Considering an AT

[Ernest72]

Originally Posted by Mule

So if anyone other than Tcoat wants actually give me some insight into their AT purchase and why they didn't consider other cars with better ATs, I'm all ears.

Genuinely curious, not trying to be snarky.


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Subie fan not a Vdub fan. BRZ is a sports car, GTI is econobox with a turbo. Already have my econobox with a turbo, my 04 WRX wagon.

Both Subies in AT because they are both DD. The BRZ AT is amazing compared to the 4EAT in the wagon. But with 120K of spirited miles on the 4EAT, its still going strong.

[Mule]

Originally Posted by Silver Supra

Good to know you have driven the AT a good bit.

However, to put your twist on it, there are a number of cars with a better manual transmission that the twins, so why did you buy a twin? No need to name any - you know they exist.



No answer needed, but if you think about what you would answer, that may help you understand why people bought a twin with AT.

No I get it, totally fair question. In my mind, right or wrong, the MT in the twins is MUCH better vs some of its peers, relative to the AT.

I haven't driven a car under $40k with two back seats (I have a 4 and 2 year old) that has a better transmission. And that includes an E46 M3 and a 996 Carrara (the other two cars I considered when buying my FRS). Whereas I have driven a GTI with DSG and a Jag with the ZF 8-speed, and
I preferred both those 'automatics'.

So there's some context for my line of thinking.

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[Mule]

Originally Posted by NOI

I'll help you out.



First it's important to note there are a lot of superior automatic and manual transmissions out there than the ones you get in the 86 platform. At the sub $30K price point, however, I'd be comfortable putting both variations up against anyone else's offerings. Second, I didn't and don't claim that the AT is superior to the MT, or that it's better for daily driving.



Last, I own a 2013 FR-S AT and it is my daily driver.



AT 86 vs GTI DSG (my take)



Completely different cars

Exterior design (I mean they aren't even similar)

Steering response

Over all handling characteristics

Reliability of the vehicle

Reliability of the transmission

Parts costs

Ease of maintenance (I like doing it myself)

Variety in aftermarket options

I like Subaru and this was a joint effort

I've owned two VW's since 2004 and they both had a ton of maintenance issues



AT vs MT on an 86



Honestly, I bought it used and had a self imposed budget (I have three other cars). I found several AT's in my mileage requirement that were at least $1500 cheaper than MT's in the same mileage range. $1500 is a lot of mods, which is one of the reasons I chose the car to begin with. I test drove both versions several times before deciding that AT was worth the savings. In manual mode, it's just as fun to me as the MT.



The acceleration lacks vs the MT, but my final drive swap this winter will remedy that handily. That's my only complaint in the Vs argument. There is really only one pro: being able to choose to manually shift or not. Nothing special, but it's good to have choices I guess.



I'd have been just as happy with a manual for driving, but the the extra money I saved has been a hoot to spend on mods.



There you go sir.

Right on, thanks!


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[Thedishdoc]

I have the automatic in mine and love it! Old school guy here, MANY 4-wheel drives and muscle cars, always a manual tranny. Went screaming and kicking to the IOS iPhone too after 30 years supporting Microsoft products lol. This automatic transmission is the future.

[Mule]

Originally Posted by Thedishdoc

I have the automatic in mine and love it! Old school guy here, MANY 4-wheel drives and muscle cars, always a manual tranny. Went screaming and kicking to the IOS iPhone too after 30 years supporting Microsoft products lol. This automatic transmission is the future.

That's what I'm afraid of...lol


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[Euro7R]

The only thing you'll hear most is, "your car is AT....".

I personally love the AT on this car. Manual mode on this car is amazing, allows you to control your gears with a quick flick of +/-. I did a header+tune and daily driving is ever so fun now.

End of the day, each to their own. It's your car, drive whatever you like. Everyone will always have a different opinion.

[RJasonKlein]

I've never owned a car with an automatic transmission, and I don't intend to change that any time soon. To each his own, but I will point out that millennials, baristas at Starbucks, and the Obamacare pajama boy all drive cars with automatic transmissions.

Just saying...

[KR-S]

Oh good lord. To all those ripping on each other for enjoying a certain tranny, shut the hell up. Whether you love Otto or Manuel is your business and you have no need to justify anything to anyone.

Just enjoy yourselves.

[srgssgtmatt]

It is your choice, but you are buying a driver's car you would want the full experience of rowing through gears. Put it this way, traffic is everywhere, a shitty drive to work is still a shitty drive regardless of auto or manual. Once you want some fun you would wish you had the manual

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[Captain Snooze]

Originally Posted by srgssgtmatt

Once you want some fun you would wish you had the manual

Have you actually read any of the posts here?

[leevanf]

I found that everyone has different baselines to begin with causing the tension. "Full driver experience" to some may mean rowing gears and intervention, but to some may mean full experience as the ability to also enjoy the car with automated features and perfect consistent shifting speeds". Etc. really just a terminology battle based on subjective baselines after all


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[Cole]

All I hear when people say "this car needs to be bought in manual" is really "I need to prove how manly I am, because other areas of my life aren't great"

[SuperTom]

Originally Posted by Captain Snooze

Tracking a car is not racing. It doesn't matter what car you drive or how fast you are. The only thing that is important is having fun and bragging rights.

tracking racing however you want word it I would not want that extra 44lbs

[Captain Snooze]

Originally Posted by SuperTom

tracking racing however you want word it I would not want that extra 44lbs

I put my car on a bit of a diet. You know the story, carbon fiber tailshaft, AUD$1200 battery, lighter wheels etc but at the end of the day it doesn't matter because it's just my dd and very occasional trackday car. People bring the car they bring to track days regardless of how much it weighs. There are no prizes.

[/rant]