I'm currently driving an 09 Scion tC that i got brand new last year, Manual of course. And i'm about 100% sure that i want to trade in for the 2011. Up until recently, i told myself that if i did get the '11, i would get it manual as well.

But i been recently thinking, is it worth it for me? yes, i love the way it drives...along with everyone else, i feel that you do get the best of the car if it is Manual. But Long Island traffic sucks lol....seriously. I mean, i usually don't mind the traffic because driving stick is like 2nd nature, but i do find myself getting frustrated with it 3/10 times. I know its a low number, and its like "Really? Your gonna think twice about driving a car the manly way because you get frustrated with it at times?" But in all honesty, i'm thinking of just going automatic just so i don't have worry about the little things. Lazy? not really....i just like to kick back when i drive.

I'm not into racing, and i'm very most i'll do is just tint the windows, just like i did with my '09. I do a lot of commuting between my jobs, and put 25k+ miles on it in a year.

With this said, i need some honest feedback. What would you in my position of being unsure. I test drove both the 2011 auto and manual, and of course i loved the manual.....but the automatic wasn't that bad to me. I test drove the manual basically sitting in traffic mostly the whole time, and only made it 4th gear before hitting a light. So i guess i haven't got to experience the FULL potential of it. What would any of you get?

Manual.

I really shouldn't be saying more but I feel that I must. You will not enjoy the automatic, I can insure you this. If you are seriously debating on taking the jump to 2011, you should really consider why. If your main reason is because you want an automatic than that is simply a poor reason. Get a sedan not another tC. There isn't much excitement to the tC. Getting an automatic in a eco car basically eliminates any satisfaction.

I won't sugar coat it, your lazy. If you like driving a car, manual is the only way to go period. People who truly enjoy manual have no excuses. If you just want to get to point a to point b, automatic is your choice. But even so, I still think automatic is a horrible choice for anyone, unless your driving a luxury vehicle.

This is the type of answer im looking for. Thanks for the feedback dude.

Thinking about getting automatic is not my reason for getting the 2011. I knew i wanted it since i seen it at the NY Auto Show. Was just thinking about it these past couple days because i have to make a decision real soon. Figured i'd ask for some help on my decision on here. It was only until these past few days that i was 100% on getting manual. I went back to the dealership where i got my current one and went to same guy that sold me my 09. I almost felt like he was trying to convince me to get the automatic, because he asked why i prefered the manual. I asked how many people usually get manual over auto and he said it depends. More dudes than anything, but he also gets quite a few people who buy the manual and come back days later to switch to automatic. And every 2011 i seen so far in person has been automatic. except for 1.

There are two potential reasons he would sway you to get an automatic. One being that dealerships generally stock up on automatics compared to manuals. Two, selling an automatic means more money to his pocket. When I went to test drive the 2G tC, the dealership had 6 automatics and one manual. I test drove the manual and enjoyed it. If you really enjoy the 2G tC, get it. If your 9/10 on it, don't get it. You should be 100% on your decision. Before you make a move, make sure you check out other vehicles like the Subaru WRX. Its more functional, more powerful, and simply better. Plus, a majority of Subaru vehicles have a great resale value.

that is very true, but the guy was cool. no pressure for me....and its funny you say that because when he told me that i would have to wait a little bit if i wanted the black in manual. But they had 4 automatics there. He called me 2 days later because they got one manual in, and asked if i wanted to swing by and try it out so i did. I'm sold on it already.

Nice, then go for it. Keep us updated.

So far, the conversation going on between the two of you is all win. I geninuely feel this is what forums should be like.. people sharing meaningful issues and knowledgable people speaking from the bottom of their heart. Just wanted to give my 2cents.

Back on topic, I agree with Domo that Manual is the way to go if you are buying the 2G tC. I have been driving manual for only a year and it still isnt second nature for me. During high traffic here in the bay area (101 or 280) I get fustrated at the N-1-2, N-1-2 also. But the truth is that the joy of driving a manual outweighs that fustration in the end for me. Thus, if I were going with the 2G tC, I would pick the manual in black and no options!

manual,all the way..........yea it sucks in very heavy stop and go traffic,but at the end of the day,you wont regret it,i have a 5 speed and i live in NY,and yea there are times i wish i had a auto,but the times that i do have a chance to go in a auto for a day,it sucks man within 15-20 mins of driving it,i regret driving it and want my stick......So this way the next time im in traffic and want a auto i think back to when i had the auto and how boring it was..but thats just me,Like dome said,if you want a auto,dont consider a tc,please consider SUV or luxury Vehicle...

