I feel so sorry for the guys that have auto trans. I've had my manual trans xB for almost a yr and coulnd't be happier. Tonight, my boss bought a brand new xB with an auto trans for the delivery vehicle for work. In short, after a night of deliveries....the auto trans SUCKS.
It feels like someone is pushing the car to start, instead of an engine doing the work. I don't beat on my xB, but I pulled into traffic once of twice, feeling very comfortable with driving my car, and had a moment of panic when I realized I wasn't moving like I had expected.
I know this comment is going to catch some crap. A man trans isn't for everyone, but if I hadn't gotten a manual, I woulnd't have bought the car based on what I experienced.
It's not a need for speed either. It just doesn't feel like it can get out of it's own way, and I can feel the parasitic loss of the automatic drive train in just about every gear. I was very dissapointed. It really compaired to my freind's Geo Metro in driving experience.

Yep it is a bit sluggish but it does have its advantages over a stir box.
I went from driving a Chrysler LHS to a box and the power difference is significant but the box is much lighter.
0 to about 40 seems peppy but over 40 things bog down considerably. It takes a bit of forethought getting on the x-way.
But I have been stuck in traffic for hours with a clutch wishing I had an auto then again that was a 69 Vette so I was able to grin and bear it!

well here we go .........i have an auto, and i love it ! i have driven both tho. the stick may be a little faster on the get go.... but...... when it comes to less hassle in traffic and high revs. the auto has the stick beat all to hell. the auto has a cool button on the shifter that you can down shift with nooooo effort. you come to a hill.... click your moving with flow,and for faster speeds at 80 mph im turning a fairly quiet 3200 rpm in a stick the revs are much higher and hence noiser. but there is one big differance here im 55 yrs old and i dont have to drive like im being chased by the cops! lol slow and easy!

I got a manual trans. Before i bought the car, i test drove the audo a the dealership, and it just wasnt for me. I felt a lack of power, and peppyness. I know the auto would have its advantages, like heavy traffic driving, but i love my stick :love:

I know this comment is going to catch some crap. A man trans isn't for everyone, but if I hadn't gotten a manual, I woulnd't have bought the car based on what I experienced.I don't feel bad for those with the auto. I think the performance is comparable to other other cars in the price range. The stick makes it feel faster than it actually is because you have to do something.

I too probably wouldn't have gotten an xB if I had wanted an automatic. Only because I got bored driving my last automatic and would want a good manual shift mode.

well here we go .........i have an auto, and i love it ! i have driven both tho. the stick may be a little faster on the get go.... but...... when it comes to less hassle in traffic and high revs. the auto has the stick beat all to hell. the auto has a cool button on the shifter that you can down shift with nooooo effort. you come to a hill.... click your moving with flow,and for faster speeds at 80 mph im turning a fairly quiet 3200 rpm in a stick the revs are much higher and hence noiser. but there is one big differance here im 55 yrs old and i dont have to drive like im being chased by the cops! lol slow and easy!


well said!!!!!! :clap:

I've owned 8 cars. Only one of them was an automatic--and I totaled it.

I love manual tranny'd cars, there's more connection between the car and driver.

HOWEVER--the ratios in our 5-Speeds could be better. I drive about 50 miles each way to work and home, most of that on the interstate at around 80 MPH. That translates to 4K RPM. It does drone on the ears and the wallet. At that speed I can't get better than 31 MPG Hwy.

Now, would I rather have an auto? No. Do I feel sorry for Autos? No.

The xB automatic transmission is about the best there is, and does many things better than the manual transmission. Freedom from shifting in stop and go traffic jams, instant downshifts with the button, lower rpms at cruising speed, quieter cruising, better mileage, and the intelligence to learn the shift points that suit how hard you drive.

That last item might be the most important for me. Countless times I had rented a cheap 4-cyl automatic car and flogged the rubber band engine and transmission. Flooring it for power, waiting for the delayed jerky downshift, hearing the engine scream, then a second later backing off the throttle when the need for power ended, and feeling the transmission jerk again as it upshifted on deceleration. Over and over again in aggresssive traffic driving.

But I didn't even give the xB automatic a chance. I got the manual. I love the instant response to full throttle, the fast acceleration (9.6 sec 0-60), the complete control over shifting, the muted resonance of the exhaust as the engine bites into each gearchange, the effortless clutch and the smooth shifter.

Dont feel sorry for my Auto... I got plenty of power to get out of my own way and a manuals too... :lalala:

stick here and loving it!

heh, if speed is the issue, then yeah of course, automatics are not as well equipped. if driver-car connection is the issue, then yes, automatics aren't quite there. however, when it comes to cruising and just moping around town, autos have it over the manuals by a long shot.

i personally haven't learned manual yet, though i've been into the whole car/automobile industry/culture whatever since i was 13. my friend drove my auto xB for a little bit the other day, and he was surprised at just how smooth it was. he drives the last gen VR4 GTO. so yeah, i'm quite happy with my auto.

but i would love to try out the manuals sometime.

