Manual or Automatic Transmission. Which do you prefer?

General discussions about the Pontiac Vibe & Toyota Matrix. New members, introduce yourself here!
Brandort3
Posts: 97
Joined: Wed Oct 26, 2011 10:44 pm

Manual or Automatic Transmission. Which do you prefer?

Post by Brandort3 »

I have a 2003 Vibe GT and i love the fact that its a 6 speed manual. I would so much rather have a manual than an automatic because to me, its just that much more fun to drive! So now i want to know, what does my GenVibe Family prefer?!
Image
GMJAP
Posts: 1820
Joined: Thu Sep 02, 2004 4:24 am

Re: Manual or Automatic Transmission. Which do you prefer? (Brandort3)

Post by GMJAP »

manual!
2005 Platinum Base ManualSide & Curtain AirbagsABSPower PackageTinted Windows"Mods": 'old-style' center armrest, center +12v, wheelskins leather steering wheel, AC/Recirc blue backlight, beeps on keyless entry, dome light switch, AC insulation, PCD10 10-disc CD/MP3 changer, AAI-GM12 AUX audio input, K&N filter, "shark fin" antenna.
Houston
Posts: 786
Joined: Fri Nov 01, 2002 3:04 am

Re: Manual or Automatic Transmission. Which do you prefer? (Brandort3)

Post by Houston »

I prefer the automatic transmission. My first car back in '63 was a 1960 Mercury Comet with a manual. Then I got a new '64 Comet Caliente with an automatic transmission and I've stayed with automatics ever since. I think, for the most part, some younger people prefer manual transmissions because they're "more fun," but having to constantly shift gets old after awhile. It used to be that manuals were quicker than automatics, but this is no longer always true. Whichever floats your boat is what you should get.
2009 Base 2.4L with a few add-ons.
User avatar
joatmon
Posts: 10018
Joined: Fri Mar 21, 2003 5:19 am
Location: SMC MD

Post by joatmon »

having had to shell out the bucks for a replacement for the POS glass 5 speed in my 03 vibe, my favorite is/would be automatic.
Image
Old Tele man
Posts: 668
Joined: Sat May 02, 2009 6:15 am

Post by Old Tele man »

...me? manual...wife? automatic...guess who wins this decision (see below)?
...and the Devil said: "...yes, but it's a DRY heat!"
• 2014 Prius 1.8L eCVT
• 2009 Vibe 1.8L 4A
• 2004 Vibe 1.8L 4A
DirtDevil
Posts: 19
Joined: Sat Feb 11, 2012 5:34 am

Re: (Old Tele man)

Post by DirtDevil »

Quote, originally posted by Old Tele man »...me? manual...wife? automatic...guess who wins this decision (see below)?Lucky for me both me and my fiance prefer manual. She owns a scion xa manual and i have the vibe manual (problem is she can be more of a man then some men sometimes. she hunts and ENJOYS gutting the deer). Will never drive an automatic again. I drove my jeep and it was auto. I got bored quick. the stick keeps me occupied so i dont do something like text and drive
Turner Buick GMC(717)354-4451 x122(484)639-1921I dare you to call me
10vibe
Posts: 229
Joined: Tue Nov 30, 2010 10:52 pm

Re: (Old Tele man)

Post by 10vibe »

Good thing you have a lot of "patients" with your wife!(inside joke, for those who wonder)
2010 Vibe 1.8 auto, fwd, base, air, preferred package, cargo mgt, cargo cover, ultra white.
tpollauf
Posts: 4025
Joined: Wed Jan 20, 2010 11:37 am
Location: Toledo/Oregon, Port Clinton Ohio
Contact:

Re: Manual or Automatic Transmission. Which do you prefer? (GMJAP)

Post by tpollauf »

Quote, originally posted by GMJAP » manual! x2 First car was a '63 Plymouth Valiant with the small 170 slant six and "3 on the tree". Then my Chevy truck, '78 with the inline 250, and also "3 on the tree", then a pair of '74 GM F-bodies both with small block Chevys and a 3-spd Saginaw in the Firebird, and a close ration 4-spd Muncie in the Camaro, then I downsized to an '87 Ford Escort, 1.9L and a 4-speed, then I replaced my Chevy truck with then a new (and still own it) '92 F-150, inline 300 with 5-speed on the floor, and finally my Vibe GT 5-speed.Do you see a pattern here or what MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS all the way baby
Image
2009 Vibe GT (manual), 2009 G8Gt, 2009 Vibe GT (auto)
2014 Silverado, 2004 Vibe GT

