Manual or Automatic...

[SALTY3142]

So I've decied which car I'm going to buy (Honda Fit) now comes the decision of do I want man or auto! I've never driven a manual before (although my parents say it's easy and more fun to drive) also its $1200 less on the car. Does it get annoying after a while? Say if I'm stuck in traffic?

[teknoluv]

I've never driven a manual before (although my parents say it's easy and more fun to drive)
First off, don't trust your parents: it's BY NO MEANS easier to drive a manual. Fun maybe, but they are for enthusiasts/hobbyists.

[jetway1212]

Yes for daily commute manual will be extremely uncomfortable in traffic stop and go.

Also you have hella cool parents. Hahahha

Honda Fit is very nimble, so manual would be fun to drive. But if you drive to work everyday, sometimes you will wish its an auto.

[jetway1212]

First off, don't trust your parents: it's BY NO MEANS easier to drive a manual. Fun maybe, but they are for enthusiasts/hobbyists.

His parents do not say its easier, read again

[SALTY3142]

Sorry should have worded that differently...
*Parents say its easy to LEARN how to drive manual :)

[mau108]

Fit auto i think has paddle shifting, which is cool.... But ya if your in traffic id go auto and plus this is your first car, you wouldnt wanna learn how to drive stick on a brand new car (thats pain but alot of people doo but if you have no idea how to do it then it wont work out too well)

[Bazooka Joe]

Don't know if it helps, but I bought a manual as my first car.

I'm glad I did because it really helped my manual driving skills (I could drive stick before but not nearly as well as now).

When you factor in clutch replacement, it'll likely cost about the same in the long run.

In the future, I'll likely only buy a manual if it's a sports car.

[Shaner]

You know what, you're young, so I say go with manual. It's much more fun to drive. You will get tired of it eventually (I'm talking years, not months), but by then it will pretty much be time for a new car anyway.

Most people who tell you not to go with manual are anal people who have generally never owned a manual car, or people who owned one, had lots of fun with it over the years and then get sick of it so they got automatic later in life once they got older.

If you haven't experienced a manual car yet, I recommend going with that. You won't regret it, that's for sure.

[teknoluv]

Sorry should have worded that differently...
*Parents say its easy to LEARN how to drive manual :)
This is EXACTLY what I meant: learning to drive a manual is OF COURSE WAY MUCH MORE difficult.

[bembol]

I would try to learn Manual on an old POS car...SportShift/Paddle Shifting is FUN to drive, you have a CHOICE when you don't feel like Shifting :)

But if you really want Total Control and worried about Time Slips get Manual...!!! LOL

I didn't know Honda Fit has Paddle Shifting...does every Honda now have this, I'm surprised...nice feature...!!! I tried this on the Acura RDX :drools:

[SALTY3142]

I test drove an automatic Honda Fit...didn't have the paddle shifting....is this on the next model up?

[jetway1212]

This is EXACTLY what I meant: learning to drive a manual is OF COURSE WAY MUCH MORE difficult.


Dont even try to make any point here. You're clueless in this discussion

You sounds as if he has never learn how to drive. He knows how to drive so learning to drive stick is just a new thing for him. So by saying this, its not "more" difficult but its another archivement.

Gosh, its hard to explain to someone like you

[jetway1212]

I test drove an automatic Honda Fit...didn't have the paddle shifting....is this on the next model up?

I believe its only for Sport model

[jetway1212]

I would try to learn Manual on an old POS car...SportShift/Paddle Shifting is FUN to drive, you have a CHOICE when you don't feel like Shifting :)

But if you really want Total Control and worried about Time Slips get Manual...!!! LOL

I didn't know Honda Fit has Paddle Shifting...does every Honda now have this, I'm surprised...nice feature...!!! I tried this on the Acura RDX :drools:


First, the paddle shift in Fit is a JOKE. Drive one you will see what i mean. It takes like a second to engage.

Second, driving stick does not equal total control of your car. I've met many ppl driving sticks for yrs yet they dont know how to use their powerband let alone total control.

Third, the paddle shift is just a marketing bogus. Its not the same design/implementation as ones in high performance vehicles that you think.

[cipher]

Once you learn to drive a manual and get used to it, it becomes second nature. I've owned nothing but manual tranny cars.

