automatic transmission

[jbuggyus]

Hi, just getting some opinions on the tercel 4wd with Automatic trans vs the Manual trans. Thanks!

[ARCHINSTL]

If you have a choice, go with the MT every time.
To me, the only rationale for an AT is if you're driving in continual stop-and-go driving, in city traffic.
The AT cars also rev at insane RPMs at highway speeds - even compared to 3000 for MTs.
Tom M.

[Gottolovem]

I have both auto and manual in my stable and the manual wins hands down.
The auto is a three speed PIG.
The manual on the other hand delivers the relatively low power to the ground beautifully. Extra low gear for crawling and 5th gear(technically 6th gear) for highway speeds at low rpm.

[jbuggyus]

Thanks for the input!

[irowiki]

I have an auto and it is not that bad.

The wife doesn't like manuals, so we got an auto as our first T4.

It just made an 800 mile trip from here to Phoenix, and back home with a 3A engine in the back. Up and down hills/grades/passes, no problem! Handled snow on the road on one pass like a champ, black ice on the way home like a pro.

I had a 95 Neon with an auto once, 3 speed, and it also revved high at highway speeds and was incredibly loud. The Tercel, even as an auto, is quieter inside!

Don't turn down a T4 in really good shape because it is an auto, you can always convert to a manual later.

[Gottolovem]

Don't get me wrong autos have there place i own one and like it just fine i'm just saying the manual is more fun to drive.

[jbuggyus]

What mileage are you getting with the auto is it that much different than the manual? Thanks

[Gottolovem]

I get around 22 with the auto and 27 with the manual.
I do drive with a led foot my daughter got close to 30 in the auto on a road trip

[irowiki]

Average with the auto so far has been 24-35 MPG but most of that was with the wagon fully loaded with cargo. Not much cargo, recently got two tanks of 26 and 27 MPG.

With a 3-AC engine in the back we got 22 MPG

[MR2Di4]

My first T4WD was an auto and I'll agree that my manual SR5 is much more fun to drive. However, although the gearing in the automatics is more suited to slower driving, it must be said that the transmission itself is BULLETPROOF. It will take heaps of abuse and can actually be very useful in slippery conditions.

MR2Di4

[warbstrd]

To me, the only rationale for an AT is if you're driving in continual stop-and-go driving, in city traffic.

or having a bad knee, like me. It was, i believe, caused by 10 years continuous city driving - San Diego then Va Beach.

After I put 185/70/14 tires on, the rpm's was a lot better. before it felt like the engine was racing, now it feels normal.