Manual or Automatic Trans?
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Joined: Sep 2011
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From: Slidell La.
Manual or Automatic Trans?
I'm getting older and getting lazy and I'm not to crazy about doing the clutch thing but wanting your thoughts own going with a manual trans over an auto. I had planned on going with an auto trans all along but came across a 50th vert with low miles it is the color I was looking for at a good price but it has a manual trans, I keep telling myself its just a weekend driver but it seems I've read more cons than pros with a manual, help me twist my arm 
Thanks
Thanks
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You really won't go wrong with either transmission. If you do a lot of stop and go driving or have problems with say your knees or legs, then perhaps a manual tranny is not for you. Since you will only drive the car occasionally, the manual tranny might not be such a big deal to you.
I've had two manual C5s and now have an A4 in my '03. The manual is fun to play with and some will say a true sports car is one with a manual tranny, but I get just as much pleasure from my A4. Plus I don't have to worry about missing gears, wearing out a clutch, or constantly having to shift gears when in traffic.
Ultimately, you have to make the decision on which would better suit your driving style and needs and which would make you happier in the long run. If you go with the A4, be sure to get the performance axle (3.15 rear gear ratio).
Best bet on the '03 you saw is to just go drive it and see if you could live with shifting the gears all the time.
I've had two manual C5s and now have an A4 in my '03. The manual is fun to play with and some will say a true sports car is one with a manual tranny, but I get just as much pleasure from my A4. Plus I don't have to worry about missing gears, wearing out a clutch, or constantly having to shift gears when in traffic.
Ultimately, you have to make the decision on which would better suit your driving style and needs and which would make you happier in the long run. If you go with the A4, be sure to get the performance axle (3.15 rear gear ratio).
Best bet on the '03 you saw is to just go drive it and see if you could live with shifting the gears all the time.
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From: The Voice of Reason!
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I'm 57 with a left knee that bothers me at times and I just bought an 03 yellow vert with a manual. Figured I better drive one while I still can. Also, I'm pretty sure it is a sin to drive a sports car with an automatic transmission. : )
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From: Kelso Washington
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For me ....now.....It's strictly manual. I've always liked manual trannys in any car or truck I've owned.
I now have an auto trans truck but the 'Vette is manual.
But for you, it sounds like an auto is the way to go. Keep looking and find a decent A4 Corvette. I get the feeling you'll "settle" for a manual trans car just because it's a good deal but probably regret it later.
There comes a time in ones life where constantly working a clutch isn't favorable.
I'm only 56 and my knees/hips are still good.
I now have an auto trans truck but the 'Vette is manual.
But for you, it sounds like an auto is the way to go. Keep looking and find a decent A4 Corvette. I get the feeling you'll "settle" for a manual trans car just because it's a good deal but probably regret it later.
There comes a time in ones life where constantly working a clutch isn't favorable.
I'm only 56 and my knees/hips are still good.
Team Owner
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From: Kannapolis NC
Automatic in 01-04 eliminates the possibility of column lock issues. Just something else to think about. I don't miss the manual at all. If I ever get the urge to shift, I drive the 65. I don't think you'd be unhappy with either, but you know better than anyone what you want. Just drive both and imagine yourself in different situations, like stuck in traffic or cruising on the interstate.
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From: Clarkesville GA
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I have always been a die hard manual guy. My C5 is an A4 and I love it!!
Unless you are road tracking it I think an Auto is fine. At 71 an Auto is a lot easier on tired bones but if I were younger I think I would still get an auto. Nothing against a manual but to each his own..It's still a CORVETTE!!!
Unless you are road tracking it I think an Auto is fine. At 71 an Auto is a lot easier on tired bones but if I were younger I think I would still get an auto. Nothing against a manual but to each his own..It's still a CORVETTE!!!
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Oldtimer
OK, if old means you need an automatic, then I am must not be old yet, because I drive an '01 MN6 and I am 65. The key here is you said it is a weekend driver, so that should set the stage for a manual as it won't be in traffic everyday going back and forth to work. Nothing wrong with an automatic, and if you were planning on doing a lot of drag racing, I would most likely suggest the auto, but in your case it sounds like the 03 car is a good buy manual or auto, so I would go for it and have fun shifting those gears.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: Pittsburgh PA
I'm relatively new to this but my observation is the sticks seem to be more desirable when reselling than the auto. Or maybe it's just because there are fewer?
I decided to go for the manual. Having an MG and Triumph already it just seems more "sports car" with a stick shift. Hydraulic clutches have taken a lot of effort out of shifting. I wouldn't want one in a daily driver but for a weekend toy, I don't see a problem. Plus it will keep my significant other out of the driver seat.
As noted, I would want an auto for any serious drag racing. I know from the TR8 that getting consistant times with a stick is very difficult. With bracket racing it's all about cutting the light and consistancy.
Enjoy whatever you decide.
I decided to go for the manual. Having an MG and Triumph already it just seems more "sports car" with a stick shift. Hydraulic clutches have taken a lot of effort out of shifting. I wouldn't want one in a daily driver but for a weekend toy, I don't see a problem. Plus it will keep my significant other out of the driver seat.
As noted, I would want an auto for any serious drag racing. I know from the TR8 that getting consistant times with a stick is very difficult. With bracket racing it's all about cutting the light and consistancy.
Enjoy whatever you decide.
Melting Slicks
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From: Richmond, Ky
I put this in the same category as people who park in handicap parking spots. I see people who have handicap plates or tags hanging from their rear view mirrors park in a handicap space and then pop out of their cars and walk to the store as good as anyone. I have bad knees from years of being a tile setter and hardwood flooring person. I could probably get a handicap tag for myself if I wanted. But as I see it, as long as I'm not in a wheel chair the physical activity is good. My point being only those people who I described above know if they really deserve to be using those parking spaces, and only you know if you are able and willing to drive and own a 6spd. I have nothing against automatics but I do love the sounds and the feel of the 6 speed. I only drove one auto C5 before buying my Frc and it was a much newer and lower mileage car, more options ect. But it didn't really excite me. I knew before I made an offer on my car it was what I wanted. So my best advise is to decide what you want before you buy.
Drifting
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From: Outer banks North Carolina
Then again maybe it was because I got tired of losing to automatics and constantly fixing broken parts and replacing clutches.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Outer banks North Carolina
Then again maybe it was because I got tired of losing to automatics and constantly fixing broken parts and replacing clutches.
Pro
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From: San Antonio Texas
I have a 98 vert with A4. I have had other cars and trucks with manual and one Porshe. I test drove a Z06 and honestly I was over it in about 20 minutes. I have never regretted the A4. It is fast and I shift occasionally when the spirit moves me and it is smooth, fast, and I believe it allows me to focus more on driving the car with two hands. I live in the mountains and curvy roads are a blast. I keep it geared low and revs high! What a machine. You can't go wrong in either case. Do what makes YOU happy. Good Luck.