Daily driver..Heavy Commute.. buy a MT?

[frsinpa]

Just my opinion, but I would never buy a manual if I had to sit through that kinda traffic each day.

I think auto makes a lot more sense for a daily driver as opposed to a manual. Rules are meant to be broken though - so it all comes down to what you're comfortable.

[pyro530]

My question to the OP. Did you try driving both cars? I drove the MT and AT back to back when I picked up mine, and I must say I was very impressed with the AT. The shifting was super quick and it would hold gears in Sport mode. This combined with the paddles and rev matched down sifts make the AT a great choice also.

I did end up getting the MT, but I live in a small city (less than 120k people) with no grid lock or stop and go freeway traffic. If you are worried about traffic I would say the AT isn't so bad.

[bestwheelbase]

I would still go manual, for those fun runs away from traffic.

On a slightly unrelated note -- I couldn't handle two hours of traffic every day. I don't know how you guys do it.

[encity5]

Just bought a MT FR-S in nyc, drove home in stop and go traffic (construction work -_-) if your use to driving a manual, i'd say get it. light enough and you sit comfortably enough.

[Pake1]

Originally Posted by pyro530

My question to the OP. Did you try driving both cars? I drove the MT and AT back to back when I picked up mine, and I must say I was very impressed with the AT. The shifting was super quick and it would hold gears in Sport mode. This combined with the paddles and rev matched down sifts make the AT a great choice also.

I did end up getting the MT, but I live in a small city (less than 120k people) with no grid lock or stop and go freeway traffic. If you are worried about traffic I would say the AT isn't so bad.

I did indeed try both. Tried the AT twice, MT once. Had way more fun the MT than the AT. However, similar to you, was impressed with the paddles and rev matched down shifts. Its as true to manual as it can be without a clutch and a stick.

I like the MT for the cheaper price, the feel, and the uber-soft clutch compared to my current DD (97 civic). The only cons are the difference in mileage and shifting in traffic daily (which I already do on a harder clutch).

I like the AT for the mileage, and the true-to life manumatic. I would get bored in traffic with an AT and possibly doze off if anything, the price difference is a factor but not an issue.

I used to go through 30 min of traffic and complained about that, i guess you get used to it lol

[Boosted2.0]

Try audiobooks. They keep me sane on my daily commute.

Still digging the manual for the daily commute. I love this car!

[nedmundo]

I commute between Philly and Wilmington, DE every day, and the stop-and-go can be brutal coming back into Philly, or leaving Philly when I head west from the city. (The Schuylkill "Expressway" is just as bad as the freeways around L.A., if not worse.) Even so, I always go MT, and I would with the FR-S/BRZ too. Shifting is second nature, so it only bugs me on the worst traffic days, which is a small price to pay for the added enjoyment the rest of the time.

That said, I tested an FR-S yesterday with the auto, and it is an outstanding example of the breed for all the reasons stated above. I generally dislike autos, but I could understand getting this one. I can't believe how well it matches such a pure driver's car.

[markmatley]

2hrs commute? For how many miles OP?

In Hawaii we eek out about 2 more hours of sitting in traffic per year than LA. I hit around 1 - 1.5 hrs for 10 miles during peak times. Hopefully you get farther than I do.

Oh and I think the manual is fine for traffic. Enjoy the car always!

[FT86Katsu]

Must have man pedal.

[nix]

Originally Posted by Indestruct

The first day I had the car I drove in gridlock for 100 miles around... in LA. You get used to it. I have a bad habit of resting my right leg to the right and it hurts a little if I leave it there...

I've had that (RHD so left leg) in all my Toyotas, WTB knee pads.

[Pake1]

Originally Posted by markmatley

2hrs commute? For how many miles OP?

In Hawaii we eek out about 2 more hours of sitting in traffic per year than LA. I hit around 1 - 1.5 hrs for 10 miles during peak times. Hopefully you get farther than I do.

Oh and I think the manual is fine for traffic. Enjoy the car always!

28 miles 1 way.

I'm goin manual, soft clutch and can't stand driving auto