Anyone else who just can't give up manual transmissions?

[NutBucket]

Aren't slush boxes suppose to be better for actual 4-wheeling?

 

[jlee]

Aren't slush boxes suppose to be better for actual 4-wheeling?

That's what I've heard, to some extent anyway (if you're running a dual transfer case I'm not sure how much it matters, given you can be idling in gear and barely move). I still wouldn't want one though, as I spend far more time on road than off.

 

[Doppel]

The ZF 8-speed is truly remarkable.

I just did a 1,600 mile trip in my 300 and I was amazed.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ZF_8HP_transmission

And looking at the pic it's why auto transmissions cost so damn much to replace. It's a miracle (to me) that they last as long as they do.

 

[hans007]

Dodge Charger v6, Chrysler 300 v6, Rolls Royce Ghost, some Audis have it.

Its in basically every BMW

 

[nerp]

Its in basically every BMW

Yeah. LOVE IT.

 

[soccerballtux]

Yes, it's called wanting to have fun when you drive.

The vast majority of Americans are dull sheeple. They aren't like you. They don't care about seeing the world, doing something mechanically engaging, or even living in a nice place that isn't an awful treeless suburban sprawl with a 1 hr commute.

this. OH MY GOSH. this.

 

[soccerballtux]

Yeah. LOVE IT.

I drive my friend's 335i 08 and routinely am frustrated by shifts up because I stepped on the pedal when I'd rather it just stay in same gear and wait for the turbo lag. Is <= 08 the problem?

 

[ND40oz]

I drive my friend's 335i 08 and routinely am frustrated by shifts up because I stepped on the pedal when I'd rather it just stay in same gear and wait for the turbo lag. Is <= 08 the problem?

08 has the older six speed (all of the E90/1/2/3), you need the F30 to get the ZF 8HP. Have you tried sport mode on it?

 

[Pray To Jesus]

Automatics are clearly the superior choice given advances in technology.

It will be the only choice for cars that drives themselves.

Most people use a car to go from Point A to Point B. That's why automatics transmission is the top dog in sales.

Manual transmission will become a niche market, just like vinyl is today for the audio market.

 

[kitatech]

Manual transmission will become a niche market, just like vinyl is today for the audio market.

...thanks for the vinyl shout-out...call me a hoarder, but mine are in alpha order at least....well, within categories...

 

[spencers]

Automatics are clearly the superior choice given advances in technology.

Lies

 

[CraigRT]

Automatics are clearly the superior choice given advances in technology.

I believe this is not in question.
The topic is for people who prefer driving manual, regardless of the benefits of auto.
I do not care what technology is in them, actually I don't like high technology cars in general, I fix my own shit and I don't see the need for something that didn't need to be fixed. (Useless gadgets and electronics)

I agree with your blanket statement though, for the masses.

This group though, is obviously not the masses.

 

[Midwayman]

Lies

The vast majority of circumstances for the vast majority of drivers they'll do a better job. I drive a manual 'cause I like it not 'cause I think I can out shift an auto.

 

[ViviTheMage]

You people who complain about traffic and driving with a manual, how is it an issue? I do it all the time ... just leave yourself some room, and you can sit in 1st gear the whole time.

 

[dud]

Automatics are for:

1 - Those who can't drive a manual

or

2 - Those who like a car so much that they buy regardless of the fact that the car only comes in an automatic


All of my vehicles are manual and we wouldn't have it any other way. The only car that I've owned in the last 20 years that wasn't a manual was a Lexus that only came in an automatic. that car is now sold ... but not because of the transmission.

I believe that the manual option will always be there in some form/fashion but I would agree that (based upon my last 2 buying experiences) the manual is a distant second. Last I heard about 93% of cars came with automatics. What a boring way to drive ...

 

[Midwayman]

You people who complain about traffic and driving with a manual, how is it an issue? I do it all the time ... just leave yourself some room, and you can sit in 1st gear the whole time.

Traffic in Chicago is different than Minneapolis. 1st gear isn't always an option.

 

[thedarkwolf]

Clutches are so easy now I don't really get the traffic argument anymore either. If you were complaining about a car the from the 60s that actually takes some effort to push the clutch I'd get it. Every modern hydraulic clutched car I've driven an 80s year old granny with a bad hip could handle all day.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Automatics are for:

1 - Those who can't drive a manual

or

2 - Those who like a car so much that they buy regardless of the fact that the car only comes in an automatic


All of my vehicles are manual and we wouldn't have it any other way. The only car that I've owned in the last 20 years that wasn't a manual was a Lexus that only came in an automatic. that car is now sold ... but not because of the transmission.

I believe that the manual option will always be there in some form/fashion but I would agree that (based upon my last 2 buying experiences) the manual is a distant second. Last I heard about 93% of cars came with automatics. What a boring way to drive ...

Yeah, that's my wife. And that is why I don't own a manual transmission car.

I can drive them and prefer them but day in and day out in stop and go traffic I kind of prefer an automatic too. Out of all the cars I was considering buying recently none of them are even offered in a manual transmission.

My bike is a manual though.

Oh, and probably 90% of my driving is commuting in San Diego traffic. Not sure how much more I would enjoy driving something like a Corvette 20k miles a year in rush hour traffic. It would be fun on the weekends but otherwise it would suck.

 

[Instan00dles]

My old car had a manual but it was written off while I was on vacation out of province. Only had a few days to find another car so I could drive back home and it was either buy the car I wanted used for 14k with an automatic or new at 22k+ with a manual. I went with the auto but there have been a few times already that I have thought about selling it so I can get a manual again, driving sucks now.

 

[Scarpozzi]

I would have to own the right car to want one. I prefer an automatic in most circumstances, but have trouble considering a sports car a TRUE sports car without a stick.

 

[Midwayman]

Oh, and probably 90% of my driving is commuting in San Diego traffic. Not sure how much more I would enjoy driving something like a Corvette 20k miles a year in rush hour traffic. It would be fun on the weekends but otherwise it would suck.

I did that- Corvette commuting in traffic. Its kinda like having a raging hard-on and having your hands tied behind your back. You know you could do some really fun things with it if you could just get them to move...

 

[IGemini]

Clutches are so easy now I don't really get the traffic argument anymore either. If you were complaining about a car the from the 60s that actually takes some effort to push the clutch I'd get it. Every modern hydraulic clutched car I've driven an 80s year old granny with a bad hip could handle all day.

Depends on the maker. I learned how to drive stick exclusively on modern GM clutches for a job. The friction points are barely perceptible, I even know some with classic muscle driving experience having issues with them. I really hated having to stop in traffic with those cars.

 

[MagickMan]

...thanks for the vinyl shout-out...call me a hoarder, but mine are in alpha order at least....well, within categories...

Same here. Life's about tactile and engaging experiences. Although I now own an "automated manual", my other cars are stick, and there's good reason for it.

 

[Stopsignhank]

This is my vehicle that has a manual transmission.

 

[MtnMan]

I like my manual/diesel VW, especially driving in the mountains. Diesel torque rules.

And it is pretty much theft proof, since most punks don't have a clue what the 3rd pedal is for.