So, I have not messed with manually shifting the auto the time I've owned the car, and recently decided to try it. After 3 days of doing it, it reminds me of a 5 spd and its almost subconscious. I have to say, it makes the auto driving experience better, for sure.

Hardest two things to get used to:

1) Not air clutching
2) Not pulling down on the stick when I think Im hitting 3rd.

Definitely more fun. I wonder, if moderated, if it isnt better for the tranny. The one thing I hate is this tranny loves to search for gears.

 

your xb is semi-auto?

 

Well, it drops gears on its own when you come to a stop, but you can control the upshifts. I downshift to as Im slowing. Weird at first, but I like the pickup of the car better than let the auto get into too high a gear too fast.

 

i have a auto tc and yeah i also mess around with the gears..feels faster than just floring it..but feel in the long run its going to damage the tranny

 

There was a thread about this LONG ago...LONG ago.

As a rule of thumb not a good idea...but I can't say I haven't done it...

 

2nd gens have a sequential.. mr.. tC person.. DO NOT do it to a tC.