Looking at a 2013 SE 5spd - Talk me into a Powershift

[offroad]

Looking seriously at 2013 SE Hatchbacks
So far we have only driven a couple of 5spd manual transmission cars.

I had sort of discounted the Powershift 6spd auto versions based on what Car and Driver said about the 2012 SE they tested.
The complaints I've seen relate mostly to the transmission frequently being in the wrong gear for the conditions.
The only negative I can see to the 5spd is that at 75 or 80mph the engine is turning a bit faster than I expected. (Too bad its not a 6spd).

Is the Powershift 6spd reliable and how long has Ford been using this type of transmission?
How do you like yours and the gear change decisions it makes?
It also sounds like creeping up to something slowly is a bit different, can someone describe how it compares to an auto with a torque converter?

What type of life is expected from the dual clutches compared to a standard clutch in a 5spd?
Is the 6spd Powershift geared a bit higher in top gear than the 5spd?
I know your supposed to get another 1-2 mpg but what is acceleration like?

Any advice and information is appreciated.

[Sponsor]

[Some Guy From NY]

If you enjoy driving manual, get the 5speed.

I will admit I have the DCT and I have not had any major issues, but there are tons of people who have major problems with it.

One of the biggest being leaking seals, which require the clutches to be replaced, along with hard shuddering and grinding noises.

The only "issue" I have, which ford says is normal, is light shuddering when accelerating from a stop or creeping slowly in traffic.

Other people have reported their DCT's overheating with the car telling them via warning message to pull over and let the car sit for a few minutes.

You would seriously be an idiot if you decide to go with the DCT if you read these forums thoroughly.

[Superd]

Go for the manual.....advice from another dct owner,me.

[offroad]

Thanks for the honesty, we do enjoy driving a manual.
Just wanted to make sure I wouldn't be sorry I didn't consider the DCT, sounds like we should continue on with a 5spd.

Also have a post here about the deals we have been offered, comments appreciated.

[SkyPilot]

yeah the engine is turning a bit faster at highway speeds, So if fuel economy isnt a huge concern, then go for the 5spd, that what I have, it is one of the smoothest easiest manuals to drive out there.

[Some Guy From NY]

Originally Posted by SkyPilot

yeah the engine is turning a bit faster at highway speeds, So if fuel economy isnt a huge concern, then go for the 5spd, that what I have, it is one of the smoothest easiest manuals to drive out there.

Some people are also getting horrible mileage with the DCT. It really varies from owner to owner.

Some people report getting over the rated mpg- I as a DCT owner am getting well BELOW the rated mpg for both city & highway.(don't blame winter blend fuel, I never got good mileage even in the spring/summer.)

Seriously, save yourself the headache and go with the 5speed and never look back.

[HoneyBadger]

Originally Posted by offroad

Looking seriously at 2013 SE Hatchbacks
So far we have only driven a couple of 5spd manual transmission cars.

I had sort of discounted the Powershift 6spd auto versions based on what Car and Driver said about the 2012 SE they tested.
The complaints I've seen relate mostly to the transmission frequently being in the wrong gear for the conditions.
The only negative I can see to the 5spd is that at 75 or 80mph the engine is turning a bit faster than I expected. (Too bad its not a 6spd).

Is the Powershift 6spd reliable and how long has Ford been using this type of transmission?
How do you like yours and the gear change decisions it makes?
It also sounds like creeping up to something slowly is a bit different, can someone describe how it compares to an auto with a torque converter?

What type of life is expected from the dual clutches compared to a standard clutch in a 5spd?
Is the 6spd Powershift geared a bit higher in top gear than the 5spd?
I know your supposed to get another 1-2 mpg but what is acceleration like?

Any advice and information is appreciated.

If you enjoy the manual just buy that instead. I have heard a lot of DCT problems, fortunately I am not one of them. I enjoy my DCT actually. :P

[dan50]

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow: "there was a little girl/who had a little curl/right in the middle of ther forehead/ and when she was good/she was very good indeed/but when she was bad she was horrid"

Which sort of sums up the DCT experience. If you like to shift, go for the 5 speed.

[offroad]

Thanks for all the comments, guess a bit of browsing would have found my answer.

Does DCT account for most of the owner complaints on these cars, are they pretty reliable in 5spd manual form?

[FocusOnMeNow]

Originally Posted by offroad

Thanks for all the comments, guess a bit of browsing would have found my answer.

Put it like this. Which is the more simple design? Enough said. Roll the craps shoot with the DCT or roll with the fun option.

Go with the 5MT. Transmission problem solved.

Does DCT account for most of the owner complaints on these cars, are they pretty reliable in 5spd manual form?

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