Automatic or manual transmission

[Cataholic]

Manual, the only way to drive! It isn't even a thought anymore....the foot and the hand on the shift work by themselves.

[sirrahbed]

I learned on an automatic 40 years ago Ten years ago my hubby went on a one year remote and so I finally HAD to learn to drive a manual and found it such fun!! I wish I had learned it originally. But since then we have gone back to automatics and probably will stick with them. Less to think about!! A few years back, daughter Sirrahsim also faced a six month hubby remote and I taught her to drive a stick so she could borrow her brother's car to use and now that is all she really likes!!

[Taz_Zoee]

I have tried several times to learn to drive a manual. No luck. I WANT to know how just in case of an emergency type situation. My car and Bruce's truck are both automatic, so no learning here. But my SIL has a manual. Maybe some day I'll learn.

Although, years ago my friend got a used VW Cabriolet. I drove it once and didn't stall AT ALL. I was so pleased. She was not happy because when she first got it she stalled ALL the time. LOL

[k9krazee]

Automatic! I've driven a manual before in our yard, but I think I'd be afraid to drive it on the road. I'm in the process of looking for a car and my dad keeps finding/suggesting manuals, they just seem like a lot of work and I'd rather just relax and not have to think about shifting!

[cassiesmom]

I had two manual transmission cars in a row. Now I'm on my third automatic. I wouldn't hesitate to drive a car with a manual transmission again, though.

[chocolatepuppy]

Manual here.

I heard of more failed carjacking of a stick shift cars by young punks
who can only drive automatic.

Ha ha! Maybe my truck will never get stolen!

Definitely Automatic, my car is an automatic and I think my future cars will all be that way. Manuals seem like a pain to drive.

Not a pain, fun!

[DJFyrewolf36]

I learned to drive an automatic first and then learned manual when I got the Festiva. I felt a lot more confident on the road when I learned how to drive a manual trans, and its also gotten me a couple of really good temp jobs. I can drive just about anything on the road

I do agree it takes a lot of practice though, and some people just aren't wired to do it. It does make you a LOT more attentive to the road however. I find that if I drive automatics long distances my attention tends to drift.

[Twisterdog]

My current car is an automatic, but most of my cars have been manuals. I like to drive manuals, more fun. Also I feel more confident on bad roads if I am in control of which gear I'm in without relying on braking to get me there.

However, if you are just learning to drive, an automatic is certainly easier.

[Freedom]

Wish I knew how to use a manual. Saves on gas mileage and lower price when you buy a car.

My training was all on automatic. Come time to buy my first car (prior to that, I used the family car), I really wanted a manual.

Sales guy: NO PROBLEM! I'll take you out back of the lot and you will have it in NO TIME!

CAR: Kangaroo hop .. kangaroo hop .. kangaroo hop

Sales guy: Um, why do you let me drive the car back to it spot. I think you have to get an automatic. Hope my manager doesn't find out what we just did to this brand new car!


I've had automatic ever since!

[Asiel]

We all learned on a stick here because we had VW cars being German.
Now I have a Camry which I love love love love.

This is our first VW van, last one was a Toyota but didn't want to chance that with all the flack they're having.

How does the VW compare to other cars Marigold?

We had no clue but the van is basically a Chrysler Town and Country, the two companies merged. So far it handles real nice and the ride is very smooth.

[kokopup]

In my younger years I drove Manual and Automatic equally. In my old age I drive Automatic in my main transportation, An Audi A4. I have the advantage of both manual and Auto. with Tiptronic. In manual mode It drives like a manual just without a clutch. I have a 81 VW Pickup truck that has a 5 speed manual that I enjoy driving because it is so quick and very economical.

Asiel

This is our first VW van, last one was a Toyota but didn't want to chance that with all the flack they're having.

How does the VW compare to other cars Marigold?

We had no clue but the van is basically a Chrysler Town and Country, the two companies merged. So far it handles real nice and the ride is very smooth.

The VW van is basically a Chrysler but is modified by VW to have a different feel than you get in the Chrysler. They have modified the suspension and some interior treatment. Chrysler and VW did not merge. Chrysler is making the VW Van but that is all there is to their relationship. VW is the worlds largest automaker making brands like Bentley, Lamborghini, Porsche, Audi, and VW just to name a few.

[Suki Wingy]

I currently don't have a car since my old one kicked the bucket but my last one was an automatic. My next car will be whatever's cheapest since I really want to learn how to drive a manual.

[pomtzu]

Manual, the only way to drive! It isn't even a thought anymore....the foot and the hand on the shift work by themselves.

Agreed - it's just second nature once you do it for a while. On rare occasions if I have to drive an automatic, I find myself using both feet instead of just one. Feeling for that invisible clutch is pretty funny too!!! Old habits die hard

[wombat2u2004]

I have both, so it's not even an issue for me. I do find the stick shift more controllable tho, and yes, manuals are better fuel wise.
AND, if for some reason you get a flat battery, you can clutch start a manual, and that will at least get you to a workshop or home....with an automatic yer stuck.

[Killearn Kitties]

Agreed - it's just second nature once you do it for a while. On rare occasions if I have to drive an automatic, I find myself using both feet instead of just one. Feeling for that invisible clutch is pretty funny too!!! Old habits die hard

Reminds me of the time I foolishly hired a car in San Francisco and spent a fair amount of time groping for my gear stick in the door pocket.