"everything is modifiable"
User avatar
trb
Posts: 1670
Joined: Thu May 08, 2008 4:06 am
Location: Houston, TX

Re: (Old Tele man)

Post by trb »

Quote, originally posted by Old Tele man »...me? manual...wife? automatic...guess who wins this decision (see below)?Ditto for me! I wanted a manual in my 10 GT, simply because I much prefer being in total control of what gear I am in. I hate the slow automatic downshifts in most cars. At least with the Vibe I can sometimes drop it down a couple of gears in the Sport mode so I am in 3rd or 2nd and ready to punch it to pull into an opening in the other lane.I'm saving the next manual trans for a newer Mustang, maybe a 2012 GT in a couple of years. That way my wife can't complain about it too much. It won't be the "family car".
Thomas
the "Mustang Guy"
1987 5.0 LX Mustang
2016 Mustang GT - current daily
2004 Satellite Vibe &
2009 Red Vibe GT -twin's cars
2003 Neptune Vibe GT - prior daily
2010 Red Vibe GT - RIP 6/16/14
2006 Platinum Vibe - son's car
09vGT
Posts: 1457
Joined: Thu Aug 13, 2009 10:36 am
Location: Little Rock, AR

Post by 09vGT »

Automatic. I've got other things to do than shift. The Vibe has a perfect seating position for me to drive with my knees
KITT222
Posts: 2257
Joined: Sat Dec 04, 2010 1:45 pm
Location: Flint, Michigan

Post by KITT222 »

every car I get after the Vibe will be a manual. At the time I didn't know how to drive one, that and the only manual Vibe on Craigslist at the time was too expensive. I may do a manual swap eventually. The automatic is archaic, and it does seem like the ratios are too far apart at times. My throttle position can at times be between gears, so I have to turn OD off to keep her from constantly going between gears. I occasionally make the joke that I have a gear for every cylinder, when it actually is pretty much the only thing that bothers me about my Vibe. I'll be getting into my moms 5-spd Wrangler soon enough to practice shifting, so I'll have the skills for when I get a manual. Theft deterrence is a plus, and I don't touch my cell phone when I drive anyway, so I want a manual because it's a manual! It's a dying item, and I want to hold onto it. More car control = good.
MrHatchWagon
Posts: 443
Joined: Wed Dec 07, 2011 12:14 am
Location: Bathurst, NB

Re:

Post by MrHatchWagon »

Manual all the way. My first car was a '97 Saturn SL2 with an auto, and when I finally learned in my dad's vibe I was sold on the idea. The more I drive it, the more I'm in love with rowing my own gears and having that third pedal. Now, whenever I drive an automatic I feel like I'm missing something, or just not as connected as I usually am.
Image
* Voted May 2012 MOTM! *
How To: Cupholder LED Mod
Ocean14
Posts: 21
Joined: Sat Jan 21, 2012 5:41 am

Post by Ocean14 »

This is my first MT vehicle. I have driven MT before, but this is my first day-in/out experience with one and I'm liking it! I feel a greater connectedness with the driving experience. I also thought that this was the way to go because my fiancée has never driven a MT...and she was open to learning! Her first time around the parking lot resulted in a relatively smooth transition into first and second and just one stall (when attempting to park-took foot off clutch). All and all I was impressed
j42.snyder
Posts: 226
Joined: Sat Mar 21, 2009 10:14 am
Location: St. Catharines, ON

Post by j42.snyder »

