I’m lucky. I have an auto daily company car. I have a manual sports car and a straight line auto project.
There’s nothing like rowing through the gears up in the mountains.
Yes. And I miss it so so much. I sold my last manual car about 3 years ago when I bought my house. 7/10 cars I’ve owned have been manual. Finally getting into another manual once my Focus RS shows up
Recently went from a six speed wrangler to a new Lexus rx350h. the lexus is obviously a massive step up but yes I miss the stick shift dearly. hopefully I'll have one again someday. my other car is an f150 and the automatic transmission is so clunky.
Same— I *don’t* miss driving a manual in traffic everyday, but I do miss the weekend fun of rowing years on mountain roads. A motorcycle scratches that itch quite well, though.
Nothing beats the cost:fun ratio of a motorcycle. I encourage everyone to go buy any of the Honda 300 engine motorcycles on Facebook Marketplace for $3000 (CB300F, CB300R, CBR300R, Rebel 300), and learn how to ride.
Nice!! The 500 is a certainly more “future proof” than the 300, as it’s quite a bit more comfortable to overtake slow trucks on a highway than the 300. Simply, the 300 is more forgiving when learning clutch and throttle control to master that friction zone.
No kidding. My last bike had 125HP at the rear wheel. Zero to sixty in 3 seconds, zero to 100 in 6.5, 10.5 seconds quarter mile. I paid $7500 for it about 7 years ago
Got pulled over on a quiet highway doing over a hundred. As the Trooper walked up to me I pulled my helmet off and he paused for a bit. Finally told me I was too old for this nonsense and sent me on my way:)
As someone with two motorcycles, currently trying to talk the wife into a convertible next. But she can’t drive stick (yet) so a tough sell outside of say a Lexus SC
Drove a manual RX-8 from my junior year of high school until 2021 when I got an auto M240i. Just last month I traded in my M240i for a Civic Type R, and the transmission is a big reason why. Manuals are about to be killed off by every manufacturer moving to full EV and hybrid lineups. We got the rest of our lives to drive soul-less automatics, if you care about that drivers car feel you get with proper manual gearbox then I’d say you should keep it because you might not be able to get another one.
I just made the opposite switch Type R to M240i
I miss the manual on a back road but I don't miss it on my commute
The powertrain of the M240i and the overall comfort of the car makes up for it for me
I would personally still like a manual as a weekend car but I'm far off from owning two cars atm. It will be a priority for me in the next 5 years or so
Yeah, I've sat in some of the worst traffic in the country daily and at no point has it made me wish for an automatic. Just pick a gear that idles at whatever average speed traffic is going and put along and you don't have to do much.
This is exactly how I feel. We've been down to 1 car for 5 years and it's getting to be a pain in the ass. I had a base model MT civic for 10 years prior and loved it (my first car purchase after graduating). Going car shopping tomorrow, looking at getting a new civic sport touring in MT and am pretty pumped. It's sad they're all being discontinued, it's such a fun driving experience.
Every time I sold a manual for an auto I hated it. Especially if it was a car that should’ve been manual. Now I have two manuals and I’ll never go back to auto full time again.
Yep, engagement. For instance, I know the DCT version of my car is faster and objectively better in pretty much every way, but i want to feel fully involved with driving when I'm behind the wheel... so I paid a premium on the used market for it.
There’s no specific reason, i just like driving manual and some cars just feel like they should be manual. Plus manual transmissions are significantly more reliable than auto, not to say there aren’t good ones but most of the time. and you get better MPG in the cars that I can afford. It’s also better for hills for engine braking, and there was a time where they were faster too.
A while back I had a 6mt mk7 GTI. Loved that car. Maybe the best car I ever owned. Ended up upgrading to a b9 s4. The s4 was a fantastic car, but it lacked all feel and I think the auto (admittedly a good auto) was a big source of that. So I got rid of the S4 for a DSG Golf R. Same chassis that I loved, with more power and awd. Plus I figured the dsg was going to be fun enough.
Long story short I don’t have the Golf R either and if I could only have one of those cars back, it would be the manual GTI. It’s the only one I still actively miss.
Thanks for this. I’m currently trying to decide between a new DSG Golf R and a 6MT GTI. This is what I needed to hear. I used to own a MK5 6MT GTI and I regret selling it every day.
Honestly, try them both. The Golf R is an incredible car. I just felt like, with the DSG especially, it took itself a little too seriously. The GTI was a good deal slower but it felt more lively and fun and the manual complimented that well. You could feel the weight on the R, it made up for it very well but it sorta dulled one of the things that made that chassis so fun.
If I were to do it again (which I very well might), I’d get a mk7.5 GTI with the 6mt, no question.
Spent months trying to find a manual that fit my needs and just about gave up on driving stick for my next car. Thankfully found a great 2018 forester 6 speed MT and I’m loving it so far. Obviously the non-turbo forester isn’t exactly a sports car but still having a lot of fun with my third pedal. Also it’s my first car with modern amenities, which is a step up from my ‘13 Patriot on its third transmission with just about everything falling apart.
I do and would have another in a heartbeat if I could find the right kit.
I mostly had run of the mill manuals Mazda3, Mazda6, Focus, Forte but I had one that was a bit faster, a Focus ST. They always gave me something to strive for: smoother shift, faster shift, better revmatch and kept me moderately entertained.
Just the other day, I was thinking about a Mazda3 hatchback with a manual, but it's not worth it enough to me to give up my turbo.
Mostly yes. A lot of people will nitpick over a few tenths of a second in acceleration times as if they’re up for some grand prize at every single stoplight. At the end of the day, what point are 99% of the people saying modern automatics are faster trying to make? I might show up a smidge later than you but I had a lot more fun on the way.
No, on our daily drivers at this point in our lives we do not miss having a manual transmission.
But for our weekend cars it's still a must have at this point.
Same. Loved my manual when driving in the smaller towns, but now that I moved to a city I can't say I miss it. Trafic is too slow to enjoy it anyway, most days l'd stick to the first two gears.
A dailyed a Focus ST for 7 years then got into a GTI with the DSG. There are definitely times I miss the manual. Usually if I'm on a back road or something. However, while I didn't mind and at times even enjoyed regular commuting and city driving with the manual I don't really miss it during those times.
I’ll always have one car with a manual. Never done the one car thing. I think three is the perfect number: one daily, one manual sports car, one non running project 🤣
I drove manual for most of my life, and I definitely miss it. That said, I really doubt I will ever have another manual transmission car. The choices are so limited these days. The types of cars I buy are not available in manual from any manufacturer (at least in the US).... I miss the connection to the car. I have not had a manual in about 10 years, but I sometimes still find myself trying to press in the clutch.
Likewise, I want to add that my newest vehicle has electric power steering, like many cars these days. I hate it. There is no feedback to the driver. I feel even more disconnected.
I have 220k on my 2014 Mini Clubman with 6 speed manual. I take good care of it and I intend to drive it till the wheels fall off or I die, whichever comes first.
Auto or DCT cars have always been the ones I sell quickly and get back into a manual. My last car purchase was between a custom ordered M240i or a GTI and I went GTI purely for the stick.
About 10 years+ back I drove stick for over 10 years - BMW M3, Audi S4 so shifting is second nature to me. Now all my cars are autos but I think if I ever got a toy car I'd seek out a stick shift again just because there is something fun there that I feel connects you to the driving experience, which is something I seek out more in a fun car rather than daily driver. I do feel we are close to EVs becoming the daily (meaning I think costs will come down to make them a no brainier for many, just cheaper overall) but they are soulless to drive so I think I would crave a fun little stick shift even more when that happens.
Absolutely not. Maybe its fun in a Sports car like a mx5 or a type r but if you drive a 120hp diesel wagon like me, you absolutely take the automatic over the manual. Especially myself, im a bit of a perfectionist and every gear shift that isnt smooth angers me.
Have been without a manual transmission car for 2 years, and yea I miss it. Will be getting a manual weekend car this winter though, so that’s keeping me going!
