I don't drive an auto either, and I don't know how much strain it puts on the transmission but sports shift enabled cars don't dissallow this while disallowing other behaviors such as exceeding redline. I don't see while deceleration loads would be any more strenuous than acceleration loads.

 

I use sport shift only in rush-hour, stop-and-go traffic. That's it. The lack of responsivity with SS makes it a total turnoff. Since I have a S2k, I get my shifting fix in that. In fact, my next DD could be a manual....if I can find one.

 

I never use sportshift, when I want to drive like a mad man I take VSA off and gateshift. It's faster than SS.

Quick vid, someone turned out in front up ahead.
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since i bought the car, i havent use ss.

 

i only use the sportshift whenever needed...

 

The only people who reported using it casualy are 24 or under. And this board has a predominance of enthusiastic drivers. I figured people wouldn't bother to use it even if it was there because... why? What part of automatic doesn't the driver understand? I was just hoping to be surprised.

 

Every day. I use it to engine compression brake down hills and encourage the car into 3rd when going up hills. I couldn't live without it.

 

I use nothing but SS in the city. On the highway I don't.

 

I use mine 100% of the time, it's 6MT!

 

I'd say in the past... about 90%-95% of the time... now, maybe 40% with the TL-S, with the Infiniti FX... maybe 70% of the time... trying to behave with the FX, I would say when I first got it... 95%... but the thing is a gas hog, I think worst now after the ECU reflash

 

Auto clutches are very similar to brake pads, they can and do wear out. (just look at the 2nd gen 3 gear trans problems)

 

Just for $hits and giggles, I tried accelerating onto the freeway yesterday in SS. Since I have a 2G RL, I have shift paddles and I can also use the stick to shift in SS mode.

Thoroughly uninspiring experience to say the least. The shifts from 1-->2 and 2-->3 are so slow they make the car sound like a real slushbox. I mean, what's the point? In full auto mode, the tranny shifts crisply, smooth as butta. It sounds better, too.

Here's my car under full acceleration in full auto mode (not from yesterday--this is previously recorded):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37LvsFmV71c

 

Almost never. Sometimes people say "Ohhh whats that?" and I show them.

 

i used to engage sport-shift quite a bit, but now i only do it when i'm trying to show off. which, of course, is only about once every 2-3 weeks now

 

i usually use it around the city. i like to think it saves gas and the tranny.

 

Rarely. I used it a bit more last year during the winter (snow) to slow down the car in emergency situations because my tires would just lock in the snow.

 

I had my first car for 8 years which was an auto. Died a couple of weeks ago and the 08 Base was the last one on the lot. Sportshift was never a selling a point but figured it would be a good transition
tool to practice with to prepare me for a full-out stick. Tried it out on the drive home from work yesterday (35 mph road) and it felt like crap. Almost like i was hurting the thing when downshifting.

Figured now would be the opportune time to get it down pack for when the warranty runs out and I can SC this sucker, but the way you guys make it sound, it's best suited for a sticky situation like snow, which we don't have here and doesn't really do jack squat in terms of performance.

Is the response I'm getting from the car due to the fact that I'm in-experienced with the shifting or is that just the way it feels all the time? Trying to get an understanding on how all this works before I test myself at highway speeds.

 

Yep thats why I use it too, it works wonders going down passes and its quite fun going up passes in 3rd. if traffic is slowing quickly in front of me I usually downshift with SS.

 

When I had an AT...5% of the time, if that.

 

Is there a reason your car is shifting at those RPMs? It seems its shifting somewhat early especially the 1-2 shift.

 

I never use ss, if you want manual control buy a manual if you don't get an automatic and just put it in drive because ss is useless in my very uneducated opinion.