Everyone seems to have the 5AT. I just test drove the 6 speed and I think I'm going to buy it. Is there a problem with the 6MT that I should know about?
Also, since I'm here, what is a reasonable price for a 6MT Anthracite/Ebony/Navi with 18" wheels, bodykit, and the deck lid spoiler?

Thanks

 

The 6MT is flawless. Short throws and very precise. If you enjoy a manual transmission, this is the one. I have had mine for six months and no problems to report. Its a joy to drive.

 

There have been many complaints about the 6th gear; that's why Acura left it off the AT version.

Do a search for "plastic instead of metal 6th gear" and you should see a bunch of threads.

BJ

 

BS. The car is flawless. 13K and counting!

 

The 6MT is alot of power for the TL. Torque steer is a complaint from professional car editors. The TL is a great car. Price; my friend bought a 6MT w/ Navi in SF (CA) for 38K out-the-door (thats with tax & license).
Hope this helps!

 

Let's just say I don't have a 6MT, but I wish every day that I did.

 

I've 6MT since Dec and have 7700 miles on it. Enjoying every bit of it. Test drive one and you'll find out for yourself.

 

bolt,
Want to clarify...are you saying that the automatic and the manual are the same, just that the manual has one more speed? This is not the case. The transmissions are completely different, both mechanically and in terms of ratios as well.

akord,
I haven't bought just yet (probably in about a month) but I have done extensive research on the 6MT. The most common problem that I have seen is shifter popping out in second gear. However that issue seems to have been an early build problem and has since gone away. I had an S2000 that had a similar problem and the dealer was able to fix it. The issue is that there are three synchronizers on the first two gears and for some reason that is more prone to problems.

 

bolt is just being "fuh-seeh-shuss"

 

gotcha, just making sure...

 

Whoa.....hold on a sec. If the 6th gear is so great, why didn't they put it on the automatic transmission? It's only a circular piece of metal, so no reason to be cheap.....likely costs less than 30 bucks.

BJ

 

If the ratios are different like someone before mentioned then there probably wasn't the need for a sixth gear in the auto. Different setup, different needs.

 

Thanks for everyone's input. Does anyone have reasonable price suggestion?

Bolt, I have to agree with texas, the two trannys are fundamentally different. It's a common practice for most manufacturers to offer one more gear in the MT than the AT. I believe the gears in AT's are taller. I can't offer a reason as to why though. ATM's rob power and with that robbed power goes gas mileage. With that in mind, I guess I can offer a theoretical reason. I wonder if the AT's gears are taller, to improve gas mileage? Just a theory.

 

Actually I have what could be a problem with 2nd gear that other people might also have...
http://www.acura-tl.com/forums/showthread.php?t=81499

No problems with any other gear...

 

Just a little theory...automatics and manuals first differ in there method of transmitting the power from the engine to the transmission. An automautic uses a torque converter (viscous interaction) whereas a manual uses a true clutch (mechanical interaction).

Gearing is often taller in automatics becuase they use planetary gears. While planetary gears are capable of achieving the same range of ratios (all the way from first to top gear) its not as cheap and often times that's why automatics don't have as many speeds. Thus they are geared taller to get good ratios in the higher gears. It's not as expensive to add a gear to a manual since the use a traditional helical-cut gear setup.

In the 04 TL the overall ratio of first gear in the six speed is about 15 percent lower than first in the automatic. This trend continues up to about third gear or so. By the time you get up to top gear either transmission is about the same; sixth is just a tad lower than fifth in the auto. I am referring to overall ratios here.

This may be more than any of you guys wanted to know, but there it is.

 

I have a 6mt...only 2500 miles so far...but no problems. Shifts smooth (except for the already mentioned 1 to 2 shift) that just requires a little bit more effort that's all. Other than that, it is sweet.

And although everyone is going to explain the differences btwn an automatic and a manual in minute details to Bolt...be assured, the man is joking.

edit:
Texas_Acura-thank you. I didn't know about planetary gears...good to learn something new...

 

The BEST manual tranny I have ever driven or owned, 8700 miles now and just love the car.. What a Great Package Acura put together for the price, Thanks HONDA

 

If I lived by boltjames I would throw a brick through his window.