Maintenance wise, is it better to drive a manual or automatic transmission?
(2011-06-28 14:25:08) 1. Says: I'm about to get a new car but I'm not sure whether it be better in the long run to get a manual or auto transmission. I hear manuals come with a lot repair costs in the long run, is this true?l'll probably be getting a Honda if that makes any difference...2. Says: I'll break it down for you:
Manual Transmission:
- You will eventually have to replace the clutch, but depending on factors such as if you have experience driving stick shift, if you dont abuse the clutch etc, the clutch can last a very long time. (A friend of mine has a BMW 5 series with a manual transmission and it has 200K original miles with the same clutch that came from the factory and it's still working.)
-In the other hand, manual transmissions require much less maintanance, are much more durable and reliable. In case a manual transmission has a problem, it's a lot easier to repair/rebuild. And much more cheaper too.
-In older cars, manual transmissions give you better MPG. In new ones the difference isnt as big, but if you can drive it properly, you still can get better MPG.
-Stick shift is a lot more fun to drive and gives you a lot more control of your car. I personally love stick shift
Automatic Transmission
- Automatics dont need to have the clutch replaced, HOWEVER, if they break, which they tend to break easier than manuals, they can be very expensive to repair
- they are much more difficult to work on
- in some cars, they have lower MPGs because they have torque converters that waste gas
- the good thing is they can be more convenient if you really dont like driving manual.
So personally, id go with the manual transmission. But the choice is yours! :) good luck man!3. Says: Manuals may need a new clutch at some point which can be a big job as you have to take the gearbox off.
Having said that, if an automatic goes wrong it will cost 3 or 4 times that of a replacement manual gearbox.
Generally, Automatics tend to use more fuel than a manual so that is something worth considering too.4. Says: Danny's answer about maintenance costs are accurate.
The average difference in performance may be only 3 MPG in favor of manual transmission, , but don't lighten up with this. It's about 10% less fuel for the life of the cars, which sums up for much more than replacing a clutch.
So money wise - go for a manual transmission.5. Says: I'd go manual. Replace the clutch on my 00 mustang, cost around 800 bucks, now I'm good for another 100 thousand miles. Auto trans will cost anywhere from 2 to 4 grand to replace. Usually the gearboxes on manuals have very little problems, Just change the gear oil one in a while and don't grind them you'll be fine.6. Says: the mileage difference is pointless, its usually around 3mpg difference...
look on craigslist for vehicles with tranny issues. pretty much all manuals. ive only seen 2 vehicles have trannies that were crap, and that was a car i had and a truck my dad had, and both were manual.7. Says: manny for the win. honda. amazing, will run great forever. only thing is the clutch and that takes atleast 7 or 8 years to ware, depending on how you take care of it.8. Says: The answer from "danny" was good + I would add that it depends on whether you have experience with a manual trans equipped vehicle or not, as well as whether you live in an area that has hills; no experience + inclines = no good Tag: Maintenance wise, is it better to drive a manual or automatic transmission?