Disappearing standard transmissions!

[ray1970]

Started driving in 1985. I think it was 2002 when I got my first vehicle with an automatic transmission. I always liked the manuals because it gave me control of what gear I was in and when I wanted to shift and I always liked to be in control.

Now that I'm older and lazier I am willing to give up some of my control for comfort and convenience.

[8Ring]

There are several advantages to manual transmissions. First is their reliability. With modern synchronizers, you almost never grind or damage the gears. The clutch is the only item that normally needs to be replaced, usually between 100k and 125k miles, depending on your driving habits. Second, replacing a clutch is much cheaper than replacing an automatic or CVT transmission. Third, automatics and CVTs are controlled by computer codes. I have read that some manafacturers, like Nissan, are claiming that the codes are proprietary and thus cannot be used by non-dealer repair shops. This forces people to get their transmissions fixed at stealerships and drives up the cost of the process.

All my non-company cars have had manual transmissions. I enjoy the engagement and control the manual transmission provides although I admit that it is inconvenient to be constantly shifting in stop and go traffic on I-25.

Manual transmissions do not cause distracted driving although they are not suitable for distracted drivers. On more than one occassion recently, my wife has been driving her Subaru 75 mph for 5 miles on the highway in 5th gear. I get a look from her when I politely say that she can shift into 6th at anytime!

My Goal - In years to come, be the last old fart driving the last manual transmission car around here.

[Dave_L]

I like auto for my DD vehicle. But for any kind of "fun" car, i prefer manual.

[Martinjmpr]

I learned to drive in 78, got my first vehicle in 79 and my first automatic in .... 2003. Not a big fan of slush boxes.

Unfortunately any more there are large categories of vehicles where a MT is simply not an option. Much as I'd love to have a 5 or 6 speed manual on my Suburban, they haven't made them with that option for over 20 years (and to be honest, the 'Burb is mostly a tow vehicle so the slushbox is probably more appropriate for that anyway.)

I do have a DD Nissan Pathfinder with a 5 speed, and it's fun. Driving a manual makes me feel like I'm "engaged" with the car, where driving an auto is really just...steering.

Wife has an old 95 YJ Wrangler with a 5 speed and - get this - MANUAL steering! She loves it. She wants to give it to our granddaughter when she turns 16. She says it's the perfect teenager car: Manual steering and manual transmission means you can't text and drive, the thing is so loud you can't even talk on the phone while you drive, and it's got a little 4 cyl engine so the max speed is about 55.

[Martinjmpr]

I want a Manual because I don't want to pay for an additional anti-theft device.

With the lockouts on the newer automatics, they're not an easy mark for theft.

I think the point he was making was that there are neighborhoods out there where you could park a MT vehicle with the keys in the ignition and nobody would steal it because they don't know how to drive a manual.

My 22 year old nephew has a little Subaru Impreza with a 5 speed. If he goes out at night with his friends and they take his car, he can't drink - he has to be the designated driver since none of his friends know how to drive a manual.

[Martinjmpr]

BTW I assume that people who can't drive a manual are pretty much hosed if they ever want to go to a foreign country and rent a car. I don't know what it's like now but when I was in Germany in the 80's, automatics were virtually unheard of and the local rental places only rented vehicles with manuals. I rented a mini-van once (I think it was a Mitsubishi) to take a group of my buddies skiing in Garmisch - that thing had a 5-on-the-tree.

When my MP Company was deployed to Hungary in 1997 for OJG we did a liaison day with the Hungarian Highway Patrol - they were fascinated by our HMMWVs because they had automatic transmissions. Most of them had never seen one, much less driven one.

[JohnnyDrama]

Thanks for all the great replies. I learned to drive in the mid eighties in a '68 Ford half ton with a four speed and armstrong steering. That was long before cell phones and cup holders were those flimsy plastic things you hung off you window. I think you had to be a lot more engaged with your vehicle and the road. Driving is arguably the most dangerous thing most of us will do in our daily lives and it bugs me that so many people take it so lightly. Although I really like manual transmissions, I admit I have grown to like the autos in the Taco and Tundras at work for going off the beaten path.

[Guylee]

The truck I have now is the first vehicle I've owned that wasn't manual. If I ever own a small car again I'll insist on getting a stick, but for trucks I don't really miss it.

Also the article said you can't even get manuals in supercars anymore, but I think it's worth mentioning that it's because those highly advanced transmissions can shift faster and more intuitively than 99% of drivers can.

[newracer]

I know it's not a true manual but my wife's Fusion has a sport mode where you use the paddle shifters. It is a six speed auto. Really fun to drive.

My 99 Jeep Wrangler is a manual and both of my boys have learned to drive it.

[TFOGGER]

I want a Manual because I don't want to pay for an additional anti-theft device.