[Geezer]

I've noticed that getting used to the xB stick shift is taking a little longer than I expected. I rely on the tach as well as engine noise for feedback on shift points, but the xB is so quiet, that I'm not getting the audio input that I'm used to. I tend to overrev it (slightly) at start up and occasionally find myself cruising at 3000 rpm because I haven't upshifted. Part of that also comes from driving a Honda Element (which revs high) for 4-1/2 years. I guess I just need to practice more. :yes:

 

[Guest]

at least you can drive a stick :rofl:

 

[ryeguy]

I've noticed that getting used to the xB stick shift is taking a little longer than I expected. I rely on the tach as well as engine noise for feedback on shift points, but the xB is so quiet, that I'm not getting the audio input that I'm used to. I tend to overrev it (slightly) at start up and occasionally find myself cruising at 3000 rpm because I haven't upshifted.

Me too!!!

 

[Brewski]

Hmmm, Automatic VS. Manual....I wanted the auto....wife wanted the 5 speed...we got the 5 speed....and I love it! TRD Quick Shifter made all the difference....manual also allows coasting to stop signs, lights, etc and this alone will up the in town mpg by at least 2 mpg....as for the auto it needs to be at least a 5 speed to equal the highway mpg of the manual at speed...

Brewski
08 xB M5

 

[TulsaToaster]

Hmmm, Automatic VS. Manual....I wanted the auto....wife wanted the 5 speed...we got the 5 speed....and I love it! TRD Quick Shifter made all the difference....manual also allows coasting to stop signs, lights, etc and this alone will up the in town mpg by at least 2 mpg....as for the auto it needs to be at least a 5 speed to equal the highway mpg of the manual at speed...

Brewski
08 xB M5

Even though the mfg specs claim the MPG is the same for automatic and manual, I have to believe you're right on the highway mpg at least..... my auto runs at a pretty high rpm when I'm cruising at 70 or 75. Still prefer the auto though....

 

[yanges]

Re: Automatic VS. Manual ARTICLE

here is an excellent article on automatic vs. manual and how things are changing in the auto industry:

http://www.economist.com/research/a.../articlesBySubject/displayStory.cfm?story_id=11484056&subjectID=348990&fsrc=nwl

 

[RicanSmileyBox]

I luv Manual but I got Automatic I guess laziness :yes: laziness....

 

[boostedegos]

For you guys that have the auto.... what kind of rpms are you at on the highway??

 

[yanges]

For you guys that have the auto.... what kind of rpms are you at on the highway??

i believe that mine runs about 2800 @ around 75 mph :yes:

 

[ryeguy]

Other thing I've noticed about the manual - shifting could be smoother and is actually a little "clunky" at times, especially when trying to shift into reverse. Anyone else notice this? It's more of a tactile "feel" than a performance issue; I don't know how to describe it any other way than to say it feels "clunky" or cheap and not very smooth. Does anyone know what I'm talking about?

It's difficult to say because I have limited experience with manual transmissions and therefore a very small frame of reference to which to compare. Only other manual I've driven was my first car, a 1990 VW Fox.

 

[yanges]

Other thing I've noticed about the manual - shifting could be smoother and is actually a little "clunky" at times, especially when trying to shift into reverse. Anyone else notice this? It's more of a tactile "feel" than a performance issue; I don't know how to describe it any other way than to say it feels "clunky" or cheap and not very smooth. Does anyone know what I'm talking about?

It's difficult to say because I have limited experience with manual transmissions and therefore a very small frame of reference to which to compare. Only other manual I've driven was my first car, a 1990 VW Fox.

i used to put it in 1st prior to putting it into reverse when i had stick and that generally makes a smoother shift into reverse

 

[Direness]

Automatic. I road trip fairly often with friends to different dance events, and didn't want to be stuck driving all the time. (I tend to do all the driving anyway, but there have been times I've been so tired it wasn't *safe* for me to drive and someone else had to take over.) I want this vehicle to last at least 10 years - the idea of paying so much attention to shifting with kids in the car seems "ick".

I'm also terrified of the roll back. hno: None of my manual driving experiences have been all that pleasing.

 

[ryeguy]

I love driving manual, but I have to agree with you on the rollback. Whenever I'm stopped at a red light on an incline (going up), I am always filled with anxiety waiting for the light to go green, especially if the person behind me has pulled right up on my bumper.

