new car question

[KotysDad]

Other than price, can anyone tell me the pros and cons of getting a manual vs. automatic transmission?

Not worried about fuel cost, but things like maintenance.

Thinking about getting a 2011 Mustang.

 

[The Joker]

Other than price, can anyone tell me the pros and cons of getting a manual vs. automatic transmission?

Not worried about fuel cost, but things like maintenance.

Thinking about getting a 2011 Mustang.

Manual - you can actually drive the car and you can go faster by shifting correctly to increase power. You can also burn more fuel this way.

Auto - fuel economy and the one thing most people don't think about - if you're at a bar and too hammered to drive and someone offers to drive you home, you can't get someone to drive your car home because the majority of people can't drive stick. You car will sit at the bar overnight.

 

[KotysDad]

Thanks....a couple articles that I did find said the upkeep is cheaper on a manual.

I think it's gonna come down to how much patience and how willing I am to teach my son to drive in 3 years with a manual transmission.

 

[Morris]

What are going to do with the car?

Don't see where upkeep is cheaper on a manual just price out clutch replacement.

If you're thinking about making this a show car in 30 years?

Why are you thinking about manual?

 

[KotysDad]

Morris...

Not really sure what I want to be honest. Got the new car bug lately and my Accord is 8 years old.

Havent driven a stick in probably 20 years. I'm not a car person so I'm more curious on the plusses and minues of either.

I love the 2011 Mustangs. Havent owned one since early 80s. Just been walking a few lots trying to figure out what I want.

My 2002 Honda has been an absolute dream as far as maintenance. 140,000 miles and it's only cost me some new tires, a new battery, and a set of brakes. So I'm a bit hesitant to get away from the Accords, but I do love the new Mustangs.

Not looking for a show car. Really just go back and forth to work and the kids sports. Probably drive now only about 14,000 miles a year.

 

[Mjolnir]

Thanks....a couple articles that I did find said the upkeep is cheaper on a manual.

I think it's gonna come down to how much patience and how willing I am to teach my son to drive in 3 years with a manual transmission.

I think one thing s how much time is spent in traffic. I have driven both probably equal. Back in the day. I would drive, hold cell phone up to my ear, write notes, you name it. I never got in any accidents, but I was really fortunate. The bluetooth was a great invention. lol
I honestly believe its better to not give rookies a manual transmission. It's just more to think of, and also I wouldn't do that if the car had some ability to really get up and go.
EVERY teenage boy at some point will test the car and themselves.
I would go with the automatic for safety and ease. I dont know how many times I was stuck in traffic for hours in the rain cursing the stick shift.
Good Luck

 

[Morris]

Morris...

Not really sure what I want to be honest. Got the new car bug lately and my Accord is 8 years old.

Havent driven a stick in probably 20 years. I'm not a car person so I'm more curious on the plusses and minues of either.

I love the 2011 Mustangs. Havent owned one since early 80s. Just been walking a few lots trying to figure out what I want.

My 2002 Honda has been an absolute dream as far as maintenance. 140,000 miles and it's only cost me some new tires, a new battery, and a set of brakes. So I'm a bit hesitant to get away from the Accords, but I do love the new Mustangs.

Not looking for a show car. Really just go back and forth to work and the kids sports. Probably drive now only about 14,000 miles a year.

Sounds like you're going to use it as a family car for the most part and it is really up to you whether you want to shift at every light or not.

I have a show car that only comes out on sunny sundays and it has a 4 speed. Really nice to drive on those days but everyday around town I'll take the auto. GL on what you decide. Mustangs are nice looking cars and I'm sure you'll like it.

 

[dunclock]

you know with the texting, finding the right app, talking on your phone etc....switching all the channels to find the right tune, looking at the movie playing on your laptop, reaching in the back to get another brew...kinda makes it hard shifting the stick:shrug:

just kidding, and kills me all the times I see this being done on the road:scared

I think you live in the Balt/DC area and think you would tire of the gear changing with all the stop and go traffic...think I got old and decided I just wanted to start the car and work just the two pedals... but best of luck with your purchase...always an exciting time buying a new car!!!

 

[GENO]

most cars that have both options will be rated with both and you can compare EPA numbers manual and auto. Used to be manual was best MPG numbers regardless, but with lock up torque convertors and Overdrive in autos, the gap has narrowed. If I was commuting in town with a lot of stop and go I might be tempted to go auto. My daughter drives a 2002 Cavalier 5 spd manual and clutch lasted quite a while but she has paid for two clutch slave and master cylinders in about 140K. Check with a tech or parts guy at the brand you are thinking about as to repair records of trans in question. A little research can save you a lot of dough.

