I am planning on purchasing a TL in the next month and cant decide on what transmission to go with. My question is to the owners that chose the automatic, do you ever wish you had the manual? Does the sequential sportshift satisfy the need to control the transmission?

I test drove both and am still torn. I know test driving and living with one are 2 different things which is why I am here. I first visited here 2 weeks ago and almost changed my mind about the TL after reading about the rattles and various issues. I own a 99 Accord and a 2001 Grand Cherokee. My Accord has been faithful but cant say the same about my GC. The fit/finish on the 20K Accord surpassed my 34K GC.

I am going to take my chance on the TL. The looks, features, and price outweigh any minor issues I hope to not have.

I look forward to any imput.

 

I test drove both, I'm a spirited driver and personally I think the AT feels a little sluggish in comparison to the MT. Go for the MT.

 

My : If you are torn between them, get the manual. Just the fact you are stongly considering the manual shows you want a sportier driving experience, so you will probably regret the auto.

Where are you and what is traffic like? If you are in extreme traffic then that is the only x factor to push you to the auto.

I got the auto and regret it much of the time. Sure it is nice to drive lazily but with a car like the TL it would be great to have the control of the manual. Then again, I work at home and when I do go out I am never in traffic, so stop and go driving is not much of a factor. If it was then maybe I would appreciate the auto more.

 

Why take chances? Is it worth it? I would stay away from the 5AT until acura can prove it knows what is it doing with ATs. Leaves one option the 6MT. The 5AT in the 2g models shifted quicker and had diferent shift point. You could down shift to 3rd at 85 and wind it up to about 110 if you wanted to. After the 2G tranny issues they decided to not allow you to do that...

Aside from that... you have to know that this thing will most likely see the dealer more often than your accord. And tires and brakes will most like wear out faster as well..

 

No regrets with the auto. I have had many manuals before along with burned out clutches, fights with dealears because they said "I rested my foot on the clutch", of the generic "You didn't shift properly" which is a catch-all for not covered under warranty, and left foot numb after shifting for hours in traffic.

The auto has lots of power and I wouldn't buy another manual.

 

I have had both. Started with the 6MT and traded because the wife couldn't master the clutch. On balance, I think the Auto is the better choice for most drivers. The 6MT rides much harsher with the HP summer tires. The Brembos generate a tremendous amount of brake dust which is a nuisance if you like to keep things clean. It has a difficult clutch to master and while the performance figures indicate the Manual to be slightly quicker in the quarter mile, from the seat of the pants the Auto feels stronger in normal driving. Fuel mileage is the same for both although the Manual turns about 400 more revs at highway speeds. The effect of 'torque steer' or the LSD doing it job, is also much less with the Auto. Resale value will be better for the Auto as most potential buyers don't want to shift gears in this class of car.

 

one number, two letter>>> 6 M T

 

Get one of each. I have an '04 manual and my wife has an '05 automatic. I can say from personal experience with two cars that mine has significantly more throttle response, both felt and real.

While I have a VERY strong bias in favor of manual transmissions and would not even consider the purchase of an automatic for my own driving machine regardless of how nice the car was otherwise, I will say that the automatic on my wife's TL is nice. But it's no substitute for a manual and neither is any other one on the market.

I love my TL with a manual and can't imagine having it any other way for my personal machine.

 

Oh yeah, forgot. Manuals cost far less to maintain over the life of the car since there is virtually nothing to go bad. Expect to get at least 150,000+ miles out of a clutch, unless you race, tow, or live in San Francisco. 200,000+ is probably more like it.

 

I test drove both, but since wifey cannot drive a stick I went with the auto. No regrets, however. This is the most advanced and smoothest automatic I have ever driven. The addition of the Sport Shift makes it very versatile especially in decending hills and in keeping the revs up when you want more power.

