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

[n2oinferno]

I'll put it this way...

When I bought my GTI, I compromised and got the DSG because "hey it's got flappy paddles" and "hey it shifts faster than the manual can" and "the wife can drive it if she ever needs to."

She never once sat in the driver's seat for the couple years I owned it, and I always found myself missing that third pedal, even on long boring highway commutes.

No more compromises. I will not buy another automatic unless it's the only available transmission or if the car is for her.

[CircuitJerk]

If you have to ask us to convince you....
Really though, if you think you'll have any regret then there should be no further consideration.
It was a tough choice for me as well.

[Sasquachulator]

MT

If you were to get an automatic, get a different car.

[Texas BRZ]

Originally Posted by 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.

Can't beat this honest advice.

Also, I see enthusiasts who fall for either transmission choice... Every individual and their choices / preferences vary, and you simply have to go with what you feel more comfortable with opting for.

My first car had an auto with the paddle shifters, and I only chose that option because my Dad kept reminding me that it would be a huge inconvenience in settling with a manual... And that decision was something that I greatly regretted. I'm not saying that you'll also be the same way. You could actually end up being the opposite and really end up appreciating the auto w/ paddle shifters. And truthfully, many higher-performance vehicles have shined with an auto (although more advanced types of automatic / DCT's): GT-R, PDK Porsche, Ferrari / Lambo, etc... So no harm in whatever you're comfortable in choosing!

[Craig]

Originally Posted by sal

Don't be a sissy. Get a manual!

Originally Posted by fistpoint

Don't get the womanual...get the manual.

This is what I was talking about, drown this out and make the decision based upon what you want.

Either way

[tez2013]

Originally Posted by 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.

"it comes with a more aggressive limited slip diff" is this true? Interesting, I've never picked this up in the write-ups.

[DaJo]

Don't be discouraged by the haters and let them judge you by what you drive.

Just get what YOU desire. Don't worry about the value of the car over time; just enjoy it while you have it,
don't worry about what others say about autos; if they like to play around with their stick and lift and hold the clutch in stop-and-go traffic, let them.

The twins are EQUALLY awesome with the two optional transmissions they come in. Auto lets you hold the RPMS longer and much higher in SPORT mode. (VERY responsive/sporty feel)

Heck, I've driven manual ever since I was able to drive; my last two RWD vehicles were all manual. Anyways, I bought an auto for the convenience of daily driving
(groceries, hockey, to and from work).

Ultimately; in the end, the choice is yours!

[tez2013]

Thanks for all the replies! As expected, an overwhelming majority prefer the manual.

My situation is somewhat unique, in that for those truly great mountain runs and weekend drives on open roads (where manual really shines), I'll be taking my Z. However, I still want a fun experience for running into town, mundane highway drives, shopping and daily commute; which is the whole reason I'm getting an FRS to begin with.

Question is would manual be more fun/exciting for those more mundane tasks? Put another way, if all you manual guys had no way to drive it in a more spirited fashion on twisty roads, etc. would you still get a manual?

[jstans84]

Honestly dude if you are considering getting a manual, get it. You won't want to get the auto and wind up regretting it a few hundred miles down the road.

[TouchMyHonda]

If you can't figure it out, this is the wrong choice for a daily. Don't sell your self short.

[Texas BRZ]

Originally Posted by tez2013

Thanks for all the replies! As expected, an overwhelming majority prefer the manual.

My situation is somewhat unique, in that for those truly great mountain runs and weekend drives on open roads (where manual really shines), I'll be taking my Z. However, I still want a fun experience for running into town, mundane highway drives, shopping and daily commute; which is the whole reason I'm getting an FRS to begin with.

Question is would manual be more fun/exciting for those more mundane tasks? Put another way, if all you manual guys had no way to drive it in a more spirited fashion on twisty roads, etc. would you still get a manual?

I've had my FR-S for close to 3 months and have racked up close to 5k miles... I use it to go to work, shop for groceries, run multiple errands, go to the fitness center, pick up my 4 year old daughter from school (1 year old in car seat likes to also come), wife gladly tags along everywhere, etc.

Manual is worth it for me in this case too... I love driving this car daily and to me, it never gets boring. A lot of it is up to the driver... For instance, heel-and-toe downshifting always makes a manual car so much more exciting to drive every single day... It really is up to the driver to make the most out of driving a manual in a daily situation.

[jflogerzi]

Dude man up! Its a sports car. Get the full driving experience that the manual has to offer

[jmaryt]

i second that emotion! do it! you'll love it!
another possibility is that IF you pick the ''slush box"
it is possible that "resale" value could suffer over the
long term.ordinarily,this would be the opposite of perhaps,
ANY other car,but THIS car i believe, WILL sell for more used,
IF it has the manual in it.now time "may" prove me wrong,but i have a strong
feeling that this will be the case with this car!

[Howeber]

150% Manual