I think each transmission has its advantages and disadvantages.My first car was a manual ('77 Dodge Aspen R/T with 318 and 3+OD 4 speed), and it was a nightmare to own. The previous owner had apparently smoked the clutch, and then replaced it without machining the flywheel. After I owned it a while, the clutch plate cracked - which is when we found the issue. The first transmission also had a porous aluminum case and first gear synchros were gone - so I got another used one. That one was horribly noisy, so they gave me another. That one was terrible going into second and 4th, and dumped its fluid through a bad front seal all over my new clutch - so I had it rebuilt with many new parts, only to continue with shifting issues. Finally gave up and found a 3 speed - that one worked (put it in myself - learned enough by that time at 18). Never had so many transmission issues as I did with that car. Swore to never buy a used manual car again! I also swore never to take it across a busy border crossing again after being stuck at one for a couple of hours once. Those clutches weren't friendly on knees - especially slightly beefier aftermarket ones...Drove manuals for company trucks for a while - a couple of S10's and Sonomas with 2.2L's. The Sonoma had a broken spring in the shifter so 3rd and 4th were a little tricky to locate at times - just somewhere in the middle. Otherwise had no complaints - except that my left leg was sure sore for the first few weeks - 9+ hour days with mostly in town driving. Got used to it though. Sometimes would hop into my automatic car at the end of the day and just about put my foot through the floor as it tried to push the non-existent clutch pedal (the S10 had a pretty heavy clutch, so it had taken effort all day prior).First car I bought new was a 1995 Neon. Loved the manual - despised the automatics in those. It was a fun little car to drive - but after a couple of years I inherited another car for free, and the job scene was "iffy" - so I sold it for what I owed. It didn't feel all that "well built" after a while - so I didn't mind getting rid of it anyway. The replacement '79 Aspen 4 door with slant 6 wasn't exactly as entertaining to drive - but the price was right. It had been my grandpa's first new car too - so I didn't mind getting it. He only got to enjoy it for less than a year before he passed away - so I made sure it got plenty of use eventually - at least until the body became too rotten to safely repair anymore...My last manual was a 2002 Sunfire I bought new. I didn't even drive an automatic - it didn't really interest me based on my experience with Neons in the past - and I learned to drive in my mom's Olds Firenza (dressed up Cavalier) with automatic - so I was somewhat familiar anyway. I liked the Getrag 5 speed in those cars - double synchros on 1st and 2nd, and synchronized reverse. Unfortunately after I had it about 3 years, I began having trouble with my left leg. Not just soreness - but a lack of response at times. It was aggraveted more if I was tired - which aggraveted me more trying to drive in that condition. I tried to "re-train" myself to work around it - but it varied from day to day. I kept trying to deal with it for a further 4 years - but traffic conditions were getting worse by the day compared to when I bought the car - so when the "deals" on the Vibes were good in early 2009, I decided to make the switch to another automatic car.I most definitely miss the manual at times - but the fact that it was getting very challenging for me to try to drive it some days will prevent me from going back. Maybe for a "toy" - but not something I have to drive daily.When stuck in traffic, I found that the manual in the Sunfire wouldn't allow me to "creep" at the same speed as most other cars - forcing me to continually engage/disengage the clutch. I didn't mind the "work" aspect so much as I was concerned about the potential wear on the clutch (remembering the experiences with my first car). I have appreciated having the automatic in the Vibe many times on my commute in traffic.I also purchased a slightly larger (for me - 16' aluminum with 25hp) boat in 2005 - and I sure didn't like the abuse I had to put the clutch through to get it out of the water with the Sunfire. Steep launch ramps were not its friend! The Vibe does awesome for that task - never rolls back - the parking brake always holds well - and with the hatch open I can clearly see exactly what I'm doing with the car vs. the water. The first time I went to pull it out with the Sunfire - the car almost had a swim!The so-called manual mode on the Vibe isn't really very "manual" - I think it was just a cheaper way to make the shifter rather than have more detents for lower gears. I really only utilize it for towing when I want to lock out 5th gear on some hills - otherwise D works just fine. I've learned over time how to get it to do what I want (at least sometimes) - but moreso learned what it "does" - and adapted to it. Monkeying with the shifter only seems to consume more gas - as you can't force it to upshift any sooner than it "wants" to anyway - and it will still downshift whenever it feels the need regardless of what gear you select.Unfortunately for me, owning a manual no longer is a sensible option. At least my brother owns the identical car with manual transmission - so I still get to "play" on occasion - but I know from those experiences that I don't want it anymore for daily use. I've probably logged about half a million km on manuals over the years - so at least I got some experience and "know" how to drive one if I need to. It's something I think everyone should at least learn - it teaches more control than just "mashing the pedal" to go as many people around here seem to do it anymore.Sorry for the novel... just get going sometimes...John
journeyforce
Posts: 350
Joined: Sat Aug 13, 2011 11:24 am

