Which is Better Manual or Automatic Transmission

They do not make an Automatic or a Stick instead. What you are describing sounds like a Paddle Shift is that correct? I prefer one or the other above, not what you are describing. I don't want anything revving high before shifting. Unless I'm racing someone.

On another note, Mazdas costs more here in the US including replacement parts. Hondas and Toyotas are more popular and easier to fix. Even Hyundais and Kias have become more popular than Mazdas. Disclaimer I have a friend whose wife had a serious issue back 10 years ago with a Mazda.

Always used automatic transmission cars. In the US they are pretty much the rule, manual shift is the exception.

When they first came out in the 70's some deemed them unreliable, that could be partially true compared with the ones today. Plus, people were used to and clinging on to gear shift.

But now, automatics are superb. You don't even have to think about it. The cars are responsive to road conditions and your needs to speed up etc.

The only thing, and this happened to my father who had used manuals all his life and got an automatic. You have to get used to only two pedals, brake and accelerate and not to keep reaching down to change gear. It's now just drive position, reverse, neutral and park. No touching except when you are starting or ending your journey. Will take a bit of getting used too. Best to go for a spin in one, see how you like.

Best image l could find, and you put it into Drive then just nudge it down when the rev's get too high.

KAIS are popular here also, (Nissan sell them) even thought the engines are crap, which probably explains the 10 year warranty.

Toyota Corollas and other small cars all pretty much look the same, but the Mazda 3 and Toyota Corollas amongst others where voted the most reliable cars in Australia.

But l am staying with Mazda since reversing is easy, (practically all of the rest have poor visibility out the back window).

Your friend having a serious issue 10 years ago is valid M3 2010-14 had serious problems the transmission being one.

The one l am looking at is 2009.

Been researching M3 transmissions and apparently a Mazda 3 2023 onwards only come in semi-auto's. And before then only a small percentage wanted them.

M3 semi auto trans are, (like their engines) are very reliable so it is unheard off that l would need to overhaul it, (big cost) and if l got an manual it would actually affect the resell price.

All small cars these days have the same issue especially the ones under 2litre, and being smaller with less insulation it is louder.

Already test drove a mazda 2 which was manual and also had some engine off crap every time it stopped and a reverse gear near first so one day if l was tired and put it in that instead of first l would reverse into the poor sucker behind me,...pass.

I am currently renting out a Toyota Corolla 6v, auto, and l have tried to change gears now and then on that and also test driven the M3 and great little car which has everything going for it except that.

Previous owner treated it well and keep it running during Covid, even though they lagged with the servicing during that time.

Been over it with a magnifying glass with no red flags anywhere, (all doors close well no signs of botchy repair work, etc).

I guess it all boils down to a big car without this issue, which l will probably regret in time, or a smaller car where l have to change a gear occasionally.

Issue solved test drove it again today this time with a tech, guy beside me and he showed me that it was in turbo mode or rev, the crap out of it when doing 80, (which is mainly for show and going up a hill with a heavy load).

But normal mode it acts like a normal automatic, phew what a relief.

Problem solved thanks guys.

Glad to hear the issue is sorted. Turbo mode can definitely make things feel different. It's good that normal mode works like a regular automatic.

I've got a 2019 Mazda cx 3. Absolutely love it with its automatic transmission

When I own cars they are automatic transmissions. Otherwise I don't care about the engine in the vehicle or the transition. I care if the driver knows where we are going and gets there safely.

But then again I grew up and use to drive in Massachusetts in the Boston area. Where you turn your blinker on after you cut someone off.

Nevah let a gal advise on Manual vs Automatic Transmission.

It is a surefire path to stained garments ... or inevitabyool disappointment.

Automatic or senseless, you jus' gotta pull on the lever, I guess.

Learned driving with a manual. I prefer the full control of a manual, however, an auto does have benefits in the horrendous Manila trafifc.

Gave it a long drive today and slowly warming up to it more and more.

Driving my old manual to Greensborough from Ringwood, (30km or about 40 minutes) meant that my right leg was hurting quite a lot and it was a relief to pull into the shopping center carpark. This semi-auto my leg got a bit sore which may be less so with careful management of the cruise control, not accelerating down hills and such.

I also tried the semi-auto today which is like a manual but without the clutch, and apart from it being tight to gear shift it down, (seat kept getting in the way) it works pretty well.

I can see why Mazda does not make manuals since last year as the semi-auto is easier to use.



And as you have both said stop start traffic kills you in a manual.

At the moment l am more concerned with getting rid of the flashing red light and beeping sound when you take your seatbelt off, (l prefer to take it off when reversing).

I know about the 20 in and out seatbelt trick but you have to do it every-time you drive and the cutting the belt sensor, (which l don't want to do).

Most likely buy an extra buckle online and shove that in when l want some peace.

Auto or manual mostly depends on the intended use. Coming out of the woods with a heavy load of wood is easier on the vehicle with a manual. Driving in metro traffic is much easier with an automatic.

Also, the older I get, the more I appreciate autos.

I have an "89" Mazda B2000 pickup. The running gear outlasted the body. With nearly 400,000 miles it still started every time and ran great but you could literally put your feet through the floor board.

I retired it to the back field and for about a year we used it as a "go kart" until my cousin rolled it and finnally killed it. It's still where he walked away from it.

Automatic is the life saver