Hello everyone,
First post here and I need some advice. I really want a manual transmission for my new black/ebony TL but I live around DC and travel some very busy roads - rush hour traffic can be hell. So I was going to get the auto. For those of you who live in a high traffic area, how did you make your decision and what did you decide? I guess what's making it hard is that I like the extra performance of the MT, the feeling of doing more, and the fact that the AT doesn't let you choose when to get out of first gear with using the Sportshift. But is the MT worth the knee ache?

BTW, used to own a black 2001 Type R and sold it to get a 99 4Runner Lmtd over 2 years ago (with my wife's urging). So beyond that being a stupid decision, I miss the stick.

Thanks for your comments,
Chris

 

The answer to your question is a completely subjective preference, and we all think differently. I live near Chicago; we have some gnarly traffic here too. I'm glad I got the 6MT. If I had the decision to make over again, I'd go with the stick in a heartbeat. I don't care about the traffic, I can live with it. IMO, the 6MT's fun factor is on a whole 'nother level.

 

I live in a metro area with 45 minutes of mostly stop-and-go traffic in the evenings. I love stick-shifts, but reluctantly chose an auto.

Both tranny's are great - you have to decide what's best for you, and then don't look back once you've bought.

 

I bought the 5AT because of rush hour traffic. I regret that decision now but will live with it. The 5AT drives very nice.

So well said I thought I'd repost it.

 

I never thought the stick was a bother in traffic as shifting is so automatic for me. I drive on the Garden State Parkway during rush hour every day and I never had any stress on my knee from shifting. If you like to shift, get the stick.

 

On the money.

(*whispers* "psssst ... 6MT")

 

I think it depends on the type of traffic. Some places just crawl where you can clutch only to creap forward then push it back in and roll or the traffic rarely actually stops so you can hobble along in 2nd. However, in SoCal we have a lot of 0-40-0 traffic which requires a lot of shifting...which is why I opted not to get the 6MT eventhough I really wanted it. You have to imagine how you would be driving the next time you're stuck in traffic. You can even try manually shifting the AT in your current car for a day and see how often you have to do it. I know you used to own a stick and probably know what it was like, but traffic loads can change from year to year so you'll want to pay special attention the next time you're stick in traffic.

 

Good points and the only one I have driven is the AT that the dealership had - and it was really fun. But there's just something about a stick that makes driving more fun and involved. I think I'm going to go with the MT and put up with some minor pain for more fun. Granted the 8-10 mile stretch of "the beltway" (495) where you move 7-10 feet every 5 seconds will be a pain, but the rest of the time will be great. Thanks for the comments - got to order with the dealer on Monday!!

Cya

 

Make sure you drive the MT before you sign. I wanted the six speed too, but the test drive was brutal. I've been driving stick for 20 years and this one made me feel like I was 15 again in the K-Mart parking lot. I'm sure I would have gotten use to it eventually, but it made the decison easy for me... I got the auto. No regrets.

 

i drive in nyc and its one of the busiest cities. i got the 6MT and never mind shifting. i dun even think about it just drive. if you are use to driving a manual tranny i don't think the added clutching will affect you that much. its a very sligth trade off for when there are open roads and you are free to fly throw the gears. i would never ever again buy another automatic tranny. the only way i am going to get an automatic is if they cut off my left leg.

 

I am going with the 5AT. The decision was fueled by being snared in endless stop and go traffic every Friday on the way home. I just use the car for commuting.

If it's fun I want, I roll out the motorcycle and head for the back roads.

 

If you have to ask that question you should probably get an auto. I got a 6 speed, and there is no way I would trade it for an auto, even after the days I get stuck in standstill traffic. I like to feel like I am driving the car, not like the car is driving me. Try out the 6 speed. I Imagine is is pretty similar to my CL. It is not a beginners clutch, and you will most likely not be proficient at it the first time. It will grow on you and you will realize just how slick it is. Good luck.

 

clew77 - Hey I also live in the area so i understand what you mean about the traffic ! I say get the 6sp because your going to like driving this car so much that it wont be that much of a hassle . It will just encourage you to find some type of opening in traffic so you can open it up and remind yourself ( with that devilish grin that makes it feel like a sin ) why you chose 6sp oe 5sp ! My .02

 

clew77,

I'm in the Bay area in CA. It's a lot of stop and go while commuting but the patch on highway 84 let me forget this stop and go. Also it does not bother me at all in this stop and go traffic. It's fun to drive 6MT. I'd say drive both and then decide what are the treadoffs for you. Once you make a decision do not let it look back and think you should have bought the other.

 

I agree with those posting for the MT and some good points are made by the AT posters also. However, my decision has been made. I remember well the kinds of grins I could get from driving my Type R like I hated it (there was a great feeling of a redline that started at 8500). Now with 75 more horses under the hood and more torque, I think this stick will even be more fun. Sure not every day will be great but those days that are will more than make up for it in my opinion. But a great point that was made is not having buyers remorse and thinking what if - have to make the decision and never look back.
The only decision now is whether or not to get the 18" rims with the performance all-season option. Leaning towards staying with the 17s. Otherwise this is pretty simple - black/ebony, nav, MT, deck lid spoiler, splash guards, and wheel locks (the last 2 are dealer installed on all cars they order).


Seriously can't wait but got a feeling it will be awhile but that's fine.