 

This might have been true with some cars in the past. Like the sentra a buddie of mine had. But in the TL, I would expect at least on clutch replacement. I bet they are not cheap either. There was a post about it here some where. It was over a 1000 bucks. Considering an Auto tranny flush is about 125. I would say if the AT goes 150 k you are way ahead maintenance wise with the AT.

 

Well the decision is based upon more of what you want. I first thought I made a mistake by going AT because I really thought loss of perfomance was a big issue. Also, I wanted to get more familiar and comfortable with driving a stick(I can drive a stick, but basically driving stick regularly would help me gain good experience). The MT comes stock with more WHP, better brakes, and a bigger rear sway bar. The MT inarguably seemed like the better option to me. However, upon reflection, I realized that AT was the right choice for me. Why? Because most of my driving consists of city driving, so it would be an incredible hassle to shift with all the traffic lights. Secondly, driving an AT is more comfortable. I'm thankful that I even got this car, but I finally realized that driving an AT TL is the perfect fit for me. It all depends on what you want. I honestly think the performance of the AT compared to the MT is fine. I'm plaining to pick up the AEM soon so it should help add some performance. Sports shifter has nowhere near the true fun factor of driving a MT, but it's still fun nevertheless.

Good Luck

 

Apparently the folks who made the 1994 Mazda MX-6 were not aware of the 150,000+ mile specification.

 

My car las < 8000 miles and I have already had to have the clutch master cylinder replaced!! The clutch was making a loud clicking noise that was audible inside and outside of the car, and you could feel the engage point 'clicking' when used for EVERY shift.

I am a bit surprised at the reliability of this car (or lackthereof). As we speak my car is in the shop getting the VSA system replaced (it fails completely each time I drive the car).



This is my first, and last Acura vehicle!!

 

automaticcccccccccc

 

Depends where you live and who is driving.

 

Automatic.

If I wanted a sports car, I would have gotten a 2 door rear drive manual. And in terms of the acceleration difference between AT and MT, Unless you are a pro race car driver, you'll barely notice the difference. Most people don't floor it off the line everytime they stop. If you want a manual, get a 350Z or a G coupe.

 

I purchased my TL about 2 months ago, and I chose the 6MT. I live in an area where I *should* want the automatic, because Boston=Traffic. However, the first time I got to take my car out on nice country roads, I knew I made the right decision.

If you are used to a MT, I would stick with it, the feel of the clutch in the TL is very nice, and the control over the car is amazing. The MT is not only for "sports cars" like the 350Z or the G35. Acura got it right with this transmission and I wouldnt trade it for anything.

 

It's purely a case of what you like to drive. As tims1448 says, the vast majority of people in my area (DC/Northern Virginia) would prefer automatics and I've been told that I'm nuts for having the 6MT, but I genuinely enjoy driving a manual and working the clutch in traffic does not bother me at all. I get more of a leg cramp in my right leg from having to keep my foot on the brake in stopped traffic than I do dealing with the clutch. Plus every car I've ever owned has been a manual (one 4MT and three 5MTs prior to the TL).

If you plan on doing much highway driving outside of urban areas, the 6MT is a no-brainer, IMO. When you equip this car with a manual it loves the highway at high speeds.

 

I disagree. While I will agree that many years ago, American supercars (mid 60's) had much stronger drivetrain components, many recent cars also apply. The 2000 Ford Contour SVT only had a 152 cubic inch V6 with 200 HP and 169 lb/ft of torque, but the clutch (as was the rest of the car) way over-engineered. The pressure plate exerted 1400 pounds of pressure on the clutch disk.. quite a bit more than needed for 169 lb/ft.

Those of you who have read my prior postings about how to operate a manual transmission may recall the three criteria which I state early on that dictate the life and service of a clutch: the design, the installation, and the operation.

Unless Honda has made some serious changes (like going backwards), I suspect the clutch design for the TL is good for the mileage I posted. Which leaves the installation. I would lay odds the factory assembly and installation of the clutch components in this car are just fine. So much is automated now with automobile manufacture.

