Manual vs Automatic

[Ikkin]

*Wave*

Hi all, I've been lurking for a few weeks now. (didn't want to jinx myself, i might be a Mommy on Monday!, so i've not introduced myself yet) I'm hopeful to introduce her properly by the end of next week.

After my test drive (that lasted a long beautiful day!) got home popped in the DVD from VW, I could not remove the big goofy grin from my face.
Went on line and found you all, that grin remains to this day!!
Thank you for that, Everyone!!

Love this site!! Although my husband has made a new rule, I can't bring my laptop to bed any more!

Searched, and Read as much as I could, think i made my mind up, but ....

I found my baby in KC, Kansas and had her shipped up to my local Carmax store, here in Illinois. She's a 5 speed (which is what i wanted). I read one too many reviews, regarding transmission, and now am confused..and wondering if i'm doing right by a manual?

If you were to adopt a new baby, I'm looking at an '06 Vert, would you go with the 5sp manual or Tiptronic?

I've only test drove an automatic, Tiptronic seemed responsive and the Sport option was really fun. Gas mileage...well... i'd probably drive in the sport mode, i understand this would not be as efficient as a manual, but I don't really drive that far to work. And driving a manual in traffic would not bother me either. *sigh*..decisions..

[Smileybug]

I haven't really heard anything negative about VW's manual transmissions. They are pretty sturdy things and last a long time. The automatics however are another story. Some are great, others crap out around 100k. I've never driven auto or tiptronic so I don't know much about them. I just know that I love my manual and I will stick with manual as long as I possibly can!

[warren]

welcome to the .org.

NB is a 5 speed (98K miles), passat has a tiptronic (75K)...tip is ok, but i really would rather drive the 5 speed. just my preference...

[SMG]

People complain about manuals being a pain, but once you get used to it you don't even think about it. It's just a part of driving and doesn't feel like something extra you have to do.

You definitely made the right choice with the manual. VW makes really nice manual transmissions that are fun and easy to drive. They also get better gas mileage and put down more power. You can't go wrong.

Tiptronic is alright but to me it feels like a toy and not something I'd use every day. I test-drove a tiptronic GTI, and stopping at a light I forgot I was driving a tiptronic and it downshifted and everything for me. It's just a remote-control automatic tranny, not really my cup of tea.

[Maggadog]

I chose a tiptronic when I got my car last year. It was not an easy choice. What finally made my decision for me, was the day I sat in traffic for an hour in my previous truck with a manual. After a while my clutch leg got tired. I wanted the ability to downshift when I need, I live in the hills, so a straight auto just didn't make it for me.
With the tiptronic, I can shift and maintain a chosen gear when I am in the hills, and change to full auto on the highway part of my commute. So far, it has been the right decision for me.
Sometimes I miss my manual, tho.
I do like how the auto tranny "learns" how you drive, and adjusts itself to your particular driving habits.
Whatever you choose, you will have a fun. "That big goofy grin" is usually found on my face when I am driving, so give it back!

[SMG]

Yeah, but, if you had a manual Volkswagen I think you would have gotten another one. Every manual truck I've driven has been a PITA, I can't even imagine driving one in heavy traffic.

[callisto9]

never owned an automatic, so i don't know. i really like manual transmission. better on mpg, better in the winter and cheaper to buy.

i say opt for 5-speed!

[scarabY2k]

I have an auto sans tiptronic and I can throw it into 1 and run up the gears and have fun however, the fun factor is the greatest if you have a 5 speed IMHO. My preference for the sheer performance factor, especially if you're gonna tune for extra horsepower is the manual. From my experience, manual trannys in trucks are a bit more trying on the leg anyhoo. You should be fine with the manual.

[from Margaritaville...]

I'm for a stick unless you spend a lot of time in traffic...

( I had a '69 with an AutoStick 3-speed hence the slug-bug-devil-incarnate. I'm biased against automatic Beetles)...

[lojasmo]

Do not want an automatic.

[SMG]

Originally Posted by scarabY2k

I have an auto sans tiptronic and I can throw it into 1 and run up the gears and have fun however, the fun factor is the greatest if you have a 5 speed IMHO. My preference for the sheer performance factor, especially if you're gonna tune for extra horsepower is the manual. From my experience, manual trannys in trucks are a bit more trying on the leg anyhoo. You should be fine with the manual.

LOL! You mean the towing gears?

[dnyed]

My *personal* rule is:

Large car, automatic

Small car, manual.


My New Beetle has the six-speed manual, and I love driving it, but much like Maggadog, in traffic my clutch leg gets tired, even almost falling asleep. It doesn't happen often, due to the odd hours I work, but all it takes is one idiot on the interstate bridge to ruin my day.

[ETBUG]

auto's trannys don't last

[scarabY2k]

Originally Posted by SMG

LOL! You mean the towing gears?

Yep the towing gears

[Ikkin]

thanks for all the support with comments FOR the manual!!

Darn that big goofy grin again!

I'm going tonight to give her a spin.

I also found other comments in the 1.9 Liter TDI area.

I feel good with my manual!


thanks again!

[callisto9]

keep us posted.