Post by journeyforce »

In all honesty, I prefer an auto for the daily driver car. Traffic on RT495 in the DC Metro area has always sucked but now it is so bad(I thought traffic would improve after that damn ICC opened up but I was so wrong) the Vibe stays home and the not so gas friendly LeSabre is the daily driver. In fact since the end of Oct 2011 the Vibe has only been driven 1700 milesI like manual for a classic car or a nice warm weekend car
User avatar
vibenvy
Posts: 7121
Joined: Wed Apr 15, 2009 5:38 am
Location: Sandwich, IL

Re: (j42.snyder)

Post by vibenvy »

I have only attempted to drive a manual once. My ex taught me a long time ago on a POS Chevy Beretta. I did really well, but have never had the chance to try again. I would love to learn how to drive a manual someday, but for now I prefer automatics. Autos are all I've ever driven. IMO the daily driving I do would not be very conducive to shifting.
Image
2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe GT - 5-Speed Auto – Garage
2009 Steel Blue Metallic Vibe GT - 5-Speed Auto – Garage
hotbug1776
Posts: 585
Joined: Tue Oct 04, 2011 1:58 am
Location: Erie, Pa and Bellevue, Oh

Re: (J_TO_ENVY)

Post by hotbug1776 »

I try to drive nothing but manual shift anything. My push mower has a clutch. (removed).
Image
jake75
Posts: 4792
Joined: Sun Feb 09, 2003 1:33 pm
Location: Columbus, OH

Re: Manual or Automatic Transmission. Which do you prefer? (Houston)

Post by jake75 »

Quote, originally posted by Houston »I prefer the automatic transmission. My first car back in '63 was a 1960 Mercury Comet with a manual. Then I got a new '64 Comet Caliente with an automatic transmission and I've stayed with automatics ever since. I think, for the most part, some younger people prefer manual transmissions because they're "more fun," but having to constantly shift gets old after awhile. It used to be that manuals were quicker than automatics, but this is no longer always true. Whichever floats your boat is what you should get.Agree - for all those reasons. Also, as you get older something that is simple is better - safer..When you figure in the cost of clutch replacement(s), I am not sure the slightly higher mpg is of any real advantage either. And on resale, you will get a good part of the added cost of the AT back.
2009 Vibe 1.8L Carbon Gray AT Power Pkg 1/12/092003 Vibe 1.8L Neptune AT Mono Power Pkg 1/27/03 [sold 2/2/09]2007 T&C SWB 7/31/07 "Broke people stay broke by living like they're rich. Rich people stay rich by living like they're broke."
csxt8058
Posts: 291
Joined: Thu Aug 27, 2009 8:56 am
Location: Plattsburg, NY

Re: (J_TO_ENVY)

Post by csxt8058 »

I prefer automatic now. I learned to drive standard very young. I was about 10 years old, driving my dad's old Datsun pickup around the back yard..making my parents laugh hystericially. My first truck was a 4 speed standard, and then I got into driving commercial trucks with 10, 13, and 18 speed transmissions.Now I just like the convenience of not having to shift all the time. JR
Image

2010 Ultra White AWD-Railfan Customized...on to a new owner in 2015
2008 two tone Salsa base model..current railfan rig
nerka
Posts: 44
Joined: Thu Apr 01, 2010 4:10 pm

Re: Manual or Automatic Transmission. Which do you prefer? (jake75)

Post by nerka »

Quote, originally posted by jake75 »Agree - for all those reasons. Also, as you get older something that is simple is better - safer..I'm with the older guys.....days of enjoying manual shifting are over....unless its a 1971 Hemi Cuda...
djkeev
Posts: 1357
Joined: Sat Mar 14, 2009 8:51 pm

