In the UK or Japan, I'd opt for an automatic. I drove a rental stick in Ireland about 10 years ago, and it was awful trying to shift that thing with my left hand. Ground the gears quite a bit. But what the heck it was a rental ;-).
The Most Important Automobile Question
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imperialmarkxii
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Double Clutching. ...
Yes, VolvoGuy, in an 18-wheeler; with the best of them! ... And some of the best are WOMEN! (Circle of Excellence Award winning drivers; Swift Trucking. ...
Though I don't drive Big Rigs for a living, I DO hold & maintain a fully endorsed Class "A" Dr. License with valid medical certificate (CA. state law requires the certificates to be updated every two yrs; in other words- physical exam.)
BTW Fully Endorsed, except for Haz-Mat. Since 9/11 DMV. gets another $125 for this endorsement (which I don't need currently) because applicants must go through through Homeland Security screening now.
On a personal level, I can appreciate a "stick", but I would be "cheating" my SILVERADO hydra-matic that I so love.
-Russell ...
PS. That $125 may be more now than I first heard about it several years ago.
Yes, VolvoGuy, in an 18-wheeler; with the best of them! ... And some of the best are WOMEN! (Circle of Excellence Award winning drivers; Swift Trucking. ...
Though I don't drive Big Rigs for a living, I DO hold & maintain a fully endorsed Class "A" Dr. License with valid medical certificate (CA. state law requires the certificates to be updated every two yrs; in other words- physical exam.)
BTW Fully Endorsed, except for Haz-Mat. Since 9/11 DMV. gets another $125 for this endorsement (which I don't need currently) because applicants must go through through Homeland Security screening now.
On a personal level, I can appreciate a "stick", but I would be "cheating" my SILVERADO hydra-matic that I so love.
-Russell ...
PS. That $125 may be more now than I first heard about it several years ago.
spankomatic
Well-known member
For years I drove cars with manual transmissions. They were a lot of fun. I discovered though using the clutch was causing problems with my lower back. Driving an automatic really helped with the lower back problems. My first Toyota 4 runner was a manuel transmission. My second 4 runner was automatic and much more enjoyable to drive. Seems the manuel transmissions were funner in smaller cars. I drive a Toyota Pruis now. Can not imagine a hybrid with a manual transmission.
Here in Germany,
It is normal to learn how to drive with a standard transmission. Otherwise, there are limits as to what you may drive put on your driving license.
It's not that hard and even tho' double-clutching isn't necessary with modern transmissions, I did learn how to do it back in the non-fully-sync'd days.
Personally, I find the modern automatics just as easy and pleasant to drive, especially in stop and go traffic. Since the electronically controlled automatic in my Chevy in the 'States permits starting in 2nd, I have found an automatic to no longer be a problem in winter.
At this point in the technology, I'd have to say that automatics are now better at saving fuel than I am and with the stability control, traction control and abs systems we now have, just as safe in difficult conditions.
As for learning to drive, I am a firm believer in driver's ed and the American decision to eliminate it from the school curricula was of far more serious consequence than the question of whether one should learn how to properly drive stick or not.
It is normal to learn how to drive with a standard transmission. Otherwise, there are limits as to what you may drive put on your driving license.
It's not that hard and even tho' double-clutching isn't necessary with modern transmissions, I did learn how to do it back in the non-fully-sync'd days.
Personally, I find the modern automatics just as easy and pleasant to drive, especially in stop and go traffic. Since the electronically controlled automatic in my Chevy in the 'States permits starting in 2nd, I have found an automatic to no longer be a problem in winter.
At this point in the technology, I'd have to say that automatics are now better at saving fuel than I am and with the stability control, traction control and abs systems we now have, just as safe in difficult conditions.
As for learning to drive, I am a firm believer in driver's ed and the American decision to eliminate it from the school curricula was of far more serious consequence than the question of whether one should learn how to properly drive stick or not.
another perspective
I think we should all be lent one (apiece) and given several years to fully investigate the system.
