manual or automatic, which do you prefer and why?

That's a good idea. A couple times in winter I drove my cousin's WRX 5spd and it was hell. The last time I did I put on my sneakers.

 

I'll always drive manual no matter what. Even if it's the last manual transmission on Earth and no one has any parts for it when it breaks down. If no one can fix it, I will fix it myself. If all manual transmissions eventually become pieces of junk compared to automatics, I will still drive a manual transmission. If every road on Earth becomes stop-and-go bumper-to-bumper traffic, I would still drive a manual transmission. I would rather drive the world's worst manual than the world's best automatic. Just like the saying goes, "it's better to reign in hell than to serve in heaven."

Then I ask myself, "why are you so passionate about driving a manual?" The reason is that while driving a manual transmission is very easy, driving an automatic is 20 times easier. A monkey could do it. And you know what that means... there are a lot of monkeys driving on the world's roads.

 

I couldn't get a DCLB in manual , so , auto .

 

So what ... you feel it makes you more of a man? I mean that's all fine and good ... hey whatever rocks your boat, brother.

But saying that you'd rather drive a piece of shit ... that "if all manual transmissions eventually become pieces of junk compared to automatics" .. you'll still drive the manual ... well that's sort of just delusional, isn't it?

I mean if that day comes, I'd tell you make the better financial decision and buy the automatic. Then find another way to measure your manhood.

As for easy .. yeah driving an auto makes many things easier. So do computers. Or do you still handwrite your term papers? Because a pen makes things very easy, but a computer makes them 20 times easier.

BTW .. I write with a fountain pen. Because ballpoints are for pussies.

 

I like the manual because u have more control of the power. The 5 speed I got feels bullet proof - super solid.

 

I have had plenty of manual tran. cars and trucks. I never had a problem eating or talking on the cell or smoiking while driving. oh and manual trans. makes you a better driver?

 

Don't get me wrong .. I think manuals are great. I really love the manual in our little Subaru ... it's sporty, and an awesome mountain driver, and the gas mileage is a good 4 mpg better than the auto. And I love manuals in a light truck .. though IMO, the 2nd gen is no longer a light truck. But if rowing through gears in your Taco is your preference, go for it! Variety makes the world go round.

What irks me are the Luddites ... all the while sitting at computer keyboards or tapping away on their iPhones, thankful for the e-locker and A-TRAC (oh the irony) ... who refuse to give the great technological advances in automatics their due.

Modern automatic transmissions are marvels of engineering. That they are beginning to surpass manuals in terms of fuel efficiency (thanks to lockup torque converters) is impressive. And the durability is amazing. A good automatic tranny, well cared for and kept cool, will go as long as a manual any day.

Toyota's A340 series is legendary, and the A750 series is it's successor. It's the same auto tranny in all 4Runners since 2003. Head over to the 4Runner forums, and you'll find all kinds of guys with 200,000 miles on their A750's with zero problems of any kind.

Do some fail? Yes. Is it expensive when they do? Yes .. if only because so few do fail, and parts are in relatively short supply. I've seen plenty of manuals grenade too.

The point is preference is fine! But please don't go blasting someone else's choice because you don't understand the technology.

 

manual all day everyday! I aint got nothin bad to say about autos cause its all a personal preference anyway but they bore tha shit outta me! Yeah i gotta push tha clutch in 400 times in rush hour traffic, yeah it sucks starting out on a real steep hill, yeah its a little harder to drive off road, but you take the good with the bad and if tha worst thing is i gotta pay attention a little more while driving and my calf gets sore every now and then, then it seems like a great fucking idea to continue to drive my 5 speed!!!!!!

You cant be a pussy your whole life!!

 

I voted manual because my previous 5 cars and trucks have all been manual transmissions, but I'm really thinking the next truck I buy will be an auto. Sticks shifts are blast in a car but can be a dog in a truck.

 

A Manual Tranny so I have control of the RPM's and speed!

 

i said auto.
but thats only because thats all i have driven.
drove my buddies stick once. other than that it has always been auto

 

I had a 90 Honda Accord that only had dealer installed air conditioning. No factory radio, no cruise control, no ABS brakes, manual windows, manual locks, manual mirrors and a manual transmission. It did have power steering and I installed a cd player. Can't buy a car or truck like that anymore it seems, nor would I want to.

 

I got hooked on manuals early in life at the age of 7 when dad taught me and my little brother to drive. He didn't give us the option, we were gonna learn to drive stick or not learn to drive at all lol! It was a 1968 Ford Bronco with the 3spd shifter on the column "3 on the tree" as he called it, will never forget learning to drive that old thing!

 

I got an AT just in case I end up with a commuter type job again. Been there and done that with MT.

 

agreed!

to have the ability to downshift through that one turn makes it all worf it.

I'd rather ride the clutch than the brake.

 

Auto = better in traffic and offroad.

 

I downshift my auto all the time.

That's the beauty of a gated shifter.

 

huh?