New 2013, should I have gotten a manual?

[Drew'sFoci]

I love my car, Its gray with the black package and with the 2013 it comes with a very nice spoiler. I wanted a Manual but after concidering the driving I do, it was not practical. now people come up to me saying how nice the car is and if its a manual. Should i have gotten the manual, to you guys, does that change your take on a car once you find out its an automatic or is that just High school kids?

[Sponsor]

[mac.mogul]

I passed up the exact Focus I wanted (Black SES with leather/sunroof/audiophile) because it had an automatic.

Manuals are just better. Sure I bought a car without a moonroof, no leather, and basic sound system. Its the wrong color too, but I don't even care because I'm having so much fun!

I'll buy an automatic when I'm old and my knees give out.

[TboneZX3]

I'm 40 and I wouldn't have it any other way but with a manual. Manuals are more involving and allow you more control. Also, I've had experience with this MTX-75 manual transmission before, and it is very durable.

With that said, no, it would not "change my take" on your car to find out it is an automatic. It would please me, however, if high school kids actually still value a manual transmission, as it would give me hope that they will still be offered in the future.

By the way--why did you post this in interior mods and updates?

[Elizabeth]

I am 63 years old. I started driving 'manual' with little two stroke motocycles. (the 1960's craze, little motorcycles 50cc 100cc). And have always owned a manual transmission car EXCEPT once. And that car was the worst mistake i ever made. i sold it the moment it was no longer upside down to get another manual transmission.
I drive mostly in city traffic. Who cares if I have to row a lot to get anywhwere. It is the ONLY way i like it.
It does not matter to me what anyone drives. Just what "I" drive.

[glocker]

Manuals are better! They're way more enjoyable to drive. Also, I think it makes you a better driver as you have to pay more attention to what you're doing. Which is a plus.
That being said, I don't care what anyone else drives.

[Drew'sFoci]

I love manuals! My friend has one and I love to drive it! I'm a senior in high school that pays the car described above by myself! I've always wanted a new car! With the 27,000 price tag I could have bought what my first choice was which was a used Subaru sti! Screw 17 yr old insurance!!! While the manual being cheaper which could have severely reduced my monthly payment! I saw my exact car at a ford lot and I just had to have it! Best looking focus hatch I've seen! So I saved up for a couple more months and I pulled the trigger! With the Sony, black package, and te winter package on gray the only way I could have gotten a manual would have been with a special order! I live in southern Mi so it would not have taken that long! To me to have a manual just was not that big of a decision to wait for! But rest assured when this car is all paid for and almost dead a third peddle will be a must!!! And for this being on this this forum! I've only been on here for a week! My bad!

[2kwik4u]

I'm a little the other way.

I have the opinion that anthing under ~200hp should have a manual to keep the "fun to drive" portion of my driving up. I'm doing so much highway commuting with this car, the 6th gear in the Automatic would be saving me some fuel, and I'm not shifting all that much anyway.

When I was delivering Pizza in the Audi (long story on why I was doing that). The automatic trans there SUCKED. Boring as snot in an already boring scenario. I would've really enjoyed a manual there.

[Ausv7]

In all honesty i worked for ford and all the crap i heard on the new automatics is horrible. I have had my manual for 34k miles and not a single issue. I just think they poorly designed everything to integrate with the auto trans.

I would go manual on these 3rd gen focus cars. after all the crap i have heard about the auto i am glad i ordered a manual and waited the 2 months to get mine when they first came out.

[Merrigan]

I just bought a manual 2013 SE. I test drove an auto because I just wanted to make sure I had all bases covered.The feel was not the same at all. I found the standard to be more "peppy" and way more responsive. If I mashed on the gas with the auto it seemed to lag but with the manual I control what happens and when so it just felt so much better.

My old car was a 5 speed manual as well. I do a lot of stop and go driving and I've never had an issue with manual. My girlfriend drove my old car as well and she also never had an issue. I think if you were worried about driving a manual then going with an auto was the right choice. It all comes down to the driver. But personally I wouldn't have bought an auto.

[scott7278]

Originally Posted by Drew'sFoci

I love my car, Its gray with the black package and with the 2013 it comes with a very nice spoiler. I wanted a Manual but after concidering the driving I do, it was not practical. now people come up to me saying how nice the car is and if its a manual. Should i have gotten the manual, to you guys, does that change your take on a car once you find out its an automatic or is that just High school kids?

Considering when I was 17, I was driving a 1966 Plymouth Valiant without power steering, power brakes, or air conditioning because it was all I could afford, it might just be high school kids jealous of you.

Having said that, who cares what other people think about the choice you made? I think manuals are more fun to drive, but from a practical standpoint, I went with the DCT. I really don't care what anyone thinks about that here or anywhere. I don't need to justify myself to anyone.

It's a good life lesson for you - people are going to stick their nose in your business. Be gracious, and let it slide. Don't let people live rent-free in your head.