How Many Manual Transmission versus Auto?

[39Ronin]

I was curious how many Delica owners on this forum have manual transmissions versus how many were auto.

[Adrock]

It is the reason i ended up with the on I did. I couldn't find any manuals in the area and I am terrible at waiting for things.

[josh]

I have an auto... seemed like they were the most popular, and so easier to get fixed I assumed. Next one I would like a manual though.

Josh

[Mystery Machine]

Next one I would like a manual though

Before buying a manual, make sure you drive one first.

Here in the UK, 90% of new cars sold are manual - this country is generally 'anti-auto' for some reason! Very few people drive them and most people hate the idea of them! (I must admit, I was the same until I got my Deli... )

My best friend (who also happens to be the UK's leading Deli mechanic! ) was looking specifically for a manual L300 when he started the hunt for his first Deli five years ago (when they were just coming into the UK)

After a long search and no luck, he put a deposit down on an L300 Auto because he thought a manual would never materialise (seems the Japs are 90% Auto fans! :lol: )

Just before he picked the car up, the dealer told him he had just taken delivery of a manual, so he rushed down to try it with the intention of buying it.

He has said since he is SO glad he didn't get it in the end because he felt manual transmission didn't suit the character of the car! He was so set on buying ne, but when it came to comparing it with the auto, there was no comparison!

Despite being 'anti-auto' initially, he said he would NEVER change to a manual L300 now because he just doesn't like the way they drive compared to the relaxed drive of the auto! (and he gets to drive more manual & auto L300's than probably anyone else in the UK! )

Please don't for one minute think I am slating manuals.....I'm not! Just make sure you get some good miles under your belt in one before you decide you want one for certain! Some people much prefer the controls of a manual (I do in most road cars) but trying it out properly beforehand is the only way to really know....

Remember, a Deli is for life! :lol:

Regards,

Bruce.

P.S. Maybe someone at Pemberton will have a manual that you can try out?? It'll be a good chance for you all to compare notes.... :D

[docsavage]

I wanted and auto cause I'm lazy. Offroad most prefer a manual but both my LandCruiser and Range Rover were autos, and properly built auto is very good off road - allows you rock a bit, locks into 1 and 2 if selected etc. The only place I like autos in in sports cars :D :D

James

[mitch]

Yeah I really wanted a manual and being in no rush found one fresh out of the container at max overdrive. I love it! Iam still curious about gearing mind you... mine seems real short. 5th gear is pushing 3000rpm at 100kmh. although iam running 30" tires.. maybe the speedo is running a bit slower.

Anyone else out there rocking the 5spd? I found the auto did'nt have the same exceleration off the get-go... that should start some heated conversation.

Mitch

[surferboy]

auto is the way to go with a van, much more relaxing and suits the driving style of driving a van, enjoying the scenery..besides,especially with a RHD vehicle, its confusing enough, and how the heck am i suppose to drink, talk on my cell phone, look at the landscape and get a xxxx job at the same time with a stick shift! are you crazy!! i only got two feet and there is three pedals on a manual, what the heck , what am i, an octopus?

[josh]

how the heck am i suppose to drink, talk on my cell phone, look at the landscape and get a xxxx job at the same time with a stick shift! are you crazy!! i only got two feet and there is three pedals on a manual, what the heck , what am i, an octopus?

Surferboy, you crack me up man. A rant like that makes me feel fortunate I have an automatic... Mitch, you must be a maniac on the road! (although I do admit I still would love to take your manual out for a spin, I really detest sitting lazily in an Auto... I feel out of touch).

Josh

[Adrock]

It is the reason i ended up with the on I did. I couldn't find any manuals in the area and I am terrible at waiting for things.

my post looks ocnfusing now, mine is a manual as well. I meant I got my exact one, with a dent in the side, and a 1989 because I couldn't find any others.

I love shifting gears. I think my next one might be an auto because I want to be able to choose everything else very specifically, and it will be impossible if I am trying to find a manual too. I will have to think long and hard about it though. I get bored driving an automatic, and it stops every friend of mine from wanting to jump in and take it for a spin, which is also nice. I don't want to be a jerk but Ihave friends I just don't trust with something like that, because if something happens it always gets ugly.

and Mitch as far as gearing goes, I usually cruis around 80 at 2500 rpm or 90 at 27-2800, I don't want to run it much higher for longer periods of time. I am curious to knwo what rpm other people cruise at. I don't mind getting passed, it makes no difference to me.

[redmond]

Almost all my vehicles have been manual - I like the control, but like most of you I took what I could (not easy finding the manual).

[Kuan]

I too am used to driving manual but got an autoMagic since that was what was available.

Its fine and I do miss shifting and control but the van seems to cruise pretty smoothly.