I think I want an automatic in my daily, but I'm worried it will get boring. Anyone care to chime in on this?

 

I'd say it depends on congestion in your commute. I've opted for an auto in my last two daily drivers and don't regret it.

 

Depends on the kind of car. I have an SUV and am happy with the automagic trans. I wasn't happy with the auto trans on my P5. My wife's unwillingness to drive a standard is the only reason it was an auto ... but that ended up being the reason I bought my Miata. The automatic really robbed power from the P5.

If it is just transport and auto isn't the worst thing in the world. If it's a sporty-ish fun to drive car I'd opt for the 5 spd.

Jay

 

depends on where you drive....In my area it takes me 25-35mins to get to work in the morning on the highway. On the same road to go home I'm looking at 45mins-1.25hours to get home.

I get really annoyed with stop and go traffic on a day to day basis.

My wife's prelude is an automatic, and I love to drive it in traffic and on long trips. I've considered buying an automatic for a DD when I do buy another one, however, it's a 50-50 call.

Also, my wife can drive stick (acutally learned on it), but prefers an auto especially driving in and out of DC. There are few times where it would benefit us if I drove her car to work and she drove mine, however she hates the 5-sp in traffic as well, not to mention she doesn't like my clutch. If I get another car I have to add her driving the car into the equation and decide what's best all-around.

But with all that said, chances are I'll end up with a 5-sp. Hell, maybe I'll compromise and just end up with an M3 with the SMG tranmission :gay:

 

My daily drivers are automatics. You can have a fun, quick, good handling car with a slushbox.

 

its strictly a daily. I have the miata for fun.

 

Then why are you worried about getting bored with it?

 

Auto DD sucks. With winter here, I've got usually, around 2 months when the miata's in storage. I originally, had crappy '90 olds for a winter car. Hated not having 5spd. Now I've got a 5spd Saturn.... much better, much better... compliments of the wife. <G>

If you are a 5spd person, get a 5spd. Some people enjoy the get in a go.... but... personally, I ain't going back.

Hey Jay, mine doesn't drive autos. <G>

Dave,

 

What I look for in a strictly DD is quiet, comfortable, reliable, and economical (fuel economy, depreciation, maintenance). I'm getting old. :gay:

 

I suffer with 6 months or more with out the Miata. :(

 

Depends on the car and the trip. Traffic on my commute completely blows(90 min for 32 miles), so I have an auto Accord for a DD. Before this, I almost always had manuals. My wife used to have an auto Prelude - you could still have some big grins with that.

 

+1 (Well except for the economy, I'm silly that way).

 

I drive rentals constantly (focus, cobalt, sonata, malibu) and those are reallllllly boring.

The more I write this, I think a msp is the best option. I'd definitely enjoy the car more than the rest, although I would like the space of the p5. Does the protege have an interference motor v.timingbeltchange.

 

just get a triptonic or whatever it's spelled fairlady Z.... that's automatic when you wanna chill in traffic and manual whenever you want to play. WHEEEEEE. i don't even think i would miss the clutch...mehh maybe.

 

My wife had an auto mustang. She didn't mind it for a DD, then i got her an 06 corolla 5 speed, and she says, she doesn't ever want an auto again. (I showed her how to drive 5 speed on her new corolla.) Also in congestive cities i hate an auto. I just don't like moving forward when my foot is off the brake. Thats my opinion though. Also when autos transmissions break they are expensive as ****. I'd much rather throw the occasional clutch in something. If you get a DD auto though. Get a 96+ Taurus SHO with the Yamaha 3.4 liter V8. THose can be fun.

 

 

The bottom line is: what everyone else said, it depends on where you drive daily. I love driving stick, and thats why I have my miata. However, I cannot drive my miata to work in NOVA/DC traffic, because 495 blows. Its a matter of the drive you intend on making daily. If you have a 20 minute drive traffic free to work, get a stick. Your situation is completely different. You live in Texas, where you can drive your miata WAY more then we can up here in NOVA (snow and ****). So therefore, if you wanna drive stick, drive the miata, for a daily and for your woman (if you have one) get an auto.

 

Chicktronic.

 

only steers and queers come from texas and i don't see horns on you!!!...

sorrry had to quote Full metal Jacket...

the fact of the matter is, you have a miata as a fun car. buy a car that you and your wife can drive with ease. or on long vacations where u can put your window down recline the chair and just relax on the open highway...in other words.

get a porsche cayenne

 

It all depends on your daily drive. I drive a 4 cylinder/auto honda accord daily and don't mind it at all. My trip to work is 40 miles each way, I just hit the cruise control and go. If I want to change gears myself, I drive the miata.