I'm currently in the market for my first car in the US. One thing I'm stuck on is whether to go for an automatic or a manual.

To me at least it appears that most people here drive automatic, but I've never really driven one.

As far as repairs and maintenance goes, is an auto going to be easier to get parts for? As far as the manufacturer goes, is it best to go American or for something like a VW?

Back home, I'd have just gone looking for a reliable second hand motor. Here though, I feel less confident in doing that.

If you can find a manual you like I'd certainly recommend getting it, though many vehicles in the US aren't available as manuals. Even those that are apparently "available" are stocked by dealers in very limited numbers, if at all, so you would have to place a special order to obtain one.

The US brands have had a resurgence in recent years, with Ford having a strong product line-up. That said, many "import" brands now having US manufacturing facilities, incl VW in Chattanooga, TN, as well as Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, BMW, Mercedes etc, so I don't think the old domestic v import arguments are as significant these days.

Auto is easier to sell when the time comes, unless it's a specialized sports car.

We had a VW Beetle (new style) and, because it was manual, had all kinds of problems selling it!

There's no Kwik-Fit here, so replacement clutches aren't easy either.

auto is easier to resell generally. Ask your local dealer if they get many requests for manual in your chosen car. If it's a family car I bet you 99% won't buy a manual transmission

In the long run apart from mentioned resale manual vs auto doesn't really matter imo.

VW hasn't had a great rep lately. For a great used and somewhat uniquely American car, a Crown Victoria / Grand Marquis / Town Car (all same mechanicals) are an excellent choice, inexpensive, durable, and reliable, although they are large-ish.

Pete

Used to be that there was a significant difference in fuel economy between manual and auto. Technology of the automatics has improved to the point that it is negligible or in fact better than manual.

As everyone else says, resale is the key here.

Clutches shouldn't be an issue, depending on how you drive, like engines and many other parts they seem to last and last ... my manual Accord has just passed 240,000 miles on it's original engine, starter motor, clutch, shocks, discs, and exhaust. In fact the only part of any consequence that has been replaced is the cat. It's on its second battery, and its third set of tires are going to have to be replaced before its inspection due in April.

We've always bought manual transmission cars here in the US. Hondas, Subarus, Toyotas. I've actually never driven automatic except the odd rental car. As Pulaski said, replacing the clutch shouldn't be a real issue (none of the multifarious car issues I've had living in the US for 22 years have been clutch-related.) Resale has never been an issue for me either as we've always sold an old car back to the dealer when buying a new car.

I don't know Austin but if the traffic is bad, don't get a manual.
I have friends here in Houston that bought manuals and regret it. It's all very well that it's 'sportier' but shifting in and out of 1st and second gear in heavy traffic isn't worth it.

If the traffic isn't too bad on your commute and you have decent roads to drive it on (unlikely here in Texas!) then I still prefer a manual. That said, I just don't think I'd ever buy one here in Houston as IMO it's not worth it.

I'm telling Clarkson!

Pete

It was my wife's choice. ..... But after 240,000 miles it's hard to say it was a bad one.

Just ribbing Hard to fault a Honda.

[/threadjack]

Pete

This question comes around every six months or so. Most of us, in our own personal experience, will tell you that an Auto will be easier to sell on/trade in when the time comes.


Jim.

As others have said an automatic is the way to go. Easier resale, most of the roads here lend themselves to automatic v's manual. I love manual but prefer auto here. Just had my fix of manual over Xmas in the UK.

Also, second hand manual - consider who likely may have been driving it, native born US residents who mostly have two left feet when it comes to driving a manual?

If I were in the market in no particular order I would be looking at Hyundai, Toyota, Honda, Mazda for a commute car, the smaller models.

Interesting. I hadn't even considered the resell aspect.

Thanks very much, it has certainly given food for thought. I guess I'd better try driving the Wife's automatic Versa to see how it is. I guess the added benefit of going automatic is that she'll be able to drive it too, should the need ever come up.

(Benefit, downfall, however you want to look at it. )