Manual V8 sedans are becoming rare.

[aratic]

As above.

Plus, with automatic trans becoming so good, why bother with a manual?

[macca_779]

As above.

Plus, with automatic trans becoming so good, why bother with a manual?

Someone drive an auto.. You just don't get it do you.

[planetdavo]

As above.

Plus, with automatic trans becoming so good, why bother with a manual?

Guess it depends on whether you enjoy "old school" levels of driver involvement, or playstation levels of tap and go driver involvement. There's not really any skill involved in tapping a paddle or a shifter, with your left foot hard up against the footrest...
I do appreciate the auto work jobbie in the daily peak hour traffic grind though. To me, that is their main benefit. I do enjoy far more taking the manual weekender for a run though.

[aratic]

My Commodore is the first auto I've owned. 9/10 times I would buy a manual, but if I had to chose any of the cars above, I'd pick the auto every time. Except with maybe the Commodore, because the auto is not as good as the other marques.

[whitels1ss]

Guess it depends on whether you enjoy "old school" levels of driver involvement, or playstation levels of tap and go driver involvement. There's not really any skill involved in tapping a paddle or a shifter, with your left foot hard up against the footrest...
I do appreciate the auto work jobbie in the daily peak hour traffic grind though. To me, that is their main benefit. I do enjoy far more taking the manual weekender for a run though.

Yeah, I agree David, an auto is more practical around the city driving but a quick manual is great fun to drive on occasion.

[whitels1ss]

My Commodore is the first auto I've owned. 9/10 times I would buy a manual, but if I had to chose any of the cars above, I'd pick the auto every time. Except with maybe the Commodore, because the auto is not as good as the other marques.

I reckon the older 4 speed auto Commodore transmission felt better than the newer 6 speed auto.

[Smitty]

Various reasons for their rarity, but the main reason is simple...pure and simple laziness.
Most people just find it too taxing on their brains to press a clutch and move a gear lever anymore.

...or be in control of 2tonne of metal

[planetdavo]

...or be in control of 2tonne of metal

True.
How can most people possibly be expected to co-ordinate the clutch and gearshift, when it's too hard to even use an indicator stalk most of the time...

[XUV]

As above.

Plus, with automatic trans becoming so good, why bother with a manual?

plus , once you're on the open road , how many time do you change gear ??

Even in 4x4's auto are better at gear selection .

So unless you like the feel of a large knob in your hand ............

[XUV]

True.
How can most people possibly be expected to co-ordinate the clutch and gearshift, when it's too hard to even use an indicator stalk most of the time...

or set cruise control ...... lol

[planetdavo]

or set cruise control ...... lol

1st gear will only go to a moderate speed if you are too lazy to change gears...

[planetdavo]

plus , once you're on the open road , how many time do you change gear ??

Even in 4x4's auto are better at gear selection .

So unless you like the feel of a large knob in your hand ............

Think you have missed the point of why many enthusiasts still love manuals XUV.
Take out that open road cruise, and swap it for a hilly, winding road. Then tell us which one is more enjoyable if you love to drive, rather than just reaching the destination...

[HSVREDSLED]

Having just had 11 years with a auto and now a manual, I can tell you, I am certainly enjoying a manual.

[chocco]

plus , once you're on the open road , how many time do you change gear ??

Even in 4x4's auto are better at gear selection .

So unless you like the feel of a large knob in your hand ............

I always wondered why the missus refuses to drive a auto, now I know why !!

[1BEAST2NV]

your just nnot cutting it so she takes the car for a spin instead lol


all my cars are manual, accept the wifes, auto's for me are just boring, they even sound better IMO than an auto.

just sayin