pimpstaman90

Has anyone drove both the auto and the MT 3rd Gen TL. I'am trying to decide to get the 6MT or the Auto. And also does the MT shift like those damn Civics or you can't even feel it. Because Iam also getting the Comptech SC and need to know if the MT shifts hard and rough at times.

datmrman

Here comes the 6MT vs 5AT battle.

There are a few members here that started off with 5AT and then switched to 6MT. If I remember correctly, jmbnova and slimmyjimmy did.

IMO, if you are planning to add a SC, go with the 6MT.

I'm enjoying my 5AT sitting through traffic.

bmui1561

I drove both, bought 6MT!


It shifts rough when you are really pushing it but that's expected. But when you are trying for a nice smooth ride then it will shift nicely!

I'd go with the MT!

Hawhyen51

Many, many threads and many, many opinions about 6MT and 5AT. You should test drive both and whichever meets your needs, that's the one you should get. BTW, I have a 6MT cause I wanted one. Dealer had to locate and do an inventory swap to get it.

037

NYC area driver...I recommend going with AT if the area you live has tons of traffic.

subinf

before I changed jobs my commute was a pain in the ass and i hated myself for having a 6spd. now that i dont sit through much traffic i love myself for having a 6spd.

bluenose

Have had both. Fuel mileage is the same although the MT runs about 400rpm higher at highway speeds. MT has a much harsher ride at least with the high performance tire option. No doubt driving both on the track would reveal advantages in brakes and handling for the MT, this is not evident on the street. Stats show the MT to be slightly quicker in quarter mile tests but from the seat of the pants perspective the Auto feels stronger at lower speeds. The MT has a very quick clutch which requires finesse to drive smoothly. Both are great cars - you'll be happy with either.

EternaLlx

If i remember correctly no 6MT on this board has a S/C right? I wonder why... hmmm so pimpstaman90 might be the first

Repecat

Also, keep in mind that you will take a greater "hit" in value come trade-in time on a MT as opposed to the automatic. Right now, on an 05, a manual tranny is worth about $750 less than an automatic. The difference will, however, reduce in time.

EternaLlx

Having fun comes with a price but as long as it was worth it

your_mom

I drove the 6MT first. The shifter and clutch were excellent, so I didn't bother to test drive the 5AT.

Also, the price differential at trade in time depends on demographics. Here in Atlanta there is no difference, as there are plenty of young people who want manual transmissions. Sun City, Arizona would probably be a different story.

SouthernBoy

I have one of each. Mine is an '04 manual and my wife's is an '05 automatic. So I am in a great position to compare the two flavors.

The manual most definitely is quicker with more throttle response through out the RPM range. When downshifting to get through a yellow (so as not to slam on the brakes), shifts are faster and the car is quicker with the manual.

In essence, there is no downside to the manual unless you have a bias against them. If you like good cars with manual tranmissions, you'll love this one.

As for the automatic, if you like automatics, you'll like this one a good deal. It doesn't downshift very quickly, but it has a nice feel and good low end response for such a small engine.

As for me, I have a VERY strong bias in favor of manual transmissions and would never buy an automatic for my personal driving machine unless I had no choice (lost my legs, etc.). I love to drive too much to waste my time and love of this art with an automatic.

Best advice I can offer you is to test drive both and see for yourself what you think. YOU are the most important part of your decision.

Good luck and let us know what you decide.

HEK

IMHO is not which car to buy but which car do you like to drive...I will never buy an automatic, but it's me talking, now are you going from an automatic but drive both then you have to make that decision yourself based on your driving skills and where you will be doing most of your driving.... my wife drives both and good I might add but based on her driving to and from she chose an automatic ( went from an Element 5sp to an Ody...no choice there) but loves it...I love to drive the Ody but really would have prefered if it came in a 6MT....