Want opinions automatic vs. manual transmission - Toyota Yaris Forums

anik · 06-07-2007, 05:25 PM

I'm in a situation where I'm assisting another family member in buying a car - this is the first time they've bought a new car in many years (and I've always bought used) so we're not used to having options to pick from. We visited the local Toyota dealer the other day and were pretty sold on the Yaris liftback but the major reason we didn't place an order then and there was because we couldn't decide between automatic and manual transmission.

The primary driver of the car is 55 years old and most of his previous cars have had manual transmission. He lives approximately 50 miles from the dealership and absolutely hates taking a car in for service of any kind (other than oil changes at the local quick lube place), which is one reason we're looking at a Toyota in the first place. He also wants great gas mileage.

But at the same time, he's getting older, and his reflexes aren't what they used to be. We took both a manual and an automatic for a test drive. To me the automatic seemed a bit sluggish in changing gears (but remember I'm not used to automatics either) and it seemed like there were only three gears in getting up to 55 (maybe I missed a gear change). But, he had no trouble driving it at all. With the manual transmission, he did okay, but his current car is a four-speed manual. Maybe that is why a couple times he accidentally downshifted into 3rd when he was actually trying to go into 5th, and I could see that really bothered him. So I guess the bottom line is, he likes the convenience of not having to shift (though that's not a major issue at this point) but he also worries that an automatic will require more maintenance and/or have significantly lower gas mileage.

He is the type that will take a car in at recommended service intervals (at least in the first year or two) but other than that he sort of treats auto shops as though he might catch the bubonic plague by walking inside one (his biggest problem is that he hates to sit around and wait anywhere - he avoids doctors' visits for the same reason) - which might be fine IF he were mechanically inclined, but he isn't (one reason he's ready to trade in his current car is because he's having to add oil ONCE between 3,000 mile trips to the quick oil change place, and he doesn't like to get under the hood at all). So I'm thinking a Toyota is definitely the best choice for him, but wonder which transmission would be the best option. Believe it or not, that choice is the only reason an order hasn't been placed for the Yaris. He can't make up his mind, and I don't know enough about Toyota transmissions to make an informed suggestion.

As long as I'm posting this, I have two other things to ask. First, is there any significant reason that anyone knows of that we might want to wait for the 2008 models to come out? And second, is there anything we should specifically ask of the dealer - in other words, can the dealers offer any discounts, rebates, additions, etc. that you only get if you know enough to ask for them? We're in Michigan, if that makes any difference.

adamschneider · 06-07-2007, 06:10 PM

The choice between AT and MT is the main reason I haven't placed an order yet myself. It's a really tough call, especially if you live in the city.

To those in the know: does the auto REALLY get gas mileage comparable to the stick? Every time I try to search for this info, I end up with the EPA estimates, which are not to be trusted.

brickhardmeat · 06-07-2007, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adamschneider

The choice between AT and MT is the main reason I haven't placed an order yet myself. It's a really tough call, especially if you live in the city.

To those in the know: does the auto REALLY get gas mileage comparable to the stick? Every time I try to search for this info, I end up with the EPA estimates, which are not to be trusted.

There isn't much difference in the gas mileage on auto or manual on these cars. I get great mileage in town with my auto. I find it shifts much better than my truely sluggish golf. I personally hate manual transmissions. I live in the city. I drive in the city.

The gas mileage is affected by how you drive----> if you lay on it and slam on the brakes it will suck.

also there are several threads on this already, have at it

kurokoma-kun · 06-07-2007, 06:24 PM

From your description, my first impression would be that an automatic sounds safer, especially if the other driver is not used to a stick.

I have a manual, and my experience is that you are always shifting--have to keep the revs up to get any power out of it.

Good luck!

petesimac · 06-07-2007, 11:21 PM

Manual, manual, manual; it's such a fun car to drive! Pep is the word; this car has plenty of pep; it's so light and nimble on it's "feet". A joy to drive. Shifting is smooth and the clutch is light, albeit, a bit touchy -- only took a few weeks to get used to it. I would never go to automatic, and I live in Pittsburgh where there are hills upon hills, and still, I prefer the manual.

gaffo · 06-07-2007, 11:28 PM

automatic is for american tanks.

it is a crime to even offer an automatic on a small econobox!!

a crime against Nature!

