auto vs. manual

SupraT51R · 03-22-2009, 07:09 PM

hey guys,

possible new (future) scion owner here and wanted to do a little research and get your guys' feedback before i commit on one.

the biggest thing i was considering was auto vs. manual. color wise doesn't really matter to me and they all are about the same option etc right?

the magazine and specs states the manual gets about 1 mpg more than the auto? is that true in real case scenario?

which one has a higher re-sale value? sounds silly but i think maybe auto because your average youngster whether it be boy or girl may not know how to drive manual and may steer clear from it...?

i know there are searches about this but what are the gas mileages you guys get for your Xb? im speaking 1st gen of course!

thanks in advance

1stGenRex · 03-22-2009, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SupraT51R

hey guys,

possible new (future) scion owner here and wanted to do a little research and get your guys' feedback before i commit on one.

the biggest thing i was considering was auto vs. manual. color wise doesn't really matter to me and they all are about the same option etc right?

the magazine and specs states the manual gets about 1 mpg more than the auto? is that true in real case scenario?

which one has a higher re-sale value? sounds silly but i think maybe auto because your average youngster whether it be boy or girl may not know how to drive manual and may steer clear from it...?

i know there are searches about this but what are the gas mileages you guys get for your Xb? im speaking 1st gen of course!

thanks in advance

hands down, for highway driving a 5 speed will get better gas mileage than a 4 automatic.

This is for MOST cars (I say most to cover my ass so I dont get PWNED)
I think it would be MORE than 1 MPG and the funny thing is when I was looking at 2nd gens, the window sticker said the same thing for both AT and 5 speed (which JUST CANNOT be true)

SupraT51R · 03-22-2009, 11:39 PM

thanks for the reply!

sounds like the 5 spd IS the way to go... as far as reliability, are they about the same?

1stGenRex · 03-22-2009, 11:52 PM

well it's hard to say. I mean the clutch will have to be replaced every so often, while the AT will not have this issue. but the motor reliability should be the same as it is essentially the same motor, just different trans

Calesta · 03-23-2009, 12:21 AM

The automatic xBs book higher in NADA because the auto transmissions were an option... so technically, the automatic will have a higher resale value on the books by a few hundred dollars. If you're going to keep it a few years though, it really doesn't matter.

My recommendation- if you're comfortable driving stick, get the manual. It's slightly cheaper, you have more control, and ultimately it's more fun to drive.

4uautosales · 03-23-2009, 12:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Calesta

The automatic xBs book higher in NADA because the auto transmissions were an option... so technically, the automatic will have a higher resale value on the books by a few hundred dollars. If you're going to keep it a few years though, it really doesn't matter.

My recommendation- if you're comfortable driving stick, get the manual. It's slightly cheaper, you have more control, and ultimately it's more fun to drive.

As a dealer I can tell you there is about a $1000.00 difference between the 2. So as a buyer make sure you see this difference at your local lots when buying used.

1stGenRex · 03-23-2009, 12:41 AM

more fun to drive if you aren't stuck in stop and go traffic!

that's why I went with the AT

Calesta · 03-23-2009, 02:34 AM

I can see that in California... but rush hour is pretty ridiculous in the large cities of Texas as well! I never minded creeping through stop and go traffic with a race clutch... but that's me.

SupraT51R · 03-23-2009, 04:50 AM

exactly, the fun factor is of course better with the manual.

but this was going to be a daily driver for me. i wasn't going to modify it much if at all and would just drive it everyday.

stop and go traffic would be a pain in the butt to drive a stick shift daily driver.

i would get a supra or another sportier car for a "fun car" as far as manuals go.

my main concern was reliability and gas mileage, also resale value as well.

so on an average, are the manuals 3-5 mpg better than the autos? if it was closer to 5 mpg i'd definitely opt for the manual. but if it was within 1-3 mpg then i would probably go for the autos. if reliability and maintenance were about the same for the two...

also reliability/maintenance wise... how long do the manual clutch last and also the servicing on the autos...

infeliciter · 03-23-2009, 05:49 AM

Actually the manual resales for higher because they are in more demand. the autos where easier to get. i paid about $1000 more for my stick then the auto sitting next to it.

4uautosales · 03-23-2009, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by infeliciter

Actually the manual resales for higher because they are in more demand. the autos where easier to get. i paid about $1000 more for my stick then the auto sitting next to it.

I guess I'll find out soon enough.....I have both and as soon as the 5spd is detailed and given new tires it will be for sale. Then I'll have both side by side waiting for the phone to ring

ddmeightball · 03-23-2009, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by infeliciter

Actually the manual resales for higher because they are in more demand. the autos where easier to get. i paid about $1000 more for my stick then the auto sitting next to it.

Which is odd to me since the upgrade to an auto is nearly a thousand dollar add on on the scion.com website.

PCH · 03-23-2009, 11:35 PM

I personally never liked the feel of manual in a FWD car. Your highway cruising RPM will be lower with auto because of the gearing. I got an auto and i'm happy with it.

1stGenRex · 03-23-2009, 11:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PCH

I personally never liked the feel of manual in a FWD car. Your highway cruising RPM will be lower with auto because of the gearing. I got an auto and i'm happy with it.

I wish there was a way to prove this, I am almost certain it's the other way around

hotweelz4me · 03-24-2009, 01:24 AM

In my opinion and experience MPG's come down to driving style, regardless of the tranny.

1stGenRex · 03-24-2009, 01:58 AM

yes and no. I mean given the same driver and same driving style, I dont think the numbers would be the exact same

ddmeightball · 03-24-2009, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1stGenRex

yes and no. I mean given the same driver and same driving style, I dont think the numbers would be the exact same

My friend Chuck has owned manual and auto of the same car and he said that the manual does get a little bit better gas mileage but it mostly came down to how you drive, where you drive, etc.

I tend to agree that while manuals will get better gas mileage than autos if you drive smart, but it really just depends on your driving techniques.

PCH · 03-24-2009, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1stGenRex

I wish there was a way to prove this, I am almost certain it's the other way around

Do you mean RPM wise?

SupraT51R · 03-24-2009, 04:33 PM

how about as far as maintenance and reliability?

i know these cars are still new but how often would you have to change the oils on both? has either tranny broken down before?

are the differential gear ratio's the same on the auto and manual?

1stGenRex · 03-24-2009, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PCH

Do you mean RPM wise?

yeah that and just driving both around with the same driver, same style of driving to prove which one gets better MPG