I've never had any appreciation for an auto with a 4 cyl engine other than a newer Camry I drove once. All the cars I've had experience with don't have much acceleration and they sound like they are dying to do the little they can. Sure they are better in stop and go traffic and the gearing is better for high speeds and economy but the doggedness of them is just too much for me. I'd rather do the extra work in traffic and lose a few MPG to have the extra acceleration. It's something I like to call comfort power. I'm comfortable that I can get enough power out of it to handle most driving situations without risk to my life. Plus it's so much more fun in spirited driving.

I love my auto !

Love my auto. It does what I need it to and it hardly complains.

I also have a civic which is a manual....

i get both the auto will shift manually just fine. besides if i want to have a shifty experiance i'll just hope onto my bike

Drive on California freeways then come talk to me. I love my auto. Less I have to worry about whule driving.

Drive on California freeways then come talk to me. I love my auto. Less I have to worry about whule driving.

Been on Cali freeways in a manual and it was FUN! (when things were moving)

I agree there are good points to autos, but for the most part they're all convenience in an xB. If it where say, a BMW M6....then an auto would be glorious to help control the power, but in a car that makes barely over 100 hp I could do without the parasitic loss of an automatic drive train.
And unless you have arthritic knees I can't see traffic being so over-bearing. I broke my foot and had a cast for 2 months and I still managed to bang the gears on my old Mustang.
I don't mean to trash people for no reason, everyone has thier different needs in a car. However, I was personally almost embarrassed because my co-workers where driving it and thought mine was just like it.
The gearing is nice and tight, but 5th could use a few more teeth. I just throw my "tunable exhaust" baffle in on long trips and I hardly notice the exhaust over the sweet sounds of rock and roll......

I have an auto with a Greddy Axleback and that sluggishness at takeoff is gone for me.

I have an auto. ( ;o;)

It doesn't matter though. My "fun" car is a 5 speed. This box is is for gas saving & people moving purposes. ( ^_^) <3

I prefer the auto. If I wanted a fast car, I wouldn't have bought the Box.

I got a manual trans. Before i bought the car, i test drove the audo a the dealership, and it just wasnt for me. I felt a lack of power, and peppyness. I know the auto would have its advantages, like heavy traffic driving, but i love my stick :love:

I drove the auto at the dealer then drove an XA stick (didnt have an XB) and you can tell the difference right away. I like being in control of my own gearing, I live downtown also and its not big deal to shift in and out of gears. But like it was stated before its not for everyone

I don't know why people say manuals are hassles in traffic... I've driven through Houston rush hour many times, and many other long periods of stop and go, and there's no problem with the stick. Basically I'm not a wuss.

the box is auto, the tC is stick. I didn't feel that the power the xB has was worth all the shifting.

I went from a Manual xb to an Auto , no regrets, I am in traffic way to much for a manual. If you know how to work the Auto, its not that bad.

i like both, auto and manual... i got the auto xb... i dont feel bad about it and no one else should either...

I prefer the auto. If I wanted a fast car, I wouldn't have bought the Box.

We have a winner folks!!! The xB is slow PERIOD

the box is auto, the tC is stick. I didn't feel that the power the xB has was worth all the shifting.

ding, ding, ding!!! When I get the Supra in 2010, then the 350hp, 6sp tranny will warrant a stick, not the box...

I used to work 5 miles from home. If I still did, I would have gotten the 5spd. Of'course I would have enjoyed using the car to more of it's potential. But commuting 70 miles a day in traffic... I wouldn't give up my auto!

Interesting thread. I am seriously considering ab xB, and the most significant decision is the transmission. I'm inclined to go with a 5 speed, because that is what I've been using for my 40 years of driving. I've been researching the xB purchase on this forum, and it seems like the autos have the potential to get better mileage on the highway, but actual results give the edge to the 5 speed. Unfortunately most owners who post mileage fail to indicate what transmission they have!

One major criteria for making a decision on this car is low cost of operation. In my experience, automatics have fewer maintenance problems and will last 200k without repair. I was distressed to see indications of short clutch life with the manual. Our current Previa family van has 271,000 on an automatic, and I KNOW that a manual transmission would have used up a clutch (or three) in that distance! I keep cars for a looong time.

So, can any of you experienced xB owners speak to the maintenance issues related to your transmissions (including clutch)? Please indicate if it is a mauual or an automatic. Hey, and if you can, indicate what kind of mpg you are getting in city vs highway driving ...

Thanks, KCT (Mountain Bike Racer - 10K driving per season to events)

It's all how you drive man. I had a s-10 4 cylinder with 5spd and 155k miles and I never changed the clutch. I have the manual xB, and it does just fine. I prefer 5spd over auto for control more than speed. The only way I drive auto is if it's rear wheel drive and luxurious.

hey why you got to knock on the auto, i love my auto box and would nt trade it for sucker stick.... it s not like your on the track.. plus a box is for nothing more than to cruise..... if you want to go fast get a sports car...