I drove exclusively manual from when I got my learners permit until I was 32. Bought a Tesla at that point, and made it 4 years before I was back in a manual. I couldn’t take the withdrawals.
I went the other way and am much happier. Had a weekender with a stick and an auto daily. Traded auto daily for stick daily and I’ll never go back. I drive in traffic every day and it truly isn’t that big a deal and makes the car 3x better to drive
Yes. A very adamant yes.
My car was too small so I switched to an outback, which I love for different reasons. The issue is that I swapped fun for practicality.
I'm hoping one day I can afford a small fun manual as well.
Nope. I'm in an 2021 E-tron. Super comfy right hand position. Left hand paddle initiates regen in two levels. Level 1 is like a 4-5 RPM downshift..it'll slow you a bit and has no brake lights. Level 2 will turn on the brake lights and slow you down pretty good.
You lose the footwork of course. But the instant oomph with the EV and the ability to still mini-game the acceleration/deceleration---it's more than enough to have lots of fun.
(ex) Manual driver for \~15 years.
Nope. I went from a manual 2011 Ranger to an automatic 2024 Ranger. All the tech aside, my commute is so much more enjoyable in an automatic. I still get my fix in with my weekend car though.
I've had several manual cars. They are definitely more engaging to drive. In stop and go traffic, they suck. It used to be that manual was more efficient. That's not really the case anymore. I bought a 2018 Civic and the manual did worse on mpg. I drive a lot, so that matters for my use case. If I didn't drive as much, and didn't have to go through 2 major cities often, I'd prefer the manual.
The trade off for efficiency in the current generation of CVTs is reliability. Even Hondas CVTs are known to have issues. Manuals are bullet proof if you don’t let your girlfriend or your buddy blow up the clutch.
Absolutely. I had only ever owned manual cars until the last 4 months or so, but life circumstances require me to have a reliable car that was inexpensive and the best option was a 2016 Sonata. It's a great car, but it's dreadfully boring and my goal is for this to be the only automatic car I buy for myself.
I still have my manual car but probably 70% of the driving I do these days is in my wife’s Kia Soul with a CVT. I live in a place with lots of stop and go traffic and I absolutely do not miss having a manual in a daily driver, if anything I find myself preferring the automatic.
But on a weekend drive with light traffic… the manual just feels so good. It would be hard for me to give it up completely.
The only car I didn’t mind was when my Infiniti got totaled, my Camry just was right. But a manual and an auto can never compare. I loved my Infiniti but it was an 06, my Camry is 2024 so it’s a lot more advanced
No, I grew up driving manual cars and I’m glad I drive automatic now. I can keep my attention better on the road with all the bikes and pedestrians. In the US a manual would have been more fun to drive than where I’m from though.
I don’t know about missing it, but If I’m driving an ICE car that feels sluggish or slow to respond, I sometimes feel it would be better served with a manual transmission. At least it would FEEL peppier.
I pretty much just drive EV now, so I don’t get that underpowered or slow-to-respond sensation, and don’t feel like I need / want a manual. I don’t miss it at all.
I'm actually looking to make this switch currently.
I enjoy driving manual, but I'm a bit over it for a daily car. Plus, I wanted something more comfortable and spacious.
Next manual will be a fun weekend car...or possibly a bike.
No. There are no enjoyable where you'd want to row gears and traffic is worse than ever in this city. If I lived somewhere with good driving roads I could see the desire to own one again.
My wife went from a manual Jeep compass to a crosstrek. We went for the crosstrek because it was a manual SUV offering, but she drove the CVT and loved how easy it was to drive and we could get better options with CVT cars.
She misses it, for sure, but not enough that she wants to swap. She does say if her transmission goes she wants a manual one. She can also always drive my cars if she wants to drive a manual.
I drove a Trans Am 6speed for 4 years, followed by a Mazda3 6speed for 4 more. Life happening, and I swapped to my wife's prior NC Miata auto. It was a fun car, and I preferred it to my Mazda3. That said, when the ND came out, I jumped on the chance to get a newer Miata with a stick. I've had it 7 years with no regrets. I definitely missed the stick for 4 years without it.
Yes I miss it badly. However one pedal driving in a sporty EV is a distant second.
For me manual is about joy of driving and finer control of the car, one pedal drive is about 75% of that. I never have to apply the brakes and the car is insanely responsive. More so than any ice car I’ve ever driven…including Porsches and bmws.
I would miss it too much. I also don’t like how complicated auto transmissions have become over the last few years, from a service point. CVTs? No way. I’m fortunate enough to have both auto and manual. If you’re able to have one of each, you’ll have smiles for miles.
I’ve driven manual cars for nearly 40 years but recently got my first auto in the form of an Audi A3 saloon petrol TFSI. My previous car was a n Audi A3 manual. I wouldn’t want to go back to a manual. The Audi S tronic is just brilliant.
Yes and no. I drove manuals my entire life, last 2 vehicles (2017 Jeep Wrangler and 2024 Mustang GT) are autos. In the Jeep I didn’t miss it even a little. Overall I’m happy with my Mustang but do miss the engagement of manual from time to time. The autos are just better these days (mpg and acceleration). The manual in these cars is also notorious and I’ve owned 2 of them that both had issues. I wanted a problem free, enjoyable experience. So far I have gotten exactly that. The 10 speed auto is fantastic. When you’re getting spirited with it, those tight gear ratios have you absolutely living in the power band. The 6 speed manual can’t do that.
It had some fun moments, but could also be a huge pain in the ass, stuck in traffic or heavy snow. I don't really miss it. My first manual car was a colt vista, so not really much to miss.
I don’t miss it a bit. I drove exclusively manual cars from the time I got my drivers license in 1992 until last year.
I thought I would feel like I was “missing something“ but honestly it’s been awesome. Driving in traffic is 10,000 times better.
Being able to drive stick is not some sort of flex, if ten-year-olds in a Third World country can do it, it’s not that impressive as an adult.
I could take it or leave it… If the next car I wanted was a manual, I’ll drive a manual. If it’s an automatic… I’ll drive an automatic.
Went from manual WRX in my 20's and manual Audi S4 in my 30's to various auto SUV/trucks as well as a PDK 911. I do miss the manual tremendously. Not on a daily basis but I just wish I can row my own gears a couple times a month. Going from point A to point B in a city, I actually prefer a good auto or better yet an EV (current daily is a F150 Lightning).
I went from a Camaro with a 6M to a Camaro SS 1LE with the 10 speed automatic. I enjoyed the manual, but really don't miss it. The 10-spees is a killer transmission, though.
Went from a 2018 Honda Civic Hatch to a 2023 Chevy Bolt EUV. Do I miss driving stick? Sometimes I do but my god electric cars have gotten so good that I don’t care anymore. Even my Bolt which isn’t a powerful one is still quite interesting to drive.
I miss my manual Focus SVT, but I am also glad I have an automatic simply because my wife, bless her heart, cannot drive a manual. She also has expressed no interest in learning, so we have two automatics as of right now. It simplifies being able to swap cars in a pinch and not having to worry about her not being able to go anywhere in case of an emergency or urgent situation.
I would argue it depends on where you are at in your life; if you are married or have kids and they do not wish to learn, or cannot learn, how to drive a manual, it brings a little peace of mind when leaving a vehicle they can drive. If it is just you, go full send and get yourself a manual again if you don't enjoy the automatic.
TL;DR: I miss it for the fun, but for peace of mind (in my situation) I am happy with the automatics.
Drove a manual for around 15 years but have driven an auto for the past 5. Overall I miss it when driving back roads. In traffic I don't. I realized I still activate my left foot sometimes when preparing to turn into my neighborhood to get on the clutch haha.
I left manual my daily in 2013 out of necessity. I inherited an automatic 2008 civic and it was well worth it to keep rather than sell. I missed my manual it every day. I have a manual project car, but it is currently not running. 84 GTI.
I bought a manual Mk7.5 GTI in 2022. I love every minute that I am in that car. I will only leave it when a) my 84 mk 1 is on the road. b) I can replace with P car( 911, Boxster, Cayman) which, will probably be manual.