I do have a auto but its a F-250 which i use to trail my boat around,

but remeber,You be in control not the car....

Manual! I have bad knees and hate traffic. But i suck it up cause when you can rip through the gears its awesome. I just have always felt more in control with a manual. I have a truck that automatic which its a truck so thats fine. I just cruise along in that thing and its not ment to go fast. Neither is the tC but its still fun the dream and with a manual its easier to believe! LOL

Interesting convo, I have an auto and could careless for a manual especially in the city.Now if i lived out in PA,NJ,LI,or SI thats different then maybe i wouldn't mind a manual cause its way more open than BK,BX,Queens,Manhattan.But like you said i like to kick back when im driving, listen to music and cruise.Not have to work while im driving, call it lazy all you want but thats me besides by the time you're on 3rd and about to hit 4th you have to downshift and slow down cause of the traffic light(SUCKS).Trust me i've smoked people who talked crazy smack cause they have a stick and i shut their mouths up.So you can have fun in an auto as well that all depends on you and not the type of transmission you have on the car.In the end get what you want cause you're the one who has to make the payments on it not us.

Get a manual,

The 2011 transmission will make you love driving again.

Auto because it is one less thing to 'worry' about. I use my car to get to point A from point B and having an auto transmission makes driving much easier imo.

Interesting convo, I have an auto and could careless for a manual especially in the city.Now if i lived out in PA,NJ,LI,or SI thats different then maybe i wouldn't mind a manual cause its way more open than BK,BX,Queens,Manhattan.But like you said i like to kick back when im driving, listen to music and cruise.Not have to work while im driving, call it lazy all you want but thats me besides by the time you're on 3rd and about to hit 4th you have to downshift and slow down cause of the traffic light(SUCKS).Trust me i've smoked people who talked crazy smack cause they have a stick and i shut their mouths up.So you can have fun in an auto as well that all depends on you and not the type of transmission you have on the car.In the end get what you want cause you're the one who has to make the payments on it not us.

Who you smoking in an auto tC. 1990 corollas?

i have a feeling that this thread is goona lead to what is best auto or manual.....

heres how you decide,what are use using the car for,if you dont want to shift,then simply get a auto,if you wanna enjoy the car and have full control get a manual,plain and simple,the only person who can decide that is your self,the rest of us will have opions that affect us everyday.....

I know plenty of people who had manuals in the past and bought luxury vehicles and they regret getting a auto and then eventually ditch auto and get manual

I purchased a black manual, and from driving a 07 manual, I can tell a major difference. One of the largest differences is the easy clutch. And by easy, I mean it slides to the floor like melted butter. I have drive spring action clutches before and you have to damn near put all your weight on them. I have driven with haudrilic clutches that apply back pressure when depressed to the floor. This clutch pedal is extremely smooth. I drive in stop in go traffic alot and it hasn't really bothered me at all.

I think my06 tc said it the best.
If you dont want to shift, then get an auto. If you want full control over revs, then get manual.

Manual all the way! You don't really "drive" an automatic, you just steer it. Sure stop and go gets tedious, but that's not when you enjoy driving whether it's auto or stick. When you get out on the open road and have complete control over the driving experience, you'll thank yourself for getting the real trans. Stop and go and heavy traffic is always going to suck no matter what trans you have, so get the one you can have fun with.

Manual all the way! You don't really "drive" an automatic, you just steer it. Sure stop and go gets tedious, but that's not when you enjoy driving whether it's auto or stick. When you get out on the open road and have complete control over the driving experience, you'll thank yourself for getting the real trans. Stop and go and heavy traffic is always going to suck no matter what trans you have, so get the one you can have fun with.

Like srs.....it doesnt matter if you are using a manual trans or auto, you are still driving it. The only thing a manual offers is the ability to control your revs.

First post lol...

I saw that the 2011 auto has semi automatic transmission can anyone comment on this?

I'm forced to get an auto though =[ my dad wants to be able to drive it too in case of an "emergency"

No, the auto is not semi auto trans(or would it be called semi manual?) :/
Either case, that will be in the tC3 ..hehe..

No, the auto is not semi auto trans(or would it be called semi manual?) :/
Either case, that will be in the tC3 ..hehe..

I meant the up down shifts on the automatic stick o.o

Here's a pic
http://www.automobilesreview.com/img/2011-scion-tc/2011-scion-tc-24.jpg

First post lol...