I love shift'n but 300+ a day in Bay Area commute traffic... after working all day :ttth: in the hills a stick is mandatory but for day to day traffic I'm say forgit about it...check my 110,XXX happy clutch free mile on the odometer... the auto is the only reason I ended up getting the box, I needed to start commuting and my GTi wasn't going to cut it.. needed a new car I could lounge in on the way home without shifting get good mileage, be reliable and look good..xB was perfect and I have been addicted to Scions ever sence then! I have actually never drove the stick yet but have learned that if it's the speed your after, momentum is your friend just pick your lines wisely and drive smoothly! Course I wouldn't mind the ZPI turbo to give me an edge on those short merges on 101! :clap:

...In my experience, automatics have fewer maintenance problems and will last 200k without repair. I was distressed to see indications of short clutch life with the manual. Our current Previa family van has 271,000 on an automatic, and I KNOW that a manual transmission would have used up a clutch (or three) in that distance! I keep cars for a looong time...
NO WAY! Automatic transmissions have hundreds of moving parts, and while driving style and manufacturer are huge factors in thier durability, over-all automatics fail much more often. A manual trans only has maybe a hundred moving parts with a negligable amount of wear, excluding the clutch. If you drive conservatively, a clutch can make it 200K. The pressure plate in this series motor was a bad choice. It was taken from an engine that produced less power, and was once of the few bone-head moved on Scion's part, but it's not unreliable. If you accelerate at 100% trottle all the time and feather the clutch, it'll go...
Look at it this way: The only reason the Automatic gets better gas milage on the highway is because the drastically steeper final gear overcomes the massive amount of parrasitic loss from hundreds of moving parts spinning and pumping fluids thru maybe a hundred wearable parts(Valve bodies, seats, seals, torque converter, hydrolic pump, ect..)which in the end results in a 2 mpg increase. I don't think its worth it.
In the little experience I have (only being 22) I've seen or helped my dad replace, or rebuild 4 automatic transmissions on 3 cars that where automatics since as long as I remember, Only 1 clutch. My dad keeps cars around for a long time too. Our van saw 180K I think. Subaru was 200K(which was the clutch), the Cadillac saw 140K, and my brothers VW is still kickin at 150K.
This thread turned into something I didn't intend. I ment just to rib the guys with autos a little, but I'm glad that the conversation has stayed informative enough for a potential buyer to use as reference.
In the end, it just comes down to what you think will better fit your life with consideration to driving style, terrain (mountains EAT autos), personal preference, and maybe some consideration to if you want a little more accessable performance(with the manual), however little it may be.
P.S. - GET AN RS 4.0!!!

hey why you got to knock on the auto, i love my auto box and would nt trade it for sucker stick.... it s not like your on the track.. plus a box is for nothing more than to cruise..... if you want to go fast get a sports car...

who said a manual means race/ go fast?


I cant drive an autoamatic. im always looking for a clutch pedal when it comes time to upshift or down shift. my passengers laugh at me when this occurs :-(

plus the xB has a very high fun to drive factor. especially when you install a TRD quick shifter :lalala:

We have an automatic. The worst mileage we've had was about 26mpg, in winter (VT), when the car was new. The best we've gotten is about 38mpg, on a long Interstate trip. In general, now that the xB is broken in, we average about 34mpg driving around town in warm weather. We live in a semi-rural area and drive responsibly.

The automatic seems to work well. However, we've never driven a standard xB for comparison.

i'VE had my manual xB for 3 months now and wish I had the auto. I has a civic95 4dr before this and could shift the download shift and upshift to get the most out of the revs. It had plenty of pep and could concentrate on other things in the car, like picking my nose!

seriously, even driving the manual you'd expect a lot more gain in performance but on rolling country twisties, the gears do help but not by much. just do more work and less enjoying the scenery in the big windows.

want the best of both worlds? i drove the latest Mazda MX-5 6 speed auto with manual shifting paddles. now that is fun.

but xBs are still cool. I've been seeing a lot of them on the roads here.

I actually got a manual this time because I always wanted to learn. now i've learned and all done! no more!

peace
j

It's only 98HP (revised formula) - AT or MT, you can't get water from a stone. You want performance, get a different car. The xB is simply an economy car.

It's a case of personal preference, that's all. Somebody have 0-60 times for AT vs MT from a trustworthy source? (your driveway does not count)

Facts will settle the "who's faster" debate right away.

I really miss driving MT in the snow, but wanted a RS, and found one - with AT. No choice.

I'm a lazy ___ auto driver.. so? :come: haha .. j/p :P

To those that say a manual is just as easy to drive as an auto. I say driving a manual is twice the work. And its easy to prove. To drive an auto you need one hand and one foot. To drive a manual you need two hands and two feet. I've owned manuals in the past, There is a small "cool factor" but If you do any driving in traffic an auto is so much easier.

My new xB is Auto and I love it.

The xB is not a sports car. I'm not planning on racing it. In the last 18 years that I have been driving, this is my 2nd Auto (out of about 8 cars) and I welcome it. I've drivin manuals for the last 10 years and I'm just sick of it.

