Why did you choose an automatic over a manual.

[Alan Applegate]

There will be choices perhaps, but not for performance vehicles. In fact, some formula racing rules have essentially outlawed manuals, as shifting requires only one hand on the wheel.

So, you have a few choices. Keep what you have, pay even more, drive some less exciting vehicle, or quit driving period like the EU wants folks to do. In the future, passions won't count.

Sponsored

 

[Kitulu]

Why don't we turn this into a real brawl? Previously, I alluded that a day would come when you couldn't buy any vehicle with a manual. I'm of the opinion the date of that prediction is literally upon us!

When it comes to Mustangs (the last of the pony cars!), Ford's bean counters are looking at the numbers, both cost and order-sheet wise. The latter certainly was the reason the Eco-Boost doesn't have the manual available. For the same reason, I believe the manual in the beloved GT will soon be unavailable as well.

Since about 2015, the percentage of Mustang GTs ordered with a manual has been decreasing every year. For 2024 it was down to 27%. If it dips below ≈20% for 2025, the aforementioned bean counters will take a long look at 2026, and choose to discontinue the manual or make it way too costly. Added to this scenario, we all know the 10R80 Mustangs are faster in every respect. And let's not forget the GTD is auto period!

The manual buyers can lament all they want, but if they're honest with themselves, they too will realize that sticks will soon be persona non grata!

I agree. Manual transmissions, and the people who drive them, are a dying breed. I remember when automatics were a more expensive option, and most people didn't order them because the "slushbox" transmission had such a poor reputation. In addition, most Shadetree Mechanics could swap out a clutch, or a manual transmission, in a weekend, while most could not repair or rebuild an automatic. With newer cars being so complex, doing at-home repair is also becoming prohibitively difficult.

There is also the issue with a lot of the younger generation showing no interest or aptitude towards auto repair or learning to drive a manual... or learning to drive at all. A lot of people would rather just take the car to the mechanic, or pay for the maintenance package, instead of investing in the tools and time required to learn how to maintain their car. When I was in the Army, I met quite a few younger Soldiers who did not have driver's licenses, had never learned to drive, and had no interest in learning.

Now, to caveat, I have been turning wrenches on my cars and motorcycles for the last 30 years or so. I have owned both automatic and manual. I currently work at a flight school, so I spend all day throwing wrenches at airplanes. After work, I don't want to have to come home and throw wrenches at my daily driver, or spend my weekend with my car up on jacks, so when I bought my Mustang, I sprung for the maintenance package and extended warranty. I don't have to do anything except schedule service for 150,000 miles.

 

[Wiley Marmot]

Good point about lost/dying skills.

The last time I took my former Focus RS in for detailing; I was standing in the office kicking the game around with the owner and manager (both 50ish car guys). All 3 of us watched as the "new guy" (early 20s) at the shop; the manager had sent to pull my RS into a shop bay. Started her up, and shut her back down after about 20 seconds. He came back in and fessed up he couldn't drive a manual. I'm glad he was mature enough to not attempt it; I had a Steeda shift knob in the RS that DID NOT display the shift pattern; it would have been very easy for him to have driven it into the brick wall in front of it, instead of backing it out; with a single bungled clutch/throttle attempt!

Several times I've offered to teach everyone of my grand kids to drive a manual. Been turned down each time; no interest at all.

 

[Instant Action]

Why don't we turn this into a real brawl? Previously, I alluded that a day would come when you couldn't buy an

The manual buyers can lament all they want, but if they're honest with themselves, they too will realize that sticks will soon be persona non grata!

I could see the writing on the wall watching manuals disappear from other makes over the years and knew it wouldn't be long before they would disappear from the Mustang. Surmising that this is the last V8, manual trans convertible that is still produced I jumped at the opportunity to get one before their demise. Old memories are powerful motivators.

