I am buying a TL today. Do you recommend the 5AT or the 6MT, and why?

Thanks in advance.

Craig

 

6MT...control baby!

 

There are many pros and cons both ways. The MT allows more flexibility (it only shift when you want it to) and better performance (since there are no losses in a torque converted like there are in the AT and the car weighs less). The AT is much better in stop and go traffic. Anyone can drive the AT while only certain people can drive the MT. This can be an issue if you loan the car to your spouse, family, and/or friends. Typically, the MT will hurt you on resale as well since the majority of people want an automatic.

I personally have never bought an automatic transmission car. I never considered a TL until the '04 with a 6 spd (mine should be delivered in the next 2 weeeks). I would suggest driving both to get a feel for the differences first hand. Once you've done that, consider what is most important to you and then make your decision.

Good luck.

 

I'd say drive both and see which one "fits" your driving personality better. I like being able to just put it in "D" and then enjoy the surroundings! And while it's certainly not the same as having the 6MT, if I feel like it, I can still throw the lever over to the left and "make believe."

Best of luck...and welcome to the cult!

 

Each of the last two posts is equally correct, it all depends on what you want, what you expect, and what you enjoy. To that I will add "6MT rocks!".

 

I bought an auto, because of traffic where I live, not because I really wanted one.

I wouldn't do it differently, if I were to buy again. The auto still flies when you punch the pedal. When I'm in a 3-mile traffic backup, and chilling by listening to DVD-Audio, I appreciate my auto tranny.

Dkrudop is correct - try both before you buy. I wouldn't test drive the manual, though, if logic tells you that you need an auto!

 

If traffic considerations haven't already steered you to an AT, get the 6spd.

 

If you can avoid really hideous traffic then get a 6SP. If not it will become a drag commuting.

 

6MT all the way.. Brembo brakes, LSD, thicker strut bar, need I say more?

 

I think cTLgo meant thicker "swaybars", instead . Strut bars are the same on either transmission models.

dsc888

 

I have always driven a manual (last 4 cars) but decided to change up this time. The sport shift on the auto is not a bad compromise. Also, I was not happy with the gearbox on my test drive, and I drove 2 different manual TL's. So the choice was easy for me.

 

LSD ?

no drugs here please...

 

Cteti...I wouldn't worry about driving in Ohio traffic. Go for the 6MT! I live in the NYC/ Philly area and don't regret 6MT at all.

 

At risk of sounding anal and missing what might be intended as sarcasm, I'll toss it out there that LSD = limited slip differential in the 6MT.

 

but bad part is lsd does cause lots of torque steer, too bad it can't be turned off,, I think it's electric. All the auto mags have picked up on it and its very noticible on test drives,

 

yes I meant sway bar... LSD yes, limited slip differential... but heck.. it feels like the car is on drugs cause its out of control!

 

A bunch of facts won't make it easier to decide. Drive em!

 

DRIVE IT LIKE YOU MEAN IT!




.....THEN GET THE 6MT!

 

Because it will ride better and because it will not have a noisy LSD.

YMMV.

Jim

 

[QUOTE=DARK6mt]DRIVE IT LIKE YOU MEAN IT!


Better yet: DRIVE IT LIKE YOU STOLE IT!

In my test drive, the tranny on the 6MT would grind every time I went for second. It was not operator error; my other car is stick. That, plus stories here about tranny problems in the past, made me nervous.

I ended up ordering a 5AT but mostly because I live in an urban area.