 

[Old School]

Not looking for a show car. Really just go back and forth to work and the kids sports. Probably drive now only about 14,000 miles a year.

:sadwave:

Wrong car for kiddie taxi and certainly the stick is the wrong transmission..


Wait for the "Mid-Life Crisis" and get yourself a Cobra..

My 2002 Honda has been an absolute dream as far as maintenance. 140,000 miles

ya got an easy 5 years left on the Honda..


60,000 more miles of commute and childrens' taxi and then pay cash for a Classic SVT Cobra in the Spring 2015




the car below was not designed nor intended to carry baseball cleats and soccer balls..

Vehicles are meant to get ya from point A. to point B. until you reach that place in life where your time is your own..

Then ....it's SHOW TIME

 

[layinwood]

Up until last year I hadn't had a manual in 20 years and then decided I wanted a fun weekend car so I got a Wrangler. I ended up getting it loaded out except for the an auto trans. I can tell you now that I wish I would have have gotten an auto. I drive my Jeep more than I do my car and love it but when I get in traffic it sucks.

Personally I think the only reason for you to get a manual is if you're going to be racing it. IMO it's like having a push lawnmower vs a self propelled one. At first it doesn't matter but in time it's just a pain in the butt.

 

[vinnie]

Morris...

Not really sure what I want to be honest. Got the new car bug lately and my Accord is 8 years old.

Havent driven a stick in probably 20 years. I'm not a car person so I'm more curious on the plusses and minues of either.

I love the 2011 Mustangs. Havent owned one since early 80s. Just been walking a few lots trying to figure out what I want.

My 2002 Honda has been an absolute dream as far as maintenance. 140,000 miles and it's only cost me some new tires, a new battery, and a set of brakes. So I'm a bit hesitant to get away from the Accords, but I do love the new Mustangs.

Not looking for a show car. Really just go back and forth to work and the kids sports. Probably drive now only about 14,000 miles a year.

I think your better off with an automatic. We got both manual for fun automatic's for everyday.

Manual shifting will be fun at first but it will get to be a pain after the fun gets old.

 

[The Joker]

I have made it clear to my wife that I want a Ferrari someday and I will plan on keeping it for about three years and then sell it. I just want one and always have. So, I am sure you have heard "If you get an sports car get a manual transmission." Well, I am thinking I would get an automatic, but only so my wife and other people can drive it. I don't want to be the only one to enjoy it.

 

[vinnie]

I have made it clear to my wife that I want a Ferrari someday and I will plan on keeping it for about three years and then sell it. I just want one and always have. So, I am sure you have heard "If you get an sports car get a manual transmission." Well, I am thinking I would get an automatic, but only so my wife and other people can drive it. I don't want to be the only one to enjoy it.

Getting a Ferrari with an automatic is like fucking with a rubber :sadwave:

 

[The Joker]

Getting a Ferrari with an automatic is like fucking with a rubber :sadwave:

Agreed. I want my wife and friends to drive it too. (Very few can handle it) Plus 80% of Ferrari's don't come with manual transmission. Little known fact.

 

[Full court press]

I have 130K on my 6 speed BMW 540 and still have the original clutch so a manual can last if well maintained and driven correctly. I just enjoy having my car respond to me rather than waiting for it to shift itself. I do like to push it to the limit at times as well. It's also my belief that driving a manual keeps the driver more alert and on their toes which is a good thing as well.

The auto will be easier to sell down the road and will fetch a bit more cash. It's all just a personal choice.
Hope you enjoy your Mustang, my wife has an automatic and it has been very reliable for her.

The new Ford Taurus SHO is a beast. A beautiful large sedan that can haul ass and look good while doing so. It's a much more comfortable car for passengers as well.

Have fun with the new ride !

 

[vinnie]

The new Ford Taurus SHO is a beast. A beautiful large sedan that can haul ass and look good while doing so. It's a much more comfortable car for passengers as well.

Good point a Mustang has almost no leg room at all in the back and sucks to get in & out.

 

[hawkeye]

If you are getting a Mustang I hope it is the GT--then definetley a stick. Have a 1997 GT only 21,000 miles on it--bring it out in late May and back in storage in October.--stick is the only way to go with them. GL

 

[Full court press]

If you are getting a Mustang I hope it is the GT--then definetley a stick. Have a 1997 GT only 21,000 miles on it--bring it out in late May and back in storage in October.--stick is the only way to go with them. GL

Very cool Hawk !!

When we finally get out west we'll line em up somewhere. That would be a blast !