The Auto has more than enough pickup and pep for me.

the ratios in our 5-Speeds could be better.

x 2

the "driving in traffic" argument is the most commonly used argument when it comes down to auto vs stick. But in all seriousness, using that argument with our particular car, the xB, is ludacris. in my opinion of course. The xB clutch pedal is so light, you need as much force to push it down as it takes to hit the gas pedal...and i don't hear anyone complaining about having to hit the gas pedal and switch to the brake constantly in stop-and-go traffic..LOL. So it's pretty much the same amount of work, only using 2 feet instead of one.

Read: manual trans does not = it must be a sports car and go real fast! No, manual trans are for people who want to feel every sensation of the car and have complete control..sports car or NOT. Auto is for people who just want to drive from point A to point B with as little hassle as possible and not feel what the car wants to tell them (and we are in the lazy do-everything-for-me society of the good old USA) - so it's understandable. Of course you auto drivers will try to smack that down and say you DO of course have complete control, and you can shift like a manual with the button (lol). right.

so in conclusion and in my humble opinion, if you drive auto you are either
1. lazy
2. an older person
3. a woman
4. just not into "cars" or an enthusiast or just simply don't know how to drive mt

I'm willing to be flamed, so flame away, i can take it.

As much as I love manuals I'm glad my box is an auto. I do really like manuals in fast cars but for a "drive back and forth to work" car I prefer an auto.

the "driving in traffic" argument is the most commonly used argument when it comes down to auto vs stick. But in all seriousness, using that argument with our particular car, the xB, is ludacris. in my opinion of course. The xB clutch pedal is so light, you need as much force to push it down as it takes to hit the gas pedal...and i don't hear anyone complaining about having to hit the gas pedal and switch to the brake constantly in stop-and-go traffic..LOL. So it's pretty much the same amount of work, only using 2 feet instead of one.

Read: manual trans does not = it must be a sports car and go real fast! No, manual trans are for people who want to feel every sensation of the car and have complete control..sports car or NOT. Auto is for people who just want to drive from point A to point B with as little hassle as possible and not feel what the car wants to tell them (and we are in the lazy do-everything-for-me society of the good old USA) - so it's understandable. Of course you auto drivers will try to smack that down and say you DO of course have complete control, and you can shift like a manual with the button (lol). right.

so in conclusion and in my humble opinion, if you drive auto you are either
1. lazy
2. an older person
3. a woman
4. just not into "cars" or an enthusiast or just simply don't know how to drive mt

I'm willing to be flamed, so flame away, i can take it.

I am not lazy, older, a woman and anyone who has seen my car knows I am an enthusiast. I do drive a lot, and have had several manual cars. I love the auto in my xb, it has plenty of get up and go. Maybe it's a combo of the I/H/E with the lightend crank pulley but I have no problem merging or passing when I need to. As far as being able to "feel" the car I can feel every rev with the auto and you have a suprising amount of control too. I do like that the rpm's are not through the roof at 75-80.

I am not lazy, older, a woman and anyone who has seen my car knows I am an enthusiast. I do drive a lot, and have had several manual cars. I love the auto in my xb, it has plenty of get up and go. Maybe it's a combo of the I/H/E with the lightend crank pulley but I have no problem merging or passing when I need to. As far as being able to "feel" the car I can feel every rev with the auto and you have a suprising amount of control too. I do like that the rpm's are not through the roof at 75-80.

celica 6speed would take care of the revs and being an enthusiast it will cost about 1500 bucks to have the right bell housing put on and bolt right up to the xb

you have got to hate that delay... you know when you mash the gas and the car doesn't respond for a good second or two.. then it downshifts and takes off. That has to be annoying.

you have got to hate that delay... you know when you mash the gas and the car doesn't respond for a good second or two.. then it downshifts and takes off. That has to be annoying

I wouldn't even know anything about that. I have had mine for a month now and have never "mashed the gas". Of course I am on the mpg quest so I try not to get rpm's above 3k.

I am not lazy, older, a woman and anyone who has seen my car knows I am an enthusiast. I do drive a lot, and have had several manual cars. I love the auto in my xb, it has plenty of get up and go. Maybe it's a combo of the I/H/E with the lightend crank pulley but I have no problem merging or passing when I need to. As far as being able to "feel" the car I can feel every rev with the auto and you have a suprising amount of control too. I do like that the rpm's are not through the roof at 75-80.

celica 6speed would take care of the revs and being an enthusiast it will cost about 1500 bucks to have the right bell housing put on and bolt right up to the xb

you have got to hate that delay... you know when you mash the gas and the car doesn't respond for a good second or two.. then it downshifts and takes off. That has to be annoying.

the delay isn't that bad, and if I want to go fast I open the N2O bottle and mash the gas. For the most part it's my daily driver that I have put 16-18k worth of mods into. I originally wanted the stick, but didn't want to wait and I'm glad I didn't I am very happy with the auto.

