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I have an '07 6sp manual (2.0T SS). I specifically avoided the auto because a) the mechanicals and operations are more complex which to me suggests more expensive to fix and potentially more prone to problems down the road b) I generally prefer the control of a manual.
With regard to item a above, it is my understanding "autos" generate more heat vs manual and require a cooling loop. This cooling loop had problems in 2003 models containing coolant where cooling water was introduced into transmissions resulting in trans failure. While the problem appears to be fixed, the mere existence of a cooling loop makes me nervous and is enough to keep me away (gaskets and seals eventually fail so at some point that is a fairly expensive and sudden failure I would prefer to eliminate). I was told the manual does not have this cooling loop but have not seen it in writing anywhere so cannot verify. I was also told that the SAAB 9000 also had auto/coolant trans contamination issues.
Regarding the 6 speed, I have grown accustomed to the few quirks of my manual 6 speed (after driving for 2 years and 30k). Maybe there is a bit of a "break in" period where shifting has improved or maybe I'm just adapting to meet the needs of the equipment. Now I generally like it and can get good shifts throughout the spectrum. Quirks include 1) rough shift action in cold weather until the trans warms up which requires some caution for the first 5 minutes of driving, 2) it prefers a mid-shift pause to presumably let the gear synchronize before "dropping it in the slot", 3) downshifting in lower gears requires a slight slow down (brake action) to also presumably synchronize gears, and 4) going from 2 into 1 usually requires the car be moving slightly to avoid sticky shift. On really cold days the first few shifts to 1 at a stop are almost impossible if not moving.
Again, sounds like lots of quirks but actually I don't really notice them anymore and enjoy the car w/ the manual. I do think that this trans requires more driver attention to technique and is less forgiving than the usual manual trans. I have a hunch the cold shifting might relate to the shifter cable including a metal rod that sits above the engine that expands when heated (thereby creating cold/hot difference in the actual adjustment) but perhaps its just the trans fluid or something else.
Thanks
Pat
'07 2.0T SS
'87 900T (RIP)
posted by 129.162....
, Thu, 18 Dec 2008 17:29:10, Thu, 18 Dec 2008 16:22:32
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