And finally we come to operation.. the real nemesis of clutch failure. Next time you're out and about, take careful notice of drivers around you. Notice the ones driving manual transmissions and see how many do some pretty dumb things.. like holding the vehicle on a hill while waiting for a light to change or an intersection to clear. Listen to people downshifting as they approach a stop or turn. I see and hear this all the time and it amazes me how many people who drive cars with these transmissions haven't a clue how to really operate one properly.. and they think they do.

Yep, expect a lot of mileage on your TL manual.. if you know what you're doing.

 

To 1995hoo;

Yep, Northern (hurts to say that word) Virginia is fast becoming a congested mess. But even with the traffic we're seeing, I still love a manual and wouldn't even consider an automatic. I live in western Prince William County and you probably know the area with the good roads and country close by. Truly fine for a "TL moment" which I think I'm going to take here in just a few minutes.

 

Sometimes, I'm surprised this question still comes up:

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...ght=auto+stick
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...ght=auto+stick
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...ght=auto+stick
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...ght=auto+stick
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...ght=auto+stick

And the list of MT vs. AT goes on and on ... the same comments get made everytime... the same type of people get offended by AT or MT people each time... and no one ever agrees.

 

One of the biggest regrets I had during the 3 years I owned my TL-S was the fact that it was an auto. SS just didn't do it for me. I think it's purely a matter of preferred driving experience, like other here have said. I just feel disconnected when I drive an auto, and it's one of the reasons I decided not to wait for the IS 350. I couldn't be happier with my 6MT, and I'm doing mostly city driving. There's something about a Honda shifter -- I enjoy the driving experience even in traffic. No second thoughts here, but I can 100% understand why some folks prefer an auto.

 

6MT, easy choice for me cause i would not have purchaed the car if they did not offer it. if you really enjoy driving a MT then traffic would not really bother you. i have never understood the argument that it's such a pain to drive in traffic. if there was never any traffic then you would just cruise in one gear and what fun is that?

 

I went from an 04 G35 coupe 6MT because my wife does not know how to drive manual. My 05 TL aspec is sweet but the tranny reallllly sucks. It is a slug until you get to the higher rpms. I have heard my tranny pop twice and I am waiting for it to go out on me. I only have 1500 miles on it. I am taking it in when I do my oil change for a check at the tranny. I miss my G so much. I plan on trading the TL for another one next year. Honda needs to give their cars alot more torque also. The TL feels so slowwww compared to the G. I would have considered keeping the TL if it was a six speed. Go manual...

 

This is my first manual car that I have driven for an extended period of time (since I learned in driver's ed). After driving an automatic, driving becomes complacent and the road awareness with a manual is just great. I have finally been able to experience what makes driving a manual fun even in Houston traffic. The long commutes that I have are both rewarding during cruising speeds and challenging, but with a great "feeling of control", in heavy traffic. I test drove the AT 3 times before I bought the manual and right now I feel I can never go back. I'm really starting to understand what makes driving more than just a chore. I know many people have technical reasons why one may be better, but my reasons are simply due to driving experience and pleasure.

Good Luck!

 

Stick

 

Sitting in bumper to bumper traffic in So.Cal.....The auto is my only choice!

 

To dAveSPEC;

Very well stated, my friend. Well done.


To PeterUbers;

One would hope others are not offended, deliberately or otherwise, because of someone's opinions or bias towards on transmission or another. That wouldn't speak very well of someone. I admit to a very strong bias towards manual transmissions and for reasons I know are well grounded and true. But also for reasons which are totally based upon preference.

Hard to imagine someone getting upset over someone's transmission choice, isn't it?

 

If you like hanging your left arm out the driver's side window while driving, auto is the only option.

Bonus flame inducing comments:

Manual trannies are for those who:
-Use out houses instead of indoor plumbing
-Walk to the TV instead of using the remote
-Shout instead of using a phone.