the delay isn't that bad, and if I want to go fast I open the N2O bottle and mash the gas. For the most part it's my daily driver that I have put 16-18k worth of mods into. I originally wanted the stick, but didn't want to wait and I'm glad I didn't I am very happy with the auto.

hey that's cool, sounds like it's working out for you. but watch out, auto's don't hold up too well to increased HP. and heat. They do work on fluids and pressure and will blow chunks of metal out the bottom if your not careful. ive seen it happen. i'm not saying manuals don't blow, but it's not as easy that's for sure

...you have got to hate that delay... you know when you mash the gas and the car doesn't respond for a good second or two.. then it downshifts and takes off. That has to be annoying.
I had experienced that in every 4-cyl rental car coping with fast urban traffic. By the time the car downshifted, wound up and took off, it was time to take the foot off the gas, forcing an upshift. Then a few seconds later, it was time to do it all over again. So I didn't get an auto xB.

I had experienced that in every 4-cyl rental car coping with fast urban traffic. By the time the car downshifted, wound up and took off, it was time to take the foot off the gas, forcing an upshift. Then a few seconds later, it was time to do it all over again. So I didn't get an auto xB.

the only time i didn't experience this was with an AMG mercedes. drove a CLK 55 and it was incredible. electronically controlled trannys will all have this delay we speak of but some are faster than others. toyota's just dont have the juice it takes :rofl:

I know what it is...They couldn't afford the extra $1,000 bucks! Naw, just kidding I actually have an auto TC. I had to get an auto because my wife could not learn how to drive a manual trans. It has it's up and downs. I like a manual because I have a little more control of the car. Although I like the auto bacause I can just chill and drive. As for traffic everyone knows about that.

I have a unorthadox underdriven crank pulley k&n intake and axle back, and auto and as you can see from the time below she is stil creepin!!!!! :rofl: I'm just to lazy to shift!!

Test drove both and wanted the stick, but found that you shift 3 times just to get through a intersection. I had a sentra spec-v 6 speed before the box and got sick of the highway shifting myself to death. I didn't feel any real difference in peppyness and now that I have a typhoon intake I'm fine. Oh and that little overdrive button works wonders. Sometimes I miss not being able to downshift but that is about it.

Auto's rule! :bow:

As much as I love manuals I'm glad my box is an auto. I do really like manuals in fast cars but for a "drive back and forth to work" car I prefer an auto.And I'm glad my box is a manual. I think autos are OK, but for my "drive to and from work" car I prefer a stick -- it makes a necessary task a lot more interesting . . . .

I really have to wonder about the whole manual vs auto thing. Different strokes for different folks. Drive whatever trips your trigger!

i came from a modified subaru wrx with a 5 speed before my xb. wanna talk about a stiff clutch pedal? and i live in the most dense populated area of the USA.. sat in traffic everyday with that thing and didnt mind one bit of it. my left leg is slightly bulkier than the right and i walk lop-sided because of it but its all good. gotta drive manual. (im joking about walking funny)

the "driving in traffic" argument is the most commonly used argument when it comes down to auto vs stick. But in all seriousness, using that argument with our particular car, the xB, is ludacris. in my opinion of course. The xB clutch pedal is so light, you need as much force to push it down as it takes to hit the gas pedal...and i don't hear anyone complaining about having to hit the gas pedal and switch to the brake constantly in stop-and-go traffic..LOL. So it's pretty much the same amount of work, only using 2 feet instead of one.

Read: manual trans does not = it must be a sports car and go real fast! No, manual trans are for people who want to feel every sensation of the car and have complete control..sports car or NOT. Auto is for people who just want to drive from point A to point B with as little hassle as possible and not feel what the car wants to tell them (and we are in the lazy do-everything-for-me society of the good old USA) - so it's understandable. Of course you auto drivers will try to smack that down and say you DO of course have complete control, and you can shift like a manual with the button (lol). right.

so in conclusion and in my humble opinion, if you drive auto you are either
1. lazy
2. an older person
3. a woman
4. just not into "cars" or an enthusiast or just simply don't know how to drive mt

I'm willing to be flamed, so flame away, i can take it.

I am going to flame you. Don't make generic statements about people, there are alot of women, out there who can out drive you and me any day of the week.

so in conclusion and in my humble opinion, if you drive auto you are either
1. lazy
2. an older person
3. a woman
4. just not into "cars" or an enthusiast or just simply don't know how to drive mt

Man another auto vs. manual topic. sigh...

1. Yes I am lazy and .. :yawn:
2. Is 25 old? :nails:
3. Not a woman. I do like them though... :love:
4. I'm a big fan of "automobiles" and I know how to drive stick. :love:

So there you have it according to this.. I am one out of four... unless 25 is old.. :doh:

so in conclusion and in my humble opinion, if you drive a manual you are either

1.Hardworking but lacks humility.
2.A young punk.
3.chauvinistic pig.
4.Really into cars and thinks he knows a lot more than everyone else.

