Just wondering what peoples opinions are on buying an auto transmission 04 TL. I know people like the control of a manual, but I like my hands to be free!! Like to give the finger to other drivers who think they can pass me, to mess around with the stereo and navi, to eat/drink, make out with girlfriend...things like that. Let me know your opinions. Auto for hands free, or manual for control. hmmmmm.....

 

Stop and go freeway traffic in LA...definitely auto!

 

you dont need to mess with the stereo and navi, its voice activated, i wouldn't dare eat and drink in my baby... make out while you drive? are you insane?

 

Manual! 6MT rocks!

 

what shape are your knees in ?? i bought AT TL just to take a break from clutch in my 4runner and tacoma. if you drive anywhere in stop&go traffic, then AT is the way to go. if you are a die hard sports car nut you'll enjoy MT better.

 

Was that wrong? Am I not supposed to make out while driving? Well, by make out, I mean her face in my lap....is that wrong? It's hard to shift while she is blocking the stick!! My eyes are still on the road though!! hahaha

 

I lived in DC my whole life and have never had an automatic. I just moved down here to NC last year but still have family up there and HAAAAATE traffic!!!! Don't get me wrong, I love the control of having a manual and how fun it was but I'm happier more with the AT than with the manual.

 

Well, let's put it this way. My ride to work is litterally ALL stop and go. I never get the car over 25mph, and if I get it that high it's a good day. So, I'm much happier with the AT. Besides, being half asleep in the morning driving to work, I'd probably forget to shift the MT and blow a clutch or something. I guess it depends on each persons needs.

 

i started driving with a 5MT Sentra, then onto a 5MT Civic, a 5MT Accord, a 5MT Integra, .... and then an AUTO Rav4, AUTO Pathfinder. i realized that for a stretch there of my 13 years of driving, it was a tad boring. ... thats why i have my 6MT TL now and couldnt be happier.

 

I upgraded from a 00 Accord EX Auto being the first auto I drove since I came here from Kenya where I always drove my parents MT cars and suvs. I love my 6MT and whenever I drive my friend's Auto cars being DD when coming from the club am always thinking to myself 'what is wrong with this car?' After driving the auto Accord for 2 years and now the 6MT TL for 2 months I ask myself how I ever put up with the auto. Driving is soo much fun with the auto 6MT rules!

 

Dude, that sucks, my average MPH is 52. I think that my drive is around 35 miles to work and there are tons of 200 yard open redlight to redlights. I dusted some fools this evening on the way home. I would move

 

Exactly why I wish more people would drive manuals. When you're in your car, you're supposed to be "driving". Pay attention to what you're doing. Forget about all the other stuff when you're in your car - there's plenty of time for that when you get where you're going...

Manuals are just more fun to drive in my opinion - nothing like rowing through the gears.

 

I agree that manuals are more fun to drive. If you drive in stop and go traffic a bit, I'd get the AT. The wonderful thing about triptronic is that one has a "semi-manual" which is sufficient for most people. I feel that only true car enthusiasts should purchase the 6MT since triptronic is available with the AT.

greg

 

I have spent about half of my driving time since 1974 with manual transmissions. They are definitely more fun and engaging. HOWEVER, I spend an increasing amount of time these days in stop and go traffic, and so far have been very pleased with my AT since I got it 3 weeks ago. My left knee is very happy too. I test drove the 6MT. The clutch was a little finicky and a bit too notchy for my tastes. I am too old for that. Twenty years ago it wouldn't have mattered.

I would make the decision based on the type of driving you do, and the level of enthusiasm you have for a manual transmission. The sport shift mode is more fun than I had expected. It is easy to use and offers some of the fun and control of a real MT.

Best of luck with your choice. This is a great car.

 

He has a point. Consider your commute and driving patterns. You're going to get perspectives on both sides so choose wisely. I've think you already answered it yourself.

Myself, I've had Manuals all my life, but I'm getting sick of sitting in SoCal traffic going from 1st to 2nd to 3rd to 2nd to 3rd to 2nd to 1st...you get the point. That's why I broke down and got the 5AT. That and my wife drives the TL sometimes and prefers automatic.

 

I wish I hadn't gotten auto.

 

Auto - TL is a sedan. My REAL cars both have sticks. Rather than "sport up" a FWD sedan that weighs 3400+ pounds, i use it as is as a cruiser. When i want to really drive, I want a real sports car. Commuting to/from work is not an engaging drive for me, so being dis-engaged for the most part works.

 

My commute is a mix of NYC traffic and highway. I really don't find the 6MT to be a problem in traffic, but sometimes it can be a bit dicey. Bottom line, I like the control and the power, and it really is more fun and engaging to drive an MT. But everyone has to do what is best for them. I mean, sometimes driving the MT is frustrating, but overall, I'm glad I went with the 6MT.

 

I have yosemite sam mud flaps and a chain steering wheel

 

With the STICK you are in control period.
Pure power in 1,2 5, 6 gears.
If you like to drive then drive with a manual.

 

Ha ha! You're crazy! Is your next mod a vertical side exhaust pipe like a truck?

yankees07, if you're having trouble deciding then ask your dealer if you can get an overnight/extended test drive period. There are many car manufacturers and dealers that will do this. With the end of the '04 model year here, they may be willing to help out if you're serious in buying.

If you can go a day or so with both, you'll know which one is best for you.

 

I plan to get an auto. A stick may be fun but it's just one extra thing to worry about. I would rather focus on the road. And if you're sitting in traffic, how annoying is that to have to keep changing gears?

 

Wow, I'm surprise! Why even bother getting something as "sporty" as a TL then. There are lots of cars out there that will give you a less engaged (and smoother) ride for less $$. Buicks and Mercurys come to mind. Heck, even a Camry will do that for you.

I don't care what I'm driving, (I guess I'm just a control freak) but I just like manuals better. When I had my truck, that was even a manual. Actually, come to think of it, I probably would have liked that in auto since the throws felt about 2 feet and the clutch sucked. Anyway, I'm so used to driving a stick, sometimes I don't realize I'm shifting. It's just second nature now.