wilcopops Posted March 12, 2014 Share Posted March 12, 2014 I have had both in my trucks in Thailand, but would never again consider manual. The auto is so much more comfortable. So much more comfortable, but so much more boring...... it's not a ferrari mate, it's turbo diesel lol One of the problems with a diesel turbo is the very limited power range and a manual gear change is so useful in keeping within that range. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilcopops Posted March 12, 2014 Share Posted March 12, 2014 So much more comfortable, but so much more boring...... it's not a ferrari mate, it's turbo diesel lol Driving in Thailand is never boring +1. I'm finding that dodging other drivers has to be my first priority, and I'd really rather let the truck decide what gear it should be in while I'm focusing 100% on not getting hit. And in those epic traffic jams, where leaving 10' between me and the car in front of me guarantees someone will try to horn in, it would be nice to get off the clutch. Anyone with experience of driving a manual will tell you that changing gear is SUBLIMINAL - you shouldn't need to think. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bkkjames Posted March 12, 2014 Share Posted March 12, 2014 I have had both in my trucks in Thailand, but would never again consider manual. The auto is so much more comfortable. So much more comfortable, but so much more boring...... it's not a ferrari mate, it's turbo diesel lol One of the problems with a diesel turbo is the very limited power range and a manual gear change is so useful in keeping within that range. have you driven a new ford or mazda for example? I have and with their 6at is sweet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
impulse Posted March 12, 2014 Share Posted March 12, 2014 (edited) +1. I'm finding that dodging other drivers has to be my first priority, and I'd really rather let the truck decide what gear it should be in while I'm focusing 100% on not getting hit. And in those epic traffic jams, where leaving 10' between me and the car in front of me guarantees someone will try to horn in, it would be nice to get off the clutch. Anyone with experience of driving a manual will tell you that changing gear is SUBLIMINAL - you shouldn't need to think. Been driving them since 1975. In my cars, it's been subliminal- nice tight patterns, short shift levers, and easy clutches (except the Vette- a real pig). But every truck and 4x4 I've ever owned required some thought because of the long throw, the heavy clutch and the slop between 1st-3rd-5th and 2nd-4th, especially shifting when cornering and the drivetrain moves relative to the chassis. Also depends on whether the tranny is a top loader or a side loader (I've never owned a front wheel drive manual) And regardless of thought, 1/2 of my hands are busy shifting and not available for other endeavors- like steering. Edited March 12, 2014 by impulse 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jitar Posted March 12, 2014 Share Posted March 12, 2014 Jap pickups like the OP is considering generally do not have a heavy clutch. Lever throw is longer than a sports car and the synchro's may be a little slower than some but they are no problem to use. OK, they are not Ferrari's but they they are not Kenworths either. The Jap pickups do not use side or top loader designs. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thailaw Posted March 12, 2014 Author Share Posted March 12, 2014 real men drive manual.. heheh You're close, I think. Real men drive pick-up trucks with manual transmissions. I would never consider (assuming that I am a "real man") putting a manual trans in an MB E250 (assuming that it is an option). I would however consider both a manual and automatic trans in a BMW Z4. I would only consider a manual trans in a Vette C7. I have been looking at a Honda CTX 700N, which interestingly comes in both manual and auto versions. I would never consider an auto trans in a cruiser. I now have a Forza which is "turn and go", but I would change the Forza for the CTX in a heart beat, and probably will as soon as I get the payment for the truck behind me. So, while i agree that automatic transmissions have changed a lot in the last 20 or so years, there is (at least in my mind) a relationship between the kind of vehicle and the choice of transmission -- luxury vehicle, automatic; workhorse, manual; sports car; manual -- do you want to ride in it or do you want to drive it, that is the question. That said, I am leaving to go to the Mitsu dealer in 30 minutes to order the 4 door turbo Triton with an auto trans, so hopefully no "real men" will see me driving it. Thanks for all of the thoughts, but the real deciding factor was right here at home. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thailaw Posted March 12, 2014 Author Share Posted March 12, 2014 +1. I'm finding that dodging other drivers has to be my first priority, and I'd really rather let the truck decide what gear it should be in while I'm focusing 100% on not getting hit. And in those epic traffic jams, where leaving 10' between me and the car in front of me guarantees someone will try to horn in, it would be nice to get off the clutch. Anyone with experience of driving a manual will tell you that changing gear is SUBLIMINAL - you shouldn't need to think. Been driving them since 1975. In my cars, it's been subliminal- nice tight patterns, short shift levers, and easy clutches (except the Vette- a real pig). But every truck and 4x4 I've ever owned required some thought because of the long throw, the heavy clutch and the slop between 1st-3rd-5th and 2nd-4th, especially shifting when cornering and the drivetrain moves relative to the chassis. Also depends on whether the tranny is a top loader or a side loader (I've never owned a front wheel drive manual) And regardless of thought, 1/2 of my hands are busy shifting and not available for other endeavors- like steering. You are very right. I test drove a Mitsu pick-up at the dealer with manual trans, and I did not like shifting with my left hand. It seemed very awkward, and detracted from my ability to steer. in the US, with the shift on the right, shifting and steering seem to be much easier and more comfortable. But it may just be getting used to shifting with the different hand. A short test drive in not enough to tell. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bkkjames Posted March 12, 2014 Share Posted March 12, 2014 real men drive manual.. heheh You're close, I think. Real men drive pick-up trucks with manual transmissions. I would never consider (assuming that I am a "real man") putting a manual trans in an MB E250 (assuming that it is an option). I would however consider both a manual and automatic trans in a BMW Z4. I would only consider a manual trans in a Vette C7. I have been looking at a Honda CTX 700N, which interestingly comes in both manual and auto versions. I would never consider an auto trans in a cruiser. I now have a Forza which is "turn and go", but I would change the Forza for the CTX in a heart beat, and probably will as soon as I get the payment for the truck behind me. So, while i agree that automatic transmissions have changed a lot in the last 20 or so years, there is (at least in my mind) a relationship between the kind of vehicle and the choice of transmission -- luxury vehicle, automatic; workhorse, manual; sports car; manual -- do you want to ride in it or do you want to drive it, that is the question. That said, I am leaving to go to the Mitsu dealer in 30 minutes to order the 4 door turbo Triton with an auto trans, so hopefully no "real men" will see me driving it. Thanks for all of the thoughts, but the real deciding factor was right here at home. Congrats on your choice. I rented a AT 4door Triton in Pattaya for a few weeks and quite liked it. Very nice ride. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
impulse Posted March 12, 2014 Share Posted March 12, 2014 (edited) Been driving them since 1975. In my cars, it's been subliminal- nice tight patterns, short shift levers, and easy clutches (except the Vette- a real pig). But every truck and 4x4 I've ever owned required some thought because of the long throw, the heavy clutch and the slop between 1st-3rd-5th and 2nd-4th, especially shifting when cornering and the drivetrain moves relative to the chassis. Also depends on whether the tranny is a top loader or a side loader (I've never owned a front wheel drive manual) And regardless of thought, 1/2 of my hands are busy shifting and not available for other endeavors- like steering. You are very right. I test drove a Mitsu pick-up at the dealer with manual trans, and I did not like shifting with my left hand. It seemed very awkward, and detracted from my ability to steer. in the US, with the shift on the right, shifting and steering seem to be much easier and more comfortable. But it may just be getting used to shifting with the different hand. A short test drive in not enough to tell. I've been doing it lefty for about a year with an older model Mitsu and have concluded it's not about which hand. It's just got a sloppy shift- but not unusual for most pickups I've owned. Small price for me to pay given my criteria for purchase was to be able to fire sale it without losing my butt if I get transferred from Thailand. If I were to do it again, I'd look for an auto. But it's not obnoxious enough to replace it since I just use it a few times a month. Edited March 12, 2014 by impulse Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilcopops Posted March 12, 2014 Share Posted March 12, 2014 +1. I'm finding that dodging other drivers has to be my first priority, and I'd really rather let the truck decide what gear it should be in while I'm focusing 100% on not getting hit. And in those epic traffic jams, where leaving 10' between me and the car in front of me guarantees someone will try to horn in, it would be nice to get off the clutch. Anyone with experience of driving a manual will tell you that changing gear is SUBLIMINAL - you shouldn't need to think. Been driving them since 1975. In my cars, it's been subliminal- nice tight patterns, short shift levers, and easy clutches (except the Vette- a real pig). But every truck and 4x4 I've ever owned required some thought because of the long throw, the heavy clutch and the slop between 1st-3rd-5th and 2nd-4th, especially shifting when cornering and the drivetrain moves relative to the chassis. Also depends on whether the tranny is a top loader or a side loader (I've never owned a front wheel drive manual) And regardless of thought, 1/2 of my hands are busy shifting and not available for other endeavors- like steering. Sounds like you've developed some really bad gear-changing habits! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