Manual all the way!!

fun fun fun!

webomatics · 06-07-2007, 11:38 PM

Your better of getting a standard transmission IMHO, not to mention you’ll save some more money for upgrades later.

swng · 06-08-2007, 12:04 AM

The EPA ratings have become easier to believe. Please see:
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/calcu...umn=1&id=22749
Be EPA ratings realistic or not, if you compare the fuel economy of the auto Yaris with that of the manual, using EPA ratings in both cases, you are comparing orange with orange. The field is level. Here is the comparison

:
http://www.epa.gov/otaq/cert/mpg/overall-high.htm
You will see that the auto is almost as economical as the manual. A rare case indeed!

brickhardmeat · 06-08-2007, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swng

The EPA ratings have become easier to believe. Please see:
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/calcu...umn=1&id=22749
Be EPA ratings realistic or not, if you compare the fuel economy of the auto Yaris with that of the manual, using EPA ratings in both cases, you are comparing orange with orange. The field is level. Here is the comparison

:
http://www.epa.gov/otaq/cert/mpg/overall-high.htm
You will see that the auto is almost as economical as the manual. A rare case indeed!

Thanks for backing up what has been said a thousand times and retards like the posters above don't want to believe because they have some kind of syndrome.

Have fun shifting numbnuts. I prefer my comfy armrest while driving.

swng · 06-08-2007, 12:34 AM

adamschneider · 06-08-2007, 01:06 AM

The fueleconomy.gov page with the real-world mileage reports is very handy, thanks. (I think I ran across it the other day as well, but my head is spinning with all the sites I've been visiting...)

webomatics · 06-08-2007, 01:16 AM

Can you actually “use” the armrest in our cars? I don’t have one but as i see in the pictures its to low to be comfortable.

churp · 06-08-2007, 02:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anik

.........But at the same time, he's getting older, and his reflexes aren't what they used to be. .......

HaHaHa

are you researching the nursing homes yet!!!! I'm 56 and dreaming of retirement so I can play!!!

I drive the automatic and love it....my last 4 tanks have been over 40 mpg, but I don't drive much town or freeway on my daily route. If the "old guy" is into hypermiling I would recommend the manual, but normal everyday driving shows very little if any difference in mpg. You never mentioned what driving conditions or what part of the country you're in, so can't recommend much else. My manual tranny toys are in the garage to enjoy when I want, my auto Yaris is where I spend the most time.

By the way my 83 yo Dad hates power windows and drives auto in his cars but 5 speed in his truck.... but I love power windows!

...and give the "old guy" a break, he may outlive ya.....and our reflexes may be slower than 40 years ago, but we can still throw a good sucker punch!

Rizzo · 06-08-2007, 02:06 AM

One thing to keep in mind with an "older" driver is that if they plan to have the car for a few years, the troubles they have now will be nothing compared to what they'll have in a few years. That isn't to say they'll be a bad driver, but if they're already struggling, there's no reason to make it worse. Near the end of your driving life (not saying it is, but this is what you're preparing for, right?), it's better to be comfortable, safe, and happy, than making it more complicated. I vote automatic just because there are fewer things to think about.

When my Grandfather neared the end of his driving life, it was embarrassment more than anything that affected him. Something to keep in mind for the next twenty years or so.

kaboom · 06-08-2007, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by webomatics

Can you actually “use” the armrest in our cars? I don’t have one but as i see in the pictures its to low to be comfortable.

i don't know about "low" - mine comes very handy

kaboom · 06-08-2007, 08:11 AM

Automatic for me. Why not choose convenience? My sedan auto gets consistently 44-46 mpg ( suburbia driving)

steved · 06-08-2007, 09:13 AM

Automatic for me too. I hate shifting up and down in traffic.

blacksan · 06-08-2007, 09:39 AM

I prefer the manual on a low torque/horsepower engine. It allows me better control of the power-band in critical areas like merging, passing, etc. It also is more enjoyable for me as I am driving and not simply riding. My VW is pretty much a luxury ride with all the bells & whistles, but I find it almost boring if not hypnotic to do interstate travel with.

