AT vs MT? what ya think? suggestions welcomed..!

[homang]

Ive been wanting to get a tC for awhile, but I am debating if its worth getting MT vs AT...

1, i am not familiar (not really that good... or, at driving manual)..
2, gonna get it used.. (prob 05-09, sort of in a saving money mode..) so im not overly concerned (as long as) i dont screw up too badly
3, worth it for the sports car?

thoughts/suggestion/discussions are welcomed.
TIA all!

[CadenceScion]

Buying a Manual or Automatic transmission Scion tC is more of a personal choice in my opinion. Most people will tell you to buy a manual, but having little or no prior experience, I would hold off until you can drive a manual confident enough. I can drive a manual, but I don't care for having to shift all the time. The other factor is going to a slight weight difference, a manual Scion tC's curb weight is 2,905lbs and a auto Scion tC's curb weight is 2,970, a difference of 65lbs. The manual is great for racing applications and for those that like shifting, but clutch wear is the downfall. An auto tC will get a tad bit better MPG and will get the job done, I have an auto and I have had no problems keeping up with or beating manuals, its not the car its the driver. To sum everything up, its really your call on what suits you best. Lastly, if you do plan on boosting your tC in the near future, I would recommend a manual over an auto. The manual is best suited for boost because the transmission has a higher tolerance verses the auto.

[connman429]

I have driven both, and this is my thought: the tC manual has a steep clutch learning curve due to the relatively high torque. You will find yourself squealing the tires a lot at 1st if you're not already competent with a clutch. The manual does have a few performance upgrade options that make it shine, though.

[homang]

good info guys.. i do appreciate the thoughts and sharing ur experience. ive been thinking about making the car look nice.. so yeah, i'll def take this into account. gonna look at more cars and then report back

thanks again!

[CadenceScion]

Your more than welcome!

[navylife59]

Back when the first tC popped up at a Dealership in Southern LA (3rd Coast) I test drove the auto tC. Like you, I had little experience with a stick (only econo boxes). A week before, I had driven a 2004 Lancer Ralliart stick and was impressed with it's pickup. So that was the comparison in my mind. I was a little disappointed. I had to deploy overseas so it was a couple of months before I got back. My plan was to try the manual out based on a Salesman's experience but there were no manual models to be had anywhere in Louisiana. I started looking at other cars like an Infinity G35 and the Mini Cooper. More than I wanted to pay for a car and I was still enamored with the sweet looks of the tC. Finally, a dealer had a manual to drive. For me, it was like night and day. All other cars quickly became lost in memory. The gearing of the manual is designed to really bring out the torque monster of the 2AZ-FE. This and the 2,930lbs curb weight is why the tC can beat the pants off other, more powerful cars launching from a dig or 20 roll. I did learn with that punch factor comes 2 limitations that the auto probably surpasses the manual;
1. The super long 3rd gear is awesome for pulling onto the highway, but the large gap between it's ratio and 4th gear's flattens out the power curve. This is where the other guy your racing will catch up and pass you.

For example, just after Katrina I raced a supposedly OEM stock Chevy Cobalt SS. I was running 9.5 PSI pulley on my S/C and had just installed my GReddy Ultimate piggyback (set to null, no tuning). I waited for him to launch first and felt so bad that I was leaving him behind so bad so I pulled back on the throttle to keep him at a car length. That was a mistake because when I hit 4th, he was passing me up. I later learned that he had an upgraded pulley and a few other things.
2. Cruising at 80MPH puts you RPM's about 3800. Not that great for MPG (still not too bad 30MPG highway is obtainable) and if you have a loud exhaust, it drones.

Test driving the Gen2 tC, I found both 6-speed trans to be more torque matched though I did not really press them too hard. Cadence can shed more light on the Gen1 auto. He has figured out the best methods to put you in the win column. Everyday driving the auto performs flawlessly.

I voted Republican in the poll but where is the Tea Party's candidate? You know, the sequential, close-ratio clutchless 6-speed trans.

[homang]

saw an auto, lowered by 2", felt a bit loud.. not sure if just me or if its the norm.
05, 70k, tempted... like u navylife59 at ur time, im a lil tight on the cash right now.
so somewhat keeping in the ballpark of what i can afford for it.

not sure if its normal but on freeway the steering wheel feels a lil shakey, mb alignment or something was off? not sure, anyone had similar experience?

[CadenceScion]

You said the tC felt loud, was it the exhaust? If the steering wheel feels shaky, its possible there is a loose lug nut, unevenly worn tire, or needs an alignment. The steering should feel smooth, w/ no vibration and very responsive.

[navylife59]

My vote is alignment and tire balance. I would have this done on a used vehicle no matter what. Is this at a Dealership or used car lot? Even if it is from an individual, I would request that an alignment an balance should be done on it at their expense before you agree to a deal. If it resolves the issue, then you can reimburse them that cost. A car should be sold in good working order.

[CadenceScion]

If you have means to get a CARFAX, get it!