Oh my. I'm gonna get heat for this am I? I can take a joke too ya know? :come:
For those who don't have "spidey senses" there's a lil' bit of sarcasm and good ol'e friendly bashing here. So don't blow a fuse or start driving really fast on your manual xB. Vrrrrooommmmm.... :loser:

I'm not drag racing anymore, no need to shift.

I second that! I wouldnt really want to race anyone in mine exept for another auto xb/xa. any thing else would be a brutal killing :rofl:

I second that! I wouldnt really want to race anyone in mine exept for another auto xb/xa. any thing else would be a brutal killing

Hey...don't say that.. You're hurting the feelings of all 103 horses that our cars have. I think manual owners think they have a bigger whip to make those 103 horses run faster.. :rofl:

Hey...don't say that.. You're hurting the feelings of all 103 horses that our cars have. I think manual owners think they have a bigger whip to make those 103 horses run faster.. :rofl:

bigger whip? no.. but the manual is quicker than the auto.. that's the same for just about all cars that come in mt and at. we can leave the line quicker, come out of a corner with more speed and shift at a more efficient rpm. 100hp isn't much to deal with but you can compete in just about anything that other cars can...autox, bracket drag, etc.

well in my case i drove 5speed all my life until my accident that injure my spine
and have to do auto but it like anything else is that what you like heck
go with it . 8)

I'm not drag racing anymore, no need to shift.
I AGREE!

I'm a WOMAN! who used to drag race ( at a race track which most of you don't) so that is stupid assumption someone made. I found no point in having 5 speed in a car that I'm not racing and corners like a brick!

The xA and XB manuals are geared horrible for what I expected. I can out accelerate most cars from a traffic light with my stinky automatic.

u go girl!LOL I just want to bump my system and not worry about rpms and shiot.

Quote:
so in conclusion and in my humble opinion, if you drive auto you are either
1. lazy
2. an older person
3. a woman
4. just not into "cars" or an enthusiast or just simply don't know how to drive mt


Man another auto vs. manual topic. sigh...

1. Yes I am lazy and ..
2. Is 25 old?
3. Not a woman. I do like them though...
4. I'm a big fan of "automobiles" and I know how to drive stick.

So there you have it according to this.. I am one out of four... unless 25 is old..

so in conclusion and in my humble opinion, if you drive a manual you are either

1.Hardworking but lacks humility.
2.A young punk.
3.chauvinistic pig.
4.Really into cars and thinks he knows a lot more than everyone else.

Oh my. I'm gonna get heat for this am I? I can take a joke too ya know?
For those who don't have "spidey senses" there's a lil' bit of sarcasm and good ol'e friendly bashing here. So don't blow a fuse or start driving really fast on your manual xB. Vrrrrooommmmm....
[/quote]

:rofl:

Night shadows that was said very well.

Krispies13, I think reason 1 is why this thread was started. :-D

I've owned both, and I don't miss the stick. I would make the trade again, in a heartbeat. The trade off is a half second lag for a much, MUCH quieter car.

And as a principe, I doubt there's anyone who drives stick is going to look at an auto longingly. There isn't anything specific to the xB that makes stick in this car better than an auto; it's true for 99.9% of cars (the .1% being the early/mid 80s Mercedes).

EDIT: Gave credit to the wrong person. :D

krispies13 originally said it I just thought it was funny. I'm still not 100% on the quote function yet.

A couple things:

Yes, the xB engine is not a sports car engine, but a manual helps a weak engine stay in the powerband all the time (If you want) It does make a difference.

A manual has instant throttle response, as opposed to a 2 second delay after you floor it as the car thinks about what you want to do.

I don't commute in rush hour so that arguement is off the table for me.

Only regret: 5th gear should have been longer. (so I try not to cruise for long periods above 73 mph, to loud)

I debated when I got mine...
I'll admit to being lazy. MT is fun, but there are times that I'd just assume let the car do its thing and not think about it.

2 complaitnts about auto xb,1,yes it doesnt have the pep of the mt,2the damn shifter is like a flipin dump truck shifter .wish I could take a sawza to that thing! :rofl:

I agree; I decided on getting the manual because it would have a bit more "get up and go" than the auto. Sure, auto is easier and I needed to learn how to drive a manual, but it was worth it. I love my manual RS3 and I probably won't go back to automatic ever again. :D (My father bought a porsche as a "company car" and it actually took some convincing for him to get a manual on that beast... So sad. Thankfully he got the manual. That car is insaaaane!)

Well I'll tell ya if you put 600lbs cargo or 4 adults in the xB you will need that MT gearing and a lot of RPM to make it go too. Plus you have the choice of 2nd 3rd 4th and 5th to accelerate on an on ramp.

A porsche for a company car! :bow: I want to work for his company.
(Sorry threadjacking over)

I drove manual for 3 years, then bought XB auto (couldn't teach my wife on manual- but I tried). It's different, but from technical side: TOYOTA's auto transmissions are very reliable. And u can take my word -5 years in automatic transmission rebuilding business, manager in 4th biggest company in MidWest. You can count on your XB's auto. I don't say anything about toyota manual -they're the best.