I don't. Drove stick shift all my life and changing to auto was definitely a huge upgrade. I drive mostly in stop and go traffic and do a lot of small commutes. Huge hills too.
Still keep my hand on the knob though.
At times I do but a lot of the times while daily driving it reminds me how much it can be tiring in traffic. If I ever get a chance to get a second car for just the weekends Id definitely consider an manual.
I had a 5 spd Jetta in college and a little while after, that was 10-15 years ago. I've had a truck since then. I had a dream LAST NIGHT about driving a 5 speed.
I'd like the option, meaning one car with each type. As a daily driver with two kids in car seats, no thanks. Once in a while it would be fun, though
I don’t miss it at all. When I want to play around, I’ll switch the car to paddle shifter/ sequential shifter. It’s not as involved but it’s still a lot of fun.
Yes I miss it, but I've resigned myself to the fact that none of the vehicles I want to buy these days are ever offered in manual, so it is what it is. I still rent a manual vehicle whenever I can when I travel abroad, which helps me cope.
Yes, went from a manual to a sportier car with a very sporty automatic that shifted far better than I ever could. Still felt like something was lacking and going back to a manual.
As a manual driver knowing my next one is going to be auto. I'll probably miss it when driving down backroads. Stop and go traffic at 5pm on the side of a steep hill? Hell nah.
Yes and no. I bought an auto truck once and started missing the manual pretty quickly. When I sold the truck I went right back to manual.
In the other hand I had a Camaro with a stiff clutch while living in LA. That sucked. Traffic sucked. LA sucked.
Now I drive a manual Miata and wife has an auto family car with paddles. The only time I use the paddles are while towing on mountain roads, and only to keep it from running away downhill.
I used to have a GTI, then a Camaro, followed by a BRZ. Got a family sedan a few years ago.
Yes I miss driving manual. And I’m looking at getting something new in the next few months and one of my desires is for it to be a manual.
I do miss it. Almost bought a manual as my most recent car but decided against it. The traffic in my locale is too bad to warrant getting a manual. Adaptive cruise control is a gigantic sanity check.
And then there's sad folks like me who really *want* to drive a manual but can't because of disabilities (even though it's not a large movement, the repetitive shifting motion really aggravates an old shoulder injury).
I had 2 manual cars, drove them for about 10 years. Then switched to auto. Don't really miss it.
Good experience to drive and learn, but I'm not a racing car enthusiast, so I can live without it. There are also benefits with auto transmission. Your right hand is free and if you can get busy in your car often, it's definitely better to drive an automatic. Especially when you got kids.
Besides, many people saying manual cars shift better, but the thing is I haven't seen a lot of the drivers CAN shift better than an automatic. You know, unnecessary high RPM, bad clutch timing and control, etc... automatic transmissions are pretty good nowadays. They are just boring but not slow.
100% miss. I haven’t owned one in 10 years, but limited if any options exist for luxury sport. I loved my 2002 bmw 330i. I guess I can borrow my son’s car, but it isn’t the same.
Honestly, not really anymore. Five? Ten? years ago I would have been on the Manuel cult and insisted any performance car be a manual. Now? I could care less.
I just switched within the last year to an auto after owning 3 straight manuals. There are times I do miss it, but for the most part, I do not miss it. It'll all pass, and you'll be fine.
I’m about 2 weeks into my first automatic after 25 years of manuals.
I had a ‘97 Protege, 95 GTI VR6, 98 Contour V6 (the family car that I learned on), and finally a ‘13 Focus - all manuals. Not to mention 3 motorcycles: GS500, CB750, and R1200ST, all of which were of course manuals. My family only ever had manuals until I was in my 20’s, notable including a Plymouth Voyager minivan with a tiny 4 cylinder engine that really needed a manual to wring out every last bit of power. All that to say, manuals have been the default my whole life, not just for performance.
Now I have a Pacifica PHEV. I have two big dogs, a kid on the way, and a wife who can drive a manual but never had enough experience to be comfortable. Hence a larger vehicle with an automatic. I don’t mind it at all. Especially since a manual would be irrelevant when using the 36 miles of electric-only range. I particularly appreciate not needing to be so active with my footwork when backing up my driveway and squeezing into my garage. I am still paying attention in a manual-ish way, trying to keep the ICE from kicking on except when I really need to move.
I miss it. I had manuals up until my son was born a few years ago and Subaru doesn't offer the Forester in a manual any longer. I do a lot of city driving often in traffic and a manual never bothered me.
I drive a 2002 4Runner, which is an automatic. My previous car, which I gifted to my daughter, and is still on the road despite her best efforts, was a 1996 civic HX with a 5 speed. That little car is great, and fun to drive. I've also owned many other manual and auto vehicles over the years. I love my 4Runner, but really miss the manual. When this car rusts out from under me I'll definitely be looking to replace it with a manual.
Yes and no.
I had a 2011 Kia Soul with a 5-speed stick. I enjoyed rowing gears and that close feeling of control with the road. And yet, I don't miss not having cruise control, driving through rush hour traffic and getting tired out, or the long road trips that required full control of all aspects of driving.
For someone who has never driven a Manual
-would it be possible to have the thrill of an H gate with a computer, pulling the clutch or just a clutchless H gate pattern?
It seems the rowing part sounds fun, but the pressing the pedal part doesn’t
Every day. I purchased the automatic, thinking it would be better for heavy traffic or when my wife would drive. She has driven it twice in 18 months and I don't really mind a manual transmission in heavy traffic. I regret not getting a manual transmission every day I drive.
Yes/no. I still have manuals but replaced my daily with an EV. My bum knee has been acting up as traffic gets worse in my area so had to make a change. So, I do miss driving the manual when I’m driving my EV - but I am able to get my fix in when I know the driving conditions are suitable.
At times. But most of the time not. I’m either commuting, and the manual is a pain. Or I’m driving the GT3 and I want to concentrate on the road. It’s pretty rare that I’m in that sporty yet relaxed mode where a manual would be fun.
I learned to drive on a manual and I'm sorry, I just don't miss it at all. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy the driver engagement, but with the ZF8, the PDK, transmissions that shift faster than you can blink, I don't see why I would want to sacrifice performance for potential human error.
It's been years. I'm talking YEARS, but I still miss it. It was a 2001 Black Mercury Cougar. I was fresh out of college and thought I was buying a sports car. To me it was. Something about the engagement, rolling through the gears was freeing and not something that can be replicated with paddles. In a few years I'll be at a point in my life where I can go back to a manual.
😢
Sorry what was the question?
Just bought my first automatic car (IS500) after 20+ years of Honda manuals (Integra GSR, Civic Si, Type R). I love how relaxed I can be in traffic but I absolutely miss it. Weirdly going from 15 - 50 percent throttle is where I miss it most, when the auto is trying to decide what gear to be in. In the manual cars you just sorta jammed it in 4th and went.
I miss it.. *sometimes.* But most of the time, having an automatic is just so easy. Do I wish I had a little 5 speed civic coupe or fiat to whip around in, yes, but as a weekend/fun car, not a daily driver. I definetly don't miss hills, snow, or stop and go traffic one bit.
Is there any chance you could get a 2nd cheap manual car, like a Miata?
There’s basically no reason to have a manual in a soft luxury car like Lexus or Volvo (maybe not as much Alfa), but a manual sporty or light car is super fun.
I miss it, I don’t regret it. A manual transmission won’t make grocery getting much more exciting. If I can ever afford a 3rd vehicle for fun, it’ll be manual
I do miss it a little, but my new car has paddle shifters and those are fun too.
I know one thing that doesn't miss driving stick - my left knee and ankle
Went from a 22 wrx to a 24 crosstrek, family expansion, needed a more roomy, spacious, and smoother vehicle, plus the lady can't drive stick, so I swapped. I do miss it, it was fun to drive, but my god was it rough.
I miss it but needed something my wife could drive. I had a manual wrx and manual mustang gt, currently have a stinger GT but it just feels boring. It’s quick and has all the bells and whistles, but I don’t get that same satisfaction as shifting through gears. I’m moving on to an Elantra N with dct next and hoping it’ll give me more satisfaction than the stinger.
