I have been driving my Mom's auto Xb for the last few days up around Boston. The thing rocks! Its lower revving at highway speeds and has pretty good acceleration for a slush box. Am I regretting my decision to get a manual? A little bit...and I have been driving standards exclusively for 10 years. Scion, add that 6th gear already!

 

I just drove my Automatic xB 195 miles back from the dealer. Has pretty good pick-up for 109hp. I love it!!! My GSR civic hatch was a manual and I just was sick of driven a manual. I do still miss my hatch especially when I see a nice looking hatch on the streets.......

I have ZERO regrets going with the automatic. I believe the MPG is identical as well. I see NO advantage to driving a manual with the xB.

 

I too have driven standards for my past 6 or more vehicles. I decided to finally go AUTO and I love it.

The lower rev's at highway speeds explains the following:

The August 2004 issue of Consumer Reports tests came up with the following figures for the xB:

Overall MPG (Auto/Man.) 30/32
City/Highway MPG (Auto/Man.) 23/37 25/36

The Auto got 37 and the Manual got 36 MPG. Auto wins!

Also, the NADA Bluebook listing for the xB says, "Deduct for no Auto Trans" :D RPM

 

Auto wins because it gets 1 MPG more on the highway? What about the manual getting 2 more MPG in the city and 2 more overall? And what about the manual costing $800 less to begin with?

 

Life is too short to spend shifting.

Don't get me wrong. I've been driving longer than many of you here have been alive, and all my previous vehicles have had manual trannies, so I've mastered the manly art of shifting, including the ability to start from a dead stop going up San Francisco's hills.

But creeping along in commuter traffic with a manual transmission is no fun. Being in the wrong gear in an emergency situation is no fun. Needing to take your hand out of your girlfriend's pants in order to shift is no fun.

I used to think automatics were proof you didn't know how to drive or you were getting old. But moden automatics are so good that, except in very specialized circumstances, driving a manual is kind of dumb.

Welcome to the 21st century, dudes.

 

Hey Guys
discussing manual vs. automatic is like whether turtles on steriods are faster than turtles not on steroids.
Yeah if your going to choose up an Aveo or a Aerio it could be important but get serious.
I am more interested in finding out how the transmission effects mileage (are you really getting EPA or not)

critter304 Illinois

 

When buying my xB, I chose to get an Automatic being that the traffic here in LA is just plain awful and also being I've been driving a stick for sometime.

The auto was great for the first few months but now I wish I had gotten a stick only for passing and traveling up the many hills in my area.

 

I have no faith in automatics, no matter how new. I can't imagine wanting to give up control of a manual for convenience of an automatic. Traffic may be a _____ in a manual, but hey, it's good excercise. Right?

 

Based on what motortrend reports, the manual goes 0-60 almost 1.5 seconds less than the auto. May not matter for some, but it does to me.

 

There is no right answer here.

I love the manual because of the driving fun, better MPG and less $$. If you want a automatic then go for it. Most cars, at least up here in Michigan, are automatics. Yes the crusing RPM's are more with the stick but I am very happy with mine. I drive 80+ every day :D :D :D

 

I enjoy driving. Automatics are not fun. If your not shifting, your not driving.

 

Im sorry, but when I test drove an auto xB it was like driving a golf cart!!. The manual is alot of fun! and I dont know why everyone complains that "we need a sixth gear"- A 1.5 L does not neet a six speed!! just because at 65MPH the revs are at 3000 RPM doesnt make the manual " bad". my sisters 89' celica GTS is the same way! but at 65 the revs on hers are at 4000 RPM. Even if a six speed was an option- scion would not be able to sell them for 14k!!

 

Different strokes for different folks. I'm not gonna bash auto's cause they are an awsome convenience, but for me there's just something about driving stick that makes me feel good. It's fun at any speed. I also like to flail my limbs wildly in different directions and this lets me do just that ... while driving!

 

Auto all the way. In my area a stick will kill the resale.Plus you can still shift if you want.It's just not quite the same.

 

Just like TheScionicMan says:

"I can shift the Automatic, I just don't HAVE to."

 

When I was 18 I had a manual after that I got lazy :D

 

i am glad i got a manual at first because i had many plans like turbo etc....but then a change in plans....i want to get a house first....but anyway....i am tired of sd traffic....not as worse a la but it getting there....so thats i want auto now....but ill get over it....

 

I test drove both. I really liked the stick. It was very smooth. I chose the automatic, because, while talking to the salesperson, I forgot to shift. I'm too absentminded to be shifting. If I'm talking to someone while driving we are lucky to arrive in the right town. I don't want to have parts of the car landing on the pavement while I'm explaining to someone that not funding healthcare, education and school lunches is not pro-life.
I realize my own limitations and let the machine shift for me.

 

I have become a big fan of manuals. I decided I wanted a stick before I had decided on my car. I would rather drive then be driven, shifting is an important part of driving. If were some how able to make full time cruise control on your car and you did not need to gas or break I would not be interested (yes I know it wont happen, I am making a point). There are too many adavantages to pass up a manual transmission IMO.

Manual Advantages:
-More Power (less drive train loss)
-Faster (shift closer to the optimal time, not when the auto wants to)
-Cheaper to buy
-Cheaper to repair
-Better gas mileage
-More fun to drive
-More Control of the car

Automatic Advantages:
-Can be lazy

The day may come where I am old and dont like the work of driving as much, then I will get someone to drive me, or an automatic.

 

I like the way you put it John. Maybe you can make it to our next meet. For now keep shifting.