One of the most frequently asked question that I get as an auto journalist is: “Would you recommend I buy a manual or an automatic?”
Sales of manual transmissions are on the decline. Auto manufacturers can now make cars that are just as inexpensive and economical as a manual, but shift faster and smoother than a human being ever could.
I recently read an online survey that stated: less than 20% of people looking to buy a new car intend on buying a manual. A lot of people find driving a stick tricky and frustrating. The younger generation has less of a need to learn said skill. And so, we are seeing fewer manuals on the road.
Personally, I think driving a manual transmission should be a life skill. Like swimming or riding a bike: You may not use it all the time, but it could really come in handy when you suddenly discover you need to know how to drive a stick.
Today, people have a lot of choices. So why would you buy a manual, what are the pros and cons? Let's start with the pros.
Manual transmissions are less expensive
If you walk into any dealership, vehicles sporting a manual transmission will have a lower sticker price by about $1,000. Usually, you're not just paying for the different transmission as most cars outfitted with an automatic transmission come with a few more features as well.
Manual transmissions will save you money at the pump
In the past, this was very true. The driver of a manual transmission would save about 3-5% in fuel over a year. However, now with hybrid technology and fully electric cars, CVTs (Continuously Variable Transmission), and general advancements in gasoline engines this difference is not as noticeable.
Take for example the Honda Civic: The 5-speed manual is rated at 6.4L/100km in combined city and highway driving, while the automatic is rated at 6.2L under similar driving conditions.
Manufactures are making less and less cars available with manual transmissions. Most small cars, trucks and sports cars still have it available as an option. However, manufactures can now produce less expensive cars with automatic transmissions, and as you read above, they're just as good on gas. So why continue to make them?
If you live in the city and/or spend a lot of your driving time in heavy traffic, a manual can get a bit strenuous. Every time you move a few feet, you need to shift and then stop again. Driving an automatic transmission means that you can relax a bit more behind the wheel. But does that mean that you're paying less attention to your driving?
Sales of manual transmissions are on the decline. Auto manufacturers can now make cars that are just as inexpensive and economical as a manual, but shift faster and smoother than a human being ever could.
I recently read an online survey that stated: less than 20% of people looking to buy a new car intend on buying a manual. A lot of people find driving a stick tricky and frustrating. The younger generation has less of a need to learn said skill. And so, we are seeing fewer manuals on the road.
Personally, I think driving a manual transmission should be a life skill. Like swimming or riding a bike: You may not use it all the time, but it could really come in handy when you suddenly discover you need to know how to drive a stick.
Today, people have a lot of choices. So why would you buy a manual, what are the pros and cons? Let's start with the pros.
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Manual transmissions are less expensive
If you walk into any dealership, vehicles sporting a manual transmission will have a lower sticker price by about $1,000. Usually, you're not just paying for the different transmission as most cars outfitted with an automatic transmission come with a few more features as well.
Manual transmissions will save you money at the pump
In the past, this was very true. The driver of a manual transmission would save about 3-5% in fuel over a year. However, now with hybrid technology and fully electric cars, CVTs (Continuously Variable Transmission), and general advancements in gasoline engines this difference is not as noticeable.
Take for example the Honda Civic: The 5-speed manual is rated at 6.4L/100km in combined city and highway driving, while the automatic is rated at 6.2L under similar driving conditions.
Manufactures are making less and less cars available with manual transmissions. Most small cars, trucks and sports cars still have it available as an option. However, manufactures can now produce less expensive cars with automatic transmissions, and as you read above, they're just as good on gas. So why continue to make them?
If you live in the city and/or spend a lot of your driving time in heavy traffic, a manual can get a bit strenuous. Every time you move a few feet, you need to shift and then stop again. Driving an automatic transmission means that you can relax a bit more behind the wheel. But does that mean that you're paying less attention to your driving?