I hope I didn't offend any MT drivers out there with my comments. Just trying to have some fun with this thread before someone takes it too seriously. I wonder if the new shifter on the xB2 puts this argument to a rest. Best of both worlds right? Anyone test drove the new xB?? . :P

I drove the new one, but I forgot all about the manual mode... damn.

hey, i feel sorry for people without armrest! just being stupid....i'm glad to see we can all get along!!

thats why the shifters so freakin big to double as a armrest!

After driving a manual for about 15 years..I am lovin' the auto...

this is an argument no one can win...every day drivers who have to sit through stop and go traffic will always love the auto trans...if you want more control, go with a stick but it's definitely not for everyone. Personally I drive a stick but there are times when I just want to cruise and not think about driving, when I wish I had an automatic.
Bottom line: To each his own.

You would think by now they could put a servo on the clutch pedal and make it work like an automatic and still be a standard.

this is an argument no one can win...every day drivers who have to sit through stop and go traffic will always love the auto trans...if you want more control, go with a stick but it's definitely not for everyone. Personally I drive a stick but there are times when I just want to cruise and not think about driving, when I wish I had an automatic.
Bottom line: To each his own.

Amen to that.

I feel so sorry for the guys that have auto trans. I've had my manual trans xB for almost a yr and coulnd't be happier. Tonight, my boss bought a brand new xB with an auto trans for the delivery vehicle for work. In short, after a night of deliveries....the auto trans SUCKS. Boo Freakin Hooo :cry: Guess who will be crying when that wimpy stock clutch goes out around 30K or sooner. :rofl:
My auto does just fine considering it not a freakin RACE car. Sounds like that new work vehicle might have a bad trans or something because mine isn't that much slower than a stick but who's really counting. :lalala:

you are funny! hahaha - If I got another manual trans car it only be for a high end sports car not a slow end putter. I can only imagine an xB with people in it, I weight about 160lbs and it's slow, through 4 people and stuff on top on a roof rack - man you be as quick as a snail and through in some mountain terrain, you may just roll backwards! =]

and yes I am lazy. I run 5 miles a day. What do you do? Shift gears for exercise!? haha


the "driving in traffic" argument is the most commonly used
so in conclusion and in my humble opinion, if you drive auto you are either
1. lazy
2. an older person
3. a woman
4. just not into "cars" or an enthusiast or just simply don't know how to drive mt

I'm willing to be flamed, so flame away, i can take it.

sandwich wrote:
[/quote]
the "driving in traffic" argument is the most commonly used
so in conclusion and in my humble opinion, if you drive auto you are either
1. lazy
2. an older person
3. a woman
4. just not into "cars" or an enthusiast or just simply don't know how to drive mt

and yes I am lazy. I run 5 miles a day. What do you do? Shift gears for exercise!? haha

C'mon.. he does it holding a "sandwich". .. That must count extra for something...

sandwich wrote:

the "driving in traffic" argument is the most commonly used
so in conclusion and in my humble opinion, if you drive auto you are either
1. lazy
2. an older person
3. a woman
4. just not into "cars" or an enthusiast or just simply don't know how to drive mt

and yes I am lazy. I run 5 miles a day. What do you do? Shift gears for exercise!? haha

C'mon.. he does it holding a "sandwich". .. That must count extra for something...

very true, and also itching that rash too. a real multi-tasker.


C'mon.. he does it holding a "sandwich". .. That must count extra for something...[/quote][/quote]

[/quote]and yes I am lazy. I run 5 miles a day. What do you do? Shift gears for exercise!? haha

[quote="krispies13"]sandwich wrote:

the "driving in traffic" argument is the most commonly used
so in conclusion and in my humble opinion, if you drive auto you are either
1. lazy
2. an older person
3. a woman
4. just not into "cars" or an enthusiast or just simply don't know how to drive mt [quote]

The thought pic of someone running 5 miles with a sandwich in their hand is too dang funny. What a concept!

haha yeah i like sandwichs, but tell me you dont and ill call you a liar. :rofl:

my clutch will last far beyond 30k miles. my 2002 wrx survived me learning how to drive manual on it, then i drove it for 63,000 miles on the stock clutch, and it still to this day 70k+ has the stock clutch. And you are right.. putting people in the xB makes it a ton slower but that's why God made manual transmissions to keep these tiny motors at their strongest sweet spot!! but wait, you auto guys have 'the button', i forgot :lalala:

rock on

lol 'the button'

This is getting old....Funny thing is people see me with my auto and don't say ____ about it.

i wouldnt even think of driving a manual in la traffic everyday. picture this leaving irvine ,ca at 4:30pm and ariving in burbank ,ca at 9pm. o and thats a 50mile trip.