[k3nv]

Drove automatics pretty much all my life since I always got "hand me down" cars. So I had no choice in terms of transmission. But for the first time, I got myself a new car and I decided it to be manual. I've driven manual a few times before. But not daily. I have to say it's fun but on some days with bad traffic or a very busy parking lot, I regret the purchase. But in the long run, knowing how to drive stick is a plus. You can drive pretty much all the cars out there.

You save about $1000 if you get manual but be prepared for those traffic jam days where you have to clutch in and out. And also supermarket parking lots that are busy.

I wish they made cars that switched from manual to automatic hehe. manual for highway or low traffic and then auto for jams.

[SALTY3142]

hmmm so seems like paddle shifting on the fit is overrated? Sounds like it would be cool but on a fit? good points made here.

[new_vr]

Once you learn to drive a manual and get used to it, it becomes second nature. I've owned nothing but manual tranny cars.
I agree with cipher on this one. After a while, you don't even think about it anymore. It does give you more control, if you know how to drive it.

[SALTY3142]

Sounds like manual would be a good choice! I just wish we still had the old jeep cherokee to pratice on instead of my new fit! lol

[teknoluv]

Dont even try to make any point here. You're clueless in this discussion
...

Gosh, its hard to explain to someone like you
Okay, let's make it simpler for the clueless: you don't need to drive (or learn to drive) a manual. They are NOT for people who drive their cars to work as in human transporters (functional). Yes, it's more fun and a hell of different experience as in car racing (special interest), but anyone who persuades you to learn driving or buy a manual instead of an automatic is not your friend. Period.

[bpopd]

get the automatic, its better on gas.

[teknoluv]

Sounds like manual would be a good choice!
Man, you just asked the wrong crowd. It's like asking whether to buy a laptop for school or a PlayStation3 IN A GAMES FORUM. Sigh!

[ynot]

Okay, let's make it simpler for the clueless: you don't need to drive (or learn to drive) a manual. They are NOT for people who drive their cars to work as in human transporters (functional). Yes, it's more fun and a hell of different experience as in car racing (special interest), but anyone who persuades you to learn driving or buy a manual instead of an automatic is not your friend. Period.
Why? I drive a stick and commute along the 401 and 404 daily during rush hour. I have no complaints and love it, although it can be tedious at times. I will happily recommend manual transmissions to anyone that wants to drive one. They can allow better control of your car (if you know how to use it properly) and it can be more fun.
You are correct about one thing, no one needs to drive a manual, it's a choice, one that I and many others have made.

To the OP: choose what you will love. If you just want to be a mindless droid like teknoluv when driving, choose an automatic.

[cipher]

get the automatic, its better on gas.

That's B.S.

[cipher]

They are NOT for people who drive their cars to work as in human transporters (functional).


What the hell are you talking about? Driving a manual or an automatic is a personal choice. I drive my car to work everyday and it's a manual.

[Bazooka Joe]

That's B.S.

Assuming non aggressive driving, you are correct. The pump required for the automatic transmission reduces fuel efficiency.

However, with agressive driving the fuel consumption in a manual is higher.

[ynot]

Assuming non aggressive driving, you are correct. The pump required for the automatic transmission reduces fuel efficiency.
If you drive an automatic aggressively, fuel efficiency is reduced as well.

[cipher]

Assuming non aggressive driving, you are correct. The pump required for the automatic transmission reduces fuel efficiency.

However, with agressive driving the fuel consumption in a manual is higher.

What pump???? An automatic transmission uses a fluid coupling to transmit engine power to the drive shaft. That's where the power loss comes from. The only type of automatic that doesn't use fluid is the DSG from Audi. But that's pretty new and not in your more normal vehicles.

[belgiangenius]

So I've decied which car I'm going to buy (Honda Fit) now comes the decision of do I want man or auto! I've never driven a manual before (although my parents say it's easy and more fun to drive) also its $1200 less on the car. Does it get annoying after a while? Say if I'm stuck in traffic?

Driving a stick can be annoying in a traffic jam, but I'd never want anything else. I'm bored to death driving automatics. IMHO, automatics are for people who can't drive. And automatics in cars with small engines (like the Fit) really suck. They're much slower.

[kcorscadden]

It is your personal preference.