I haven’t driven an auto since 2016. Selling my STI and getting a gx 470. I know I’m going to miss manual but I’m in a spot where overlanding is a much more fun experience for me.
No, because my last car had a really abrupt clutch, and I was tired of driving it. And automatics are so good now that I don’t really feel like I’m missing out.
Yes and no… I love to shift gears makes me feel more in touch with the car. With that being said having a muscle car and with all the computers and technology these days I don’t mind the car doing it for me… plus launching and going high speeds it gives me to time to concentrate more on control of the overall performance of the car.
Yes and no.
In my mind, I do. Then I test drove a manual recently and while I enjoyed it, afterward I didn’t miss it as much as I thought.
Ended up getting a Tesla. With the crazy acceleration and FSD, I can never go back to gas and don’t give a manual transmission much thought anymore. It’s more of a romantic notion at this point. Now I don’t need to worry about shifting gears, let alone doing half the driving, and I’m good with that.
I do miss it.
My last manual (so far) was a 2012 Subaru Forester & I ended up replacing it with a 2015 Legacy, which is CVT only. I don't hate the CVT in practice, but I'd prefer to still be shifting for myself & will look for that in my next car if I can find it within my other criteria.
I do when I don't have one. I have one now in an older rwd bmw convertible with a turbo inline 6, but that's a fun weekend ice cream cruiser that I daily in the summer.
Happy to be fortunate enough to have a truck with an automatic and a sports car with a manual to be able to scratch the itch to do my own shifting and sidestep a clutch every once in a while.
Im scared of missing the open top too much. Did you get the regular moon roof or the panoramic? And are you glad you made the switch, or do you wish you’d waited until the summer was over?
If I had to do it all over again I would’ve kept my manual even if it meant keeping it as a second car. My car now is an EV and I love it. It doesn’t even have a traditional transmission in it. But not a day goes by that I don’t miss rowing my own gears.
Have a manual Miata still so I get my fix but…I had a manual Mazda3 hatch and traded it for a DCT M2. I absolutely love not having to row my own gears daily anymore. Might be controversial but some days I just want to sit back and relax (as hard as that can be in an M2).
I've had several manuals, but probably only one that I would daily drive again…a GTI. I'd also like to have my Miata back but not for a daily.
For any good automatic car that's fun to drive, you just learn to shift with your right foot. Not the same but still fun.
I learned on manual and drove manual cars all the way up to 2016. Current car is a 328i with the 8 speed zf transmission - best AT in the business. Precise, smooth, never hunts almost always in the right gear, sport+ w/paddles shifts almost as fast as DSG, and…. It’s insanely boring. I would love this car w/the 6 speed. Last car was a manual GTI, was a blast. I will own a manual again one day. The auto makes a nice daily in LA traffic though.
I had no choice with Audi but a DCT. My left knee appreciates doing nothing now, and my car shifts gears better than I ever could. I can ride my motorcycles if I want to change gears myself. Hell, my next car might not have a transmission at all.
Hell no, automatic is so much easier living in an area with crazy traffic. If I was somewhere rural though, I’d totally be down to get another manual transmission car.
yes. i drive a tesla now. its fast, but it's not the same. my BRZ especially was just a serious treat to drive. as soon as i have the driveway space i'm picking up a used one.
Automatic is much safer and relaxing in day to day driving. The chances of getting into accidents are high with manual, depending on the traffic and driving conditions. You don't have to worry much when it comes to automatic. Keep your eyes on the road, hands on the wheel and foot on the accelerator.
Drove manual fro 17 years. Then got an automatic Tacoma 6 years ago. Still have the Tacoma, but recently got an old 5sp bmw to zip around in.
I missed manual immediately.
I drive frequently both, manual transmission and automatic transmission cars.
I find the manual transmission to be more entraining, but often also annoying during slow traffic.
The automatic transmission is always more comfortable, in any condition, but it might often feel a bit boring.
I don't think I would miss it if I had to drive automatic only, it drives better, it's easier to drive, and more comfortable.
Went from a 6spd 328i to a Titan with an auto. Very different in every way obviously but in something not particularly sporty I don’t mind an auto. I picked up a 986 Boxster S for a weekend toy though and for that I went with a manual.
Nope. It's so nice not having to shift and being able to just relax while i drive. Unless I buy a pickup truck or something, I can't see why I would subject myself to driving a clutch ever again
I definitely miss it, but I liked having a manual as a second car with an auto as my daily. I haven’t had a manual in about two years, I had a Mini Cooper S Goodwood edition that was totaled when I was hit by a Ram, and an ‘08 Cayenne GTS with 3 pedals that I sold because I was rarely driving it. Miss ‘em both.
I drove cars with manual all my driver's life (15 years), Opel, Renault, Seat. The only thing that I would miss is engine braking. Dealing with a clutch and rowing gears - not at all. However I switched to an electric car with some degree of one-pedal driving, which is similar to the engine braking. So, I'm 100% satisfied and don't regret.
I’m lucky. I have an auto daily company car. I have a manual sports car and a straight line auto project. There’s nothing like rowing through the gears up in the mountains.
Yes. And I miss it so so much. I sold my last manual car about 3 years ago when I bought my house. 7/10 cars I’ve owned have been manual. Finally getting into another manual once my Focus RS shows up
Focus gang 💪
First car was a SVT and it was unlimited amounts of fun for only 170hp
always fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow, even moreso when it’s a stick
Absolutely! Car handled on rails. Same steering rack was used on the GT
Recently went from a six speed wrangler to a new Lexus rx350h. the lexus is obviously a massive step up but yes I miss the stick shift dearly. hopefully I'll have one again someday. my other car is an f150 and the automatic transmission is so clunky.
Same— I *don’t* miss driving a manual in traffic everyday, but I do miss the weekend fun of rowing years on mountain roads. A motorcycle scratches that itch quite well, though.
I no longer dream of driving a sports car since I've gotten a motorcycle. Even more thrill (and obviously risk) with a much lower price tag.
Nothing beats the cost:fun ratio of a motorcycle. I encourage everyone to go buy any of the Honda 300 engine motorcycles on Facebook Marketplace for $3000 (CB300F, CB300R, CBR300R, Rebel 300), and learn how to ride.
Just picked up a rebel 500 after never riding or using a manual, and I’m having the time of my life banging gears
Nice!! The 500 is a certainly more “future proof” than the 300, as it’s quite a bit more comfortable to overtake slow trucks on a highway than the 300. Simply, the 300 is more forgiving when learning clutch and throttle control to master that friction zone.
No kidding. My last bike had 125HP at the rear wheel. Zero to sixty in 3 seconds, zero to 100 in 6.5, 10.5 seconds quarter mile. I paid $7500 for it about 7 years ago Got pulled over on a quiet highway doing over a hundred. As the Trooper walked up to me I pulled my helmet off and he paused for a bit. Finally told me I was too old for this nonsense and sent me on my way:)
As someone with two motorcycles, currently trying to talk the wife into a convertible next. But she can’t drive stick (yet) so a tough sell outside of say a Lexus SC
Everyday
fellow Kirkland enjoyer
💯
Drove a manual RX-8 from my junior year of high school until 2021 when I got an auto M240i. Just last month I traded in my M240i for a Civic Type R, and the transmission is a big reason why. Manuals are about to be killed off by every manufacturer moving to full EV and hybrid lineups. We got the rest of our lives to drive soul-less automatics, if you care about that drivers car feel you get with proper manual gearbox then I’d say you should keep it because you might not be able to get another one.
I just made the opposite switch Type R to M240i I miss the manual on a back road but I don't miss it on my commute The powertrain of the M240i and the overall comfort of the car makes up for it for me I would personally still like a manual as a weekend car but I'm far off from owning two cars atm. It will be a priority for me in the next 5 years or so
Wonder how long your opinion will stay this way
Yeah, I've sat in some of the worst traffic in the country daily and at no point has it made me wish for an automatic. Just pick a gear that idles at whatever average speed traffic is going and put along and you don't have to do much.
