5spd vs. At??? need your opinions!

[p5stockr]

Im looking at a new 3, the dealers going to try to locate a 5dr Grand Touring for me, ive been planning on a 5spd model, since i constantly complained about the at in my P5! however my dads been tryin to convince me id be happier with the at; im not really planning on doing any mods to the car, however that could change lol. I drive 40 miles round trip everyday, mostly on back country roads, Id like to hear from any of you that own or have driven either style trans, mileage , drivability an such, since im kinda havin 2nd thoughts i figured id better get some informed opinions!

[jersey_emt]

MTX all the way. If you are an enthusiast...trust me, at some point you will regret getting an ATX.

[TheMAN]

the real question should be "manual or auto".... "5spd vs auto" is redundant because the auto IS a 5 speed!

[D-rock240]

If you are in stop and go driving everyday, get an auto. If you drive country roads, get a manual.

[p5stockr]

MTX all the way. If you are an enthusiast...trust me, at some point you will regret getting an ATX.
thats kinda how im leanin....got to thinkin bout the whole"convenience thing" bein able to drink my coffe an cruise lol...but Id really like to be able to enjoy puttin the car to use! plus after havin a protege an seein how good the car handles an hearin even better things about the 3 I tend to agree with your thinikng! plus i flat dont want to pay the xtra $$$ to get it lol (thumb)

[goldwing2000]

ATX is for housewives.

The MTX is cheaper, gets better fuel economy, is more fun to drive and has less of a chance of breaking down.

[awsmp5]

YEAH get that mtx its a bitch in the city and stuff but hey any other time i'd take a mtx anyday plus its probably a grand cheaper

[Sveivo]

I do not mind the manual in stop-and-go at all. I usually roll in 1st gear without using the gas (thumb).

[goldwing2000]

Oh... and the clutch pedal is so light that even in stop-and-go traffic, it doesn't bother me.

[TheMAN]

yes, the pedal is even softer than the protege

[cbc]

this car begs to be manually shifted!!

[Mazda3Rookie]

ATX is for housewives.

The MTX is cheaper, gets better fuel economy, is more fun to drive and has less of a chance of breaking down.

Plus it puts more power where it belongs: to the wheels.......... Ands yes, the clutch and shift stick "feel" are among the best I have ever tried (and I have driven a lot of manual cars, I'm from Europe)

Unless you REALLY must do something else while driving, get the manual. As somebody else wrote, with such a nice clutch even stop-and-go driving wouldn't be a valid reason to get a ATX, IMHO.

[the vw guy]

manual.

[RallyeRedSi]

manuel man, i wouldn't have it any other way and i live in new york city, i been stuck in 2 hours of track with a stage 2 clutch in my teg and i still wouldn't drive a automatic

[JOS3]

saying its hard to drive in stop and go traffic with the mtx is BS. in fact, the manual is the only way to go. goldwing pretty much summed it up:


The MTX is cheaper, gets better fuel economy, is more fun to drive and has less of a chance of breaking down

Oh... and the clutch pedal is so light that even in stop-and-go traffic, it doesn't bother me.

[mp3moose]

If you are on this forum....mtx.

[Sveivo]

Needless to say, I am for MTX, but there is one thing to think about.

Over time, a manual might be more expensive to maintain if you consider clutch replacements. Also, once in a while you will not be paying attention and will grind gears (I hope it's not just me (poke)) and your heart will bleed during those moments :D. So an automatic might be more fool-proof.

[D-rock240]

Needless to say, I am for MTX, but there is one thing to think about.

Over time, a manual might be more expensive to maintain if you consider clutch replacements. Also, once in a while you will not be paying attention and will grind gears (I hope it's not just me (poke)) and your heart will bleed during those moments :D. So an automatic might be more fool-proof.

Nah, you just have a clutch to replace. Auto is hard on the whole transmission, so replacing one of those will be more $$$. Plus it depends on your driving habits. I had bought my Subaru from my father, a 11 year old daily driven car with 145,000 miles. Stock clutch, and only started slipping right before the 18 wheeler incident at 178,000 miles.

[Kansei]

yes, the pedal is even softer than the protege

Is that actually possible? I learned to drive mtx on my Protege5 and when I drove my friend's Mustang GT I was like "OMG" because the clutch was so very heavy. She thought that was normal so I let her feel mine (hehe). I thought maybe it was just an American vs. Japanese thing :)

[thasilver3]

i used to have auto screw that now that i got a 5 spd. ill never go back to an auto again. its jus too much fun ^_^

[Scott]

If you're leg can't handle the Mazda 3's clutch in city traffic, you need to go do some workouts... Get the maunal. You'll hate yourself if you don't.