I think we should all be lent one (apiece) and given several years to fully investigate the system.
moonvalleycacti
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 10, 2009
- Messages
- 141
Prius-
Ok i have had numours encounters with Prius's.. THE MAJORITY (not every one) can not drive them.. After nearly being killed by one recently (in lieu of hitting me, becuase she floord it and relized her prius couldnt out accerlate my Hyundai Santa Fe), she took out a Nissan Maxima, and up onto a sidewalk into a phone pole.. Car held up well, but was toast.. Not a Huge yota fan unless there older.. Anything after like 1998-1999 is a boring, classless car..
I have driven both and i drive automatics now cause there eaiser to handle...
My 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe V6 has an automatic and it has 132K on the original transmisson. Knock on wood i can get another 60K out of it with minor repairs... My Hyundai is such an awesome SUV.. I get 24 mpgs and i honestly would rather pay for gas to drive my SUV
ALso have a 99 Ford Truck now and its good, and the automatic shifts nice, but jerks.. GAs mileage is 21ish...
My Corolla and Focus both got 25-26 and the corolla was manual, focus automatic.. No diffrent to my Santa FE... At least my Elantra got 31... Wish i never sold it
Ok i have had numours encounters with Prius's.. THE MAJORITY (not every one) can not drive them.. After nearly being killed by one recently (in lieu of hitting me, becuase she floord it and relized her prius couldnt out accerlate my Hyundai Santa Fe), she took out a Nissan Maxima, and up onto a sidewalk into a phone pole.. Car held up well, but was toast.. Not a Huge yota fan unless there older.. Anything after like 1998-1999 is a boring, classless car..
I have driven both and i drive automatics now cause there eaiser to handle...
My 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe V6 has an automatic and it has 132K on the original transmisson. Knock on wood i can get another 60K out of it with minor repairs... My Hyundai is such an awesome SUV.. I get 24 mpgs and i honestly would rather pay for gas to drive my SUV
ALso have a 99 Ford Truck now and its good, and the automatic shifts nice, but jerks.. GAs mileage is 21ish...
My Corolla and Focus both got 25-26 and the corolla was manual, focus automatic.. No diffrent to my Santa FE... At least my Elantra got 31... Wish i never sold it
another perspective
I think we should all be lent one (apiece) and given several years to fully investigate the system.
I think we should all be lent one (apiece) and given several years to fully investigate the system.
Maytagbear
I don't doubt that the Prius is a lovely car - though, never having sat in, let alone driven one, I wouldn't know. In my curiosity I asked a Toyota dealer and that was the info he gave me. When petrol was getting pricey there suddenly was a notable presence of hybrids and smart cars, but as quickly as they appeared they disappeared again and it got me curious.
rapunzel
I don't doubt that the Prius is a lovely car - though, never having sat in, let alone driven one, I wouldn't know. In my curiosity I asked a Toyota dealer and that was the info he gave me. When petrol was getting pricey there suddenly was a notable presence of hybrids and smart cars, but as quickly as they appeared they disappeared again and it got me curious.
rapunzel
"Don't know about OZ, but in the UK if one has a license to drive a manual transmission, then one can drive an automatic. However if one has a license to drive an automatic, then that is all one is allowed to drive."
The above statement is correct for Australia as well. I got my license in a manual, but haven't driven one in years and can count people who own a manual car on one hand.
rapunzel
The above statement is correct for Australia as well. I got my license in a manual, but haven't driven one in years and can count people who own a manual car on one hand.
rapunzel
I love driving a manual. All but one of my cars has been manual.
-'79 Mustang 4 speed
-'87 S-10 4 speed.
-'93 Ranger 5 speed.
-'95 Explorer 5 speed
-'98 Stratus 4 speed Auto.
-'09 Ranger 5 speed.
Yesterday, I went to my home town, and I put the Scan Gauge, and both ways I got 34.7 MPG on my brand new Ranger.
My partner has a Prius, and his last fill, he got 54 MPG. I have driven the car and have no issues with passing, has plenty of power to pass.
Also, on the Prius, there is no up and down shifting, it uses they called "CVT"
en.wikipedia.org
-'79 Mustang 4 speed
-'87 S-10 4 speed.
-'93 Ranger 5 speed.
-'95 Explorer 5 speed
-'98 Stratus 4 speed Auto.
-'09 Ranger 5 speed.
Yesterday, I went to my home town, and I put the Scan Gauge, and both ways I got 34.7 MPG on my brand new Ranger.
