic is constantly changing from 0 to 10 mph and back. The annoyance of that 0.1% of the time isn't so great that you want to miss out on all the fun of the manual.

[D1cker]

I drove the automatic one recently and I'd ONLY get the manual after that experience lol.

[Travis]

Manual. I use mine to commute to work in traffic and the clutch pedal is so light that it really easy for stop and go

[dale.m]

You'll be happier with the MT. Especially on that day when you just so happen to be driving down a twisty road in the mountains. You will long for it then.

[CharlieChaos]

I have had MT for a long time as daily drivers and the traffic doesnt bother me. I mean sure I get aggrivated with the way people drive but I would still be mad in an automatic

[fatoni]

the manual is cheaper. thats reason enough if you are on the fence. if you think either way might be a mistake, make the mistake that puts a thousand dollars in your pocket

[post_break]

The manual should also retain its value better over time.

[SkitterSkotter]

There is no option but to get the manual. You will have a million times more fun with it and it is lighter and just better all around. You will have more car control, it comes with a more aggressive limited slip diff, and the feeling of holding it in third to redline is awesome. Don't mess this up, get the manual, you will be so thankful after a week of ownership when you are not bored while driving it. ever.

[GenkiElite]

Cheaper, faster, more reliable, cheaper to repair, potentially better mileage and more fun (subjective).

[Rawhyde]

You'll have to weigh a lot of factors to make the best decision for your driving environment and your preferences. I keep my cars for a LONG time and do my own repairs (once the warranty runs out) and my own mods.

My experiences (and those of my family and friends) indicate that most automatic transmissions will require a rebuild or replacement between 100K and 150K miles. Be sure to factor in those costs IF you keep your cars long term.

At 108K, my Impala SS (K&N Cold Air was the only mod) shattered it's planetary gearset despite servicing the transmission every 20K vs the book at 100K. I shopped around and the most economical alternative was to buy a new transmission from the Chevy dealer and install it myself. I paid ~$1750 for the parts and did the work myself.

I'd have gotten more enjoyment from spending that money on Eibach springs, Konis, and Hotchkiss swaybars. YMMV. As for me, that's my last automatic as long as God grants me the health to change my own gears.