Unpopular opinion: the automatic shift is a completely unnecessary waste of money

Yes, I drive in a city. Yes, I drive in the traffic, frequently getting stuck in it as well.

I don't really get what's the "frustration" people get about the manual shift, after one year of driving you become the automatic shift yourself; why pay over €2k just to eliminate something that you do without even realizing?

While also:

a. adding unnecessary complexity, more parts that can break, and that are expensive to replace

b. actually adding frustration in the process, changing the way you drive (at the very least, how you operate the brakes?)

c. hurting performance to some sensible degree, in particular acceleration

Is it only me?

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swirlie · 31-35

The automatic shift allows one to drink a cup of coffee while simultaneously texting with the other hand while steering the car in slow traffic with one's upper thigh. Why would one even consider a manual transmission in that case?

JackHoff · 46-50, M

@swirlie I have seen you in traffic a lot. 😅

Elessar · 26-30, M

@swirlie Just put gear #3 and use the clutch while you finish writing that WhatsApp message

Actually don't, but I guess that's how they do here

swirlie · 31-35

@Elessar
Why would you drive a car that requires both hands and both feet moving in sync with each other JUST to make the car move forward a few feet before stopping again? How archaic is that?

swirlie · 31-35

@JackHoff
...I was probably texting my stock broker, so it was totally legit.

JackHoff · 46-50, M

@swirlie Of course, you have to keep up with the stocks and portfolio.

Elessar · 26-30, M

@swirlie 99% of the time the hand you use for the stick is free also with a manual, it's not that you change gears that often. If you're jammed in traffic which is when a manual shift is (supposedly) annoying to use you're probably staying in the first gear, because you'll have to stop again before you put the second. Then it varies car by car.

If the road is clear and you keep constant speed, you'll stay on the same gear as well.

swirlie · 31-35

@Elessar
Where do put your hot coffee cup just to change gears once the engine reaches the red line in first gear while keeping up with stop and go traffic?

Elessar · 26-30, M

@swirlie We don't get coffee in portable cups here, we typically drive to the bar and get it served directly at the place:

Effectively, the only use I have for having a free hand would be to operate the car's radio lol

swirlie · 31-35

@Elessar
...so then, are you saying that where you live you drink coffee from a cup and saucer while you're driving?

Elessar · 26-30, M

@swirlie Exactly; I never eat while driving, at most I drink water (from a bottle), and that's something I can easily do even with a manual

swirlie · 31-35

@Elessar
I see... that sounds rather old fashioned though. I don't actually know anyone who drinks water from a bottle.