Re: Manual or Automatic Transmission? Would you compromise?

Aug 05, 2003 7 Replies
J

Unfortunately I have to agree. Just stop at any dealership, doesn't matter new or used....and 90+% will be automatic. Particularly in trucks. Joe C.



OK, I am curious since many dealers think I am an oddball. How many
> people here would not sacrifice a 5 speed in deciding to buy a
> vehicle. I FINALLY found the truck I was happy with after years of
> looking and caving in on several options. I think the dealer thought
> I would cave in on the transmission before the other things (ext-cab,
> longer bed, Eddie Bauer ed.) but I stood firm and ended up FINALLY
> with a pretty nice truck. I have had the same problem with car
> shopping too, although my Camaro has a 6 Speed tranny.
>
> Just curious if he is telling me the truth when he says that none of
> his customers want a manual transmissin anymore or if there are still
> some die-hard people out there like me.
>
> I have heard more people compromise with wanting an auto but getting a
> standard shift car as a compromise, but I guess I am the only
> 'oddball' that wants a stick shift in my cars.
>
> Mike
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T

You're not alone, we ought to have a support group for people who want manual transmisions. I've had a whole bunch of people try to convince me that automatics are better (both my cars have 5 speed sticks). Tonyrama

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T

They can take my stick shift away when they pry it from my cold, dead hand. ;-) I've had 8 cars, and they've all been stick shifts. And any new cars I get will also have a stick shift. Its a shame that there are a lot of good vehicles out there that don't even have the option of coming with a stick. I'm speaking from a US perspective, of course. It is probably hard to get an automatic in the rest of the world.

-=- Tom

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J

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Mike I'm glad everyones not like you or we would not even have the wheel. have you ever driven a 5 sped auto? I was hesitant but glad I did , the computer in car is smarter than you & I when it comes to gearshifts. It is also a hellov a lot easier on the diffs as well. My wife can drive the 4wd auto as well on sand as any experienced manual box driver, no slipping clutch to stop the dig in, it just pulls gently away & by the time the bands have locked up the motor is right in the power band . But you won't know till you try.

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R

Actually you can. It's the crew cab that is Automatic only. FWIW - if you need 4 real doors in a compact truck and 5 speed - you can get the Nissan Frontier in this configuration, even with the long bed - but most of the available trucks on dealer lots are automatics.

You can even get a manual with the Tundra Access Cab, as long as it is the V6 engine. They are rare and you have to look hard for one.

Ron.

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M

I have always bought American. I will probably buy foreign before I have an auto forced on me.

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M

The weird thing is, the Cadillac CTS has a 5-speed option. They tout it like it is a new idea or something. It is the "driver's car" and all that. Why not let other driver have fun while they drive too?

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