funcat Posted March 12, 2014 Share Posted March 12, 2014 My Ranger has 6 speed AT+Manual version for convenience...problem soleved Not really. ...really....but it's AT+Manual 'option'(!)... (dam_n google translation ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thailaw Posted March 12, 2014 Author Share Posted March 12, 2014 My Ranger has 6 speed AT+Manual version for convenience...problem soleved Not really. ...really....but it's AT+Manual 'option'(!)... (dam_n google translation ) Yes, but even if it is good, it is still in a Turd. I have owned one of them in my life, and it will never happen again -- full stop. And in Thailand, IMHO, Japanese (or German) is the only way to go as far as vehicles are concerned (for women (and wine) the field of desirable choices is much wider). As far as I know, there are no German pick-ups, so that leaves the Japanese 4 as the only option. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MESmith Posted March 12, 2014 Share Posted March 12, 2014 I have a 2001 Mitsubishi Strada manual & a 2012 Ford Ranger 6 speed auto. Both great to drive. I was reluctant to buy the auto, but no regrets. Great response. Drive a lot of mountain roads in both. Can't fault either. I test drove the Mazda BT-50 manual which I guess is the same as the Ranger. Hated it. The 2001 Strada gear shift feels like a car. The Mazda felt like a lorry. In your Ranger,do you use the 'manual' option while driving in the hills? I find it very useful,specially on the descents... No. I switch it to "S" mode, & leave in auto. Never had any problems. Seems to downshift automatically. If I was back in the desert, descending steep sand dune slip faces or very steep dirt roads, I would probably resort to manual. The only time I select a gear is on "cold start" in the morning. Have about 200m to drive on bumpy dirt road, driving slowly. If I leave it in Auto, it keeps changing between 1 & 2. so I put it in 2nd until I reach a smooth road. Don't have this problem when I come home & everything warmed up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jitar Posted March 12, 2014 Share Posted March 12, 2014 My Ranger has 6 speed AT+Manual version for convenience...problem soleved Not really. ...really....but it's AT+Manual 'option'(!)... (dam_n google translation ) Yes, but even if it is good, it is still in a Turd. I have owned one of them in my life, and it will never happen again -- full stop. And in Thailand, IMHO, Japanese (or German) is the only way to go as far as vehicles are concerned (for women (and wine) the field of desirable choices is much wider). As far as I know, there are no German pick-ups, so that leaves the Japanese 4 as the only option. If you like German wheels enough to pay the price, there is always the VW amarok pickup, assuming VW actually got around to importing any that is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thailaw Posted March 12, 2014 Author Share Posted March 12, 2014 If you like German wheels enough to pay the price, there is always the VW amarok pickup, assuming VW actually got around to importing any that is. Thanks. I like German wheels enough to pay the price for a German "luxury" 4 dr sedan, but not for a pickup truck, and certainly not a VW pickup. I think I got a good deal on the Triton, and I am pleased with that, although at equal price I would have gone with the Vigo. I am honestly not sure whether the auto trans was the right choice, but I don't think that it was a "bad" choice. I guess I will find out after a few months of driving it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilcopops Posted March 12, 2014 Share Posted March 12, 2014 My Ranger has 6 speed AT+Manual version for convenience...problem soleved Not really. ...really....but it's AT+Manual 'option'(!)... (dam_n google translation ) Really? it has a clutch then? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
funcat Posted March 12, 2014 Share Posted March 12, 2014 If you like German wheels enough to pay the price, there is always the VW amarok pickup, assuming VW actually got around to importing any that is. Thanks. I like German wheels enough to pay the price for a German "luxury" 4 dr sedan, but not for a pickup truck, and certainly not a VW pickup. I think I got a good deal on the Triton, and I am pleased with that, although at equal price I would have gone with the Vigo. I am honestly not sure whether the auto trans was the right choice, but I don't think that it was a "bad" choice. I guess I will find out after a few months of driving it. Congratulations....you know your deal ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
funcat Posted March 12, 2014 Share Posted March 12, 2014 My Ranger has 6 speed AT+Manual version for convenience...problem soleved Not really. ...really....but it's AT+Manual 'option'(!)... (dam_n google translation ) Really? it has a clutch then? ...not really...but you can manually shift your gears... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guzzi850m2 Posted March 13, 2014 Share Posted March 13, 2014 My wide also drives our Ranger so Auto was the only option and never regretted it, we are also stuck a lot in Pattaya traffic where a manuel would be a nightmare. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ace of Pop Posted March 13, 2014 Share Posted March 13, 2014 People should have their Licence stamped as a Novice Driver if they passed a test in an Auto . Young Americans are a pain in the arse when they hire Non Autos when doing Europe on their Gap Year to save a few bucks over an auto. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevenl Posted March 13, 2014 Share Posted March 13, 2014 People should have their Licence stamped as a Novice Driver if they passed a test in an Auto . <snip> In some countries they do. E.g. Netherlands, learn to drive in auto, and the first years, I think 3 or 5, you're only allowed to drive auto. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
transam Posted March 13, 2014 Share Posted March 13, 2014 In UK if you pass your test in an auto you cannot drive a manual. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.png.3b3332cc2256ad0edbc2fe9404feeef0.png)
.thumb.jpeg.07f105da7e40886430e2709dc79410fa.jpeg)
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now