I saw that the 2011 auto has semi automatic transmission can anyone comment on this?

I'm forced to get an auto though =[ my dad wants to be able to drive it too in case of an "emergency"

Thats a lame excuse. How about you teach him, otherwise you will regret automatic.

@danni, the 1st gen tC has that but I have never used it. I am assuming it works though :P

Thats a lame excuse. How about you teach him, otherwise you will regret automatic.

Ah I know but I can't really complain. I'm still in college and its not my money. I'm planning on getting and Audi or ft86 after I graduate in about two years.

Ah I know but I can't really complain. I'm still in college and its not my money. I'm planning on getting and Audi or ft86 after I graduate in about two years.

Those are very different choices...it's like saying "Ya, I'm between a Kia and a Lambo for my next car".

I'd get the manual just because I hate automatic. But that's a biased remark, so get whatever.

Those are very different choices...it's like saying "Ya, I'm between a Kia and a Lambo for my next car".

I'd get the manual just because I hate automatic. But that's a biased remark, so get whatever.

not entirely the ft 86 is supposed to be around 26 grand and the audi r4 is slated to be released 2013 (right around the time i graduate) for 27 grand

not too bad i guess >.<


btw going back on topic if you have a choice get manual

manual > automatic unless you're driving a rocket

most ppl's feedback on the 2g 6AT seems to be that it is not very responsive, does the job, the no where near where the 6MT is at.

Go with stick, you'll pbly end up regretting getting AT.

Thanks everyone for the feedback, MUCH appreciated.

I'm DEFINITELY getting Manual. It's just god damn manly too get it that way. LOL. I drove another Automatic the other day, and got to drive it a little longer than the first one i drove. And even though it seems to be MUCH better than the first gen, Manual is just the way to go. I feel like i was tripping to even ask which way to go lol, but most of you are right. The times you get frustrated with driving in traffic doesn't even come close to the enjoyment that comes from driving stick.

I also want to say thank you guys for being so cool with the responses. I know some people on here are RUTHLESS when it comes to that which is why i don't post anything. Sucks when your not that knowledgeable about certain things, but i'm learning. Thanks again!

Seeing how you're sold on the manual, I will say that it is not too much of a hassel driving a manual in a city. I've driven a 5 spd accord in chicago, houston, and cleveland. It honestly isn't that bad unless there's HUGE hills. In which case, it's not even that bad unless some idiot behind you is literally all the way up your butt.

I own an auto 07 tC now. I bought it in early 2008. Bought it off a friend. It had 20k miles. Once I got my IPT valve body in, I honestly didn't really care that it was an auto. The shifts are crisp. Sure it's not the same... but I do enjoy being lazy.

The new sequential automatic in the new tC lets you choose your gears. To be honest, if I wasn't in college right now, I'd buy the new tC as an auto. For me, I love having the tC as a mildly modified daily driver. If I'm lazy, I can let it shift by itself. If I want to choose the gears, I'll slap it over into sequential mode.

If this was up for debate in say a project car, I'd definitely go with a manual.

test drive both and see what you like better. i've owned a manual tc and currently have an auto and there's not much of a difference for a commuter car. some people are going to say a manual is better than auto, but it comes down to personal preference. from the sound of the original post you want an auto, but looking to be talked into something you don't really want.

Who you smoking in an auto tC. 1990 corollas?
I smoke every moped in town.
I smoke MPs going 17 in a 15(ya I got pulled over again lol)

manual.. i test drove an auto and bought a manual.. the difference in driving is for sure better than the auto.. but the look of the manual is also much better than the auto.. IMO for some reason the auto looks very cheap..

I had a honda accord before with a STIFF clutch and it almost turned me off of ever buying a manual again. I test drove the auto Tc, and it just feels horrible and the exhaust sounds weird. The manual is so much more fun, AND, the clutch is so soft that it almost takes no effort. It does travel a bit of distance, but the manual transmission on this car is so sweet. It's so smooth, and just so easy to use. Also, for some reason, the manual gearbox looks way better than the cheaper-looking auto. Get the manual, though I feel your frustration with rush-hour traffic. I don't think you're lazy to consider an auto. It's a convenience thing and at the end of a long day, it can be pretty annoying. If only, everyone started placing dual-clutch autos instead of the regular autos.

I currently have an 06 tC with a manual. I test drove a new automatic tc and it wasnt fun at all. It was slow and just didn't feel like it had soul. I dont know how to describe it but there wasn't anything to excite me with the automatic. I would get the manual.

