Zeus-cat
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- Mar 14, 2009
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Almost everything is going the way of automatic transmissions now, for a couple of reasons. Automatics no longer have worse fuel economy than manuals, they now have better fuel economy when paired with modern ecu's. Maintenance autos are easier on the rest of the drivetrain especially when inexperienced drivers are behind the wheel. More and more people like autos for the convienence of put it in drive and forget about it. Even big trucks and trucking companies are switching more and more to Automatics and Auto-shifts (not so fondly referred to as auto-sh$%ts by myself), we just got two new dump trucks with Eaton Fuller 10 speeds that are a type of automatic using a manual type tranny with a xy auto shifter and computer controlled clutch. Personally I prefer manuals in all my vehicles, but currently only my semi's have them.
My brother tried to teach both of his kids (now in their early 20's) how to drive manual transmissions. Neither one of his kids enjoyed the experience. I think manual transmissions are similar to rockets and that younger people don't appreciate or enjoy them like us older guys.
I had manuals until I bought my latest car 6 years ago. I decided that the fun of a manual wasn't worth the hassle of constantly clutching in bad traffic.
We are headed to Ireland for vacation this year. In the past we have rented (or should I say hired) the smallest car we can as the roads are narrow. The last time we went (25 years ago) that meant we got a manual transmission. I wonder if that will be true this time. Shifting with the left hand as we navigate roundabouts! Fun! My wife made me shift for her when she drove because she had trouble shifting with her left hand. Your natural tendency is to try and shift with your right hand, but that means you are trying to open the door.