Quote:
Originally Posted by daf62757
I think the main point is that what does the car makers consider most cost effective. You can't argue about the efficiencies of a manual transmission. You can argue that when the dealers are selling the shinny and new cars, more people want an automatic. When the manufacturer starts to compare the costs of making manuals vs automatics, if one gives you equal mileage, has more buyer appeal, and saves you production costs....that is the transmission you will produce more of.
As for automatics costing more to repair, yes, they do but I would also argue that they are more reliable than manuals. Most autos go over 100k miles without any problems. Most manuals have to have their clutch worked on because most people....no matter how the person says they know how to drive a clutch....don't know how to operate one.
If automatics were such a horror, why have the vast majorities of all cars and trucks sold today have an automatic for their transmission....cost effectiveness, and reliability. The bottom line will eventually dictate the answer.
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The reason the "vast majority" in the states are automatics is because Americans are lazy. We have too many things to do (eat a burger, drink a big gulp, smoke cigs, put on makeup, yell at the kids) or be concerned with(billy's soccer practice, work, school, spouse, making more money) rather than being engaged (literally) and it total control while driving.
Personally, my mind is at ease and I'm not thinking about all of the concerns and issues in life. All I'm doing is driving. I don't find working the clutch and gearbox a chore either, really I don't even think about it, I just do it. My subconscious is most likely continuously planning responses and actions to any and all scenarios that may arise. But again, all I'm able to concern myself with is the task at hand, which is very satisfying considering the unending multitasking required on a daily basisnl.
We've had at least five fords that had the auto trans fall out under 100,000 miles. And this is with respectable adults driving (not being dogged out).
My truck kept the original clutch until about 190,000 miles. I'm at 275,000 now. I don't think the truck would still perform the same if it was an automatic.
Those who think the manual transmission is a thing of the past will meet their end before the manual trans does.
Or the way manual transmissions die is when gas engines die. All you need is one gear if its electric.