2010 hyundai accent what model/trans to get
 

I have been looking to get a 2010/2011 hyundai accent hatchback (love how they look) I was looking at which model/trans to get. The blue/gl model has the highest mpg (barebone no ac model) and only comes in a manual. the gs which shares the same as the gl/blue specs but has ac etc and comes in a manual and auto (auto has a higher epa mpg thanks to the autos higher final gear) and the se which I love and hate (love the fog lights hate everything else especally the 16 in rims) has bigger rims and gets the same mpg as the gs (auto higher). Ive been trying to find out if the se since it has the 16 in rims has a different gear ratio or whatnot but couldnt find it out. Ive never driven a manual before but do know how and have been driving motorcycles for years so im assuming it wont be too hard to get used to but the manuals lower gear ratio makes me worry some about highway mpg (which I dont use muchbut when I do its for big trips. Any options

A well-driven manual will get MUCH better real world mileage than the same car with the automatic.

Even with taller highway gearing, I'd get the manual unless close to 100% of your driving is on the highway.

Here's why -- manuals are "handicapped" on the EPA test:
http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...ing-27416.html

Here's a 5mt vs automatic comparison (same car, similar ratings):
http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...cra-30059.html

Here's another one, 5MT vs CVT (same car, CVT rated higher):
http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...age-27384.html

Besides, a manual just makes the drive more enjoyable (yes, even in the city).

With all due respect to Hallmark Cards™, but a MANUAL is when "...you care enough to shift for yourself..."

Another vote for manual. I am one of the few who like a manual for its own sake. I'd be lying if I said the control wasn't nice, but I love the challenge of working three limbs together for a perfect shift, playing with clutchless shifts, etc. It's the core reason I like stick. The fact that you can get better FE with a manual is a big bonus, though .

Oh, and the automatics in those are a disaster. I have one in my wife's Rio.

After doing some more research I found the blue/gl also has a taller gear ratio then the other manual models (cant find the exact ratio but its highway mpg is 2 mpg higher then the other manual models aka the same as the automatic) so ill have to keep my eye out for one of those bad boys. The only reason I dont already have a manual is due to the fact I live in a hilly region with lots of streets with wonderful hilltops with stop signs or lights at them (massive roll back even in an auto)

Taller gearing? I'd definitely look for that one.

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And there's no reason to roll back on a hill with a manual shift:

1) Hand brake method (easiest, works on all grades)

2) Friction point method (depends on hill steepness)

3) Heel & toe (3-pedal operation) method for steeper hills (hardest).

Many newer manuals come with hill-start-assist as well (brakes are held on after releasing the pedal until the accelerator is pressed.)

I would choose manual with any gearing.