Cars: Manual or Automatic transmission?

[fsjm2112]

I am able to drive a manual but as the poll asks, not very well. I know that a manual is the way to go if you like driving but it just seems to much for me..cosidering I drive in traffic for close to 2 hours a day!

[hemingway]

...just to add to my dislike of auto transmissions: I was servicing the family car last weekend (auto - due to the Mrs being unable to multi-task) when I discovered that the transmission filter is somehow located deep in the guts, and not accessible at all and obviously requiring significant disassembly. So after a bit of swearing and complaining, I returned the filter to the store.

[Pepe990]

i  manual cars

although the mercedes ML 500 as automatic was amazing!!!!

[beachboy1]

I learnt on a manual, as it qualifies you for automatic as well. So it gives you more possibilities, and I think it's less hassle for maintenance too.

[hemingway]

I learnt on a manual, as it qualifies you for automatic as well. So it gives you more possibilities, and I think it's less hassle for maintenance too.

Manuals tend to require a bit more maintenance, but the big difference is that when autos do require maintenance, it's a really big (expensive) job. I've rebuilt manuals and changed many clutches, but I'd never attempt to rebuild an auto myself

[Advent]

A little known fact is that many automatics need to be 'flushed' (not just have the ATF changed) every once in a while, usually yearly. That's an expensive service and your warranty can be void if it isn't done.

We're manual-only. My wife's dad absolutely insisted she learn on a stick and her first vehicle be stick. I have an old Land Cruiser, and it's so much easier to move it on the starter than push when something breaks.

We're expecting to need a new car within the next two years, and we plan to buy new. The one non-negotiable feature is a manual transmission.

When we were visiting family for Christmas I drove my mom's Subaru around. I found myself sitting 6" higher in the seat because I was pushing so hard on the dead pedal!

[Aron]

Im all about manual cars, (mine a skyline powered nissan Sileight (180sx with Silvia front end) rear wheel drive sideways smoke machine :-)

[Hotdogger]

Manuals are way more fun to drive, and really easy. Glad when I first learnt to drive I did it in a five speed.

[Pepe990]

all I need to say is I'm German

[KamSza]

although i own a manual I LOVE automatic! They arent so popular in Europe though, always wonder why?!

[nudetrail]

i prefer automatic

[vtcntryboy]

It was rather difficult for the first week getting used to not shifting gears after I'd been doing it for almost a month in her car.

I drove for years with a manual and the old reflexes are hard to break.

Amen to that one!  I can't tell you how many times I've went for the clutch in an automatic and hit the break instead...those were rather abrupt stops 

[fsjm2112]

It was rather difficult for the first week getting used to not shifting gears after I'd been doing it for almost a month in her car.

I drove for years with a manual and the old reflexes are hard to break.

Amen to that one!  I can't tell you how many times I've went for the clutch in an automatic and hit the break instead...those were rather abrupt stops 

I could imagine.....Hopefully there was no one behind you..

[Nickozzz]

for my job i drive in maybe 5 to 6 different cars every evening(sometimes even more) from Audi's(A3,A4,S8,Q7) to bentleys and even cars like old Opel Corsa's and in my opinion manual cars are more fun. Automatic cars are nice because they're all the same so i don't need to get used to every car, just foot on the gas and go.

[Nick_SA]

I prefer manual all the way. I know some will state that a double clutch system changes gears faster, but I feel that I have more control when it is manual.