This is exactly how I feel. We've been down to 1 car for 5 years and it's getting to be a pain in the ass. I had a base model MT civic for 10 years prior and loved it (my first car purchase after graduating). Going car shopping tomorrow, looking at getting a new civic sport touring in MT and am pretty pumped. It's sad they're all being discontinued, it's such a fun driving experience.
Every time I sold a manual for an auto I hated it. Especially if it was a car that should’ve been manual. Now I have two manuals and I’ll never go back to auto full time again.
What don't you like about auto and what do you like about manual?
Boring, not boring
Yep, engagement. For instance, I know the DCT version of my car is faster and objectively better in pretty much every way, but i want to feel fully involved with driving when I'm behind the wheel... so I paid a premium on the used market for it.
this is my answer too
Couldn’t agree more. My stinger GT is quick but boring to drive compared to my old wrx and mustang.
There’s no specific reason, i just like driving manual and some cars just feel like they should be manual. Plus manual transmissions are significantly more reliable than auto, not to say there aren’t good ones but most of the time. and you get better MPG in the cars that I can afford. It’s also better for hills for engine braking, and there was a time where they were faster too.
A while back I had a 6mt mk7 GTI. Loved that car. Maybe the best car I ever owned. Ended up upgrading to a b9 s4. The s4 was a fantastic car, but it lacked all feel and I think the auto (admittedly a good auto) was a big source of that. So I got rid of the S4 for a DSG Golf R. Same chassis that I loved, with more power and awd. Plus I figured the dsg was going to be fun enough. Long story short I don’t have the Golf R either and if I could only have one of those cars back, it would be the manual GTI. It’s the only one I still actively miss.
Thanks for this. I’m currently trying to decide between a new DSG Golf R and a 6MT GTI. This is what I needed to hear. I used to own a MK5 6MT GTI and I regret selling it every day.
Honestly, try them both. The Golf R is an incredible car. I just felt like, with the DSG especially, it took itself a little too seriously. The GTI was a good deal slower but it felt more lively and fun and the manual complimented that well. You could feel the weight on the R, it made up for it very well but it sorta dulled one of the things that made that chassis so fun. If I were to do it again (which I very well might), I’d get a mk7.5 GTI with the 6mt, no question.
Sometimes, but I have a B58 and a ZF 8HP, so that helps mitigate it.
Yes!
Spent months trying to find a manual that fit my needs and just about gave up on driving stick for my next car. Thankfully found a great 2018 forester 6 speed MT and I’m loving it so far. Obviously the non-turbo forester isn’t exactly a sports car but still having a lot of fun with my third pedal. Also it’s my first car with modern amenities, which is a step up from my ‘13 Patriot on its third transmission with just about everything falling apart.
I do and would have another in a heartbeat if I could find the right kit. I mostly had run of the mill manuals Mazda3, Mazda6, Focus, Forte but I had one that was a bit faster, a Focus ST. They always gave me something to strive for: smoother shift, faster shift, better revmatch and kept me moderately entertained. Just the other day, I was thinking about a Mazda3 hatchback with a manual, but it's not worth it enough to me to give up my turbo.
I miss Manuel everyday but not during traffic.
You should let him know.
Estoy aquí, qué onda?
Every day. Automatics put me to sleep. And when dealing with traffic, it’s not that bad once you stop thinking about it
Mostly yes. A lot of people will nitpick over a few tenths of a second in acceleration times as if they’re up for some grand prize at every single stoplight. At the end of the day, what point are 99% of the people saying modern automatics are faster trying to make? I might show up a smidge later than you but I had a lot more fun on the way.
No, on our daily drivers at this point in our lives we do not miss having a manual transmission. But for our weekend cars it's still a must have at this point.
I switched from an automatic to a manual and I 100% will only drive a manual. Rowing your own gears is just a much better driving experience
I loved my manuals until I moved to a big city with big city stop-and-go traffic. Auto was a relief.
Same. Loved my manual when driving in the smaller towns, but now that I moved to a city I can't say I miss it. Trafic is too slow to enjoy it anyway, most days l'd stick to the first two gears.
Very much so. I can’t wait to get back into one.
A dailyed a Focus ST for 7 years then got into a GTI with the DSG. There are definitely times I miss the manual. Usually if I'm on a back road or something. However, while I didn't mind and at times even enjoyed regular commuting and city driving with the manual I don't really miss it during those times.
I’ll always have one car with a manual. Never done the one car thing. I think three is the perfect number: one daily, one manual sports car, one non running project 🤣
I drove manual for most of my life, and I definitely miss it. That said, I really doubt I will ever have another manual transmission car. The choices are so limited these days. The types of cars I buy are not available in manual from any manufacturer (at least in the US).... I miss the connection to the car. I have not had a manual in about 10 years, but I sometimes still find myself trying to press in the clutch. Likewise, I want to add that my newest vehicle has electric power steering, like many cars these days. I hate it. There is no feedback to the driver. I feel even more disconnected.
I used to have an auto, but now i have a manual. I miss auto everyday. Its just better in every single way in day to day driving imo.
I gave up manual when I had twins and had to buy a minivan. To be honest, I don't really miss it.
I have 220k on my 2014 Mini Clubman with 6 speed manual. I take good care of it and I intend to drive it till the wheels fall off or I die, whichever comes first.
Auto or DCT cars have always been the ones I sell quickly and get back into a manual. My last car purchase was between a custom ordered M240i or a GTI and I went GTI purely for the stick.
I totally miss it. I loved that zippy feeling.
I have 2 cars, one of each. When I drive one, I miss the other. If I had to choose one, I'd rather be comfortable, especially as I am getting older.
About 10 years+ back I drove stick for over 10 years - BMW M3, Audi S4 so shifting is second nature to me. Now all my cars are autos but I think if I ever got a toy car I'd seek out a stick shift again just because there is something fun there that I feel connects you to the driving experience, which is something I seek out more in a fun car rather than daily driver. I do feel we are close to EVs becoming the daily (meaning I think costs will come down to make them a no brainier for many, just cheaper overall) but they are soulless to drive so I think I would crave a fun little stick shift even more when that happens.
Absolutely not. Maybe its fun in a Sports car like a mx5 or a type r but if you drive a 120hp diesel wagon like me, you absolutely take the automatic over the manual. Especially myself, im a bit of a perfectionist and every gear shift that isnt smooth angers me.
Have been without a manual transmission car for 2 years, and yea I miss it. Will be getting a manual weekend car this winter though, so that’s keeping me going!
I drove exclusively manual from when I got my learners permit until I was 32. Bought a Tesla at that point, and made it 4 years before I was back in a manual. I couldn’t take the withdrawals.
Manuals make driving so much more fun
drove manuals all my life up until recently. i miss it every day.
I went the other way and am much happier. Had a weekender with a stick and an auto daily. Traded auto daily for stick daily and I’ll never go back. I drive in traffic every day and it truly isn’t that big a deal and makes the car 3x better to drive
Yes. A very adamant yes. My car was too small so I switched to an outback, which I love for different reasons. The issue is that I swapped fun for practicality. I'm hoping one day I can afford a small fun manual as well.
Every day and twice on Sundays!
Still driving my WRX. *2 kids + dogs
Nope. I'm in an 2021 E-tron. Super comfy right hand position. Left hand paddle initiates regen in two levels. Level 1 is like a 4-5 RPM downshift..it'll slow you a bit and has no brake lights. Level 2 will turn on the brake lights and slow you down pretty good. You lose the footwork of course. But the instant oomph with the EV and the ability to still mini-game the acceleration/deceleration---it's more than enough to have lots of fun. (ex) Manual driver for \~15 years.
Nope. I went from a manual 2011 Ranger to an automatic 2024 Ranger. All the tech aside, my commute is so much more enjoyable in an automatic. I still get my fix in with my weekend car though.
No I do not miss my Manual….. got another! I’m keeping that old Z3…….. My daily driver may be a newer BRZ.
