Hey guys, been a while since Ive been on here, but my girlfriend and I are looking at getting the 2010 TL SH-AWD with Tech package, weve already decided to get it and Im having a dificult time deciding on which to get, either the auto or manual.

I obviously want the manual especially since I loved my manual conversion on my 99 TL, but the auto has more options for color availability. In SoCal there are only 3 manual trans that I have found and they are all in black, which I wouldnt mind if they didnt attract so much dust.

I test drove the auto today and loved it, but Im still waiting to test drive the manual. Is there any significant difference between the two? Is there anyone on here that has test driven both to give a decent review as to which is better and why? I like the paddle shifters but there is nothing like rowing through the grears.

Help me out guys, probably going to purchase this weekend.

 

I drove both and bought the manual. It's very well executed with great shifting and clutch feel. If you enjoy shifting buy the manual...

 

You said it yourself: "there is nothing like rowing through the gears."

 

I've always owned MT cars, just so you know my bias.

I test drove both. The AT is a great car, handles beautifully, quick motor, all the TL attributes. But when I drove the MT it really seemed like the car came alive. It felt a bit sharper handling and the motor seemed more responsive and a bit quicker. The 0-60 times the mags are getting show the MT to be about .6-.8 seconds faster, but to me the real advantage of the MT is its responsiveness and fun to drive factor. It's a beautiful MT, by the way. Almost feels like a sports car.

Now if you're commuting daily in heavy SoCal traffic . . .

 

A few years ago I settled for a car with automatic since one with manual was was hard to find. Never again-I was very unhappy with it.

 

I test drove both, and I always wanted an MT car but had not driven one in about 15+ years. So I ended up buying the MT. As for the differences. The MT feels much quicker than the AT version, it's lighter and has some other performance features that the AT version does not have. Here's a link to the details.

http://www.templeofvtec.net/articles...icle_id=791061

The only thing I wish is the gear shifter they have in the article, seems to be from a pre-release version of the 6MT.

 

It's depends on your driving habits. If you do a lot of commuting in big city traffic, like ATL, DC, or NY it can be exhausting shifting gears...It makes me wonder if something is different about my car. I let a friend drive it who has a Camaro SS and he didn't notice a low end problem. He was impressed at how a car this size can get on it. Now I did notice a difference with some gasolines. Other than that Grace skoots!

 

Now that's it's gotten warmer, one thing I've noticed is that if you have the climate control on full "auto" the A/C runs nearly all the time. Not really noticeable on the freeway, but around town you can feel the A/C drag and it does affect the car's responsiveness. I just turn the A/C off when driving around town (unless it's boiling hot), and it makes a noticeable difference. Wonder if this is the source of the "no low-end" comments.

 

^^ I think a bulk of the no-low end comments are the AT. With the MT I find it extremely responsive, because we can control keeping the car in the proper RPM range.

 

thanks for the comments guys. Im going to be heading to the dealer with the manual trans. depending on the miles on i will determine if we buy it. considering how most of these cars are test driven were looking for 20 miles at the most on the clock. ill be sure to keep you guys posted, but were definitely leaning towards the manual. please excuse my grammar as im typing on my phone.

 

Good luck. You won't be disappointed with the 6MT TL. It hauls!

 

Don't forget to think about resale, if you plan to sell yourself, because manual will not be as popular of course.

 

If you intend to have your girlfriend drive the car also, make sure she's ok with stick. You might also want to consider waiting a little bit to see if the 2011 models might have the long-awaited 6AT.

 

Im not worried about resale value since we plan on keeping it, just like we have done with our 2003 accord. My girlfriend is more than willing to drive the manual, her previous car to the accord was a manual trans and she loved it.

Didnt end up getting the car last night but did get some negotiating done. My sister had her baby yesterday so that took precedence, so did the laker game and the ufc fight lol. Going back to the dealer today for the purchase. As of right now were looking at 38,9000 before tax and license, but were going for lower. Its White Diamond Pearl with Taupe interior SH-AWD w/ tech pkg and manual.

 

I completely agree with the type of traffic you deal with. My wife likes sticks and drives my car often enough but, driving on LI is a pain especially during peak hours so, we went auto for her.

 

I live in the high desert, my job is 10 miles away and I only deal with traffic when I want to, which is when I visit my family in LA or drives home from vegas or laughlin. So in that respect were no too worried about having the manual trans.

I see it like this: if Im going to spend 40+k on a car, I want to make sure I get what I want and have no regrets.

We have looked at the Audi a5 (since we originally wanted a coupe) but the cost is much higher for the Audi to have the same options as the TL. Not only that but my girlfriend is already use to the Acura navigation system since its very similar to her Honda navigation. Huge selling point for her.

 

Thanks for the web article-- helps summarizes the differences.

My two cents -- Go with the manual trans if it works for you. Two totally different beasts IMHO- handling, response, and drivability is a marked difference. I like to think of it as a bigger version of my S2000-- with a nice stereo.

 

well we test drove both, i obviously loved the 6 speed, however my girlfriend wasnt pleased with it. She felt that a luxury car shouldnt be a stick and she didnt feel comfortable with it. Since were getting this car together it has to be a mutual decision. I get sh-awd and she gets her navi. works for me.

 

How about get one with paddle shifters?

 

Well we got our TL. 2010 TL SH-AWD with Tech package, went with the auto trans. CBP with ebony interior, unfortunately I drank to much with my girlfriends Dad to drive it so my girl is driving us home absolutely beautiful car, and the price was to die for. 36,389 before tax title and license.

 

^how in the world did you get that price.. great deal and congrats on the purchase!

 

that price is common in california now