[Mazda3Rookie]

Needless to say, I am for MTX, but there is one thing to think about.

Over time, a manual might be more expensive to maintain if you consider clutch replacements. Also, once in a while you will not be paying attention and will grind gears (I hope it's not just me (poke)) and your heart will bleed during those moments :D. So an automatic might be more fool-proof.


I don't know Dim... I have mo experience with Mazda replacement parts (and I hope it stays that way for a looooooooooong time!), but when my wife's Dodge Grand Caravan transmission went south (at just 80,000 miles, crap...), it was a $2,200 replacement.

I'd guess that a new clutch for the 3 wouldn't cost more than $500-600.

[Sveivo]

I don't know Dim... I have mo experience with Mazda replacement parts (and I hope it stays that way for a looooooooooong time!), but when my wife's Dodge Grand Caravan transmission went south (at just 80,000 miles, crap...), it was a $2,200 replacement.

I'd guess that a new clutch for the 3 wouldn't cost more than $500-600.
I know what you mean. In my post, I was assuming that if both transmissions work reliably, the manual might carry the burden of having to replace the clutch...some time.

But I think that in a Mazda (in a Protege, for example), the automatics are actually not that reliable, so you'll end up replacing the whole transmission. In which case, the manual wins.

Hope this makes sense (peep).

[D-rock240]

I know what you mean. In my post, I was assuming that if both transmissions work reliably, the manual might carry the burden of having to replace the clutch...some time.

But I think that in a Mazda (in a Protege, for example), the automatics are actually not that reliable, so you'll end up replacing the whole transmission. In which case, the manual wins.

Hope this makes sense (peep).

Your theory makes sense, but my mechanic friend would say that you are much more likely to have to replace the auto tranny before you have to touch the manual tranny. The clutch takes some of the strain off of the manual tranny, allowing it to hold up longer. And if you aren't hard on the clutch there is no reason why it can't last. This excludes autox or street racing.

[Sveivo]

Your theory makes sense, but my mechanic friend would say that you are much more likely to have to replace the auto tranny before you have to touch the manual tranny. And if you aren't hard on the clutch there is no reason why it can't last. This excludes autox or street racing.
I agree completely. If you treat it nice, it should last.

[solid_snake]

manual

[Moeed]

For your atx vs mtx replacement pieces, the auto's torque convertor can go after time too. When you get a car, there are going to be wear and tear items. A mtx is easier to work on and if you dont dump your clutch, it should last a very long time.

[rodslinger]

manual or auto...

That's like asking us if you would prefer a hotdog over a hamburger or Coke over Pepsi... We'll only tell you what WE would prefer. Drive them both and see what you like. Do you have a manual now? Are you fine with it or are you getting tired of shifting gears? Reliability between the two is going to be a coin toss. You can have clutch and gear failures just as easily as an automatic going bad also.

[goldwing2000]

You can have clutch and gear failures just as easily as an automatic going bad also.

I don't know that I would say "Just as easy..."

Clutch and gear problems are definitely less likely than auto tranny problems.

[TheMAN]

Your theory makes sense, but my mechanic friend would say that you are much more likely to have to replace the auto tranny before you have to touch the manual tranny. The clutch takes some of the strain off of the manual tranny, allowing it to hold up longer. And if you aren't hard on the clutch there is no reason why it can't last. This excludes autox or street racing.

autocrossing doesn't kill trannys

[rodslinger]

I don't know that I would say "Just as easy..."

Clutch and gear problems are definitely less likely than auto tranny problems.

I wouldn't say it's any harder to damage a manual than an auto either. I also don't have any statistical facts to back my thoughts but it seems we see more automatic tranny failures due to the mere fact there are more automatic equipped cars.

I tend to remember the P5 and Mazdaspeed folks having a measurable amount of issues with their manual gearboxes. I also recognize the automatics in the older 626 cars were junk most of the time. There can be lemons in both groups.

Honestly I've never had an automatic tranny failure. My 2000 Dakota has 155,000 on it now on the original engine/tranny and I pull a 5,000 enclosed trailer with it approximatly three times a week. Maintenance is key. I've also had two manual transmissions fail on me. One for no good reason, the other because I beat the hell out of it.

