>>>>>>>>
ord Foul - I'll tell you what "I" have against auto(matic)s vs 5-speed
stick trannies: Autos cost more initially ($$$); they cost more in the long
run (generally higher fuel bill, repairs & maintenance); fewer gears than a
5-speed (except in certain high-priced imports) mean less versatility to
handle heavy load conditions; not as effective when driving on snow/ice;
less fun to drive (for those of us who like to shift for ourselves; autos
are more likely to be stolen (ask my son, whose business truck was saved
because the crook who jumped in couldn't drive stick-shift. He saw it
happen and said it was funny!); generally slower acceleration than a
5-speed stick, unless you modify it; they enable you to divert your
attention from the driving process by allowing you to spend too much time
on your cellular phone <G>; under certain heavy load conditions (like
pulling a trailer up a hill), you have to floor it to make it downshift;
and, most importantly, they enable really old/senile people . . . and
certain others . . . to keep on driving long past when they should stop.
The only advantage to an automatic is that it enables you to drive without
shifting. Oh, I'll defend your right to own one. After all, driving with
one doesn't make you a bad person <G>!
>>>>>>>>
I agree with above plus try to push start your auto! Also I've had ignition problems
with my Nissan in wet weather and was able to rev the engine and let out the clutch
in a different rpm band so it wouldn't stall. Having had the truck die and not restart
in pouring rain I was able to use the starter motor to get me under an overhang to work
on the truck in the dry. Sure, with maintenance you may never expect problems like this
but with an auto you're stuck. Mostly for me it's the initial $900, plus poorer gas
milage. Years from now I'd rather be looking at replacing my clutch (200k on current truck)
than pay big $$ for a questionable repair job on an auto.
While I still have my left leg, I think I'll exercise it! :-) (and then make a hand/electro
clutch! :-)
-Bob T.
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