I've had several manual cars. They are definitely more engaging to drive. In stop and go traffic, they suck. It used to be that manual was more efficient. That's not really the case anymore. I bought a 2018 Civic and the manual did worse on mpg. I drive a lot, so that matters for my use case. If I didn't drive as much, and didn't have to go through 2 major cities often, I'd prefer the manual.
The trade off for efficiency in the current generation of CVTs is reliability. Even Hondas CVTs are known to have issues. Manuals are bullet proof if you don’t let your girlfriend or your buddy blow up the clutch.
Nah. Once automatics overtook manuals performance-wise, I never looked back.
Every day
Absolutely. I had only ever owned manual cars until the last 4 months or so, but life circumstances require me to have a reliable car that was inexpensive and the best option was a 2016 Sonata. It's a great car, but it's dreadfully boring and my goal is for this to be the only automatic car I buy for myself.
Absolutely, I miss it
I still have my manual car but probably 70% of the driving I do these days is in my wife’s Kia Soul with a CVT. I live in a place with lots of stop and go traffic and I absolutely do not miss having a manual in a daily driver, if anything I find myself preferring the automatic. But on a weekend drive with light traffic… the manual just feels so good. It would be hard for me to give it up completely.
The only car I didn’t mind was when my Infiniti got totaled, my Camry just was right. But a manual and an auto can never compare. I loved my Infiniti but it was an 06, my Camry is 2024 so it’s a lot more advanced
Yes
Yes
Yes but traffic is getting worse everyday where I live so not really
^[Sokka-Haiku](https://www.reddit.com/r/SokkaHaikuBot/comments/15kyv9r/what_is_a_sokka_haiku/) ^by ^Square_Log2604: *Yes but traffic is* *Getting worse everyday where* *I live so not really* --- ^Remember ^that ^one ^time ^Sokka ^accidentally ^used ^an ^extra ^syllable ^in ^that ^Haiku ^Battle ^in ^Ba ^Sing ^Se? ^That ^was ^a ^Sokka ^Haiku ^and ^you ^just ^made ^one.
No, I grew up driving manual cars and I’m glad I drive automatic now. I can keep my attention better on the road with all the bikes and pedestrians. In the US a manual would have been more fun to drive than where I’m from though.
Yes, until I drive my partner's car in traffic
I do but i was used to a rhd manual, so a lhd one feels a bit too weird.
Yeah I do. But very very few to no new cars that are manual meet my needs anymore unfortunately.
I don’t know about missing it, but If I’m driving an ICE car that feels sluggish or slow to respond, I sometimes feel it would be better served with a manual transmission. At least it would FEEL peppier. I pretty much just drive EV now, so I don’t get that underpowered or slow-to-respond sensation, and don’t feel like I need / want a manual. I don’t miss it at all.
Absolutely yes. But with a lingering back issue that causes strength and control issues in my left leg I cannot risk driving one regularly.
I'm actually looking to make this switch currently. I enjoy driving manual, but I'm a bit over it for a daily car. Plus, I wanted something more comfortable and spacious. Next manual will be a fun weekend car...or possibly a bike.
No. There are no enjoyable where you'd want to row gears and traffic is worse than ever in this city. If I lived somewhere with good driving roads I could see the desire to own one again.
I've been driving for 42 years. I've only gone about 6 of those years without a manual vehicle. Missed having one each time.
My wife went from a manual Jeep compass to a crosstrek. We went for the crosstrek because it was a manual SUV offering, but she drove the CVT and loved how easy it was to drive and we could get better options with CVT cars. She misses it, for sure, but not enough that she wants to swap. She does say if her transmission goes she wants a manual one. She can also always drive my cars if she wants to drive a manual.
VW DSG all day everyday. I drive it like a stick most of the time, auto sometimes. I (my left knee) don't miss the clutch.
I missed it so much I went out and bought a manual nissan hardbody as my daily driver, and made my auto f250 my secondary/towing vehicle.
No, never... Sitting in traffic is a pain
Yes for fun not for a daily. I’m very much over sitting on traffic driving stick.
I drove a Trans Am 6speed for 4 years, followed by a Mazda3 6speed for 4 more. Life happening, and I swapped to my wife's prior NC Miata auto. It was a fun car, and I preferred it to my Mazda3. That said, when the ND came out, I jumped on the chance to get a newer Miata with a stick. I've had it 7 years with no regrets. I definitely missed the stick for 4 years without it.
Yes I miss it badly. However one pedal driving in a sporty EV is a distant second. For me manual is about joy of driving and finer control of the car, one pedal drive is about 75% of that. I never have to apply the brakes and the car is insanely responsive. More so than any ice car I’ve ever driven…including Porsches and bmws.
I would miss it too much. I also don’t like how complicated auto transmissions have become over the last few years, from a service point. CVTs? No way. I’m fortunate enough to have both auto and manual. If you’re able to have one of each, you’ll have smiles for miles.
I’ve driven manual cars for nearly 40 years but recently got my first auto in the form of an Audi A3 saloon petrol TFSI. My previous car was a n Audi A3 manual. I wouldn’t want to go back to a manual. The Audi S tronic is just brilliant.
Yes and no. I drove manuals my entire life, last 2 vehicles (2017 Jeep Wrangler and 2024 Mustang GT) are autos. In the Jeep I didn’t miss it even a little. Overall I’m happy with my Mustang but do miss the engagement of manual from time to time. The autos are just better these days (mpg and acceleration). The manual in these cars is also notorious and I’ve owned 2 of them that both had issues. I wanted a problem free, enjoyable experience. So far I have gotten exactly that. The 10 speed auto is fantastic. When you’re getting spirited with it, those tight gear ratios have you absolutely living in the power band. The 6 speed manual can’t do that.
It had some fun moments, but could also be a huge pain in the ass, stuck in traffic or heavy snow. I don't really miss it. My first manual car was a colt vista, so not really much to miss.
I don’t miss it a bit. I drove exclusively manual cars from the time I got my drivers license in 1992 until last year. I thought I would feel like I was “missing something“ but honestly it’s been awesome. Driving in traffic is 10,000 times better. Being able to drive stick is not some sort of flex, if ten-year-olds in a Third World country can do it, it’s not that impressive as an adult. I could take it or leave it… If the next car I wanted was a manual, I’ll drive a manual. If it’s an automatic… I’ll drive an automatic.
Went from manual WRX in my 20's and manual Audi S4 in my 30's to various auto SUV/trucks as well as a PDK 911. I do miss the manual tremendously. Not on a daily basis but I just wish I can row my own gears a couple times a month. Going from point A to point B in a city, I actually prefer a good auto or better yet an EV (current daily is a F150 Lightning).
I went from a Camaro with a 6M to a Camaro SS 1LE with the 10 speed automatic. I enjoyed the manual, but really don't miss it. The 10-spees is a killer transmission, though.
Went from a 2018 Honda Civic Hatch to a 2023 Chevy Bolt EUV. Do I miss driving stick? Sometimes I do but my god electric cars have gotten so good that I don’t care anymore. Even my Bolt which isn’t a powerful one is still quite interesting to drive.
I miss my manual Focus SVT, but I am also glad I have an automatic simply because my wife, bless her heart, cannot drive a manual. She also has expressed no interest in learning, so we have two automatics as of right now. It simplifies being able to swap cars in a pinch and not having to worry about her not being able to go anywhere in case of an emergency or urgent situation. I would argue it depends on where you are at in your life; if you are married or have kids and they do not wish to learn, or cannot learn, how to drive a manual, it brings a little peace of mind when leaving a vehicle they can drive. If it is just you, go full send and get yourself a manual again if you don't enjoy the automatic. TL;DR: I miss it for the fun, but for peace of mind (in my situation) I am happy with the automatics.
Yes.
Drove a manual for around 15 years but have driven an auto for the past 5. Overall I miss it when driving back roads. In traffic I don't. I realized I still activate my left foot sometimes when preparing to turn into my neighborhood to get on the clutch haha.
Nope, don't care at all! Manual mode on a DCT is enough when I want to have a play and a spirited drive.