I'm not advocating either as being more reliable. They are usually only as good as you treat them.

To answer the original question, I'd prefer a stick regardless of my daily driving habits. It's just more fun most of the time.

[Captain KRM P5]

manual transmission 110%

[Karma_hunden]

I say that the mtx is funner to drive. You're more into the car, but it will definatelly go out on you faster than the atx. I dont know about you, but there are days where im so f'kin exhausted I totally bang on the clutch because I lack the coordination, days where you just want to pull over and sleep on the emergency lane, car stalls, blah blah blah, grinding gears, etc. I like to ride fast sometimes. Yes, I do like to burn rubber on a fast start just for shits and giggles once in a while. I would say that if you are old, lazy or just not just up for the challenged, then get the auto...

mtx is a commitment, you got to accept it on the good days and the bad days (tired, traffic, *cough*drunk*cough*,etc)...all this of course you get the hang of it and traffic is no longer a pain, etc etc. mtx becomes second nature, but when you start its a pain in ass.

[D-rock240]

autocrossing doesn't kill trannys

Not directly, but you are doing a lot of quick shifting compared to more casual shifting on the streets.

[Sveivo]

I say that the mtx is funner to drive. You're more into the car, but it will definatelly go out on you faster than the atx. I dont know about you, but there are days where im so f'kin exhausted I totally bang on the clutch because I lack the coordination, days where you just want to pull over and sleep on the emergency lane, car stalls, blah blah blah, grinding gears, etc. I like to ride fast sometimes. Yes, I do like to burn rubber on a fast start just for shits and giggles once in a while. I would say that if you are old, lazy or just not just up for the challenged, then get the auto...

mtx is a commitment, you got to accept it on the good days and the bad days (tired, traffic, *cough*drunk*cough*,etc)...all this of course you get the hang of it and traffic is no longer a pain, etc etc. mtx becomes second nature, but when you start its a pain in ass.
Well put. It's hard to drive a manual perfectly all the time. Sometimes you are going to put unnecessary wear on it, like when you are tired, for example.

[cbc]

Yikes..maybe if you are too tired to shift your car correctly, you shouldn't be out driving?
Ah well...what do I know, just another old & lazy person who'd driven mtx cars all his long life(poke)

[Karma_hunden]

Yikes..maybe if you are too tired to shift your car correctly, you shouldn't be out driving?
Ah well...what do I know, just another old & lazy person who'd driven mtx cars all his long life(poke)

Well, if you want to volunteer on those hard days when I get out of work late to drive me home, then go ahead, I'll be more than happy to sleep on the back seat while you do so.

[cbc]

LOL....I will ship you a case of RedBull?(shocked)

[goldwing2000]

LOL....I will ship you a case of RedBull?(shocked)

Then he won't need to drive. He can just fly home.

[65racecoupe]

Manual.

Next.....

[nealric]

I really cant think of any compelling reason for automatic transmissions to exist (except maybe for handicapped people).

City driving? MTX Gives you something to do.
Drinking coffee? I have no problem with that- just drink when you dont need to shift.

Your car will be faster and more fun to drive. Also, the MTX keeps your friends from asking to borrow it :D

[65racecoupe]

I really cant think of any compelling reason for automatic transmissions to exist (except maybe for handicapped people).

City driving? MTX Gives you something to do.
Drinking coffee? I have no problem with that- just drink when you dont need to shift.

Your car will be faster and more fun to drive. Also, the MTX keeps your friends from asking to borrow it :D

Thank God for Automatics. Some people just can't drive. There is a time and place for them, but not in a Sport Wagon.

[cbc]

" There is a time and place for them, but not in a Sport Wagon."

Then it ain't really a "sport wagon":)

[bbrich57]

ATX is for housewives.
The MTX is cheaper, gets better fuel economy, is more fun to drive and has less of a chance of breaking down.
Here, Here!!
I'm gonna havta' be 2 old 2 use a clutch a'fore they take mine away!

[TheMAN]

Not directly, but you are doing a lot of quick shifting compared to more casual shifting on the streets.

what quick shifting? you only shift ONCE on a typical course... and that's going from 1st to 2nd... and you don't even need to slam it in gear

RARELY do you go into 3rd gear and have to go back to 2nd... but people who DO go to 1st are the ones that waste time from shifting

[D-rock240]

but people who DO go to 1st are the ones that waste time from shifting

Yeah, that's what my friend does. That's what I was referring to. I need to slap him upside the head next time I see him.

