Well, I'm definately gettin a TL for graduation and I would like a manual, but traffic here in ATL sucks. Therefore I was wondering if anyone who has the automatic could tell me how they like the techtronic shift. I know it doesnt come close to the feel of a manual, but do you ever use it, and if so, does it give you that extra edge sometimes when you have the urge to shift or downshift to get some extra acceleration?

 

i have an 06 AT and i wished i would of gotten a stick...i live in san diego so traffic here is pretty crappy too but i definately made a mistake getting a AT...hope that helps...

 

I'm not sure what you mean about feel. If you've ever driven an automatic transmission and you started in 1, moved shifter to 2, 3, D. That's all your doing, just a different way.

It's just an ordinary torque converter automatic transmission with a up and down gear selector.

If you're thinking it's anything like the BMW SMG or Audi's DSG you are mistaken.

So it feels just like any other automatic transmission.

 

I have A/T and love it since there are tons of hills here in SF. Traffic jam is the same since you either step on the clutch and brake or just brake.

 

it's quicker than not having it but alot slower than manny. It gives you a little boost but obviously manny is the way to go

 

 

i have a 04TL auto with the atl traffic i would suggest a/t considering the fact 285 and 85 are always screwed up, I love the manual but with the traffic here its auto i prefer, i test drove a manual at ed voyles and a auto , there is nothing like manual , the drive the pickup and downshift and ur just flyin, but when u hv to go at a snails pace on 285 or 85 , u would wish u got a auto especially after a rough day at work and traffic and stick shift. ..which ever u decide u r always welcome to come for the meet on 26th feb at andretti's..

 

I've driven enough stick in traffic to know I prefer an automatic in heavy traffic. I'm not fond of the sport auto trans simply because of the orientation. Upshift is a push forward. Downshift is a pull back. To me this is unnatural. I've tried to get used to it but I just can't. First to second upshift has always been a pull back for me. Because of this, I almost always leave the car in drive.

 

The main times I employ the sportmatic is for downshifting to use engine braking for assisted deceleration. To me it's natural to pull back on the stick to slow down. My hand rests on top of the stick during heavy traffic to be ready just in case. I immediately put it back in full auto afterwards.

 

I have not driven the stick myself but I have a auto on Long Isalnd NY. It would be annoying to drive any stick down the small crowded roads where I live. Right now im at school in MA and here is the same. Roads always have traffic and snow. Not the place for MT.

 

I also use it mainly for downshifting when decending steep hills. I have used it for acceleration when merging onto freeways, but its simpler to just leave it in drive and mash the throttle. In any event, its sure an improvement over the old two-speed Toyoglide in my Toyota.

 

^ yea if you just push the gas on the A/T hard enought it will downshift for you if you want o switch lanes.

 

I would go with the 6spd. More fun and more power to drive.

 

I agree. It's a matter of preference, but if I had to purchase the car all over again, I would buy the 6MT. One of the reasons I didn't get a mannual tranny here was because of the "7 Hills of Worcester." I hate starting from a stop on a big hill.

 

^exactly. I don't use it to downshift, but sometimes I will leave it in 3rd if I'm hovering between 40-60MPH just for the acceleration. Probably haven't used it more than 20 times in 7 months. No way would I want a stick in ATL traffic. If I lived in North Ga. it would be a different story. Autos are easier to resell too.

 

DC traffic is why i went automatic and i don't regret it...much. i use the manual mode alot. its great for weaving and dodging traffic as well as the engine braking. if racing, the manual mode doesn't offer any advantage. auto was the only way to go with kids in the back seat, heavy traffic, cell phones (no, i don't use the bluetooth-it sucks) and the rest of life's distractions.

 

I have an AT and love it! I only drive my TL in the Techtronic Shift Mode. Actually, the only time i ever drove my car in drive was when i drove it off the lot, since then.....no dice.

I've had MT's all my life and wanted something different this go around. I still feel like i have a MT when I'm in the Techtronic Shift Mode. Either way you go you will be happy.

 

i drove stick for 6 years and i was soo tired of it.....time for AT

unless your gonna be racing your car or beating on it....i say AT

 

I went through the same debate. I'm coming to the TL from a sports coupe with a stick and in all honesty - I''m too lazy to drive stick any more lol! Seriously, the way I look at it if I was buying another peformance sports coupe I'd go stick all the way but for what I want the TL for the AT will do me fine. Prol'y keep me out of trouble, free from tickets, and let me drink cofee while I drive soooo much easier. What can I say...... I'm lazy AND I like my coffe on my drive to work .

 

its all up to you really, are you willing to drive the cluch in traffic jams everyday? I live in montreal and traffic here also meets up with you every single day .
I have a 04 Auto and i love it, its relaxing especially after driving 7 yrs with a stick + if u want a fast sale one day, automatic is the way to go


The decision is up to you

 

I have used the tech like 4 times in 1 1/2 years. maybe after reading this i will play with it more.

 

^^ sport shift...where the hell are you guys getting "techtronic" from? Hell THAT's not even right if you're referring to the Porsche/Audi/VW TIPtronic.

I say get the auto and use the SPORT SHIFT. No clutch to replace!

 

I use the sport shift fairly often, but having come from a manual (C70) I can say that I really like the option of not having to shift (or clutch!) I don't live in an area with too much traffic, but I still prefer the options...

 

Good thought, except repairing a manual transmission is a rather simple job in many cars. (I just put a racing clutch on my 1991 Miata) It costs a few hundred using stock parts on that car.

Automatic transmissions use a torque converter instead of a clutch to transfer the engine's power to the drive wheels. Torque converters are much more expensive to replace, so if you think you're saving money think again! I'm just happy I have a warranty for the next few years. I'll start worrying about service costs on the transmission once that warranty runs out.

With normal use, your torque converter should last a long time. I've read comments on this forum about Honda's weak transmissions and gears giving out, but very few people I know have complained about the reliability of their Hondas. If you can avoid racing those Subaru WRX's on the interstate, towing your cigarette boat or hauling construction equipment in the trunk (or all three at once) your transmission should give you a very long service life. At least I hope it will. The Acura is my first new car purchase with an automatic.

Later!