Help deciding between automatic and manual?

I used to drive a dump truck, lot of gears, two speed rear end, air brakes, no power steering, AC or radio, and yes it had a clutch. That beast was a TRUCK! Anyone that equates manliness with being able to drive a stick is stupid. Manliness comes from trying to turn that damn steering wheel and convince 40,000 pounds of truck to change direction. It is all about that upper body strength, heck any 13 year old girl could press the clutch with her leg muscles.

Now what does a 17 year old get? What ever he wants. It doesn't matter in the least because there are pros and cons to both. Personally, having driven hundreds of thousands of miles with a stick and an auto I will choose an auto every single time. Why, because every new truck and car nowadays comes with power steering so I've got to find another way to show off my manliness.

 

I had a 2013 auto and I hated it. Too much wandering back and forth between 4-5 gear. Also I hated the downshifting it did anytime I touched the brakes going down hill. Just brought home my 2014 with a manual and love it so far. It's a totally different truck.

AND HERE'S THE BAD NEWS: The dealer told me he wouldn't be surprised if the next generation either didn't have a manual available, or if it did it would probably only be in the stripped down base model trucks, following in the footsteps of the Tundra. So my advice: Get while the gettin's good. Go for the manual.

 

I find that the manual transmission is very much an extension of my very being. If I was married I would get my wife an automatic though to its defense.

 

I've only had manuals since I was 16, and it really is up to the drivers preferences, I hate the concept of putting a vehicle in drive but it does have it's plus sides. But personally I like to feel more connected to the vehicle and I like doing something when I'm driving.

 

I just shift my auto when I feel the urge , seems pretty straight forward

 

Automatics are for poor people! LOL You wanna man up, spend the coin to get an adults vehicle!

Just kidding. I've owned a bunch of manuals, and enjoyed every one. But in a truck specifically I much prefer an auto. Mostly because I tow a lot. Towing with a manual sucks- or should I say, towing a long distance with a manual sucks. Try to tow a 26' 5 place snowmobile trailer weighing 6000 lbs from NH to Labrador City, Canada (20 hour drive) in a manual. I don't care how much of a man you think you are being, you will want to burn that truck the second you park it.

As said by many before me, there is no wrong choice when you come down to it.

 

THIS ^^^^^^^^^. plus with used truck no much worries when going off road AND the more you work with your tuck the more you learn mechanically.

as for manual or auto its preference i got mine auto. for newer better on gas. but manual is always fun

 

Don't forget about the advanced anti-theft measures that come with a manual:

 

this

 

I wish I had an auto now I bought a trailer. The clutch was burning up trying to maneuver that thing on my steep street and steep driveway.

They both have their advantages and disadvantages.

 

^^^THIS!!