Re: Manual or Automatic Transmission. Which do you prefer? (nerka)

Post by djkeev »

I've got both, I enjoy both. The Vibe is an automatic for it is mainly the wife's car. That being said if I'm heading into the city where traffic is to be expected, I'll choose the automatic over the stick everytime. Sitting with the clutch depressed and in and out repeatedly gets wearisome after awhile. Automatic is SO much better in heavy traffic!Get what you prefer but everyone should know how to drive a stick. You just never know in what situation you may be pressed upon to drive one.What makes me laugh is on the show The Amazing Race , every season SOMEONE gets on the show and ends up in a car with a stick shift and CANNOT DRIVE IT!!! You'd think if you are selected for the show, go learn how to drive a stick, you know your're going to need to do so, so you don't look like a dork on national tv!Dave
(o ! /o) (o)=I=(o)
DressedInBlack
Posts: 702
Joined: Sun Aug 08, 2010 12:38 am

Re: Manual or Automatic Transmission. Which do you prefer? (djkeev)

Post by DressedInBlack »

Djkeev's third sentence sums it up for me just fine.I love manual shift but I dislike using one in city traffic. I work "downtown"...
http://
rAERRK
Posts: 610
Joined: Tue Dec 28, 2004 3:34 am

Post by rAERRK »

it's been fun, but if i got another vibe it'd be a/t
cptnsolo77
Posts: 1645
Joined: Sun Jul 29, 2007 4:05 am

Post by cptnsolo77 »

The closest I came to driving a manual was on my supercharged 1990 5.0. Mustang. It had a C4 trans with a manual valve body. Other than that everything has been an auto. At this point in my life the only way I would have a manual trans would be on a weekend car. No way I would drive a manual everyday to work. Too many traffic lights....LOL
* 2003 Vibe Auto Satellite Silver w / Moons & Tunes
* Kenwood Excelon KDC-X597
* Polk DB651-Speakers
* Soundproofcow Roadblock R sound deadening in all doors
* Drop In K & N Filter
* NGK Iridium IX Plugs
* 27 MPG City/Highway with AC on
03VibeOttawa
Posts: 387
Joined: Tue Jan 20, 2009 10:23 am

Re: Manual or Automatic Transmission. Which do you prefer? (Brandort3)

Post by 03VibeOttawa »

I'm a manual guy, myself, and like some others here, my significant other can't drive stick.I always thought I'd be a manual-for-lifer, due to the control you get, more engaging experience, and the extra fuel economy. It's getting somewhat harder to stick to that vision, with the double-clutch transmissions coming out these days, now faster and more efficient than the manuals (not to mention launch control features on some cars). For now, I'll be "sticking" around for the foreseeable future, though.
03VibeOttawa–’03 Salsa 5spd. Fast Wheels Blade 17”s/Fuzion Zr1s (summer),Blizzak Revo1/’04 WRX rims, (winter),Tokico HP Struts,Tein S-Tech Springs,Progress RSB,K&N Typhoon SRI,SLP ram air hood,Magnaflow CB,DC header. Sold 11/9/2012 w/ 217,633kms.
tgferg67
Posts: 28
Joined: Thu Feb 03, 2011 1:20 am

Re: Manual or Automatic Transmission. Which do you prefer? (Brandort3)

Post by tgferg67 »

I prefer the automatic for the base Vibe.The manual has bearing problems and is not durable for the long run.
star_deceiver
Posts: 5800
Joined: Fri Jun 05, 2009 1:49 pm
Location: Airdrie, AB

Re: Manual or Automatic Transmission. Which do you prefer? (tgferg67)

Post by star_deceiver »

Every vehicle I've owned has been stick.... not changing anytime soon!
2019 Ram 3500 4x4 CCSB srw 8HP75
2016 Ram 3500 4x4 RCLB Dually w/stick (traded in - 05/10/19)
2012 Chevy Silverado 1500 Cheyenne 4x4 (Traded in - 03/30/16)
2009 Vibe. (Traded in - 12/12/12)
Canker
Posts: 52
Joined: Tue Jan 24, 2012 3:38 pm