06-07-2007, 05:25 PM	#1
anik I've made a post! Drives: Toyota Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: USA Posts: 1	Want opinions automatic vs. manual transmission I'm in a situation where I'm assisting another family member in buying a car - this is the first time they've bought a new car in many years (and I've always bought used) so we're not used to having options to pick from. We visited the local Toyota dealer the other day and were pretty sold on the Yaris liftback but the major reason we didn't place an order then and there was because we couldn't decide between automatic and manual transmission. The primary driver of the car is 55 years old and most of his previous cars have had manual transmission. He lives approximately 50 miles from the dealership and absolutely hates taking a car in for service of any kind (other than oil changes at the local quick lube place), which is one reason we're looking at a Toyota in the first place. He also wants great gas mileage. But at the same time, he's getting older, and his reflexes aren't what they used to be. We took both a manual and an automatic for a test drive. To me the automatic seemed a bit sluggish in changing gears (but remember I'm not used to automatics either) and it seemed like there were only three gears in getting up to 55 (maybe I missed a gear change). But, he had no trouble driving it at all. With the manual transmission, he did okay, but his current car is a four-speed manual. Maybe that is why a couple times he accidentally downshifted into 3rd when he was actually trying to go into 5th, and I could see that really bothered him. So I guess the bottom line is, he likes the convenience of not having to shift (though that's not a major issue at this point) but he also worries that an automatic will require more maintenance and/or have significantly lower gas mileage. He is the type that will take a car in at recommended service intervals (at least in the first year or two) but other than that he sort of treats auto shops as though he might catch the bubonic plague by walking inside one (his biggest problem is that he hates to sit around and wait anywhere - he avoids doctors' visits for the same reason) - which might be fine IF he were mechanically inclined, but he isn't (one reason he's ready to trade in his current car is because he's having to add oil ONCE between 3,000 mile trips to the quick oil change place, and he doesn't like to get under the hood at all). So I'm thinking a Toyota is definitely the best choice for him, but wonder which transmission would be the best option. Believe it or not, that choice is the only reason an order hasn't been placed for the Yaris. He can't make up his mind, and I don't know enough about Toyota transmissions to make an informed suggestion. As long as I'm posting this, I have two other things to ask. First, is there any significant reason that anyone knows of that we might want to wait for the 2008 models to come out? And second, is there anything we should specifically ask of the dealer - in other words, can the dealers offer any discounts, rebates, additions, etc. that you only get if you know enough to ask for them? We're in Michigan, if that makes any difference.

06-07-2007, 06:24 PM	#4
kurokoma-kun Drives: 2007 Yaris HB Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: my own little world Posts: 1,256	From your description, my first impression would be that an automatic sounds safer, especially if the other driver is not used to a stick. I have a manual, and my experience is that you are always shifting--have to keep the revs up to get any power out of it. Good luck! __________________ my yaris, kurokoma-kun

06-08-2007, 12:04 AM	#8
swng Drives: 06 3-dr auto RS Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: BC Posts: 1,051	The EPA ratings have become easier to believe. Please see: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/calcu...umn=1&id=22749 Be EPA ratings realistic or not, if you compare the fuel economy of the auto Yaris with that of the manual, using EPA ratings in both cases, you are comparing orange with orange. The field is level. Here is the comparison: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/cert/mpg/overall-high.htm You will see that the auto is almost as economical as the manual. A rare case indeed!

