Different Perspective on Auto vs Manual
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Different Perspective on Auto vs Manual
Please, do not post the icon of beating a dead horse. Read the entire post. Yes, I struggled with the decision, then bought an automatic. I am, and have been a HUGE fan of the C4. I bought a 1995 automatic with under 25,000 miles. I have already had some great moments with the car, but I have to share one of the best. My wife had to drop my daughter off at a friends house. I said, "take the vette" (I still love saying that!). She at first did not want to (nervous/something new and different)- I (now we) have only had it for a couple of weeks, and with the poor weather, we have not driven it much. She finally said yes, and drove the car. When she dropped off my daughter, my wife's friend was outside and was standing there in awe that a fellow mom was dropping off a kid without the the typical mini-van. Both moms went for a drive and just had a great time. If it was a manual, my wife would not have driven it. Anyway, now we fight over who is going to run the quick errands because we are looking for reasons to get behind the wheel of our new toy.
Le Mans Master
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From: Edmonton, Alberta
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From: They say you learn from your mistakes, I must be a genius
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St. Jude Donor '14-'15-'16-'17
My wife can drive a stick just as well as an auto. As a matter of fact, we have been throwing around the idea of possibly switching vettes to something with a six speed, although it would have to be something special as I am pretty attached to the CE.
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As long as she has a job and making money the same as I am, I don't argue.
The only thing that does not have her name on the title is the Harley.
She wasn't with me when I bought it, and she can't drive that by herself anyway.
The only thing that does not have her name on the title is the Harley.
She wasn't with me when I bought it, and she can't drive that by herself anyway.
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I fractured 2 bones in my left knee on Mar 26th and forced to wear a brace for a while. If I owned a stick, I wouldn't be able to drive right now. I have a hard enough time getting in and out of the vette with the brace (which is why a cast isn't on my leg).
City commuting keeps me from owning a manual these days. The hills of San Francisco are not all that fun when you have to drive them all the time.
City commuting keeps me from owning a manual these days. The hills of San Francisco are not all that fun when you have to drive them all the time.
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From: South-central Missouri
I think the OP is saying that there might be a "net" benefit by compromising one's first choice. I can tell you that making decisions to spend money on the Vette is a lot less difficult when you share the same passions! If buying an automatic instead of the stick and overall enjoyment is greater than not compormising...well...GO FOR IT! After all...If mamma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!
Last edited by Paul Workman; Apr 17, 2013 at 03:56 PM.
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From: Sacramento CA
Sounds like you two are having a lot of fun! Hope you get to drive it some now that your wife has gotten comfy with it.
We've only had ours for a few weeks, as well, and we're enjoying thoroughly. It is also an automatic. I've driven manuals pretty much my whole life, as I prefer them, and wasn't sure I'd want an automatic, but I kept an open mind when we were looking. However, it's such a fun car to drive, that I'm perfectly fine with it not being a manual.
We've only had ours for a few weeks, as well, and we're enjoying thoroughly. It is also an automatic. I've driven manuals pretty much my whole life, as I prefer them, and wasn't sure I'd want an automatic, but I kept an open mind when we were looking. However, it's such a fun car to drive, that I'm perfectly fine with it not being a manual.
Le Mans Master
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From: Dublin CA
Enjoy the car automatic or manual. My 85 was a automatic and I loved it. The 95 is a manual and I love it too. I think there are advantages for both transmissions.
If you want to add a little kick to what you have, have the transmission shop pull the old converter and install one with a higher stall point. When you put your foot into it the higher stall will get you into your RPM band sooner and you will fly. But as a daily driver you will not notice any difference and the wife is still happy.
If you want to add a little kick to what you have, have the transmission shop pull the old converter and install one with a higher stall point. When you put your foot into it the higher stall will get you into your RPM band sooner and you will fly. But as a daily driver you will not notice any difference and the wife is still happy.
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personaly no point in getting a sports car that is Automatic. downshiffting before a turn and engine braking ect its just an amazing feeling it adds to the overall experiance. thats just me
I do see all of the conveniant situations where an automatic would be nice.
I do see all of the conveniant situations where an automatic would be nice.