My partner has a Prius, and his last fill, he got 54 MPG. I have driven the car and have no issues with passing, has plenty of power to pass.
Also, on the Prius, there is no up and down shifting, it uses they called "CVT"
Continuously variable transmission - Wikipedia
spankomatic
Well-known member
Prius experience...
My previous cars:
1974 Chevy Vega
1976 Chevy Monza
1982 Toyota Tercel
1984 Toyota Tercel
1986 Isuzu Impulse
1990 Toyota 4 Runner
1991 Mitzubishi Eclipes
2000 Toyota 4 Runner
2008 Toyota Prius
Out of all of these the Toyota Prius is by far the easiest car I have ever driven. It has nice features. To start it you just push a button,that easy. No mechanical transmission selector here... just a little electronically controled knob,easy as flipping a switch. 80 mph on the freeway,smooth as glass. Speaking of gas.. The fuel savings from the 4Runner makes the car payment on the Prius,no joke. I would highly recommend it for elerly people,it's that easy to drive. Staying on the transmisson topic the CVT is great. It never shifts or changes gears. Goes right up steep grades with no problem.
Jim
My previous cars:
1974 Chevy Vega
1976 Chevy Monza
1982 Toyota Tercel
1984 Toyota Tercel
1986 Isuzu Impulse
1990 Toyota 4 Runner
1991 Mitzubishi Eclipes
2000 Toyota 4 Runner
2008 Toyota Prius
Out of all of these the Toyota Prius is by far the easiest car I have ever driven. It has nice features. To start it you just push a button,that easy. No mechanical transmission selector here... just a little electronically controled knob,easy as flipping a switch. 80 mph on the freeway,smooth as glass. Speaking of gas.. The fuel savings from the 4Runner makes the car payment on the Prius,no joke. I would highly recommend it for elerly people,it's that easy to drive. Staying on the transmisson topic the CVT is great. It never shifts or changes gears. Goes right up steep grades with no problem.
Jim
Overhere in the Netherlands there you can also get a drivers licence for automatic cars only. In the past you were allowed to drive cars with manual gears after five years. IIRC that is not longer allowed. Once a auto license, always an auto driver.
I love the Prius, I've looked at it before, but with the high prices of cars in this country I can't afford one.
I love the Prius, I've looked at it before, but with the high prices of cars in this country I can't afford one.
Mayguy . . .
I'm not surprised your new Ranger gets good mileage. My sister has an '04 Mazda B2300, four cylinder five speed. It's pretty much the same truck, built in the Ford plant in New Jersey, and can easily get in the upper twenties on the highway at 75-80 mph. That's pretty damned good for a truck. Finding it was really hard because Ford and Mazda dealers generally only stock the four cylinder in stripper form. If you want power windows and locks, tilt wheel, cruise, and the nice interior they almost always come with the V-6 and automatic. After failing to find what she wanted in Los Angeles I did an internet search over almost the entire state and found three loaded trucks with the four cylinder and five speed, one Ford in San Diego and two Mazdas in the Central Valley. She ended up doing the deal over the phone, then we drove 300 miles up to Stockton a few days later and got it. Like I wrote earlier, dealerships hate to order manuals and will work hard to talk you into an automatic. In this case, the local Ford and Mazda dealerships lost out on a sale because of this attitude.
I just hope when Ford replaces the Ranger/Mazda B-Series that they don't make it bigger. It's a great little truck, economical, reliable, and not bad to drive, and making it larger and heavier wouldn't help anything.
I'm not surprised your new Ranger gets good mileage. My sister has an '04 Mazda B2300, four cylinder five speed. It's pretty much the same truck, built in the Ford plant in New Jersey, and can easily get in the upper twenties on the highway at 75-80 mph. That's pretty damned good for a truck. Finding it was really hard because Ford and Mazda dealers generally only stock the four cylinder in stripper form. If you want power windows and locks, tilt wheel, cruise, and the nice interior they almost always come with the V-6 and automatic. After failing to find what she wanted in Los Angeles I did an internet search over almost the entire state and found three loaded trucks with the four cylinder and five speed, one Ford in San Diego and two Mazdas in the Central Valley. She ended up doing the deal over the phone, then we drove 300 miles up to Stockton a few days later and got it. Like I wrote earlier, dealerships hate to order manuals and will work hard to talk you into an automatic. In this case, the local Ford and Mazda dealerships lost out on a sale because of this attitude.