I would say learn how to drive stick first before you buy the Honda Fit. Some people like stick, others don't. Plus others are able to master it better. Some people just can't figure out how to drive a stick and you could be one of those people. So why buy the car and then realize "damn, I can't figure this out." Stick may not be for you, but you won't realize that until after you have bought the Fit, and then your screwed since you can't return a car to the dealership. Remember, this ain't Wal Mart, when you drive off that lot, there's no 30, 60 or 90 day return policy. That car is yours, so make sure that stick is for you.

If you go with stick, then you'll save $$$ both in gas and the purchase as stick is usually cheaper than auto.

Since you are a student you are getting this car mainly for going to school, you need to analyze your regular route to school. If it is all residental with lots of stop lights and that, then manual will become a hassle over time. If it is highway then you shouldn't have any problems with stick.

[SALTY3142]

ynot, im gonna agree with you here. teknoluv shouldn't even be posting in here IMO i appreciate the effort but yeah lol...and not its not like posting a psp thread in a ds forum or whatever...the whole point of me starting this was to get a general idea of what driving a manual is like compared to automatic, pros cons etc. thanks to the people who have contributed so far!!

[mingming]

What the hell are you talking about? Driving a manual or an automatic is a personal choice. I drive my car to work everyday and it's a manual.

Agreed, it's all personal preference. Many relatives, friends I know have parents that still drive their family car and it's a manual.

Once people start drivin manual, most of them cant go back.

Another thing is the choice of car. If you buy a coupe, chances are people will prefer a manual. Now is teknoluv saying that anyone who buys a coupe will consider their car NOT for normal human transporters??

[robattoronto]

Er, no. Its the other way around. Thats the way its always been. Do a search.

Humans are better at selecting the right gears than automatics. Of course, there are some people who are exceptions.

get the automatic, its better on gas.

[ynot]

Salty, okay, pros and cons of a manual tranny:

Pros
* Initial cost - you'll save about a $1,000, but some manufacturers now price their cars the same regardless of transmission choice and others have begun to price the sticks higher.
* Maintenance costs - eventually, you'll have to change the tranny fluid, and usually, autos require changes before a stick. Also, sticks tend to last the life of the car.
* Performance - sticks normally provide better performance, if driven properly.
* Gas mileage - with few exceptions, cars with properly shifted manual transmissions get better mileage that the same model with an automatic.

Cons
* Ease - autos are easier. It's hard to drive along while talking on your phone, drinking your coffee and shifting gears. That said, it can be done.

edit
Personally, I drive a stick, it's my fourth car (not including my bike), and I didn't choose it becuase of any of the reasons stated above, but simply because I wanted to. I hope this helps you in your choice.

[Bazooka Joe]

What pump???? An automatic transmission uses a fluid coupling to transmit engine power to the drive shaft. That's where the power loss comes from. The only type of automatic that doesn't use fluid is the DSG from Audi. But that's pretty new and not in your more normal vehicles.

We're both right, but you have more question marks, so:

There are three elements to a torque converter, a pump, a turbine and a stator.

This is where the loss occurs.

[teknoluv]

Driving a manual or an automatic is a personal choice. I drive my car to work everyday and it's a manual.
I respect that it's a personal choice, like biking or walking to work, or even not going to work at all.

[teknoluv]

teknoluv shouldn't even be posting in here IMO...the whole point of me starting this was to ...
Now, I got it. You are actually here to JUSTIFY your buying of a manual. You should have said it before hand; perhaps I'll argue the other way round to "facilitate" that.

[Mr D J]

Manual is easy but Auto is way easier... If you're not planning on going on slippery roads all the time or race, get Auto. It's way easier I must say. I tried driving both btw.

[SALTY3142]

Now, I got it. You are actually here to JUSTIFY your buying of a manual. You should have said it before hand; perhaps I'll argue the other way round to "facilitate" that.

Dude what have I said that would give you the idea im trying to justify my buying of a manual....Haven't even bought the car yet, I've decided what car I wanted, and now I'm debating if I should get manual or automatic...simple as that. anyways...thanks to all the posters.....its great hearing your experiences!

[k3nv]

one of the biggest regrets about getting a manual for me. My whole family can't drive it. So I have to wake up and drive my mom to work. With my old car, my dad did that. :(

[warpdrive]

Driving a manual is one of the essential joys of driving for me, but then again, I love driving. The only way I'd buy an automatic is if I was physically unable to drive a manual, so basically I'll be driving them until I'm 65 and have arthritis.