 

[Q6543]

For anyone that DOES enjoy a manual mustang, I just have to recommend finding a decent fox in your price range and adding it to the garage!

even stock 225HP, you’ll be popping clutch, getting sideways hard as hell… mine always puts a big smile on my face!!

a 300rwhp (heads, cam, intake) fox is really a great sweet spot for reliable and fun.

 

[DCS]

I went with the automatic because the wife said she didn't like when I was rowing through the gears (I had two previous mustangs with a manuals). I must say now that I have driven it a bit and it seemed to have learned the way I drive I sorta like it. Guess I'm getting lazy as I get older

I'm almost 78 and chose the 6-Speed Manual. I love "rowing thru the gears"!

 

[roket]

i hope Ford eventually puts something similar to the Koenigsegg CC850's transmission into the Mustang. the ability to shift through 6 gears or just leave it in auto and use all 9, plus having which gears are which in the positions change based on drive mode. the quick shifting potential of an auto with the engagement of a manual, all depending on how you feel

 

[young at heart]

I'm almost 78 and chose the 6-Speed Manual. I love "rowing thru the gears"!

I’m 75 and wish I could “like” this twice!

 

[Loucas]

Because the getrag is a pile of junk

I would say it depends. I have a Getrag and I haven't had any problems with it yet. 31k miles and no issues so far. I think a lot of it is knowing how to use it properly.

 

[Farmer Fran]

I would say it depends. I have a Getrag and I haven't had any problems with it yet. 31k miles and no issues so far. I think a lot of it is knowing how to use it properly.

Junk

I will start with "recent" manuals

2007 5.0 M5 - decent, shifted when asked and well
2008 5.0 M5 - decent, shifted when asked and well
2013 5.0 M6 - garbage, constant lockouts and misses - yeah it was "me"
2020 Camaro SS M6 TR6060 smooth as can be
2021 Scat Pack Widebody - TR6060 ultra smooth
2023 Camaro ZL1 - TR606 with a 0-62MPH in 1st gear wicked awesome manual
2024 - Mustang getrag - test drive - crap crap crap, why did they not put in the 6060!

So yes, I am very familiar with manuals and when you drive a car with a real manual transmission then this shitshow, you will know what I mean. Hell, even my 2011 Cruze had a decent manual.

My wife was worried how much of a manual guy I am that I would hate the car. I had to make a difficult decision on what I wanted...

V8 - for the sound
Convertible - for the experience
Manual for the feeling

Ford hit 2 of them in my personal price range. In the few month and few 1000 miles, I would do it again and twice on Sunday

EDIT, FFS! even Ford knows this by putting the Tremec in the DH!

 

[Eurasianman]

Junk

I will start with "recent" manuals

2007 5.0 M5 - decent, shifted when asked and well
2008 5.0 M5 - decent, shifted when asked and well
2013 5.0 M6 - garbage, constant lockouts and misses - yeah it was "me"
2020 Camaro SS M6 TR6060 smooth as can be
2021 Scat Pack Widebody - TR6060 ultra smooth
2023 Camaro ZL1 - TR606 with a 0-62MPH in 1st gear wicked awesome manual
2024 - Mustang getrag - test drive - crap crap crap, why did they not put in the 6060!

So yes, I am very familiar with manuals and when you drive a car with a real manual transmission then this shitshow, you will know what I mean. Hell, even my 2011 Cruze had a decent manual.

My wife was worried how much of a manual guy I am that I would hate the car. I had to make a difficult decision on what I wanted...

V8 - for the sound
Convertible - for the experience
Manual for the feeling

Ford hit 2 of them in my personal price range. In the few month and few 1000 miles, I would do it again and twice on Sunday

EDIT, FFS! even Ford knows this by putting the Tremec in the DH!

Calls himself a manual guy and gets an auto Mustang. Surprised you didn't just keep your Chevy. Just saying.

Ultimately, sounds more like everyone's mileage will vary. My father had a 2016 7-speed manual C7 and says the 6-speed manual in my Mustang is way better and he's been daily driving manuals since he got his driver's license as well.

