Why do you drive an automatic (unless you don't)?

[Thymeclock]

This is contingent on the type of driving you do. We live in citified environs (suburbia). I once owned a car that I bought new that was a manual and I enjoyed it, but the clutch was shot by 40K miles. Not that I don't know how to clutch, (believe me, I DO). But realize that when you drive almost exclusively in city traffic you cannot avoid needing to clutch and shift a lot, a great deal more than if you are in a rural environment doing mostly highway driving.

So for us having automatic transmissions is a 'must'. And changing the automatic tranny fluid helps too. So far none of my vehicles have needed transmission repair with over 100K miles on each, whereas one with a manual clutch would have worn out and needed replacement several times by now.

[bryn]

one of each, the E-350 turbo diesel van is an auto. it's good for towing, i've heard the sticks burn clutches really fast with a 10,000# trailer. the civic vx is a five speed, i don't really care either way, i will eoc an auto and drink coffee in a five speed. they each have their trade offs. i will say when i have a broken leg (twice in the last 3 years) i have gotten really good at clutchless shifting and timing lights, but you still need the clutch once in a while, hurts like crazy

[cfg83]

Old Tele man -

Originally Posted by Old Tele man

...although we've driven sticks for years & years, here recently, a bum left knee has reduced the wife to driving only automatics.

...and, that's why *we* drive automatics.

I have the manual and my wife has the automatic. She also has a bum knee. But, my Mom is in her 80's and she *prefers* a manual, which she only learned to drive about 15 years ago.

CarloSW2

[Nevyn]

The poll is missing an option.

"I couldn't get the car I wanted with a manual because TOWMBO can't drive stick and said no."

[user removed]

Driven both type easily over 100 k miles over the last 44 years. At 60 years I prefer an auto, but I do ride a motorcycle that gets over 80 MPG.

The 08 Altima CVT is quite nice and the wife has a 09 Rogue with the same engine and transmission. Nissan extended the warranty on their CVTs to 10 years and 120k miles.

On my car the torque converter locks up at 15 MPH when you accelerate slowly. It can go to 50 MPH and never exceed 1500 RPM.

As you get older, living in a very congested area, where traffic jams can catch you in a 3mile one hour crawl, driving a manual can be very frustrating.

When I coast in neutral in the Altima and shift back into gear, the car is amazing, at 45 MPH the RPMs stay at 1k for a couple of seconds before the TC locks back up, which with the CVT is basical a direct mechanical connection like a manual.

ON cruise control the RPMs doe not change when you climb a grade, as long as it is not severe they stay the same, unlike most automatics.

I prefer to concentrate on my situtional awareness over having to add thinking about shifting and other in car duties. To many stipid drivers around me all the time here.

If I lived out in the boonies, I would probably drive a stick, but the wife can't stand to be that far away from a $^&*() Wall Mart.

regards
Mech

[tumnasgt]

I'm thinking I should've added "I'm spoiled and have a DSG or CVT" because while they are automatic, they are nowhere near as crap.

Maybe one day someone will make a CVT with an automatic clutch instead of a TC, I'd almost certainly take one over a manual.

[user removed]

Originally Posted by tumnasgt

I'm thinking I should've added "I'm spoiled and have a DSG or CVT" because while they are automatic, they are nowhere near as crap.

Maybe one day someone will make a CVT with an automatic clutch instead of a TC, I'd almost certainly take one over a manual.

Pretty sure the original Honda Insight had that configuration.

Nice thing about the TC in the Altima is they use it like a clutch, with lockup at very low speeds to minimize the losses, but I don't have to worry about replacement of a clutch. I love the idea of a 6 speed dual clutch automated manual transmission. It follows my philosophy of the best of both worlds, especially when you consider the vast majority of drivers choose autos.

The old slush boxes are another thing altogether. I would never own another one of those, but many have more serious financial considerations, and my hat is off to them for working to get decent mileage.

regards
Mech

[dcb]

Originally Posted by Old Mechanic

...especially when you consider the vast majority of drivers choose autos...

They should add stick shift to drivers ed, The US is probably the only country where most people buy automatics. Other countries only teach stick, since any chimp can figure out an automatic, and would probably be appalled to drive one having learned stick

[sid]

Of the seven vehicles I've owned, five were manuals, including my last two. I find I can get much better fuel economy with a manual.

I live in an urban setting (Tampa Bay) and have no problems with sticks. The only vehicle I ever had any transmission problems with was an automatic, which cost a fortune to fix.

[LUVMY02CREW]

The S10 crew cab I drive didn't come with manual. This truck meets mine and my family's needs pretty well, so I can't complain too much.

BUT...if I had the money to, I would swap it over to manual in a heartbeat.