Mary asks…
Maintenance wise, is it better to drive a manual or automatic transmission?
I’m about to get a new car but I’m not sure whether it be better in the long run to get a manual or auto transmission. I hear manuals come with a lot repair costs in the long run, is this true?
l’ll probably be getting a Honda if that makes any difference…
admin answers:
I’ll break it down for you:
Manual Transmission:
- You will eventually have to replace the clutch, but depending on factors such as if you have experience driving stick shift, if you dont abuse the clutch etc, the clutch can last a very long time. (A friend of mine has a BMW 5 series with a manual transmission and it has 200K original miles with the same clutch that came from the factory and it’s still working.)
-In the other hand, manual transmissions require much less maintanance, are much more durable and reliable. In case a manual transmission has a problem, it’s a lot easier to repair/rebuild. And much more cheaper too.
-In older cars, manual transmissions give you better MPG. In new ones the difference isnt as big, but if you can drive it properly, you still can get better MPG.
-Stick shift is a lot more fun to drive and gives you a lot more control of your car. I personally love stick shift
Automatic Transmission
- Automatics dont need to have the clutch replaced, HOWEVER, if they break, which they tend to break easier than manuals, they can be very expensive to repair
- they are much more difficult to work on
- in some cars, they have lower MPGs because they have torque converters that waste gas
- the good thing is they can be more convenient if you really dont like driving manual.
So personally, id go with the manual transmission. But the choice is yours! 
good luck man!
Carol asks…
has anyone ever heard of a repair shop that can swap an auto for a manual transmission?
admin answers:
Yes, it is done quite a bit. I plan to do this to a pick up truck I am customizing. It is a lot of work and requires excellent automotive knowledge. It is not in line with what an ASE certified mechanic at a dealership would train for and do, but more like a custom automotive shop or speed shop would do. The hard part is not the transmissions themselves, but instead the shifter and clutch pedal and linkage as well as the trim to make it look like it came from the factory this way.
Sharon asks…
Auto Transmission Top Up $53 AU – Was this a rip off?
On way to an appointment so there was not much time to do much else than drop into a vehicle maintenance shop – My car was idling/revving unusually. Apparently the automatic has sprung a leak and fluid level was low. They charged me 3 litres of auto transmission fluid ($33.60) and labour ($19.40) – A total of $53 AU, just to keep my car running until I get it repaired/serviced. Do you think they overcharged me? Surely it wouldn’t have taken a minute to top it up. I have taken my car there on several occasions in the past. They want $140 AU to have the auto serviced next week – Should I go elsewhere, perhaps to an auto transmission specialist?
admin answers:
“Rip-Off” and it will get worst! From the sound of it the $140 will just be the start. “Find a Different/Good Transmission Shop!” before you damage your Transmission.
Maria asks…
Can new battery fix auto transmission computer problems?
My transmission computer gave out on my 93 Honda Accord about 4 months ago and I got it replaced (the mechanic said there were no problems with the transmission itself). However, after about 1-2 months, I began experiencing the same problems (transmission light came on, stuck in second gear, will not automatically shift). I put off repairs for financial reasons and just avoided driving the car. Recently, my battery died and was failing to hold a charge so I replaced it with a new one. After replacing the battery, however, I find my transmission problems to be fixed (for the meantime). Is it possible that the battery was just having trouble powering the transmission computer and that is why it was not automatically shifting, and replacing the battery fixed those problems? Or do I still have an underlying problem that needs to be fixed? I’m not very knowledgeable with cars so I’d appreciate any help and explanation. Thank you!
admin answers:
The battery would not fix your transmission issues. A lot of transmission issues are fixed by resetting the cars computer by disconnecting the battery for about 30 minutes. When the battery died your computer may have reset, but your car might be a little old for that to apply.
Betty asks…
Mustang II auto transmission wont shift into third?
Hi! I own a Mustang II 1974 v6 2.8 with auto transmission.
Lately even with the pedal on the floor it wont shift into third gear it stays on second and 80mph.Before a get the car for repair becose i dont trust the mechanics:) can someone give me a hint if its a serius prob? whatis the cause? can i fix it myself? Thanx!
admin answers:
It sounds like the Governor is going to the ghost,
the downshift linkage from the engine could also be stuck in WOT mode
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