PS: Gas mileage is purported to be better with autos.

 

Actually, I have a friend who drives stick (Toyota Tercel :gheylaugh: ) and hangs his arm out the window, hell, sometimes he will shift with his left hand cause he's on the phone with his right hand.

What would make the gas milage better with an auto compared to a stick?

 

Dude, those are some strong words over a tranny. I am guessing you have that opinion cuz you dont know how to drive one...
Also, I need not worry about my phone, cuz i use HFL.

The mileage depend on how you drive. If you drive an 6MT "by the book" you will actually get better mileage, albeit insignificant over the 5AT. This is because the AT does not always shift in optimum places, it is going by the computer algorithm. However with that said, most people who use a MT don't drive "optimally" , and are ok with losing a mile or two a gallon to really feel how the car can drive.

 

I'm sure you mean this all in jest.. a bit of tongue-in-cheek humor. I'm sure of this because I KNOW no one in his right mind would actually believe this, let along state it.

 

OK, but on a serious note -
I've always thought that a small underpowered engine like the 125hp in my delSol NEEDS a manual tranny. OTOH, a higher horsepower 3.2/270hp engine is better suited to an automatic.

I can hit redline in either 2 or 3 gears and still usually be in the neighborhood of the speed limit in the delSol. I fear that with a TL 6mt redline in 2nd = ticket.

For those who lack self control (like me), the automatic can make a lot of sense.

But - whatever floats your boat

 

With the TL auto or manual doesn't make much difference in the ticket department,, the only saviour is using cruise control as soon as you hit cruising speed so you don't "accidently" go to fast..
I perfer the manual,, I get 26 to 28 mpg when I take it easy on a tank of gas. but only 22 or 23 when I hot rod a little. and when I fill up, clear the trip computer and head right out to the freeway for a long cruise at 70, I get around 36 mpg.

the other day I went to pass a motorhome in traffic, I didn't really gas it hard but did drop to third, I went from 55 to 80 before I realized it,, the TL accellerates so smooth.

 

depends where u drive if ur in the city or traffic get auto otherwise get a manual

 

[QUOTE=SouthernBoy]To dAveSPEC;

Very well stated, my friend. Well done.


To PeterUbers;

One would hope others are not offended, deliberately or otherwise, because of someone's opinions or bias towards on transmission or another. That wouldn't speak very well of someone. I admit to a very strong bias towards manual transmissions and for reasons I know are well grounded and true. But also for reasons which are totally based upon preference.

Hard to imagine someone getting upset over someone's transmission choice, isn't it?[/QUOTE]

"I'm sure you mean this all in jest.. a bit of tongue-in-cheek humor. I'm sure of this because I KNOW no one in his right mind would actually believe this, let along state it."


Yes it is hard to believe people would actually spend numerous pages arguing over why they feel one tranny is better etc. than another.... I tend to feel the folks who actually start these "trans" threads are just looking for comedy..
Anyway, its not usually the "choice" of trans that gets, IE whomever - "upset", but rather the ignorant "mine is better than yours" comments that follow.. Even you SouthernBoy had to respond to JohnDoe2's "opinions", joke or no joke...

In the big scheme of things folks, one trans isn't "better" than the other. It is strictly a matter of "preference".

I'm with SouthernBoy -- Nice post / well stated dAveSPEC..

"Stop the insanity"

Cheers

 

a rhetorical question. Get the 6spd

 

I agree with those who say standard transmission, what are you talking about?....lol....

 

Ahhh, I know how to operate a manual transmission, I used to have a motorcycle...and inexplicably, I'm still alive.

I disagree about the computer shift algorithm. It's probably been optimized for mileage which may be why, according to the glossy brochure, auto's have better milleage than manuals.

Maybe the algorithm is better than human shifting because of the "Drive-by-Wire" system. The computer has more information (current speed + desired speed => optimum gear to be in)