 

[zmonster72]

IMHO, driving an automatic will never equal the fun I have driving a stick. I'm sorry it just never will, no matter how "manualish" they make them. Now I will agree that there are times (roll back, cell phone call, etc) where a auto is more convenient. But for all around driving, the stick wins hands down. It just feels more sporty. If I wanted to fall asleep, I would have bought a big ol' Lincoln or Buick... I'm just sayin...

 

[Geezer]

I love driving manual, but I have to agree with you on the rollback. Whenever I'm stopped at a red light on an incline (going up), I am always filled with anxiety waiting for the light to go green, especially if the person behind me has pulled right up on my bumper.

Use the handbrake to eliminate rollback. Just pull it up with your thumb on the button and release it as you let out the clutch.

 

[jrl91789]

A/T=so comfy, M/T=so fun

 

[yodar]

Stick shift vs automatic transmission? A perennially difficult question. Getting to the point:
Auto trannies are good for stop and go driving, lazy drivers, and those who consider cars to be driving appliances.
Stick shifts are for people who really enjoy the driving experience and therefore want to be in control of the car, instead of the car being in control of them.
Forget performance and economy for now. If you're driving down a steep, narrow, winding, slick highway on a dark and stormy night, you damn sure want to know exactly what gear you're in and that it will STAY in that gear! Auto trannies in most cars don't provide that security. Stick shifts DO provide that security.
As to the 08 xB Scion: the auto tranny is an expensive option that is nothing more than a generic 3-speed plus overdrive. The stick shift is a 4-speed plus overdrive. Big difference.
Summary: If you buy your xB because it's cute, then get the auto transmission. If you want to have some driver-induced fun, get the 5-speed.
Yodar

 

[yanges]

Stick shift vs automatic transmission? A perennially difficult question. Getting to the point:
Auto trannies are good for stop and go driving, lazy drivers, and those who consider cars to be driving appliances.
Stick shifts are for people who really enjoy the driving experience and therefore want to be in control of the car, instead of the car being in control of them.
Forget performance and economy for now. If you're driving down a steep, narrow, winding, slick highway on a dark and stormy night, you damn sure want to know exactly what gear you're in and that it will STAY in that gear! Auto trannies in most cars don't provide that security. Stick shifts DO provide that security.
As to the 08 xB Scion: the auto tranny is an expensive option that is nothing more than a generic 3-speed plus overdrive. The stick shift is a 4-speed plus overdrive. Big difference.
Summary: If you buy your xB because it's cute, then get the auto transmission. If you want to have some driver-induced fun, get the 5-speed.
Yodar

you gotta try S-mode in the auto before you dis it too much

it is a sequential shift mode that really utilizes the engines capacity similar to a stick - see this thread for more on S-mode:

http://newscionxb.com/2nd_gen_scion_xb_talk/driving_in_smode-t276.0.html

 

[yodar]

Re the xB auto tranny with S mode:
Granted, I haven't driven one. I have a second car that has a 4-speed auto with S mode. It's still a 3-speed with overdrive and I still can't control when it will downshift if I'm driving down a winding road (moving the shifter manually may or may not cause it to downshift). All the S mode does is change the shifting points by permitting higher RPMs before it upshifts.
Perhaps the auto transmission in the xB is different.
If I had to commute every day, I'd probably have searched out a 5-speed auto trans.
I love this forum, because people can give their opinions.
Yodar

 

[yanges]

Re the xB auto tranny with S mode:
Granted, I haven't driven one. I have a second car that has a 4-speed auto with S mode. It's still a 3-speed with overdrive and I still can't control when it will downshift if I'm driving down a winding road (moving the shifter manually may or may not cause it to downshift). All the S mode does is change the shifting points by permitting higher RPMs before it upshifts.
Perhaps the auto transmission in the xB is different.
If I had to commute every day, I'd probably have searched out a 5-speed auto trans.
I love this forum, because people can give their opinions.
Yodar

the S-mode in the xB will let you downshift and upshift when you want/need to as long as it is not an extreme downshift that might be too harsh on the engine or tranny. it works well for passing too as you can get some extra speed dropping it into 3rd or 2nd gear.