xD ---- MANUAL vs AUTOMATIC?

gideon-seeking · Joined: 27 Aug 2008 Posts: 6

finding a manual xD right now in SoCal is like trying to find a bearclaw in a weight watchers meeting.

i'm 99.5% positive that i want a manual for my new xD and i'd like to pick it up within 2 weeks, but every dealership is telling me they would have to order one and it will take 4-6 weeks. apparently, everyone's going automatic around LA. i just can't wait that long for a car right now.

i had a manual on my old xA and i feel like i have a lot more control over the vehicle and can up my MPG.
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what do you drive? and would switching to the other transmission type really make that much of a difference to your driving style and enjoyment of your xD?

sodo_moj0 · Joined: 08 Jul 2008 Posts: 114 Location: Buffalo, NY

I love my manual and waited 4 weeks to get it when automatics were more readily available, but to be honest, if I lived in SoCal, I would've bought an automatic with all that traffic.

sturack1 · Joined: 18 Feb 2008 Posts: 30 Location: Central KY

I bought the automatic because I didn't have to wait for it ... and I'm lazy :yawn:

Easyoboe2 · Joined: 12 Mar 2006 Posts: 158 Location: Cape Cod, MA

I have a manual because it puts me in control and it is fun to drive, and I face no significant traffic. If I lived in a big city and had to drive in rush hour traffic I would have an automatic.

Verran · Joined: 12 Aug 2008 Posts: 6 Location: Lansing, MI

Manual is SO much more fun to drive. I believe this to be true for any small car like the xD. 5spd all the way!

moklok · Joined: 27 Aug 2008 Posts: 2 Location: Austin, TX

OK, I don't officially drive a manual yet, but I will soon! I've been waiting about a month for my 2009 XD manual with VSC, and it's finally arriving in the next few days! I test drove a manual and an automatic, and IMHO, the manual was a lot more fun to drive.

cigardave · Joined: 29 Jul 2008 Posts: 47 Location: san antonio tx

i have the manual and have driven the auto as well. i can say i noticed a power difference between the two, the standard being better. also, no one can convince me that the gas mileage is the same with either trany! Though the sales guys always try...bs

I am caught in traffic often, and I was really thinking about getting the auto, but I just cant do it. I like the control, mileage, and power of a 5 speed.

xravexboix · Posted: 8/27/08 11:03AM Post subject:

Let me know which color you're thinking of. I'll see if we have any in stock =P

gideon-seeking · Joined: 27 Aug 2008 Posts: 6

cigardave wrote: no one can convince me that the gas mileage is the same with either trany! Though the sales guys always try...bs

I am caught in traffic often, and I was really thinking about getting the auto, but I just cant do it. I like the control, mileage, and power of a 5 speed.

what do other people think about mpg differences?

i read a lot of reports from xD drivers that they get mpg much higher than the government ratings, regardless of which tran they have, and i'm sure i will too. but the fueleconomy.gov site lists a slight difference, with the manual beating out the auto by 1 mpg for all categories.

Zefoxe · Joined: 29 Mar 2008 Posts: 523

I live in areas with a lot of traffic during the day. Its worth the extra effort of using a manual because its funner to drive all around. Automatic takes all the fun of driving out it and can make it a very boring car. The mpg will be noticeable better because your can actually drive the car economically, rather then for comfort which is what an auto tranny will do meaning you will sacrifice a little gas but it can add up over the year.

If your going to be hooking it up and possibly take it to a track once and awhile, theres no reason to buy an automatic.

XDME · Joined: 05 Aug 2008 Posts: 16 Location: Tampa Bay Florida

I have a 5 speed and the mileage is exactly what the EPA sticker showed. Of course I drive it like a regular car, not an economy car. The A/C is always on (its hot in Florida) . I had a 2000 Celica GT-S 6 speed that got the same mileage as my XD, so the MPG of the XD is a bit disappointing since the celica had 180 hp vs the Scion 128, But when I had the Celica gasoline was pure, not a blend of ethanol, so that may be a factor.

It took some time for the dealer to get me a Silver 5 speed XD. and when they did I wanted the lowering springs and 5 spoke wheels put on, so they gave me a 'loaner' car - an XD with an automatic. I can tell you there is a HUGE difference between the two. The 5 speed is MUCH faster and way more fun to drive.

rhino74s · Joined: 13 Sep 2006 Posts: 254 Location: Hammond, Louisiana

I drive an automatic, average around 30mpg.

libima · Joined: 16 Dec 2007 Posts: 38 Location: Herriman, UT

sturack1 wrote: I bought the automatic because I didn't have to wait for it ... and I'm lazy :yawn:

I made that mistake once...Long story short that is how I ended up with my xD.
From now on I'd be willing to wait for a car that is equiped the way I want. Fortunately I only had to wait one weekend to get my manual xD.

oboogie · Joined: 27 May 2008 Posts: 180

I love my automatic, and I get great gas mileage.

I drove both, and there is no difference whatsoever.

draxcaliber · Joined: 20 Sep 2006 Posts: 7734 Location: Maryland

dude, seriously, get a manual, they are always better. more control, more involvement, greater gas mileage (provided you know how to drive it properly) and you pay more attention when you have to change gears yourself.

B1GP1MP1N · Posted: 8/27/08 6:08PM Post subject:

I drive a manual and I usually get about 37MPG :)

XDME · Joined: 05 Aug 2008 Posts: 16 Location: Tampa Bay Florida

B1GP1MP1N wrote: I drive a manual and I usually get about 37MPG :)

On the highway I presume, certainly not around town. Could you clarify 'around 37', do you check it, or estimate it. I'm serious, because on a lot of boards like this people make mileage statements, without actually really checking and doing the math.

If you are really getting 37 mpg overall, a mix of city and highway, (it would be nice to know the percentages) and you drive with the A/C on and at (or slightly above) legal speed limits and you don't have your tires severely overinflated, and you don't shut your engine off at every redlight, you have a freak of an XD and I would keep that car forever!

Zefoxe · Joined: 29 Mar 2008 Posts: 523

i get 31-32 average with 70% city 30% highway. I've pulled 40 with 80% highway

xDrug · Joined: 24 Apr 2008 Posts: 77 Location: Miami Beach, FL

XDME wrote: B1GP1MP1N wrote: I drive a manual and I usually get about 37MPG :)

On the highway I presume, certainly not around town. Could you clarify 'around 37', do you check it, or estimate it. I'm serious, because on a lot of boards like this people make mileage statements, without actually really checking and doing the math.

If you are really getting 37 mpg overall, a mix of city and highway, (it would be nice to know the percentages) and you drive with the A/C on and at (or slightly above) legal speed limits and you don't have your tires severely overinflated, and you don't shut your engine off at every redlight, you have a freak of an XD and I would keep that car forever!

26/32 here with the AC and some agressive driving - I'm in Miami ))
I've seen somebody here a while ago "doing" like 42 mpg ! :blah:
Oh,and I use the regular 87. It is possible that the Premium gas will get you a better gas mileage. What do you guys use ?? I think it may be a factor ...

xravexboix · Posted: 8/28/08 10:51AM Post subject:

Toyota engines are designed to work with Premium Fuel. The engine timing is slightly changed if a lower octane is used. Most Toyota engines are rated to use 87 "Regular" octane (except a few) while Lexus engines have been rated at 91 "Premium" Octane...

On my Solara:
The feel and sound of the engine differs quite a bit (most of it is probably in the mind though). As for performance differences... who knows. I'm sure it can't be a huge difference.