Post by Canker »

miata is a manual and no way in hell I would own an automatic miata. The vibe is automatic because that is what I found and it was cheap. If I had had a choice I would have taken a manual but having an automatic isn't that huge of a problem in a commuter vibe.
03 Pontiac Vibe95 Mazda Miata
Zimm
Posts: 332
Joined: Wed Feb 03, 2010 1:47 pm

Post by Zimm »

i've owned both, and for a daily driver, i'm probably an automatic for life guy. that being said, i do not like the a/t in my '10. it's always searching for gears, especially when i let off the gas and then get back on it. borderline unsafe at times...
'10 Black w/1.8L AutoAir/PW/PL/PM
Kincaid
Posts: 1328
Joined: Wed Jun 10, 2009 4:24 am

Post by Kincaid »

I've had both types and I prefer the manual. Will continue to buy manual if I can until my knee gives out.
1997 Civic EX sedan w/auto trans2001 Accord EX sedan w/5-spd manual2009 Vibe 2.4L w/5-spd manual, sunroof, monsoon, GT spoiler, Magnaflow muffler and rolled SS tip, lowered on H-Tech springs, window tint, debadged (save the red arrow!).
Houston
Posts: 786
Joined: Fri Nov 01, 2002 3:04 am

Re: (Kincaid)

Post by Houston »

It will.
2009 Base 2.4L with a few add-ons.
Kincaid
Posts: 1328
Joined: Wed Jun 10, 2009 4:24 am

Post by Kincaid »

Probably sooner rather than later - when I was 18 I wrecked a moped and screwed up my left knee. Fortunately I was driving '72 Plymouth Fury with an auto then so I could drive with my right foot.But now starting about a month ago my right knee gives a little "pop" if I try to stand up from a crouching position.
1997 Civic EX sedan w/auto trans2001 Accord EX sedan w/5-spd manual2009 Vibe 2.4L w/5-spd manual, sunroof, monsoon, GT spoiler, Magnaflow muffler and rolled SS tip, lowered on H-Tech springs, window tint, debadged (save the red arrow!).
Brandort3
Posts: 97
Joined: Wed Oct 26, 2011 10:44 pm

Re: Manual or Automatic Transmission. Which do you prefer? (tgferg67)

Post by Brandort3 »

It all just depends on the year in which your base vibe is. 03-05 5 speeds had some serious tranny problems, but after that they've been really very solid. My '03 GT is the 6 speed and still has the original tranny (with no problems) and the original clutch. So overall i'd say i've had miraculous luck with my manual. And i just turned 152,000 miles if that tells you durability.
Image
milakovicvibegt
Posts: 21
Joined: Fri Oct 07, 2011 9:32 am

Re: Manual or Automatic Transmission. Which do you prefer? (Brandort3)

Post by milakovicvibegt »

I like manual, it makes you more engaged in driving, it is not just fun factor for me, when i am driving automatic i feel like i am in passenger seat.With our smaller engines it is better to have manual, we don't loose power through torque converter, cheaper to fix.Also i am originally from Europe where they have had mostly manual, i have seen only one automatic, much greater power put to the wheels that way.By the way great forum guys i enjoy it every day, i am new to the site.
tgferg67
Posts: 28
Joined: Thu Feb 03, 2011 1:20 am

Re: Manual or Automatic Transmission. Which do you prefer? (Brandort3)

Post by tgferg67 »

Brandort3,There is no evidence the problem with the 5 speed has been fixed.I can find failures in 2006 and up.I don't see any specifics of a design change.I talked to MonkeyWrench racing and was told there is no fix and all 5 speeds will fail prematurely, failing quicker with more time spent in 5th gear. Since MonkeyWrench racing has people from England shipping them cars to work on I would have to assume they are legitimate.I'm going with "best information available" - the 5 speeds are still junk and will cost you multiples of $$$ in any fuel savings over an automatic - in this particular vehicle.
Brandort3
Posts: 97
Joined: Wed Oct 26, 2011 10:44 pm

Re: Manual or Automatic Transmission. Which do you prefer? (tgferg67)