haha yeah i like sandwichs, but tell me you dont and ill call you a liar. :rofl:

my clutch will last far beyond 30k miles. my 2002 wrx survived me learning how to drive manual on it, then i drove it for 63,000 miles on the stock clutch, and it still to this day 70k+ has the stock clutch. And you are right.. putting people in the xB makes it a ton slower but that's why God made manual transmissions to keep these tiny motors at their strongest sweet spot!! but wait, you auto guys have 'the button', i forgot :lalala:

rock onYou can't compare a Subie clutch to the Scion clutch. The pressure plates are weak and the average clutch life on an xB is like 35K. Now if you were to upgrade to better components early on you could extend it's life to that of a normal clutch. :tap:

this is an argument no one can win...every day drivers who have to sit through stop and go traffic will always love the auto trans...if you want more control, go with a stick but it's definitely not for everyone. Personally I drive a stick but there are times when I just want to cruise and not think about driving, when I wish I had an automatic.
Bottom line: To each his own.

You know, it's funny, but I actually prefer a manual in traffic, because it gives me something to do, instead of just sitting around.

Yeah and you don't have to keep the foot on the brake to keep it from creeping. Whoever thought that an auto should creep all the time and then they made the Prius do it too just so you know it is in gear even when the ICE is not running.

the creep is what freaks me out when i drive an automatic!

and it's funny too cause i'll stomp my left foot down when coming to a stop and nothings there. and i'll reach for the shifter :lol:

i'll stomp my left foot down when coming to a stop and nothings there. and i'll reach for the shifter

Exactly!

I've got nothing against folks who prefer an automatic, but I just can't do it. I prefer driving my car, rather than having my car drive me.

I prefer driving my car, rather than having my car drive me. :shock: Who makes this car that does the driving? That would be like having a chauffeur. :rofl:
Get real! :eyebrow:

I prefer driving my car, rather than having my car drive me. :shock: Who makes this car that does the driving? That would be like having a chauffeur. :rofl:
Get real! :eyebrow:

Well, they DO have that Lexus that parks itself...

But I'm talking about the creep that automatics do, and the way that they shift their own gears (you know, automatically.) I have nothing against folks that preffer their cars that way; it's just not for me.

My father has an Acura automatic with sequential shifting. I haven't played around with it much, but maybe I'd prefer that over a regular automatic. Of course, I'd imagine that with sequential shifting, aside from when you REALLY need the extra control, usually you'd just get lazy and let the car take care of everything.

Less Filling - Taste Great ! Auto- Stick !
It's not that bad! It CAN get out it's own way, accelleration is decent.
And yes I'm a full throttle junkie (ZX-9R, Alpina, RSR) , but the Toaster is quite adequate for my daily commuting and weekend running around......

manual is for people who like to drive, aotu for those who like to steer

One gal that I have not heard from in a while had an xB with an auto that was not taking off quickly and lost a lot of mileage too like in the mid to low 20's I think. My manual will pretty much spin the tires just hitting the gas in first on dry ground and on a fast takeoff from a light into a side street I end up playing with the throttle to get some traction and usually have to shift into second gear. Is everyone with an auto happy with first gear acceleration?

manual is for people who like to drive, aotu for those who like to steer :blah: :blah: :blah:
I enjoy a break from shifting when I get to drive the xB for enjoyment! I do keep grabing for the shifter and pushing the invisible clutch pedal tho. :rofl:

I do love the take-off of the manuals and often wish I had one.... until I realize sometimes I drive 30K/year, basically have to office out of the car and sit in traffic constantly... then I don't miss clutch cramp so much.

I do love the take-off of the manuals and often wish I had one.... until I realize sometimes I drive 30K/year, basically have to office out of the car and sit in traffic constantly... then I don't miss clutch cramp so much.

clutch cramp in an xB? the clutch is lighter than the gas pedal!

does your right leg cramp from on/off throttle/brake in traffic too? :rofl: :rofl:

watch out for those window switches, my finger is killing me from those. and dont get me started about the door handles, ughhh, they really gotta lighten them up.


none of you have to tell me i'm a sarcastic prick - i already know i am :lalala: :lalala:

it's all in good humor

After 2 hours or so, yes, there is a little cramping. At 6 hours, it really sucks. It's not like the traffic jam at the 3 way in the trailer park I'm sure you're used to. If that were the case, I think I could handle it.

And my middle finger still works fine, but thank you for your concern anyway.

None of you have to tell me I'm a nutcracker because I eat pricks like you to satisfy my sadistic side. :bow:

And it is all in good humor...

Went on a trip to PA one time last year and when I got near the Tappanzee there was a backup that was going to last almost 3 hours - I just drove 3 hours to get there and had another 3 hours to go and didn't think a 9 hour trip was something I wanted to take so I just turned around and headed back home but I did manage to stop at a friends in Stamford for a few hours. Still ended up being a 340 mile trip for nothing. Sometimes the clutch gets tiring if you can't creep in first at 2mph or when it's up hill stop and go. Still if I had to drive in that stuff every day I would move or find another job or both.

None of you have to tell me I'm a nutcracker because I eat pricks like you to satisfy my sadistic side. :bow:




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