okay...don't beat me up to bad on this one.....
my 04 coupe just turned 6,000 miles today, and I got this hankering for a manual trans automobile again....so this is the million dollar question....
I'm 52years old....I drive about 100 miles a day for my commute...I live in the Northeast, (New Jersey) so winters can be a Bit@h!! bumper to bumper traffic is sometimes a way of life around here....
If you were in my shoes would you give up the convenience of the auto trans for the manual????any feed back would be great....Now I don't want to start no auto/manual wars so just some solid advice would be appreciated....
what do you think the dealer would give me in trade for my car?
I also was considering the Nav this time around...sounds like a pretty nice thing to have as well.....thanks everyone for the feedback......confused and <font color=blue>2old4this</font color=blue>

04 cpe ivory pearl/willow/5at/prem/sport wheel pkg/clear corners/Piaa's

 

I think I would hold off for my next car, only because you're going to take a big, fat, ugly hit in the wallet if you trade in and try to get a new one. Is it worth it to you? Maybe you could get a sporty MT supplemental car... that's why I got the AT.

G

2003.5 Black w/ Willow G35
Premium / Sport / Aero / Winter / Navi / Tint

 

I would do it if you don't mind driving stick in stop-and-go traffic. 100 miles is a pretty hefty distance... Personally, I want to trade in my 5AT for a 6MT but don't want to take the depreciation hit =X

So if you've got the cash handy, by all means do it!

 

My situation is similar yours. My 2004 5AT is the first automatic I've owned in over 25 years. I bought it because I also have a long (70 miles round trip) commute in stop and go traffic. The constant shifting and clutching was becoming an additional stress in my life. I was also getting chronic pain in my left knee from constantly clutching. So I gave in and bought the automatic. A day doesn't go by that I don't wish I still have a manual. I really miss the lack of control, not to mention the exhilaration of downshifting into a curve and accelerating through it. I'm keeping the AT, though, because I know if I get a MT, I'll be miserable every time I have to commute.

'04 G35 Coupe DG/G/5AT/Leather/Premium. Now if I can just stop staring at the darn thing and get on with my life!

 

Ive had manuals all my life as well, but opted for the auto for a few reasons. Between phone calls, eating a snack, having a coffee, who needs the distraction of having to shift? You can always drive it like a manual with the manumatic (it's not the same, but close). That's the way I saw it when, for the first time, I bought an A/T instead of the manual.

 

Ive had manuals all my life as well, but opted for the auto for a few reasons. Between phone calls, eating a snack, having a coffee, who needs the distraction of having to shift? You can always drive it like a manual with the manumatic (it's not the same, but close). That's the way I saw it when, for the first time, I bought an A/T instead of the manual.

 

Well, I am 47 and I enjoy the heck out of my 6MT. I have driven manual transmission cars for most of my driving life. My commute is an hour per day with about 50% stop-n-go traffic. Driving is too easy as it is, the manual helps to make the boring, repetitive trip every day more challenging and fun.

However, I don't talk on the phone, read the paper, and rarely eat while driving. If you are one of those folks who have their morning cup in the car, I would not recommend the 6MT.



<font color=red>2004 G35 Sedan 6MT Desert Platinum/Willow</font color=red>

 

Trade in your 04 auto for a pre-owned 03 Manual with Navi. That way you wouldn't take that much of a hit with your deppreciated of your 04. Good luck.

"Not all G35 owners are G35 Drivers"
2004 G35 Coupe 6MT-BS/BLK | Full Aero-Navi | Gounding Wires | Clear Corners | 15% tinted windows | 350Z Tube | JWT PopCharger | Front Lip Spoiler on order.....

 

<blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr>

. A day doesn't go by that I don't wish I still have a manual

<hr></blockquote>

I know what you mean. I bought an Acura CL Type S in 2001 (when they only came with automatic tranny) after owning manual tranny cars for YEARS. Every single day I wished I had gone with a manual trans car instead, even though the Acura was a great car all around.

Anyway, my opinion is that if the manual trans will make you happy and losing a considerable amount of money on your current car doesn't bother you, then go for it. Life is short.... do whatever it takes to be happy.

 

I think you're crazy for driving the G everyday for a 100 mile commute. Just buy an old, reliable car to get you to and fro from work.

As someone already said, they no longer care if they are in traffic w/a 6MT....but will you grow accustomed to it as well? I actually find it sad.

 

I just traded my 5AT for a 6MT fully loaded. I know I lost a lot of $$$ but was worth it for me cause I really hated Auto. Made the wrong choice of buying an auto the first time and since I will not survive driving an auto for so long I traded before it was too late.

04 G35C/Z-T/JWT/Tein S/Volks GT-7/CC

 

<blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr>

As someone already said, they no longer care if they are in traffic w/a 6MT....but will you grow accustomed to it as well? I actually find it sad.



<hr></blockquote>

Sad? Why, because the MT cannot be driven the way it's supposed to be in stop and go traffic?

I don't understand why so many people moan about driving a MT in traffic anyway. What's the big deal? With an automatic, you're right foot is always moving from gas pedal to brake pedal while your left foot sleeps. With a manual trans, your left foot gets to do something too.

Seriously, stop and go traffic doesn't bother me in the least with a manual trans. Never in my life have I said that I wished I were stuck in traffic with an automatic tranny car instead.

Besides, even living in a congested area, how much time is actually spent in stop and go traffic? In my case, probably less than 5%. Heck, even if it were 50%, I'd still be loving the other 50% where I was able to blast thru the gears the way only a manual tranny can......

 

Sick, out of curiousity, how much of a hit did you take? I'm considering taking the plunge as well! Maybe be the first one to attempt a tranny swap on my 5AT! I would need the 6MT center console as well... ahhhh, any suggestions? I've seen the 6 speed tranny from a 350z being sold on ebay for $500! Yes, only 5000 miles. What else am I looking at, center console, pedal assembly, master cylinder, argh! It's tempting...

<P ID="edit"><FONT class="small"><EM>Edited by wickedG35 on 02/25/04 06:50 PM.</EM></FONT></P>

 

i was thinking about trading in my 5at for a 6mt as well. the thing is i don't know how to drive stick, and i heard driving the g in manual might be a little tricky for a beginner. what do u guys suggest? i know some of u will say to learn on a beater, but it's still harder to drive on the g right? thanks.

cb/graphite g35c - fully loaded
jwt pop charger - 350z tube