Manual vs. Auto

[a787100 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close a787100]

I have a 2018 Prado GXL manual.

I'm thinking of upgrading to a new VX.

I've never driven an auto and I have an anxiety about owning an auto because of the apparent loss of control i won't have. Yet, I'm mindful the auto comes with a raft of safety features that makes it safer.

What's your thoughts about the transmission?

Another question I have is, in a crash will the engine switch off or will I be catapulted endlessly around until the car is prevented from moving? I've seen some shocking accidents where auto cars seem to move around until they come to a rest. It sounds odd but that's the main concern I have.

[404pug Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close 404pug]

There is a reason why most cars are now auto: They work. In the case of 4wd they work fantastically especially when the going gets tough because of the torque multiplication. Drove manuals for 45+ years and manual 4wd for 20 of those. Have not missed them for a second nor have I ever had a problem with one.

[a787100 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close a787100]

There is a reason why most cars are now auto: They work. In the case of 4wd they work fantastically especially when the going gets tough because of the torque multiplication. Drove manuals for 45+ years and manual 4wd for 20 of those. Have not missed them for a second nor have I ever had a problem with one.

THank you for your reply - is there any special recommendations you can make about how to drive them?

[hawks667 Member Find all posts View Profile Close hawks667]

I drive a V6 120 VX with the 5 speed Auto, it has a Torque Converter Lock up kit installed by Wholesale Automatics. Being able to lock the converter from 2nd to 5th gear is fantastic. I wouldn't hesitate in doing it again. Just make sure it doesn't get to hot. I run a an extra trans cooler with thermo and watch the temps via a Scanguage for both pan and converter temps. Very happy with the Auto...

[borak Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close borak]

I have a 2020 auto (pre engine power update) and the auto gearbox is the only thing I dislike about the car. It’s really good around town and off-road on the low speed stuff but terrible on the highway. It’s always unlocking the TC and makes it very difficult to drive if you care about your trans fluid temperatures. I have learnt to feather the throttle to lock the TC when possible but it takes some concentration to get it to cooperate. On the long trips when the missus drives there is no way I can ask or teach her what to look for. I know there is TC lock up kits that can be installed but it’s not something that should be required on a $70k car made for long range touring. If the manual had the safety features that the auto has I would go for it in a heartbeat.

[a787100 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close a787100]

Thank you for your contributions - Borak certainly if the manual had all the safety tech I would have preferred that in a heart beat! I love driving manuals....it just feels easier - so will see what happens with the new one. If I hate it then I'll go back to a manual (sadly now second hand).

[money_killer Member Find all posts View Profile Close money_killer]

auto now days no need for an manual unless its extreme 4wding "comp stuff" imo, which u wouldnt have a prado for.