I just hope when Ford replaces the Ranger/Mazda B-Series that they don't make it bigger. It's a great little truck, economical, reliable, and not bad to drive, and making it larger and heavier wouldn't help anything.
hooverwheelaway
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- Joined
- Jul 24, 2005
- Messages
- 1,490
Manual!
I love driving a manual transmission!
There's definitely something about a manual transmission that allows one to be more connected with the car. When given a choice, I will probably always get a vehicle with a manual transmission. Granted, I know there are autos out there where it's not an option... and I likely wouldn't purchase one of them. Granted, every now and then I like driving an automatic....to remind me why I like driving a manual.
All three cars I've owned have been manual transmission:
1993 Volkswagen Fox
2000 Mazda Protege
2007 Mazda 3
When I got my license, both of my parents had manual transmissions... Mom in her 1997 VW Cabrio, Dad in his 1994 Mazda Protege, and Dad's "mid life crisis" car - 1975 MG.
So, naturally--I just learned and loved.
My sister also learned how to drive a manual transmission ((and a new clutch later, finally did learn)) she currently has a 1999 Civic.
Mom got a newer 2001 VW Cabrio, still a manual.. and Dad is in a 2001 BMW 325i, also with a manual transmission.
I love driving a manual transmission!
There's definitely something about a manual transmission that allows one to be more connected with the car. When given a choice, I will probably always get a vehicle with a manual transmission. Granted, I know there are autos out there where it's not an option... and I likely wouldn't purchase one of them. Granted, every now and then I like driving an automatic....to remind me why I like driving a manual.
All three cars I've owned have been manual transmission:
1993 Volkswagen Fox
2000 Mazda Protege
2007 Mazda 3
When I got my license, both of my parents had manual transmissions... Mom in her 1997 VW Cabrio, Dad in his 1994 Mazda Protege, and Dad's "mid life crisis" car - 1975 MG.
So, naturally--I just learned and loved.
My sister also learned how to drive a manual transmission ((and a new clutch later, finally did learn)) she currently has a 1999 Civic.
Mom got a newer 2001 VW Cabrio, still a manual.. and Dad is in a 2001 BMW 325i, also with a manual transmission.
xraytech
Well-known member
I learned or more like attempted to learn to drive manual, in dad's 1995 Ford F-150 5 speed with inline 6 engine and 8 ft. bed, I had a really hard time with this.
I also spent more time in grandpap's 1979 GMC Sierra with the 3 speed manual on the column, it had the 6 ft step side bed, this was much easier for me.
But once I got my liscence I have only had automatic by choice and all my choices only come with automatic, all my cars in the past 7 years have been:
-1990 Buick LeSabre Custom
-2002 Chevy Impala
-1991 Buick Century Custom
-1999 Buick Park Avenue
-2006 Ford Crown Victoria LX
-2001 Cadillac DeVille
-2006 Lincoln Town Car Signature Series
Currently I still have the Town Car and DeVille and often drive my mothers Park Avenue, and hopefully adding a 1996 Buick Roadmaster Estate wagon with the LT1 engine to the fleet soon.
I also spent more time in grandpap's 1979 GMC Sierra with the 3 speed manual on the column, it had the 6 ft step side bed, this was much easier for me.
But once I got my liscence I have only had automatic by choice and all my choices only come with automatic, all my cars in the past 7 years have been:
-1990 Buick LeSabre Custom
-2002 Chevy Impala
-1991 Buick Century Custom
-1999 Buick Park Avenue
-2006 Ford Crown Victoria LX
-2001 Cadillac DeVille
-2006 Lincoln Town Car Signature Series
Currently I still have the Town Car and DeVille and often drive my mothers Park Avenue, and hopefully adding a 1996 Buick Roadmaster Estate wagon with the LT1 engine to the fleet soon.
UK Driving License Laws
Not hijack one's own thread, but the UK has rather common sense laws regarding licenses. Many states in the US could take a few lessons.