Traffic is no problem. It's a bit more work, but never once have I thought, even in 30 minutes of bumper to bumper traffic, that I should buy an automatic.

It's easy to learn but it will take a bit of time to get used to it (say a month), but after that, you won't even notice it anymore. It becomes as second nature as turning the steering wheel or braking, you don't actually think about how to do it, you just do it.

[radeonboy]

REAL ENTHUSIAST = MANUAL. The most best feeling.

NON-ENTHUSIAST, or ETHUSIAST with low budget = AUTO.

OR EX-ENTHUSIAST that is getting old and wants less to worry about - AUTO.

[w4x]

i'd go with the manual

use some of the extra money to go learn manual with an instructor at a driving school. that way you don't wreck your clutch/tranny and learn how to drive properly. ie: not from your friends bad habits.

[grant]

Try it before you buy it!!

I only owned manuals until i got this auto and i couldn't be happier!

sometimes driving manual is more fun.... but on balance, i'd rather have my arm around the girl beside me, not on my stick while driving!!

[radeonboy]

Try it before you buy it!!

I only owned manuals until i got this auto and i couldn't be happier!

sometimes driving manual is more fun.... but on balance, i'd rather have my arm around the girl beside me, not on my stick while driving!!

LOOOOL :arrowu:

[Mr D J]

Oh, btw, forgot to say. My dad drove stick for 13 years and once he tried auto, he said it's way better than stick. Stick is good in fierce winters when roads are frozen or it's good for racing which only about 3-5% of the drivers do. Also if you're not experienced with stick, you can blow your engine lol. You'll have to try hard but there is a possibility :lol:

[cipher]

Try it before you buy it!!

I only owned manuals until i got this auto and i couldn't be happier!

sometimes driving manual is more fun.... but on balance, i'd rather have my arm around the girl beside me, not on my stick while driving!!

You must drive pretty old cars. Most vehicles these days can only sit two in the front because of the center console/automatic transmission shifter.

[cipher]

Manual is easy but Auto is way easier... If you're not planning on going on slippery roads all the time or race, get Auto. It's way easier I must say. I tried driving both btw.

If anyone needs special training to drive an automatic, they shouldn't be behind a wheel.

[warpdrive]

I only owned manuals until i got this auto and i couldn't be happier! sometimes driving manual is more fun.... but on balance, i'd rather have my arm around the girl beside me, not on my stick while driving!!
I owned automatics until I got this manual and I couldn't be happier.

on balance, i'd rather have my girlfriend play with my stick while driving.

[chriswalsh]

I prefer a stick in a midsize-small car. Much more fun to drive, and less wear on the brakes. Read a couple comments about people wearing out clutches, but I know my parent's '84 Jetta made it 300k on one clutch.

I would say that I prefer autos for long trips, as they are less fatiguing (ie can drive with only one food and one hand). Also nice in the morning while drinking coffee.

Either way, i'm sure youll be happy, the fits look like a fun little car to drive.


You must drive pretty old cars. Most vehicles these days can only sit two in the front because of the center console/automatic transmission shifter.

Maybe he drives trucks? Most trucks seem to have the front bench and manual availability.

[bautista.undefined]

i drive my Dad's yaris.. and its fun as hell. Stick shift too. Don't think it would be that fun to drive in an auto..

[new_vr]

I would say that I prefer autos for long trips, as they are less fatiguing (ie can drive with only one food and one hand). Also nice in the morning while drinking coffee.


I generally find on a long trip you put it in 5th and leave it...so not much difference

[Mr D J]

If anyone needs special training to drive an automatic, they shouldn't be behind a wheel.

Um... what the heck is your comment about? It makes no sense to my quote really...

[cipher]

Um... what the heck is your comment about? It makes no sense to my quote really...


You said...

Manual is easy but Auto is way easier

So just exactly how much brain power is required learn an automatic? If someone has trouble "learning" how to use an automatic, they really shouldn't be driving.

[Mr D J]

You said...



So just exactly how much brain power is required learn an automatic? If someone has trouble "learning" how to use an automatic, they really shouldn't be driving.

