[ufgatorfan]

First of all. Hi to all you scionatics! Im hoping to put a deposit down within a month to get one.

So, Im one of those guys who likes to research, and research, AND research just about anything before I buy it. Im gonna be living doing some city driving and some highway driving(more highway) every day. Looking at a 30-45 minute commute to and from work everyday. (poor me).

Anyways, can someone explain to me the pros AND cons of having a manual. Some of my concerns.....

1) performace, low-mid-high ranges
2) durability
3) convenience
4) fun


I have driven a manual or two in my life, but never owned one. Some people I know swear by them, others go from manual to auto and love it. So, I do understand part of it is personal preference.

Thanks.

 

[topworm]

Automatics have already gotten to the point where they are usually more fuel-efficient than manuals, and will probably continue to improve with time. They are also much easier to drive in traffic, as manuals get very annoying if you do a lot of stop and go driving. I think what makes them more attractive to me, then, is that I think they are much more fun.

Manuals are still more responsive than most automatics (i.e. when you punch the gas, the engine power goes right to the gear you are in and straight to the drivetrain, whereas automatics tend to lag for a second or two before they find the right gear). I also like having control over which gear I'm in. With a manual I can decide whether I want to drive ultra conservative and save gas by switching at 1500 rpms, or if I need power (to accelerate past something or go up a hill) I can drop down a gear or two, go almost to redline, and get exactly the horsepower I need. Some automatics allow you to "sports shift" so you get more control, but I think the manual lets you choose more precisely.

It might help to understand how the two transmission types compare and contrast. I personally like http://auto.howstuffworks.com/transmission.htm and http://auto.howstuffworks.com/automatic-transmission.htm for an overview.

That said, I've driven both the manual and automatic tC and from my experience, the manual was significantly more responsive in acceleration, and the clutch had a very large friction point that would be easy to learn on. I'd test drive both if I were you and try to drive it in conditions that emulate your normal driving conditions (traffic flow) and see how you like 'em.

 

[Zygote55]

I haven't driven an auto tC, but the manual is great. I'm one of those people that HAS to have a manual. No other option. BUT...I don't drive in traffic much. The only real problem with the 5spd on the tC is that it needs to be a 6spd. 70mph puts you over 3k RPM...kind of high. The car has plenty of power all the way down to 2k rpm...even while climbing a small hill. Again, this is my experience with the manual. I haven't driven the auto tC.

 

[redwine]

All my cars have been manual. It's the fun factor & being more involved in driving. I have a 25 minute commute, 35-45mph speed limit, and absolutely would not have an automatic. My husband wanted to try one a few years ago so we bought a corolla w/automatic. Neither of us liked having an automatic. He sold it and got a manual Rav4.
I test drove the automatic tC. It wasn't for my taste. I don't mean to offend drivers who prefer automatic. Just my 2 cents.