Fellow Automatic Drivers, Why Did You Choose It?

[RIBS]

I am over 50 and my knees are tired.

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[Rough Hollow Man]

I chose an automatic this time around because I'm really a "shiftless Old Dufus" in real life.

 

[Galeener]

We got the auto because my wife likes to shred manuals. Still have my 86gt and she has went through 5 tranny rebuilds on it. Before that she shred my 70 Z28s 2times. and it had what i thought was an explosion proof 4 speed. Her and a manual just is not a good combo.
The only car she has not went through a manual in was a berlinetta she had a long time ago. I have been with her when she drives and well it scares the shit out of me in a manual. I am not saying anything sexist here, just that manuals and my wife =lots of expense. So far on the paddle shift it seems ok so thats as close to a manual as I want to get with her anymore.

 

[SoCalTim]

Didn't like the MT 82 gearbox.

In the future I'd consider a GT350 in manual, with that Tremec box, when examples start appearing on the used car market.

 

[gojensen]

Been driving manuals since '92 and frankly just don't see the point - so auto it is ;) if ford ever gets me my car that is...

 

[NJ3]

I bought mine in August and it was one of 3 or 4 2015 GT's on the lot. It had a huge discount on it plus cash back from Ford and 0% financing. A white automatic wasn't my first choice but after I test drove it I had no doubts. Plus it's nicer driving in traffic.

 

[mikef523]

I had plenty of manuals in my younger days. I just don't want to be bothered by all the shifting.

 

[Stam616]

I like the A/T because I can get better MPG, don't have to remember how to drive a stick and yet when I get on a twisty road I can use the paddle shifeters and have fun. Didn't drive a stick for decades because I commuted to work on Long Island and was stuck in traffic a lot. Where I am now the traffics not too bad but I just don't feel the need for it as much. When I get the urge I use the paddles lol

 

[bobbyh]

I was shopping for an Auto GT this fall and failed; now waiting until spring.

I chose the Auto as the MT-82 wasn't too endearing to me when I drove my friend's 14 GT and in the 15 GT's I test drove. Almost all of my Mustang's over the years have been manual's so this will be a strange turn I will have to get use to.

I'm going to modify the car with FI and hit the track from time to time. The Auto will be the better choice for me this time. If the manual was something more proven and reliable I would have gotten that and I can't swing a GT-350.

Plus as a bonus I don't have to replace the clutch (which seems to be a weak link on a modified car), the halfshafts, or the shifter which adds up to a lot of money better spent toward FI and a backup engine fund in case things go south.

 

[Mustang8]

Tampa traffic sucks and didn't want more hassle in traffic.

 

[MaskedRacerX]

I like my auto because I don't have to come out of boost as it changes gears and I can hold my wife's hand... Man, I sound whipped.

Nah, you sound awesome :cheers:

 

[JessV]

Do you guys get annoyed when people's first question is "Is it a manual?". Like, it does't annoye me, but most people give a little chuckle as if it's not a "real" Mustang because it's not a manual.

I got my automatic V6 about 3 months ago. I love the car, but I regret not considering a manual first.

I was fortunate enough to be able to purchase this as my first car at the age of 18. No help from parents; all by myself. Every penny that went/goes towards this car is earned by myself.

The reason why I got an Automatic is because I drive a decent amount between locations for my job each day. It's not far, but its city traffic. Red light after red light. I didn't want to bother with a manual transmission.

The other reason I got the automatic was as it being my first car, I was nervous I would have to concentrate too much on shifting and not just driving. I feel this wore off about a week after buying the car since I felt a lot more comfortable driving. I didn't want to get into an accident and have my insurance through the roof. I also was intimidated by driving a brand new car. I was very nervous about getting into an accident. But like I said, this wore off pretty quick.

I was looking this week on trading in my car for a 15/16 6S Manual, but it's going to cost be about $3,500. I can't afford that :(

Got an automatic because honestly, I do not know how to drive a stick. Wouldn't want to get a $26k-$30k car and burn up the clutch immediately either from inexperience, lol.

 

[JessV]

Tampa traffic sucks and didn't want more hassle in traffic.

Please don't remind me of that place. I-275..... :bolt:

 

[Dinosoar]

Because it's better

Okay, I read a lot of the entries. Couldn't read them all.

I agree with many reason already given too...traffic, don't want to be bothered, health issues, drink coffee to work, etc...

Did anyone pick the Auto because it is the better performance option? Safer on a track? With same or less fuel than a manual?

I had a 2014 GT Track Pack with that crappy-ass MT-82 (shame on you Ford). Rotten manuals aside, automatics today are faster with less fuel. Also, downshifting in a braking zone is about the riskiest part of track driving short of high speed turns.

I bought my last manual with my 2014. My next car will have an auto...probably an S550. I hope Ford figures this out soon so they put a great auto in the GT350. Manuals are obsolete. I love driving on the track with my 2008 GT Manual, but it is slower for it. My only concern on the track with an auto is the cooling.

One last point, being involved in driving is all about managing the grip and driver inputs (wheel, brake, throttle). I don't need a third pedal to make it exciting if one is doing it right and fast enough. I don't think all the top races series (NASCAR excluded) would disagree with the fact that no-third-pedal-paddle-shifting cars are pure and exciting on the track.

Am I the only one who feels this way?

 

[GTP]

Okay, I read a lot of the entries. Couldn't read them all.

I agree with many reason already given too...traffic, don't want to be bothered, health issues, drink coffee to work, etc...

Did anyone pick the Auto because it is the better performance option? Safer on a track? With same or less fuel than a manual?

I had a 2014 GT Track Pack with that crappy-ass MT-82 (shame on you Ford). Rotten manuals aside, automatics today are faster with less fuel. Also, downshifting in a braking zone is about the riskiest part of track driving short of high speed turns.

I bought my last manual with my 2014. My next car will have an auto...probably an S550. I hope Ford figures this out soon so they put a great auto in the GT350. Manuals are obsolete. I love driving on the track with my 2008 GT Manual, but it is slower for it. My only concern on the track with an auto is the cooling.

One last point, being involved in driving is all about managing the grip and driver inputs (wheel, brake, throttle). I don't need a third pedal to make it exciting if one is doing it right and fast enough. I don't think all the top races series (NASCAR excluded) would disagree with the fact that no-third-pedal-paddle-shifting cars are pure and exciting on the track.

Am I the only one who feels this way?

No. This is exactly how I feel, and thank you for writing it out for me.

The very last test drive I took (and there were many variations of the car) was an auto set to Sport+, with WOT to 100mph, and then auto-blipping downshifts while on the brakes. That sealed it for me. :love:

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