Manual transmission rant

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Jul 20th, 2017 3:40 pm

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Jul 11th, 2017 10:02 am

papermate2 [OP]: Newbie; Jan 22, 2017; 78 posts; 37 upvotes

Jul 11th, 2017 10:02 am

Manual transmission rant

Current: ford fusion with 5spd manual

Potential replacements: Too many to list!

I've been driving stick for the past 2 years and while it started out fun, it's now becoming more of a chore. Sitting in GTA traffic and wearing dress shoes does not allow for a fun experience. The only time I still enjoy driving manual is when I have a day off (only once a week). The other times I'm usually tired and simply trying to get home.

If/when I have to replace this car, I am strongly considering buying a boring auto. However, part of me thinks I am not 100% ready to give up the manual - If I did I would probably lust after a manual again. I wish I could own one auto and one fun manual however this isn't feasible right now (only one parking spot); I also don't have enough free time to enjoy the fun car.

Has anyone else been in this scenario?

151 replies

Jul 11th, 2017 10:07 am

Cheapo-Findo: Deal Fanatic; Mar 9, 2007; 8805 posts; 3300 upvotes; Toronto

Jul 11th, 2017 10:07 am

Dress shoes as in Heels?

Anywho, why not upgrade to a Mustang auto trans? You can use the Standard Auto Trans.

papermate2 wrote: ↑
Jul 11th, 2017 10:02 am
Current: ford fusion with 5spd manual

Potential replacements: Too many to list!

I've been driving stick for the past 2 years and while it started out fun, it's now becoming more of a chore. Sitting in GTA traffic and wearing dress shoes does not allow for a fun experience. The only time I still enjoy driving manual is when I have a day off (only once a week). The other times I'm usually tired and simply trying to get home.

If/when I have to replace this car, I am strongly considering buying a boring auto. However, part of me thinks I am not 100% ready to give up the manual - If I did I would probably lust after a manual again. I wish I could own one auto and one fun manual however this isn't feasible right now (only one parking spot); I also don't have enough free time to enjoy the fun car.

Has anyone else been in this scenario?

WOULD SOMEBODY THINK OF THE CHILDREN!!!

+1

Jul 11th, 2017 10:09 am

jzmtl: Deal Addict; Jun 14, 2008; 2223 posts; 1132 upvotes; Montreal

Jul 11th, 2017 10:09 am

I switch from manual to auto last years after 10 years of sitting in traffic, while it was fun when not in traffic, I don't miss inching forward while tired and just want to get to the destination. Maybe when I have time and money for a spare car, I'll get a Miata or BRZ.

Cheapo-Findo wrote: ↑
Jul 11th, 2017 10:07 am
Dress shoes as in Heels?

Anywho, why not upgrade to a Mustang auto trans? You can use the Standard Auto Trans.

Just not the same, my current car has paddle shifters and I never use it except for engine brake. For this reason I'll never get a DSG even though it has clutch.

Last edited by jzmtl on Jul 11th, 2017 10:09 am, edited 1 time in total.

Jul 11th, 2017 10:10 am

vkizzle: Deal Expert; Aug 22, 2011; 18850 posts; 6444 upvotes; Ottawa

Jul 11th, 2017 10:10 am

Driving in the city is definitely not fun, especially in gridlock; stop and go.

Jul 11th, 2017 10:24 am

ellesdad: Member; Dec 10, 2007; 357 posts; 185 upvotes; Arviat

Jul 11th, 2017 10:24 am

Maybe get a more fun manual car?

I just love the way a car pulls in manual and how you're in control of the car instead of the other way around.

+6

Jul 11th, 2017 10:29 am

vkizzle: Deal Expert; Aug 22, 2011; 18850 posts; 6444 upvotes; Ottawa

Jul 11th, 2017 10:29 am

ellesdad wrote: ↑
Jul 11th, 2017 10:24 am
Maybe get a more fun manual car?

I just love the way a car pulls in manual and how you're in control of the car instead of the other way around.

More details please?