For one thing newly licensed drivers only hold a "temporary" license, which may be surrendered in about 2 years or so for a permanent one. However if one gets a certain number of points while holding a temp license, it is taken away and one has to wait several years and start the whole process of obtaining a license all over again, including drivers ed.
As poor "Martin Fowler" on EastEnders found out, there are VERY serious consequences for driving without and or a suspended license, especially if one causes bodily harm and or death. A person can find themselves sent down for several months.
L.
Not hijack one's own thread, but the UK has rather common sense laws regarding licenses. Many states in the US could take a few lessons.
For one thing newly licensed drivers only hold a "temporary" license, which may be surrendered in about 2 years or so for a permanent one. However if one gets a certain number of points while holding a temp license, it is taken away and one has to wait several years and start the whole process of obtaining a license all over again, including drivers ed.
As poor "Martin Fowler" on EastEnders found out, there are VERY serious consequences for driving without and or a suspended license, especially if one causes bodily harm and or death. A person can find themselves sent down for several months.
L.
I got a Manual License in 1997 as it was seen to be a big loser to get an Auto only license by my peers. It is as Rapunzel states, Manual license can drive Auto, Auto license drives Auto only. In Queensland now, you have to spend a minimum of 12 months on your Learners Permit (Must have a licensed Driver with you, log booking driving time to get Provisional License), 12 months on a restricted Provisional License (Limited to 80km/hr 4 Points on your license and time limits around the number of passengers.) Then you spend 3 years on a Provisional License with no Speed or passenger Limits, but still limited to 4 points, and then after that it becomes an Open license with 12 points.
As an example of how easily you could blow all the points on a restricted license, on a recent trip to Victoria (1600km each way), Michel got clocked by a mobile speed camera doing 115kmh in a 100 zone in the middle of nowhere. Fine was $200AUD and 3 points.
I grew up in the country and all the cars we ever had were manual, 76 Ford Cortina Wagon, 81 Ford XD Falcon, 1986 Mazda 626, 1991 Mazda 626 (The Car I learnt to drive in) and Mums current car a 2000 Mazda 626.
The first car I bought was a 1991 GMH Commodore with the Buick V6 and a 4spd Electronic Auto. The Second was a 1997 Ford Falcon Futura with the 4spd Auto and I6 engine, the Third was a 2000 Ford Fairmont Wagon with the same Auto and Engine and the Current one is a 2008 Ford BFII Falcon Futura Wagon with the most amazing 4spd Auto and the Dual VVT I6 engine.
I still drive both and find Mums Mazda to be the worlds easiest Manual to drive. Having driven Ford and GMH 6cyl manuals the gearing was wrong, the gearshift very harsh and really just not worth the hassel. First gear in the fords was good from 0 to 15kmh and then you had to change up to second before you redlined at 30kmh. In traffic it was a nightmare.
Up until this current car, I found the 4spd autos to be horrible things, lumpy shifts big gaps between ratios and compared to the 5spd Autos in our Landcruiser, just feeling really old and horrible. The Auto in the current car, which was the Ford update from early 2007 is just amazing. Perfectly smooth shifts, even on half throttle kickdown it just seamlessly moves through the gears, with only the engine note providing a clue that a gear change has happened.
For small cars, I say a manual, as it is much easier to really wring the power out of a smaller engine (Although the cheap small autos are getting more efficient) for large cars with more than 150kw, the auto is better at getting the power down to the road.
As an example of how easily you could blow all the points on a restricted license, on a recent trip to Victoria (1600km each way), Michel got clocked by a mobile speed camera doing 115kmh in a 100 zone in the middle of nowhere. Fine was $200AUD and 3 points.
I grew up in the country and all the cars we ever had were manual, 76 Ford Cortina Wagon, 81 Ford XD Falcon, 1986 Mazda 626, 1991 Mazda 626 (The Car I learnt to drive in) and Mums current car a 2000 Mazda 626.
The first car I bought was a 1991 GMH Commodore with the Buick V6 and a 4spd Electronic Auto. The Second was a 1997 Ford Falcon Futura with the 4spd Auto and I6 engine, the Third was a 2000 Ford Fairmont Wagon with the same Auto and Engine and the Current one is a 2008 Ford BFII Falcon Futura Wagon with the most amazing 4spd Auto and the Dual VVT I6 engine.