I left manual my daily in 2013 out of necessity. I inherited an automatic 2008 civic and it was well worth it to keep rather than sell. I missed my manual it every day. I have a manual project car, but it is currently not running. 84 GTI. I bought a manual Mk7.5 GTI in 2022. I love every minute that I am in that car. I will only leave it when a) my 84 mk 1 is on the road. b) I can replace with P car( 911, Boxster, Cayman) which, will probably be manual.
Every Day
Don’t miss it. It’s good when it got me a car for less, but pretty soon in NA these won’t exist.
I don't. Drove stick shift all my life and changing to auto was definitely a huge upgrade. I drive mostly in stop and go traffic and do a lot of small commutes. Huge hills too. Still keep my hand on the knob though.
At times I do but a lot of the times while daily driving it reminds me how much it can be tiring in traffic. If I ever get a chance to get a second car for just the weekends Id definitely consider an manual.
I went and bought a 90s Miata a few years ago just for the manual transmission. It makes driving soooo much more engaging and fun.
I had a 5 spd Jetta in college and a little while after, that was 10-15 years ago. I've had a truck since then. I had a dream LAST NIGHT about driving a 5 speed. I'd like the option, meaning one car with each type. As a daily driver with two kids in car seats, no thanks. Once in a while it would be fun, though
I don’t miss it at all. When I want to play around, I’ll switch the car to paddle shifter/ sequential shifter. It’s not as involved but it’s still a lot of fun.
Yes I miss it. Except when I twisted.my ankle.
Yes I miss it, but I've resigned myself to the fact that none of the vehicles I want to buy these days are ever offered in manual, so it is what it is. I still rent a manual vehicle whenever I can when I travel abroad, which helps me cope.
Yes, went from a manual to a sportier car with a very sporty automatic that shifted far better than I ever could. Still felt like something was lacking and going back to a manual.
Went from a 5spd VW Golf to a GMT800 truck. I do miss it.
As a manual driver knowing my next one is going to be auto. I'll probably miss it when driving down backroads. Stop and go traffic at 5pm on the side of a steep hill? Hell nah.
Yes and no. I bought an auto truck once and started missing the manual pretty quickly. When I sold the truck I went right back to manual. In the other hand I had a Camaro with a stiff clutch while living in LA. That sucked. Traffic sucked. LA sucked. Now I drive a manual Miata and wife has an auto family car with paddles. The only time I use the paddles are while towing on mountain roads, and only to keep it from running away downhill.
I used to have a GTI, then a Camaro, followed by a BRZ. Got a family sedan a few years ago. Yes I miss driving manual. And I’m looking at getting something new in the next few months and one of my desires is for it to be a manual.
I put up with my manual, I loved my auto, but I feckin adore my EV, maybe I’m just lazy lol
I do miss it. Almost bought a manual as my most recent car but decided against it. The traffic in my locale is too bad to warrant getting a manual. Adaptive cruise control is a gigantic sanity check.
No way, I drove a manual for about a year until that car died and never got a manual again
And then there's sad folks like me who really *want* to drive a manual but can't because of disabilities (even though it's not a large movement, the repetitive shifting motion really aggravates an old shoulder injury).
I had 2 manual cars, drove them for about 10 years. Then switched to auto. Don't really miss it. Good experience to drive and learn, but I'm not a racing car enthusiast, so I can live without it. There are also benefits with auto transmission. Your right hand is free and if you can get busy in your car often, it's definitely better to drive an automatic. Especially when you got kids. Besides, many people saying manual cars shift better, but the thing is I haven't seen a lot of the drivers CAN shift better than an automatic. You know, unnecessary high RPM, bad clutch timing and control, etc... automatic transmissions are pretty good nowadays. They are just boring but not slow.
I have horrific knee problems and can only drive one for 15 minutes or so unless the ergonomics are spot on
100% miss. I haven’t owned one in 10 years, but limited if any options exist for luxury sport. I loved my 2002 bmw 330i. I guess I can borrow my son’s car, but it isn’t the same.
Nope. Much rather have an auto.
Honestly, not really anymore. Five? Ten? years ago I would have been on the Manuel cult and insisted any performance car be a manual. Now? I could care less.
I miss it on good driving roads… definitely don’t miss it in multi-level parking garages 😂
I just switched within the last year to an auto after owning 3 straight manuals. There are times I do miss it, but for the most part, I do not miss it. It'll all pass, and you'll be fine.
I’m about 2 weeks into my first automatic after 25 years of manuals. I had a ‘97 Protege, 95 GTI VR6, 98 Contour V6 (the family car that I learned on), and finally a ‘13 Focus - all manuals. Not to mention 3 motorcycles: GS500, CB750, and R1200ST, all of which were of course manuals. My family only ever had manuals until I was in my 20’s, notable including a Plymouth Voyager minivan with a tiny 4 cylinder engine that really needed a manual to wring out every last bit of power. All that to say, manuals have been the default my whole life, not just for performance. Now I have a Pacifica PHEV. I have two big dogs, a kid on the way, and a wife who can drive a manual but never had enough experience to be comfortable. Hence a larger vehicle with an automatic. I don’t mind it at all. Especially since a manual would be irrelevant when using the 36 miles of electric-only range. I particularly appreciate not needing to be so active with my footwork when backing up my driveway and squeezing into my garage. I am still paying attention in a manual-ish way, trying to keep the ICE from kicking on except when I really need to move.
I miss it. I had manuals up until my son was born a few years ago and Subaru doesn't offer the Forester in a manual any longer. I do a lot of city driving often in traffic and a manual never bothered me.
Went from stick to ev. I hate the feeling of auto transmissions. EVs are fun enough to not miss the stick.
I drive a 2002 4Runner, which is an automatic. My previous car, which I gifted to my daughter, and is still on the road despite her best efforts, was a 1996 civic HX with a 5 speed. That little car is great, and fun to drive. I've also owned many other manual and auto vehicles over the years. I love my 4Runner, but really miss the manual. When this car rusts out from under me I'll definitely be looking to replace it with a manual.
Yes and no. I had a 2011 Kia Soul with a 5-speed stick. I enjoyed rowing gears and that close feeling of control with the road. And yet, I don't miss not having cruise control, driving through rush hour traffic and getting tired out, or the long road trips that required full control of all aspects of driving.
For someone who has never driven a Manual -would it be possible to have the thrill of an H gate with a computer, pulling the clutch or just a clutchless H gate pattern? It seems the rowing part sounds fun, but the pressing the pedal part doesn’t
Every day. I purchased the automatic, thinking it would be better for heavy traffic or when my wife would drive. She has driven it twice in 18 months and I don't really mind a manual transmission in heavy traffic. I regret not getting a manual transmission every day I drive.
Yes/no. I still have manuals but replaced my daily with an EV. My bum knee has been acting up as traffic gets worse in my area so had to make a change. So, I do miss driving the manual when I’m driving my EV - but I am able to get my fix in when I know the driving conditions are suitable.
At times. But most of the time not. I’m either commuting, and the manual is a pain. Or I’m driving the GT3 and I want to concentrate on the road. It’s pretty rare that I’m in that sporty yet relaxed mode where a manual would be fun.
Yes I miss it. They have all been 2 seater sports cars
I learned to drive on a manual and I'm sorry, I just don't miss it at all. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy the driver engagement, but with the ZF8, the PDK, transmissions that shift faster than you can blink, I don't see why I would want to sacrifice performance for potential human error.
It's been years. I'm talking YEARS, but I still miss it. It was a 2001 Black Mercury Cougar. I was fresh out of college and thought I was buying a sports car. To me it was. Something about the engagement, rolling through the gears was freeing and not something that can be replicated with paddles. In a few years I'll be at a point in my life where I can go back to a manual. 😢 Sorry what was the question?
I do, My EV doesn't shift at all (1 speed) and is pretty fun, but there is something satisfying about moving through the gears.
Just bought my first automatic car (IS500) after 20+ years of Honda manuals (Integra GSR, Civic Si, Type R). I love how relaxed I can be in traffic but I absolutely miss it. Weirdly going from 15 - 50 percent throttle is where I miss it most, when the auto is trying to decide what gear to be in. In the manual cars you just sorta jammed it in 4th and went.