Post by Brandort3 »

tgferg67,I wasn't saying that the 6 speeds and later years didn't have any problems, i know they do. I was just saying that from experience from talking to many people and reading countless posts that the 5 speeds tend to have more problems. Any car you buy will have problems with it at some point in its life, whether its an automatic or a manual. I'm not denying anything that the mechanics at Monkeywrench have told you is not legitimate, i would trust them definitely. I'm just an enthusiast who loves his Vibe and has just done a lot of reading. I love both manual and automatic. No harm intended!
Image
06pvibe
Posts: 1571
Joined: Sat Dec 19, 2009 8:49 pm
Location: Manor (Austin,) Texas

Re: Manual or Automatic Transmission. Which do you prefer? (Brandort3)

Post by 06pvibe »

My wife and I both prefer "proper gear boxes." ALL my own cars have been 3, 4 or 5-speed std shifts.BUT, that said, there are some good arguements for an automatic. For example, I used to go to NYC quite a bit and a stick can be a pain when in that kind of city traffic. Then there are the stop lights every block, and always (it seems) red.Also, with the advent of "flappy paddle gear boxes," there is a new twist. I could be interested in trying these automatically shifted manual gear boxes at some point and lose the third pedal.
FJ's Garage Thread "There is no tool you can buy that will replace experience." - Josh Mills, C.K.DeLuxe January 2011 GenVibe MOTM
Bedlam
Posts: 186
Joined: Thu Nov 23, 2006 10:33 am

Post by Bedlam »

i'm with Joatmon on the choice.I enjoyed my manual on my last Vibe, but this one has made me wish i went auto with my second one. Manual trans are supposed to be tougher and lower maint, not with a toyota....It comes down to: i prefer manual for the weekends and for sport, but for normal driving duties i don't enjoy it as much as i used to. My Magnum is auto, but i can select gears and hold em at redline if i want so i really don't miss out on anything fun wise.Next daily driver will be an auto as well.
07 1ZZ 5spd Stealth - Sold
03 1ZZ 6spd Shadow w/NAV - For Sale
06 AWD Stealth - Current
07 Magnum SRT-8 - Current
GMJAP
Posts: 1820
Joined: Thu Sep 02, 2004 4:24 am

Re: (Bedlam)

Post by GMJAP »

There is a lot of negative posts about the Vibe manual, but I've had no issues. It's already got over 100,000 miles on it, and later this year will mark 8 yrs and I've never had a transmission issue. I even used it to start teaching my wife manual, during which it took quite a bit of abuse! (Don't tell her I said that )
2005 Platinum Base ManualSide & Curtain AirbagsABSPower PackageTinted Windows"Mods": 'old-style' center armrest, center +12v, wheelskins leather steering wheel, AC/Recirc blue backlight, beeps on keyless entry, dome light switch, AC insulation, PCD10 10-disc CD/MP3 changer, AAI-GM12 AUX audio input, K&N filter, "shark fin" antenna.
Brandort3
Posts: 97
Joined: Wed Oct 26, 2011 10:44 pm

Re: (GMJAP)

Post by Brandort3 »

Quote, originally posted by GMJAP »There is a lot of negative posts about the Vibe manual, but I've had no issues. It's already got over 100,000 miles on it, and later this year will mark 8 yrs and I've never had a transmission issue. I even used it to start teaching my wife manual, during which it took quite a bit of abuse! (Don't tell her I said that )
Image
ligion
Posts: 171
Joined: Mon Aug 13, 2007 2:47 am

Post by ligion »

I'd like one of those automatics with manual option. I rented a Lincoln MKZ for about a week once, and it had that option. It was fun to shift in manual and when I wanted to relax I just left it on auto. So i'd prefer the hybrid of the two!
Unagi
Posts: 3
Joined: Tue Apr 10, 2012 12:45 pm

Post by Unagi »

I've got a 2003 AWD auto and best friend has an 04 manual. Definitely jealous that mine isn't manual at times. Then again I'll never give up the AWD with the New York winters I get to drive in - the 04 manual is not pleasant at all in the winter.
Bedlam
Posts: 186
Joined: Thu Nov 23, 2006 10:33 am

Re: (GMJAP)

Post by Bedlam »