I know for the 2011 model it comes with tiptronic for automatics. I know it is nothing like using a standard but you still can go through the gears yourself.

I know for the 2011 model it comes with tiptronic for automatics. I know it is nothing like using a standard but you still can go through the gears yourself.


no matter what they do to the autos,it wont be the same as a regular manual tranny,it makes me feel in control when i push on the clutch and move the shifter..i drove those padel shifters things,and the +/- on the auto shifter,that allows you to shift through the gears,i didnt like it....but thats only me...for me either its manual or auto,i understand some days you want either or,thats why they invented this stuff..

i get an awesome 'eco' light with my auto.

suck on THAT!

no matter what they do to the autos,it wont be the same as a regular manual tranny,it makes me feel in control when i push on the clutch and move the shifter..i drove those padel shifters things,and the +/- on the auto shifter,that allows you to shift through the gears,i didnt like it....but thats only me...for me either its manual or auto,i understand some days you want either or,thats why they invented this stuff..

The day dual-clutch autos become the standard (only the gti and vw diesels among non-luxury makers), manual sales will probably fall off a lot, esp in the more powerful cars. As far as I'm concerned, auto's are great if that's what you want, but triptronic is simply a gimmick that maybe 0.5% of people actually use. Manual is also great for squeezing more out of smaller motors.

no matter what they do to the autos,it wont be the same as a regular manual tranny,it makes me feel in control when i push on the clutch and move the shifter..i drove those padel shifters things,and the +/- on the auto shifter,that allows you to shift through the gears,i didnt like it....but thats only me...for me either its manual or auto,i understand some days you want either or,thats why they invented this stuff..

no one can shift faster than the DSG (vag) or SST (evox) manual transmission. The typical manual transmission is obsolete now with the dual clutch technology. some people call it an auto, but the fact is that it's still a manual transmission. most people with the traditional manual say they get it for performance, so if someone really wants performance than the dual clutch is the way to go.

Don't forget the SMG from BMW, seen one of those whoop up on an SRT4 just because he could shift faster

Manual for true powa!!

This thread is a sign of a good (if not great) forum. Lots of discussion on a topic without anyone getting rude. (or at least the mods deleted those posts!)

On the actual topic of the thread... I find it interesting that the news article reviews I've read have all said to get the auto. I drove both and agree the manual is MUCH more fun, so I'm not sure I understand why car reviewers would say to get the AT. Unless they're assuming all tC owners are all about show and not go...

I'm sure this point has already been brought up,

But you should also take into comsideration of what you want to do to the car.

I personally bought the car knowing I was going to turbo it, therefore I chose the manual. Using the last tC as a reference, the auto cars are limited in power output due to the tranny. This one could hold more power Idk, no one has tested it yet.

He's right, it all depends on what you personally want.

Mine is a daily driver and I have a long commute so I am concerned with gas mileage. I don't plan on doing any mods that could be too detrimental to that 31 mpg hwy.

The car's already got enough get-up-and-go to be fun to drive, and when I throw it into manual mode it provides for fun passing and acceleration when desired.

Mild upgrades like intake, exhaust, ecu, etc are right up my ally because I don't plan on sinking a ton of money into modding this car. The automatic can more than handle those upgrades, and these reasons make it ideal for me right now.

Having once owned an Auto (tiptronic DSG) equppied GLI, I speak from the heart when I say that was the best transmission ever crafted by man.

Having owned 3 manual mustang gt's I can also speak from the heart and say that in true sportscar driving a stick is mind blowing flawless nirvana.

Having now purchased an 2G auto...(wifes car) I have many hang ups with this tranny. the row your own mode is a plus for sure but is far from perfect...or really good for that matter. when switching from auto to "manual" mode it goes into fourth gear, no matter where you were when you made the change. It likes to continue to shift while in "manual" mode. It will let you rev out the gears, but the once you let off it wants to upshift for you...not terrible, even my GLI would eventually take over just in case part time race driver got bored or forgot what mode he/she was in. but it does it often and really strives to make the eco light come back on. but worse is that it does not indicate what gear the car has chosen to place its self in. kinda annoying.

to me, if your just looking for an easy car to get around in and dont have a wish list of aftermarket parts for santa already made out. then the auto will be just fine. easy, still fun, and a HUGE improvment over the 1st gen (yeah, had one of those too). If you want a more driver input feel, and plan to add some go fast goodies down the road, also dont mind juggling coffee, cell phone, big mac, and shifter whilst navigating the city at 5pm... than thats clearly the way to go.

rocefresh, I’m glad you decided to opt for the manual, I know you won’t regret it. However with a lot of potential buyers reading...

