He is saying like "Don't get an auto, everyone will laugh at you." I told him "I couldn't care less of what people think. I'm not racing anyways."

As long as I look good in it, I'm fine with an auto.

Here's a GREAT reason why my cousin is glad he's driving an AT:

He currently drives a used 95 BMW 3 series (sorry, I forget the #) and before he got it, he had a choice of getting either an MT or AT. Since he's driven only MTs up to this point, he was seriously considering getting the stick. But, in the end, he changed his mind and got the AT -his reasoning was that he was tired of always shifting. Though he gets comments from friends from time to time, he still sticks by this decision.

Cut to last weekend... he broke his right arm while snowboarding. Will be in a cast for approx 2 months (give or take a few weeks). He came over today to pick up his Xmas presents and told me he was so happy he drives an AT - how the heck would he be able to shift?

Yes, this is an extreme example.... but in the end, it turns out that his decision was the right one.

It's YOUR car and NOT anyone elses. You should get what YOU want.

btw - you can still shift the AT in manual mode - it's not the same, but close enough if you want to have a little fun.

Yea, I really couldn't care less of what my friends think of me. Besides, they know I can beat them up.

Well I have a tough choice to make. Lexus IS300 or Mazda RX-8. *sigh* They both look good on paper. I guess it depends on the test drive now. I will do a search for it later because I know that IS VS 8 has been done a lot.

The Lexus was a car that I considered as well. Though, I was eyeing it when I got my 2k Celica GT-S (rip). In the end, I made my decision based upon the uniqueness of the vehicle (the 8's as opposed to the three year old IS styling).

I never did test drive an IS, so I can't compare the two.

btw - I heard that Lexus' cust service is THE best.

btw2 - Don't forget that the IS also offers an AT manual mode as well!

Good luck!

Hmmm... Acura TSX looks nice now also.

I'm going with the automatic myself! Thats enough power for me! Don't want to get TOO many speeding tickets ;) Plus I don't know how to drive a manuel....yeaaa make fun of me all you want :) I have no shame! Lol

if ur friends gave u crap for getting an auto car, in my opinion they're not a REAL friend.. and doesn't deserve a lift in ur new car ;)
i'm getting an auto rx8, couldn't careless what other people think

Automatic....yukkkk....and only a 4 speed...yuk....proper sports cars have a standard trans.......learn to drive one and you will be reborn....

The auto is cheaper anyway & I need every discount I can get if I want to afford this bad boy! lol If I wanted a stick I would not start out with a sports car....I'd ruin the poor thing! Although I have had car dealer's offer to teach me in their demo rx8s! Aww how sweet :p

The base price on the auto is cheaper but then they throw in the Sports Alternative Suspension and the cost of the GT and SP packages get jacked by $700. The cost of the TR package goes up by $800 (all prices are MSRP for packages, comparing the cost of the MT package vs. the AT package). This unavoidable upcharge eats away half your $1500 lower base price on the AT.

I figure if someone wants an AT, then it's their business. No point in poking fun at anybody who can afford a new $30K sports car, regardless of how it shifts.

I didn't drive a MT before I got my 8, three weeks ago. It's been a bit of a challenge and I'm still not 100% at home with the MT but dang it's fun!!! For me the MT was a good decision. If I ever break my arm or leg or something, I'll have to borrow my wife's TransAm (automatic) I guess. But till then, I'll enjoy the power and thrust of the MT.....

Last time I checked, it is YOUR car.... Get what YOU want. :-)

Originally posted by amysmojo
If I wanted a stick I would not start out with a sports car....I'd ruin the poor thing! Although I have had car dealer's offer to teach me in their demo rx8s! It is sweet, and good business. ;) Amy, there is no M/T car easier to learn stick in than an RX-8. Don't let that be a deterrent.

Well that is good to know 8_wannabe! One reason I would consider the MT is for if I go to re-sale it down the road. I guess it wouldnt hurt to get free lessons in a brand new rx8 some time ;)

Originally posted by amysmojo
Well that is good to know 8_wannabe! One reason I would consider the MT is for if I go to re-sale it down the road. I guess it wouldnt hurt to get free lessons in a brand new rx8 some time ;)

Sounds to me like they are getting fresh on you :D
Anyways, like 8_wannabe said, don't let the MT be a deterrent for you. If they are seriously offering free lessons, take them up on the offer. Who knows, you may fall in love with the MT. I'm not saying you shouldn't buy the automatic, I'm just saying you should try the MT out before you make your decision. Nothing ventured, nothing gained!

Well said!! (w/ that nothing ventured nothing gained quote) I am going into the dealer today to see how much they will give me for a trade-in w/ my '01 Jetta. While there I will have them whip out one of the MT's & let me see what I'm missing out on! (maybe) :p

Good for you Amy.....go for it....try something exciting!!!

Kind regards,
Doug
Las Vegas

Originally posted by OmegaBob

Cut to last weekend... he broke his right arm while snowboarding. Will be in a cast for approx 2 months (give or take a few weeks). He came over today to pick up his Xmas presents and told me he was so happy he drives an AT - how the heck would he be able to shift?


If he couldn't get to work due to the short term disability, (assuming for now that he owns an MT) wouldn't he be better off than it was because he doesn't have to go to work? :)

Just playing devil's advocate here.

is it bcz you can't drive stick???

Who me? Im not sure who that last comment was for but...I sure cant drive an MT...never tried before!!