 

[Farmer Fran]

Calls himself a manual guy and gets an auto Mustang. Surprised you didn't just keep your Chevy. Just saying.

Ultimately, sounds more like everyone's mileage will vary. My father had a 2016 7-speed manual C7 and says the 6-speed manual in my Mustang is way better and he's been daily driving manuals since he got his driver's license as well.

The corvette is a rear mounted TK transmission and that mileage will vary.

Yes, I am a manual guy and know when to say "yeah, no!" Had they made a DH convertible (overpriced as they are) I would be driving one of those Tremec manuals.

 

[Loucas]

Junk

I will start with "recent" manuals

2007 5.0 M5 - decent, shifted when asked and well
2008 5.0 M5 - decent, shifted when asked and well
2013 5.0 M6 - garbage, constant lockouts and misses - yeah it was "me"
2020 Camaro SS M6 TR6060 smooth as can be
2021 Scat Pack Widebody - TR6060 ultra smooth
2023 Camaro ZL1 - TR606 with a 0-62MPH in 1st gear wicked awesome manual
2024 - Mustang getrag - test drive - crap crap crap, why did they not put in the 6060!

So yes, I am very familiar with manuals and when you drive a car with a real manual transmission then this shitshow, you will know what I mean. Hell, even my 2011 Cruze had a decent manual.

My wife was worried how much of a manual guy I am that I would hate the car. I had to make a difficult decision on what I wanted...

V8 - for the sound
Convertible - for the experience
Manual for the feeling

Ford hit 2 of them in my personal price range. In the few month and few 1000 miles, I would do it again and twice on Sunday

EDIT, FFS! even Ford knows this by putting the Tremec in the DH!

I have driven the Porsche 996, 997, Corvette Z06, BMW M3, all manual, and yeah, they have better manuals, with the MT82 you have to be a bit more deliberate with the shifts, but I'm not a Getrag hater by any means. It suits me fine.

 

[timd38]

70 years old and lazy,

 

[DarkMatterGrey]

- Saved $595 (plus tax on that) $1595 auto - $1000 gas guzzler tax (can’t believe I had to pay tax on a tax). As a ‘Merican that’s enough for a free gun.
- 4th Mustang, all were manuals 1974 4 cylinder, 1988 GT, 2022 Ecoboost (got rear ended) with a supposedly shitty MT82, 2024 GT also with a supposedly shitty MT82 (works great for me). Couldn’t break with tradition, which to me is what a Mustang represents.
- I enjoy my motorcycles but not when it’s exceedingly hot (> 110 F) or cold (< 60 F). All V twin Harley’s. Love the burbling v2 or v8 sounds these all make (especially the carbureted one). The 2024 manual GT is for the visceral experience during bad weather days in the Phoenix AZ area.
- my wife can drive it but prefers not to so she’s a backup (she prefers her auto burbling v8 hemi). My son loves to drive it and we have a pact, I drive to the bars, he drives home (he’s of age but doesn’t drink, only smokes, I’m the opposite, so we hang at cigar bars and talk motorhead stuff).
- when I bought it, I thought it’d be my last chance as a ‘Merican to not only buy a burbling v8, but a manual too. Also, got the wife a burbling v8 Dodge auto hemi.
- if I wanted quicker and an “auto”, I’d have bought a Mach E, Tesla, or something like that. If only the new EV Dodge Challenger with the Subwoofer also had a fake oil port I’d have considered that (kidding).
- do it while I can at almost 61. When I can’t, my son will drive me around in it. Ultimately it’ll go to him anyway.
- with all the new tech, hill assist, rev match, no need to use the throttle when parking/at parking lot speeds in 1st or reverse, Ford made it real easy. I’d rather buy a Roush axle back than a bigger subwoofer to get more sound when the throttle is auto-blipped. Sawzall is more fun than using a wire cutter.
- lastly, as a ‘Merican I like flexing. Nothing like rolling back a little at stop lights on purpose so people around me know what I got. I wonder if the subwoofered EV Challenger has that as a feature.

Sponsored