[RallyeRedSi]

Well, if you want to volunteer on those hard days when I get out of work late to drive me home, then go ahead, I'll be more than happy to sleep on the back seat while you do so.

i've worked 12 hour shifts and left work at 2-3am manuel kept more awake ,

[compujas]

I test drove a Mazda3 AT one Saturday. I learned to drive stick on Sunday. I bought my Mazda3 MT on Tuesday. Enough said. The AT was a very boring drive, little power, and no fun. The MT however, I've never had more fun driving a car. It's such a small engine (relative to the powerhouse sports cars), and I blow by the high-end BMWs and whatnot coming out of onramps to highways. MT makes a huge difference in getting power to the wheels, not mention in having fun driving.

End result: If you find driving to be fun and more than "a way to get from Point A to Point B," get a manual.

As for the being tired point, I needed to buy my Mazda3 because I wrecked my old car by falling asleep on the highway. Having an MT keeps you awake because you need to pay attention.

[bbrich57]

...since i constantly complained about the at in my P5! ...my dads been tryin to convince me id be happier with the at;....
Actually P5, the more I think about your dilemma, and the fact that you even posed this question on an enthusiasts forum, knowing that enthusiasts will almost always vote for the 5-sp, I believe you already know what to do. I think your mind is made up and that you don't NEED our opinions, but the justification of our opinions.
It's going to be your car, get what you want, Man! You wanted the 5-sp, so get the 5-sp... Hell, get a 6-sp if you can!!! OK? :)

[Wicked_3s]

Man, get the MTX, I test drove the mazda3 with the ATX w/ manual mode. Man, that was boring as all get out. And if you're goin to be on back roads, all the more reason to have the mtx. My 3 is in storage as my wife and I moved and only need one car....Sadly she wanted hers and it's an auto Lancer. Meh, I keep wanting to hit the clutch and downshift when I gas it cause it doesn't do SHIT shifting wise. Go MTX

[bbrich57]

So, here you have it, P5. By my very unscientific count, the Manuals have it. What's it gonna be? I think we, all that have posted here, are waiting for the answer..... (poke) Have you made up your mind? Have you gotten a new "3"?
Either way, Good Luck w/your choice. :)

[cbc]

dear God, haven't slept a wink, just awaiting the final answer(peep) :)

[saskmazdaman11]

the real question should be "manual or auto".... "5spd vs auto" is redundant because the auto IS a 5 speed!


Last time I checked, my ATX only went to 4.

Yes, someone has to be different in the group. Yeah the MTX is fun to drive, but I enjoy the maunual mode of the ATX. The thrill of driving wears off when you put on 40 to 50 thousand km /year. If I were to do it all again though, I would probably bite the bullet and teach my wife to drive the MTX, because now I see how much easier it is to upgrade and give it the ability to handle more power. Aftermarket parts never crossed my mind when I bought my car, but after spending about a year on this site, it will definately factor into my next purchase.

[bbrich57]

dear God, haven't slept a wink, just awaiting the final answer(peep) :)

(rlaugh) (spank) (screwy)

[bbrich57]

Last time I checked, my ATX only went to 4...
...The thrill of driving wears off when you put on 40 to 50 thousand km /year.
I didn't go back and check and the ATX holds very little of my interest, but I believe 2006 is when Mazda started using a 5-sp ATX. It would be fairly easy to check, I'm just feeling lazy @ the moment. (Just call me GoldWing! :) :) :) )
Also, if you drive that many km/year you would probably spend most of your time in 5th gear anyway making the argument moot, yes? (enguard)

[goldwing2000]

I'm just feeling lazy @ the moment. (Just call me GoldWing!)

Watch it, pal... I resemble that remark! ;)

[bbrich57]

Watch it, pal... I resemble that remark! ;)

(rlaugh) (rlaugh) (rlaugh) (rlaugh)

I know!! I have read many of your posts...
you make no bones about it. (rofl)

[goldwing2000]

Telling people to "USE THE SEARCH!" gets old real quick. :rolleyes:

[cbc]

Telling people to "USE THE SEARCH!" gets old real quick. :rolleyes:


th' what? <g>

[Karma_hunden]

yeah, what the hell you talk about gold? sertch? learch?

[TomH]

Manual tranny all the way!

Another thing to think about is this:

You car is much less likely to get stolen if it's a manual. Most of, if not all of, the crack-head, street punk car thieves out there can't drive a stick (go figure!), so they'll bypass your ride for something they can actually drive.