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Re: Opinions sought Posted by Ari [Email]  (#2847) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from Ari) on Mon, 11 Jun 2001 16:13:38
In Reply to: Opinions sought, Paul Rogers, Mon, 11 Jun 2001 14:48:41 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
My bias - all of our cars right now have automatics, and I've never owned a 9000 with a manual.
That said, I recommend a manual. The manual tranny will give you better performance, better reliability, and better gas mileage. I also think they're more fun to drive, period. The autobox in the 9000 isn't the most reliable - I expect 100K miles or so from one before it's rebuild time. That's not to say that manuals don't have problems, but in general, automatics cost more to run over the life of the car.
As the others have noted, the automatic means the engine is detuned. Add in the fact that automatics don't use power as well, and you have a slower car. When was the last time you were in a car and said - "this car has enough power, I don't need any more..."
However, I own automatics. The major reason is that my wife has a knee problem that means she can't use a clutch. We're not talking not good with a clutch, we're talking intense pain using a clutch. And I have a hard time justifying owning a car that only one of us can drive. Some folks just can't be bothered with shifting - I expect few of them drive Saabs, but it happens. No shame in that. Others drive in stop and go all day, and an automatic makes sense for them - again, personal choice.
But given the improved performance, better reliability, and (in my opinion) more fun of driving a manual, I'd say go manual.
Unless you WANT an automatic, I recommend that you wait for a manual tranny car. There is a lot that goes into buying used - you want just the right car with just the right maintenance record, in very good shape. Transmission type is just one of those factors. You wouldn't buy that '97 Aero if it had been rear-ended, or a pack of dogs had lived in the back seat, or it was painted purple. (or maybe you would - personal taste varies). You wouldn't buy it if it didn't have the performance (say a base LPT). So don't buy it because it's available - wait, and the right car will come around.
Good luck!
, Mon, 11 Jun 2001 16:13:38 <-- Viewing This Message
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