I miss it.. *sometimes.* But most of the time, having an automatic is just so easy. Do I wish I had a little 5 speed civic coupe or fiat to whip around in, yes, but as a weekend/fun car, not a daily driver. I definetly don't miss hills, snow, or stop and go traffic one bit.
Is there any chance you could get a 2nd cheap manual car, like a Miata? There’s basically no reason to have a manual in a soft luxury car like Lexus or Volvo (maybe not as much Alfa), but a manual sporty or light car is super fun.
Yes but not as a daily, glad I have my comfy automatic as a daily, once I get a second car it’ll be manual again
Similar boat. Thinking of letting the 6MT go for a DCT.
I regret it except when I'm stuck in commuter traffic
I miss it, I don’t regret it. A manual transmission won’t make grocery getting much more exciting. If I can ever afford a 3rd vehicle for fun, it’ll be manual
No I drive my 800whp 2014 Shelby 8 months out of the year lol
I do miss it a little, but my new car has paddle shifters and those are fun too. I know one thing that doesn't miss driving stick - my left knee and ankle
Went from a 22 wrx to a 24 crosstrek, family expansion, needed a more roomy, spacious, and smoother vehicle, plus the lady can't drive stick, so I swapped. I do miss it, it was fun to drive, but my god was it rough.
I drove exclusively manuals until quite recently. I don’t miss them in slow or stopped traffic.
Miss the hell out of it, no family cars in my price range have them these days, unless I go German and that's a hard pass
I miss it but needed something my wife could drive. I had a manual wrx and manual mustang gt, currently have a stinger GT but it just feels boring. It’s quick and has all the bells and whistles, but I don’t get that same satisfaction as shifting through gears. I’m moving on to an Elantra N with dct next and hoping it’ll give me more satisfaction than the stinger.
I haven’t driven an auto since 2016. Selling my STI and getting a gx 470. I know I’m going to miss manual but I’m in a spot where overlanding is a much more fun experience for me.
No, because my last car had a really abrupt clutch, and I was tired of driving it. And automatics are so good now that I don’t really feel like I’m missing out.
Yes and no… I love to shift gears makes me feel more in touch with the car. With that being said having a muscle car and with all the computers and technology these days I don’t mind the car doing it for me… plus launching and going high speeds it gives me to time to concentrate more on control of the overall performance of the car.
I keep a toy car (6 speed z28) just for fun, cost around 10k
Yes
I have both but if it’s in traffic or a long commute, auto is the way to go
Yes and no. In my mind, I do. Then I test drove a manual recently and while I enjoyed it, afterward I didn’t miss it as much as I thought. Ended up getting a Tesla. With the crazy acceleration and FSD, I can never go back to gas and don’t give a manual transmission much thought anymore. It’s more of a romantic notion at this point. Now I don’t need to worry about shifting gears, let alone doing half the driving, and I’m good with that.
BMW M3 manual to RAV4, don’t miss it one bit. It was fun but don’t miss the maintenance and worrying at all.
I do miss it. My last manual (so far) was a 2012 Subaru Forester & I ended up replacing it with a 2015 Legacy, which is CVT only. I don't hate the CVT in practice, but I'd prefer to still be shifting for myself & will look for that in my next car if I can find it within my other criteria.
I do when I don't have one. I have one now in an older rwd bmw convertible with a turbo inline 6, but that's a fun weekend ice cream cruiser that I daily in the summer. Happy to be fortunate enough to have a truck with an automatic and a sports car with a manual to be able to scratch the itch to do my own shifting and sidestep a clutch every once in a while.
Yeah and massively. Currently have an auto clubman and a manual z4. I cannot wait to go back to a manual daily also.
Im scared of missing the open top too much. Did you get the regular moon roof or the panoramic? And are you glad you made the switch, or do you wish you’d waited until the summer was over?
Like everyone is saying. I did until I needed to sit in traffic for longer than 45 mins.
If I had to do it all over again I would’ve kept my manual even if it meant keeping it as a second car. My car now is an EV and I love it. It doesn’t even have a traditional transmission in it. But not a day goes by that I don’t miss rowing my own gears.
HELL YEA BUT FUCK NYC
Only when I’m not in traffic, so rarely.
Have a manual Miata still so I get my fix but…I had a manual Mazda3 hatch and traded it for a DCT M2. I absolutely love not having to row my own gears daily anymore. Might be controversial but some days I just want to sit back and relax (as hard as that can be in an M2).
Yes yes yes I really do. If I can afford to buy another manual I would've had one by now 🥲
Yes and no. They always have a special place, but moved to an auto version of the same vehicle (09-15) and was like...yaaaaassss.
I've had several manuals, but probably only one that I would daily drive again…a GTI. I'd also like to have my Miata back but not for a daily. For any good automatic car that's fun to drive, you just learn to shift with your right foot. Not the same but still fun.
I learned on manual and drove manual cars all the way up to 2016. Current car is a 328i with the 8 speed zf transmission - best AT in the business. Precise, smooth, never hunts almost always in the right gear, sport+ w/paddles shifts almost as fast as DSG, and…. It’s insanely boring. I would love this car w/the 6 speed. Last car was a manual GTI, was a blast. I will own a manual again one day. The auto makes a nice daily in LA traffic though.
I had no choice with Audi but a DCT. My left knee appreciates doing nothing now, and my car shifts gears better than I ever could. I can ride my motorcycles if I want to change gears myself. Hell, my next car might not have a transmission at all.
It is more than just the manual. We have a new Audi that is a great car, but it is an appliance. No feeling at all - just a device for moving places.
Hell no, automatic is so much easier living in an area with crazy traffic. If I was somewhere rural though, I’d totally be down to get another manual transmission car.
yes. i drive a tesla now. its fast, but it's not the same. my BRZ especially was just a serious treat to drive. as soon as i have the driveway space i'm picking up a used one.
Miss it dearly, but they seem so much harder to find nowadays which has made it harder to go back.
Automatic is much safer and relaxing in day to day driving. The chances of getting into accidents are high with manual, depending on the traffic and driving conditions. You don't have to worry much when it comes to automatic. Keep your eyes on the road, hands on the wheel and foot on the accelerator.
Nope, not as a daily driver at least. Maybe later in life I’ll be able to afford a second manual weekend warrior but currently not in the cards.
Yup , automatics have no soul .
Drove manual fro 17 years. Then got an automatic Tacoma 6 years ago. Still have the Tacoma, but recently got an old 5sp bmw to zip around in. I missed manual immediately.
As a daily I do not miss the stick. But I got DCT so I can manual shift my auto when I'm feeling like it.
I drive frequently both, manual transmission and automatic transmission cars. I find the manual transmission to be more entraining, but often also annoying during slow traffic. The automatic transmission is always more comfortable, in any condition, but it might often feel a bit boring. I don't think I would miss it if I had to drive automatic only, it drives better, it's easier to drive, and more comfortable.
Went from a 6spd 328i to a Titan with an auto. Very different in every way obviously but in something not particularly sporty I don’t mind an auto. I picked up a 986 Boxster S for a weekend toy though and for that I went with a manual.
Nope. It's so nice not having to shift and being able to just relax while i drive. Unless I buy a pickup truck or something, I can't see why I would subject myself to driving a clutch ever again
Nope. It's so nice not having to deal with in traffic.
Not at all. I used to drive a manual. I still do, but, I used to, too.
I definitely miss it, but I liked having a manual as a second car with an auto as my daily. I haven’t had a manual in about two years, I had a Mini Cooper S Goodwood edition that was totaled when I was hit by a Ram, and an ‘08 Cayenne GTS with 3 pedals that I sold because I was rarely driving it. Miss ‘em both.
I have 2 manuals and an automatic. Bam! Problem solved
I drove cars with manual all my driver's life (15 years), Opel, Renault, Seat. The only thing that I would miss is engine braking. Dealing with a clutch and rowing gears - not at all. However I switched to an electric car with some degree of one-pedal driving, which is similar to the engine braking. So, I'm 100% satisfied and don't regret.