+2

Jul 11th, 2017 10:32 am

Pete_Coach: Deal Expert; May 10, 2005; 29221 posts; 4820 upvotes; Ottawa

Jul 11th, 2017 10:32 am

I had standard vehicle for decades but like you, got very tired of sitting in traffic and shifting and clutching. Ended up getting a car with paddle shifts but that was just fooling yourself into thinking you got a standard and rarely used it (perhaps if it was Porsche or similar you would use it more but really as a city driver it was useless).
So, bottom line is ya gotta do what is best for you in your situation, and unfortunately an automatic transmission is best.
Oh, if you get a car that has the auto shut off (like my Mercedes was), it can be a real PIA in stop and go on the highway (and even worse in city light to light traffic).
You know what is best for your so....bite the bullet and get an auto

It's alright if you don't agree with me... I can't force you to be right. - Anonymous

+3

Jul 11th, 2017 10:43 am

koffey: Deal Fanatic; Oct 6, 2010; 8465 posts; 2558 upvotes; Toronto

Jul 11th, 2017 10:43 am

I don't mind driving manual in the city at all but I can see the advantages of auto. I don't have a dislike for either, but if you are looking at auto, perhaps something with paddle shifters would make the drive more enjoyable instead of just putting the gas down.

+2

Jul 11th, 2017 10:50 am

papermate2 [OP]: Newbie; Jan 22, 2017; 78 posts; 37 upvotes

Jul 11th, 2017 10:50 am

Pete_Coach wrote: ↑
Jul 11th, 2017 10:32 am
I had standard vehicle for decades but like you, got very tired of sitting in traffic and shifting and clutching. Ended up getting a car with paddle shifts but that was just fooling yourself into thinking you got a standard and rarely used it (perhaps if it was Porsche or similar you would use it more but really as a city driver it was useless).
So, bottom line is ya gotta do what is best for you in your situation, and unfortunately an automatic transmission is best.
Oh, if you get a car that has the auto shut off (like my Mercedes was), it can be a real PIA in stop and go on the highway (and even worse in city light to light traffic).
You know what is best for your so....bite the bullet and get an auto

I always thought auto start/stop was a feature you could turn off as needed?

+3

Jul 11th, 2017 10:55 am

papermate2 [OP]: Newbie; Jan 22, 2017; 78 posts; 37 upvotes

Jul 11th, 2017 10:55 am

I recently drove a 2017/18 BMW 330 autotransmission (I believe it has a ZF 8 speed). Lightning fast shifts but not engaging. The engagement is what I would miss most about an autotrans. Though, I guess you have to compromise somewhere.

+1

Jul 11th, 2017 11:06 am

cns187: Deal Addict; Jun 28, 2006; 1756 posts; 201 upvotes

Jul 11th, 2017 11:06 am

I am in the same boat, I love manual but with the amount of cars on the road increasing every year it just does't make sense anymore. Traffic is part of everyday life for me.

Some people meditate, I smoke cigars.

Jul 11th, 2017 11:20 am

rssdale: Sr. Member; Jan 22, 2015; 609 posts; 150 upvotes

Jul 11th, 2017 11:20 am

Just keep 2 cars, one manual and one auto.

+2

Jul 11th, 2017 11:25 am

MP3_SKY: Deal Fanatic; Jul 12, 2003; 8283 posts; 1190 upvotes; Markham

Jul 11th, 2017 11:25 am

Don't get a manual car if you have to deal with traffic commute everyday.
Your rant is not valid. It is not manual tranny's fault. It just doesn't fit your daily life style.

Go trade it for an automatic car and let someone else enjoy driving the manual car. (although the fun is limited on a Ford Fusion, lol)

I drive manual cars since I got my driver license and drove manual for 19 years until I get my first SUV after I got married.
One day, I will go back to manual.

Retired Forum Moderator February 2009 - June 2015

+2

Jul 11th, 2017 11:31 am

newt_101: Deal Fanatic; Oct 24, 2004; 5788 posts; 814 upvotes; Toronto (Central)

Jul 11th, 2017 11:31 am

It depends on the car/transmission.

The Hondas I've owned have all been light, fun and easy to operate (Civic, Accord, Prelude - and I live/work in Toronto).

My current cars: Miata/Accord, are great in manual.
However, my old Pontiac Vibe (5-speed) and a VW Polo (rental in Iceland) would have both benefited from an auto tranny.

My suggestion would be - buy a fun practical car with stick (Accord/Civic/Mazda 3/6) or a fun car that MUST be driven in stick or you are missing the point of driving it (Miata/BRZ/FRS)

Jul 11th, 2017 11:41 am

ellesdad: Member; Dec 10, 2007; 357 posts; 185 upvotes; Arviat

Jul 11th, 2017 11:41 am

vkizzle wrote: ↑
Jul 11th, 2017 10:29 am
More details please?

Let's just say it's the sheer driving experience.

You get instantaneous pull staying in gear whereas an auto car would override you and shift on its own even in (semi) manual mode.

+3

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