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If we accurately adhere to the jargon used in this thread, it excludes manuals with column shift also.

To me there's nothing like shifting at the redline on an interstate.  Or a school zone, whichever.   

my jetta wolfsburg edition has tiptronic... it's basically an automatic with a manual (sans the clutch) option. I love the tiptronic bit, because it's so fun to rev the engine!

my jetta wolfsburg edition has tiptronic... it's basically an automatic with a manual (sans the clutch) option. I love the tiptronic bit, because it's so fun to rev the engine!

Yeah, I too have a Jetta.  Mine is a 5 speed though as mentioned above.  Jettas kick so much ass.  Mine is not a Wolfsburg though.   

Bah, another poll with no options that apply to me. I have a Continously Variable Transmission, which is better then any manual or automatic (in terms of performance). Its what they use on Formula-1 cars. A lot of hybrids have them.  In stead of having gears, you have two pullies that are constantly changing the gearing ratio, so the motor runs at a constant RPM. Either its most efficient (most hybyids) or peak horse power (my prius with a software hack  )


You forget sequential manuals too. You can up shift and down shift, that's it. No clutch either, just a transmission locking mechanism. I have a friend with a Z4 that has one, its awesome. Its the control of a manual, but it performers perfect 50ms shifts way better than anyone could with a true manual.  Methinks the days of manual transmissions are numbered.

Formula 1 cars use transmissions with 6 or 7 forward gear ratios, not CVT.  An F1 engine would munch any current CVT transmission, because they don't handle very much power.

Many modern automatics will easily last the life of the car

Um, no.  Do you consider the life of a car the length of a lease agreement? 

Um, no.  I consider the life of the car to be when the engine goes up, the chassis is rusted, and you'd have to pay someone to take the car away.  I said "many" cars.  But really I was thinking about Hondas, Toyotas, and even Ford Trucks that I've seen go well over 200K miles and ten years without any transmission trouble.  Some auto transmissions suck, but like I said, many will last the life of the car.

Automatic all the way.  It's hard enough not to roll backwards on icy hills in these parts without having to worry about manually shifting gears.  Plus, automatics have a higher resale value.

how did i know bb was going to jump on that.

My Volvo is an automatic. I would prefer a stick though.

Figured out the guy talking to me...I did  a google search for Tiger's new girl friend, Elin Nordegren, and found some hot pics of her...the voice came along for a short ride.

back on topic, I read that the new subarus have a hill clutch, meaning that if you are on a hill, you can engage both the clutch and brake at the same time, then just press the gas when you want to go.

I'm not exactly sure how it works

Subarus have had that feature for a while.

I don't know how it works either, but it does. 

There are a lot of different variations of sequential shift transmissions.  Some are just automatics with manual or selectable valve bodies.  Anywho, I drive an automatic.  There are days when I'd love a good 5 or 6 speed though. But in the end it comes down to the fact that a well adjusted, properly driven auto will outlast any manual transmission. 

To people that don't like/have had bad experiences with automatics:

Problem is people abuse their automatics all the time.  I think the number one killer of all automatics is not coming to a complete stop 2-3 sec before shifting from reverse to a forward gear.  People will swear they do, but most don't and the result is an early death to the torque converter.   Also, the name automatic does not imply that it does all the thinking too: Know how to use your transmission.  Namely, avoid unnecessary shifts and wear in town by locking out the overdrive.  Most modern trans. have a button you push, and if you're in stop and go traffic lock it into 2nd.  Plus keep your clutch packs (bands) adjusted to your driving style...  And one more thing, there is a long running myth that changing your auto transmission fluid increases the risk of your tranny breaking down.  As long as you keep up on maintenance and change the fluid regularly you will have no problem.  The main ingredient in transmission fluid is the same as laundry detergent, its job is to move clutch dust and other shavings out of the mechanical part of the transmission and into the filter.  If you leave the fluid and let it get saturated with "junk," deposits build up inside the tranny.  Then when you change the fluid those deposits break off in hunks and clog the tiny passages in the valve bodies, then you have a problem.