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Manual Transmission...Safety Issue!!!	twocvforme	General Yaris / Vitz Discussion	189	10-31-2010 12:00 AM
Change automatic to Manual	Blenjar	General Yaris / Vitz Discussion	11	06-14-2007 07:02 AM
JDM Center Console Box + Manual Transmission	bigsky2	Cosmetic Modifications (Exterior/Interior)	5	11-28-2006 09:08 AM
Is that bad for automatic transmission?	hans_fh	General Yaris / Vitz Discussion	9	11-20-2006 08:25 AM
Manual vs. Automatic ??	YarisBlazer	General Yaris / Vitz Discussion	12	08-13-2006 08:14 PM

06-07-2007, 06:10 PM	#2
adamschneider Drives: Bayou Blue 2dr, AT Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 67	The choice between AT and MT is the main reason I haven't placed an order yet myself. It's a really tough call, especially if you live in the city. To those in the know: does the auto REALLY get gas mileage comparable to the stick? Every time I try to search for this info, I end up with the EPA estimates, which are not to be trusted.

06-07-2007, 11:21 PM	#5
petesimac Drives: Yaris LB Join Date: May 2007 Location: Pittsburgh Posts: 89	Manual, manual, manual; it's such a fun car to drive! Pep is the word; this car has plenty of pep; it's so light and nimble on it's "feet". A joy to drive. Shifting is smooth and the clutch is light, albeit, a bit touchy -- only took a few weeks to get used to it. I would never go to automatic, and I live in Pittsburgh where there are hills upon hills, and still, I prefer the manual.

06-07-2007, 11:28 PM	#6
gaffo Drives: integra Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: norman Posts: 68	automatic is for american tanks. it is a crime to even offer an automatic on a small econobox!! a crime against Nature! Manual all the way!! fun fun fun!

06-07-2007, 11:38 PM	#7
webomatics View User's Garage Drives: SILVER BULLET Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: New Jersey Posts: 45	Your better of getting a standard transmission IMHO, not to mention you’ll save some more money for upgrades later.

06-08-2007, 12:34 AM	#10
swng Drives: 06 3-dr auto RS Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: BC Posts: 1,051

06-08-2007, 01:06 AM	#11
adamschneider Drives: Bayou Blue 2dr, AT Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 67	The fueleconomy.gov page with the real-world mileage reports is very handy, thanks. (I think I ran across it the other day as well, but my head is spinning with all the sites I've been visiting...)

06-08-2007, 01:16 AM	#12
webomatics View User's Garage Drives: SILVER BULLET Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: New Jersey Posts: 45	Can you actually “use” the armrest in our cars? I don’t have one but as i see in the pictures its to low to be comfortable.

06-08-2007, 02:06 AM	#14
Rizzo View User's Garage Drives: 2007 5-Door Hatchback Join Date: May 2007 Location: British Columbia Posts: 40	One thing to keep in mind with an "older" driver is that if they plan to have the car for a few years, the troubles they have now will be nothing compared to what they'll have in a few years. That isn't to say they'll be a bad driver, but if they're already struggling, there's no reason to make it worse. Near the end of your driving life (not saying it is, but this is what you're preparing for, right?), it's better to be comfortable, safe, and happy, than making it more complicated. I vote automatic just because there are fewer things to think about. When my Grandfather neared the end of his driving life, it was embarrassment more than anything that affected him. Something to keep in mind for the next twenty years or so.

06-08-2007, 08:11 AM	#16
kaboom Drives: 2007 silver yaris sedan Join Date: May 2007 Location: ohio Posts: 95	Automatic for me. Why not choose convenience? My sedan auto gets consistently 44-46 mpg ( suburbia driving)

06-08-2007, 09:13 AM	#17
steved Yaris Rules!! Drives: 2007 Red Yaris Liftback a/t Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Montreal, Quebec, Canada Posts: 201	Automatic for me too. I hate shifting up and down in traffic.

06-08-2007, 09:39 AM	#18
blacksan Drives: 07 Bayou Blue Liftback Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,121	I prefer the manual on a low torque/horsepower engine. It allows me better control of the power-band in critical areas like merging, passing, etc. It also is more enjoyable for me as I am driving and not simply riding. My VW is pretty much a luxury ride with all the bells & whistles, but I find it almost boring if not hypnotic to do interstate travel with.