Oh, lol... well good point. Driving auto is like driving a street car ^^'. Well I'd choose auto over manual in Toronto because of all these traffic jams and stuff like that.

[mudmojo]

Based upon shifting habits, here's the way I would summarize it...

With a stick, the car is your beotch... because she does whatever you want it to do.

With an auto, you are the car's beotch... because you do whatever she wants you to do.

Which side of the whip do you want to be on? Either way, it can be good! :D


I live in a densely populated area (central downtown Toronto by highway entrances) and at times, traffic gets so clogged we turn our engines off during our "drive".... and I'd never choose an automatic.

Do you make purchases based upon a best case or a worst case scenario? Convenience or functionality? I'll take the functionality bit anyday and all that comes with that package!

[toalan]

There are no real issues with driving stick even in bad traffic. After a while it just becomes 2nd nature.

I am not comfortable with driving autos because my left leg automatically looks for the clutch.

Manual is perfect for underpowered econo boxes because you can extract the most power from it.

[cipher]

I am not comfortable with driving autos because my left leg automatically looks for the clutch.




I've done that when I drive my girlfriend's car...and I usually end up pressing the brake with my left foot...ALL THE WAY DOWN....the car comes to a screeching halt and my girlfriend gives me the "what the hell are you doing" look.

[jetway1212]

To the guy thinking driving auto would let him play with this girl friend that the stick:

Well i rather driving a stick and let my gf playing with MY stick while driving. Yeah, .... better?

[jetway1212]

Okay, let's make it simpler for the clueless: you don't need to drive (or learn to drive) a manual. They are NOT for people who drive their cars to work as in human transporters (functional). Yes, it's more fun and a hell of different experience as in car racing (special interest), but anyone who persuades you to learn driving or buy a manual instead of an automatic is not your friend. Period.


Wow.... what an idiot, speechless. You know part of growing up is to realise ppl are different. Gosh i already said stop, you still want to make a fool of yourself

[teknoluv]

Wow.... what an idiot, speechless. You know part of growing up is to realise ppl are different. Gosh i already said stop, you still want to make a fool of yourself
When reasons run short, personal attacks kick in. Nice strategy. ;p

[jian1]

I would say it depends.

There are always a small percentage people who can never dance/sing well, this rule applied to driving a manual too.

I have read Caroll's book and he said it's all either u have it or not... but he refer to racing ability that one can shift a dog-teeth tranny without breaking the rings.

So this rule applies to stick too, I'd say from my observation 5% people can never drive stick properly no matter how many years they drive. 5% people are genius who can learn it in afew hours, and they say it's like part of their nature. a bell-curved standard distribution, hehe.

btw, I drive a 2006 subaru 2.5i with 5 speed manual... well, I love manual, never felt a problem with stop-go traffic, roll-back was never a problem( Idon't even use e-brake on the hill, either), but Ican't recommand u a stick/auto, it all depends on yourself. Go get a stick and find urself.. The only annoying thing I have is to pick up cell-phone when you have to shift, it's a bit pain watching RPM going to red-line but the guy kept you talking without letting you make a up-shift.

[aspiringnovelist]

In general, people who drive manual tend to be more passionate about their transmissions than people who drive automatic, and so are more likely to post replies to this topic. So maybe the advice you are getting is a bit skewed. Although I guess it takes someone who has driven both to comment intelligently, so maybe it's not so skewed after all.
Personally, I switched to standard a year ago and enjoy it well enough. As everybody says, it's more fun except in traffic.

[weedb0y]

I used to drive a manual and I miss that only when I am not in commute traffic!

Like the long drives, drives to WASAGA for instance! lol

Loving my auto for day-to-day traffic in sauga..

[k3nv]

In general, people who drive manual tend to be more passionate about their transmissions than people who drive automatic, and so are more likely to post replies to this topic. So maybe the advice you are getting is a bit skewed. Although I guess it takes someone who has driven both to comment intelligently, so maybe it's not so skewed after all.
Personally, I switched to standard a year ago and enjoy it well enough. As everybody says, it's more fun except in traffic.

I have an uncle who drives nothing but standards, he's use to it. My other uncle drove manuals all his life too, but when he got married, he bought an automatic. so the wife can drive it. If you're the only driver, go for standard.

To some people, a car is just used for transportation. gas and go. i decided to get manual to make my driving a bit more interesting.