Just traded in my manual trans 05 scion tc with 114,000 miles for an auto cement tc2. My other car is a 09 united grey GTI DSG (so good I still wonder if I should have gotten another GTI)

Manuals I’ve owned were, triumph spitfire, fd rx7, sentra se-r, s13 240 w/black top swap & mustang gt.

For most of you I would suggest the stick. Super easy to drive, won’t limit your performance dreams and will give plenty of satisfaction and enjoyment. The tc2 answered my only complaint about the first gen needing one more gear. I doubt anyone would ever regret opting for the 6spd manual.

Your driving needs and personality (and possibly age) will indicate if the auto is right for you. I have the same gripes about the auto that tbone mentioned. The auto transmission does its job well when commuting, focusing on giving you optimum mpg. If you ask it to pass there’s a brief pause while it drops gears then does its thing (nowhere near the feeling of punching it with the DSG). Passing in manual mode can give a bit more control, with an averaged skilled driver in a stock manual tc2 I doubt there would be much of a difference in passing performance. As biglilsteve stated the auto can easily handle the average mod list.

The tc2 for me is an amazing value. Exterior, interior, performance, and sounds are shockingly satisfying for the price. The quieter cabin, drive-by-wire, electric power steering and improved suspension seems to dull the ride and hide the actual speed a bit. I often found myself entering corners and accelerating faster than what I was used to in the first gen tc. Although manual is the way to go for RPM control, the transmission has little to do with the vastly improved handling the tc2 carries. It’s a nice place to be in for the 120+ daily miles I put on.

For those new buyers the hardest part about buying your tc should be the choosing the color…

good input tbone, will!

For the short version scroll to the TL:DR section (To Long : Didn't Read), for those whom are still thinking about it and want more detail please read

I was having this debate myself, I spent several weeks thinking I was going to get the manual so I could mod the car. But the more I made a wish list the more I realized that it was out of scope, if you will.

As the last car (and only car) I owned was an 04 Camry, the G2 TC provides a lot more sport then the Camry. I have almost 0 manual driving experience and as I looked at how much I make, and other life goals I realized that I would never put a ton of money into after-market parts. I also have a GF and live with my parents while I try to save some money and pay off the car and decide where I want to live (That is for a whole different form). The only person in my family who can drive stick is my father, and there have been several times that my family have needed to drive my car.

I do hold some regret as I would love to have a manual and tweak the car. I think everyone here loves it when they pull onto a back road with no-one in sight. Even in my Camry I have gotten to 200km/h (Dash reading). Granted that was in my younger days and I won't do that again. Another thing I noted was that I also put a lot of KM on the car (average about 40,000km a year). I also need to ensure that the car is on the road often, my job dictates that I have a car, without it I can't make money. If I could afford to have a car that did not need to be reliable, I would have gotten another car.

To me the TC is a fun 'sporty', I got the auto as the rest of my family can use it if needed and I know that teaching them all manual is not an option. I also made a list of stuff that I wanted to do to the car, and then another list of items that will not affect the reliability of the car. Many of the items that I was looking into are already on the car, or would not be impacted on transmission choice. Do I wish I had the manual, only when I am reading through other peoples posts on them modifying their cars. But really I am very happy with my TC, it is my car and it fits my needs. Maybe it is because this is also the first new car I have owned, i don't know.

I find that writing out a list really helped me make my choice, if you are still wondering then I would do that. It sounds silly but it is better to try it if you have not idea then to spend all that money on a new car and regret it.

As others have said, once you have made up your mind stop thinking about it! Don't take any post here as the right thing to do, but think about the information and make your own choice.

Best of luck,

Joe

TL:DR
I got the auto because family can drive it, reliability, satisfied with what it had to offer.

Actually it has tiptronic but the transmisson has suuuper slow reaction time. I owned a mustang gt manual and i got a tc2 auto and love it cuz its chill and its attempt at luxury is nice to me. Unless u feel ur gunna really do srs performance mods then go man but if ur not then check out the auto.

let me just say i walked into the dealership and they did not have a manual for me to even test drive, i test drove the auto and it was just ok. i ordered mine manual and had to wait 3 weeks to get it to the dealer, and let me say getting the manual is worth the wait, and ive taken it to albany and NYC and sitting in traffic is not that bad, if your that annoyed of constantly shifting its easy to get the car rolling in 3rd gear, so really there are no excuses.