I still drive both and find Mums Mazda to be the worlds easiest Manual to drive. Having driven Ford and GMH 6cyl manuals the gearing was wrong, the gearshift very harsh and really just not worth the hassel. First gear in the fords was good from 0 to 15kmh and then you had to change up to second before you redlined at 30kmh. In traffic it was a nightmare.
Up until this current car, I found the 4spd autos to be horrible things, lumpy shifts big gaps between ratios and compared to the 5spd Autos in our Landcruiser, just feeling really old and horrible. The Auto in the current car, which was the Ford update from early 2007 is just amazing. Perfectly smooth shifts, even on half throttle kickdown it just seamlessly moves through the gears, with only the engine note providing a clue that a gear change has happened.
For small cars, I say a manual, as it is much easier to really wring the power out of a smaller engine (Although the cheap small autos are getting more efficient) for large cars with more than 150kw, the auto is better at getting the power down to the road.
Real men shift gears. What's good enough for a real man is good enough for me.
I also prefer manual transmissions. When I buy a car, in fact, that is one of the "must haves."
Some comment about the trouble in city driving. I suppose there is truth to that, although--frankly--I find that city driving irritates me regardless of whether or not I have to shift gears.
I also prefer manual transmissions. When I buy a car, in fact, that is one of the "must haves."
Some comment about the trouble in city driving. I suppose there is truth to that, although--frankly--I find that city driving irritates me regardless of whether or not I have to shift gears.
I prefer a manual transmissions.
I just enjoy and prefer "rowing" through the gears! I don't refuse to drive an "auto" though because of the 3 cars I have, one is a 5-speed manual, one is a 4-speed auto and the third (my daily driver) is a CVT.
The daily driver is a Camry Hybrid and boy did that CVT take some getting used to and I am used to it, but talk about a BORING car to drive, GEESH! (I have to explain, I am a "car guy" and I would prefer to drive something fun or entertaining or interesting. Don't get me wrong, the Camry Hybrid is a great car, but it's just a "lack luster and uninspiring" car to drive.) But I suppose I can't complain too much since I do get 33-34 MPG around town and 38-40 on the open road.
I would drive my 5-speed car on a more regular basis, but with a supercharged, 5 liter V8, the fuel economy is.... umm... "not the greatest" and I do tend to "enjoy" the power when I do drive it!
The 4 SP auto car is a 16 year old, Japanese luxury car with 201K miles on the clock. It's still a very nice, comfortable car that runs great and has no leaks or problems. However it gets exactly half the MPG the Camry gets, so it gets driven less.
While I really do prefer any car with a manual trans, there are times it IS nice to have an auto trans. While I have been very fortunate having never had to deal with heavy "rush hour" traffic, but I can see the benefit to having an automatic when you spend many hours in the car on a daily basis.
I just enjoy and prefer "rowing" through the gears! I don't refuse to drive an "auto" though because of the 3 cars I have, one is a 5-speed manual, one is a 4-speed auto and the third (my daily driver) is a CVT.
The daily driver is a Camry Hybrid and boy did that CVT take some getting used to and I am used to it, but talk about a BORING car to drive, GEESH! (I have to explain, I am a "car guy" and I would prefer to drive something fun or entertaining or interesting. Don't get me wrong, the Camry Hybrid is a great car, but it's just a "lack luster and uninspiring" car to drive.) But I suppose I can't complain too much since I do get 33-34 MPG around town and 38-40 on the open road.
I would drive my 5-speed car on a more regular basis, but with a supercharged, 5 liter V8, the fuel economy is.... umm... "not the greatest" and I do tend to "enjoy" the power when I do drive it!
The 4 SP auto car is a 16 year old, Japanese luxury car with 201K miles on the clock. It's still a very nice, comfortable car that runs great and has no leaks or problems. However it gets exactly half the MPG the Camry gets, so it gets driven less.
While I really do prefer any car with a manual trans, there are times it IS nice to have an auto trans. While I have been very fortunate having never had to deal with heavy "rush hour" traffic, but I can see the benefit to having an automatic when you spend many hours in the car on a daily basis.