Quote, originally posted by GMJAP »There is a lot of negative posts about the Vibe manual, but I've had no issues. It's already got over 100,000 miles on it, and later this year will mark 8 yrs and I've never had a transmission issue. I even used it to start teaching my wife manual, during which it took quite a bit of abuse! (Don't tell her I said that )your sig says you have an 05. you got the improved bearing design over the 03/04 so you should be able to drive for a long time without issue. My previous 07 was the same way. It never gave an issue for the over 100k miles i drove it and was a great car. My 03 sucked when i hit 110k and had to swap the transmission out.
07 1ZZ 5spd Stealth - Sold
03 1ZZ 6spd Shadow w/NAV - For Sale
06 AWD Stealth - Current
07 Magnum SRT-8 - Current
CAVADA75
Posts: 25
Joined: Sun Mar 18, 2012 2:03 pm

Re: Manual or Automatic Transmission. Which do you prefer? (Brandort3)

Post by CAVADA75 »

Automatic Transmission Houston here I don't have to much fun in traffic with a Manual
oriden
Posts: 166
Joined: Wed Oct 01, 2008 11:25 am
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba

Re: Manual or Automatic Transmission. Which do you prefer?

Post by oriden »

auto :(

now that im driving tucks with 18 spds i wish the vibe had a 5spd :(

next time


manual vote here.
Image
crazytrain
Posts: 138
Joined: Fri Jul 21, 2006 6:28 am
Location: Sunny South Florida

Re: Manual or Automatic Transmission. Which do you prefer?

Post by crazytrain »

How am I supposed to smoke, eat, talk on the phone and shift at the same time? Give me an auto & let me steer with my elbows so my hands are free for other things, heh heh :mrgreen:

In all seriousness, I've always lived in densely populated areas with high traffic and never could come to terms with getting a manual. I like to step on the gas and go.
2006 Stealth Vibe <-- Current
2010 Subaru Forester <-- Wife's Current
I miss my 1992 Saturn SC2 - drove it for 12 years
Herb
Posts: 1406
Joined: Sun Jan 12, 2003 6:14 am

Re: Manual or Automatic Transmission. Which do you prefer?

Post by Herb »

I do enjoy my 03 GT, but I have to say when there were times I couldn't drive it due to injury or gout, it was pretty hard to find someone who could move it for me when needed.

I have the luxury of the use of a work provided vehicle which is auto which makes it easier to see a doctor or something when gout hits my left foot
Would you agree to debris acceptance? 2003 Vibe GTMods installed GM Top and Mid-Gate Spoilers, Cosmo CAI, TWM Short Shifter with Desert Eagle weighted shift knob, TWM Bronzoil Shifter Cable Bushings, Magnaflow Cat Back Exhaust, Unichip, Injen Billet Aluminum Engine/Sparkplug covers and oil cap, Optima RedTop Battery, Lineage Ground Wire KitAwaiting install: Energy Suspension Motor Mounts, DC Sports Header
SnowFish
Posts: 39
Joined: Thu Apr 05, 2012 2:27 am
Location: Brainerd Minnesota

Re: Manual or Automatic Transmission. Which do you prefer?

Post by SnowFish »

We prefer manuals. However the 5 speed slap stick auto is pretty sweet. Kind of the best of both worlds.
User avatar
acvw74
Posts: 63
Joined: Sat Apr 21, 2012 5:32 am

Re: Manual or Automatic Transmission. Which do you prefer?

Post by acvw74 »

I prefer a manual...but I do like having an automatic in the stable when I know I am going to drive in heavy traffic.
dannyy72
Posts: 41
Joined: Fri Apr 27, 2012 9:33 am
Location: Vancouver bc ca

Re: Manual or Automatic Transmission. Which do you prefer?

Post by dannyy72 »

I prefer a manual over an automatic any time. Funny story, I used to work for a car rental company and we occasionally get tourists from eastern Europe. One time this young couple rented a car. After all the paper work has been done and they hopped into the car, and then I notice them sitting on the lot for about 5 minutes. So I went outside and see if I could assist, thinking maybe they needed direction or something. So I opened the door and ask them if they needed help, the guy looked at me and said:" we don't know how to drive an automatic." That was quite a stunner for me, lol.
Post Reply