Manual Gearbox :- Is It Really That Bad?

[Guest PaulM]

When the T was released I drooled, I hadn't drooled over a car for quite some time, but this one did it for me. With a mid life crisis looming not far a brand new xr6t appeared the perfect protection.

Having read the bad press that the manual gearbox had got, I reluctantly had accepted that the auto was probabably the best option. I had also decided that I was too impatient to wait several months for a turbo and was going to buy the xr8, order the turbo and then exchange when the turbo arrived. ( I am fortunate enought to be able to swap cars every 15,000ks and I travel at least 1200 a week, I love this job! )

So I went into the dealer to purchase the xr8 and there on the lot is a spanking new Harvest Green Manual Xr6T, and he tells me I can take imediate delivery. Apparently he froesaw a demand for these vehicles and pre ordered a few, he has two more on his lot now, no wait, just sign up and drive away.

So I got myself a manual and I am not complaining about it at all. Sure it is heavy, but it is also deliberate in its selection and once one gets used to it, it is a delight to operate.

I don't know about running off at the lights, I am sure the manual is easier to keep momentum up with, but I am about to order my next T for delivery early March and I wil be sticking with my little spanish version.

Perhaps my age (40ish) has something to do with my contentment with the box. I no longer have to drag every rex and every lion I see and I grew up in an age when a gearbox like this was a luxury.

Am I just out of touch with the times and the gearbox is actually prehistoric?

What are the thoughts of other manual owners?

[Mr X]

PaulM like you I,m 40ish and love the manual . I,ve had autos the last few years and got bored with them because theres nothing like a bit of heel and toe on your favourite windey bit of road.Other than 5th to 3rd downshift impossible for me unless I select 4th for a moment ,the manual is great and compared to the Muncies and Toploader gearboxes I endured in the dark ages its brilliant!

[Guest PaulM]

Fossil

Same story, autos for quite a few years, no challenge. I looked at myself and tyhought "My God boy, you are driving a white, automatic, magna station wagon, with the radio tuned to the ABC.

I am sooooo glad I got the manual, it might be a tad challenging, but it does enhance the whole experience, and provides the perfect excuse for those bursts of acceleration.

Correction

The last post should have read.

I am sure the autoeasier to keep momentum up with

not

I am sure the manual is easier to keep momentum up with

Paul

[crisso]

I test drove an auto T and a manual T - ordered the latter and can't wait for it!!!! bring it on!

I honestly do not like driving autos...admittedly, I don't sit in Sydney CBD traffic for 3 hours a day...each to their own I guess.

[chief]

The manual is fine, sure its not the slickest 'box around, you do get used to it, as well as the clutch, that lightens up too.

[XR64T]

I fight the peak hour every day and I went for the manual in my last XR6 (EF II) and I regretted it later. It was fun to drive on weekends, but crawling up the Harbour Bridge on ramp was a total drag.

Went for the auto this time, and I really am enjoying the semi-auto mode. A good compromise for my driving conditions.

[rainy]

manual for me if I wanted to drive a "dodgem" car I would go to the carnival :lol:

[Trumpy]

Get some K's on the manual box and they get a bit better too.

Its definitely a pain in the behind for the first 5000 or so, but after that it loosens up a bit and is perfectly acceptable, IMHO.

[rs2000]

I fight the peak hour every day and I went for the manual in my last XR6 (EF II) and I regretted it later. It was fun to drive on weekends, but crawling up the Harbour Bridge on ramp was a total drag.

Went for the auto this time, and I really am enjoying the semi-auto mode. A good compromise for my driving conditions.

I'm all for that

[KEN 24T]

Manual for me.

Poofs drive autos ...