Does any other auto tranny Yaris owner regret not getting the MT?

[daf62757]

Originally Posted by why?

while I agree learning on an automatic is the way to go, manual transmissions are not going anywhere. There is to much passion and joy from driving a manual transmission and nothing will replace that. Just like paper and pen still exist even though we have computers. Sometimes the tactile senses of something make it so much better.

I see the manual transmission being phased out in time because the economy of scale and the advances in automatic transmissions will render the manual moot.

With automatics having 6 and on some cases, 8 speeds, they will be a better option in the mileage wars. Once the MPG of an auto is more than a manual, the car makers will abandon the manual to keep their CAFE standards high. I am sure you will be able to buy a manual, but you will be hard pressed to find one on a new car within 10 years.

Its almost like front wheel drive. Once all cars were rear wheel drive. Now, its hard to find one. Once the industry leans in a direction, they never go back!

[MadMax]

Originally Posted by daf62757

I see the manual transmission being phased out in time because the economy of scale and the advances in automatic transmissions will render the manual moot.

With automatics having 6 and on some cases, 8 speeds, they will be a better option in the mileage wars. Once the MPG of an auto is more than a manual, the car makers will abandon the manual to keep their CAFE standards high. I am sure you will be able to buy a manual, but you will be hard pressed to find one on a new car within 10 years.

Its almost like front wheel drive. Once all cars were rear wheel drive. Now, its hard to find one. Once the industry leans in a direction, they never go back!

Agreed, eventually manual transmissions will go the way of the manual engine crank; and it is not only a matter of efficiency as it will be one of performance.

The newer, more sophisticated automatics will shift faster and better than a standard transmission. A BMW M double-clutch transmission (DCT) Drivelogic in the BMW M3 is quicker and can shift more effectively than a manual transmission...

Taking your breath away but not your speed, the M double-clutch transmission (DCT) with Drivelogic transfers engine power to the road without the slightest disruption to tractive force. With two transmission structures the system is able to switch simply between the two, thus providing constant power to the rear wheels.

Gears can be changed without the transmission of power being interrupted using either the paddles, shift lever or automatic mode for even more dynamic comfort. 0 to 100 km/h takes just 5.1 seconds, two tenths of a second faster than the manual transmission (Source)

...and it won't be long before such technology filters down to even entry-level models such as the Yaris.

Even in the world of competitive off-roading, the majority of racers have made the switch due to the numerous advantages of modern automatic transmissions.

Autos are becoming much more popular as well, back in 2008 when I was looking for a Yaris it was considerably easier finding one with an auto than it was a manual. And before anyone contends that was due to the fact that all the manuals were bought up, the truth is that dealerships and Toyota knew the demand would be greater for autos therefore more of those models were produced.

Lastly, as I've always contended, you can manually shift an automatic transmission; but there's no way can get a standard transmission to shift on its own. The options will be there to either let the car chose the optimal gear or the driver, but the days of clutches are numbered and anyone who thinks such outdated technology will be around much longer is kidding themselves.

So enjoy your Neanderthal manual transmissions and clutches, as I agree in a decade or so you will be hard-pressed to find a modern car with them!

Cheers! M2