Wife and I are thinking of buying a Z, I am trying to convince my wife (who will also drive it half the time) that we need a 6 speed. Because she will be driving it, she is convinced that she needs the auto and that I will be fine because of the manual shift option in the auto. We are primarily looking at the Touring Coupe, with the main discussion over Auto vs. Manual. We are obviously looking at the car because of its power, speed and fun nature but I think we are more neutral users of the car. It will be a daily driver for one of us (if that makes a difference) a few questions from a potential buyer.

Is it worth the extra $$ for the 6 speed?
Is there a substantial power gain in the 6 speed?
If there is a performance loss in the auto how substantial?
What will the auto do to resale since most owners opt for the 6 speed?
Any options that we should absolutely add from dealer?
Anything to stay away from?

Thanks in advance!

 

do a search " automatic versus manual"

 

If it's going to be a daily driver, then I'd go with an automatic (you still have the simulated manual), depending on your drive, there isn't overly substantial power loss...as far as performance goes, nothing TOO substantial there either, although I've only driven an auto Z once and to be honest I didn't notice any big difference, considering your statement about being 'neutral' users of the vehicle.

In regards to resale, that all depends on the potential buyer and the circumstances of the sale, condition of the car, the market etc...

Anything to stay away from? Drugs...just say NO!

 

The one thing i'd stay away from when/if you get a new z. WALMART!! Seriously! No matter how far away you park, when you get back to your car, it's as if a trailer park has sprung up and you're the park manager!!

 

I would greatly greatly suggest not buying an Auto unless you're 100% sure it is right for you. Personally, I just go "ICK" whenever I'm behind the wheel of (or anywhere near) an automatic Z but I know people that love the 5AT.

Again, its personal preference. There's going to be a few 17-21 year old kids who are going to come into this thread and tell you "MANUALS ARE THE ONLY WAY TO GO ON A SPORTS CAR!!!11!!11" but, I'd like to respond to them ahead of time, and say that if you want a proper sports car, why the hell are you getting AC, power windows, ABS, TCS, VDC, etc...?

So to sum it up, go test drive them and make sure that you figure out exactly what you need, both the auto and the 6MT are very good trannies but they're VERY different, so make sure you know you're getting the right beast for your garage.

Welcome to the Z family!

 

Go with 6speed manual. Makes the car a lot more fun to drive.

 

Q: Is it worth the extra $$ for the 6 speed?
A: It’s actually less $$ to buy a manual.
Q: Is there a substantial power gain in the 6 speed?
A: Between 10 to 20 RWHP difference.
Q: If there is a performance loss in the auto how substantial?
A: Not much loss to the average driver. Perhaps for track and drag junkies it’s a huge loss. I believe VDC only comes with manual Z’s, Auto’s only get TCS (Hint: a selling point to your wife.)
Q: What will the auto do to resale since most owners opt for the 6 speed?
A: Over the years, they should be roughly the same. However, this is a sports car, most enthusiasts would seek out the manual.
Q: Any options that we should absolutely add from dealer?
A: Anything you can get FREE!
Q: Anything to stay away from?
A: Birds. They tend to be attracted to Z’s.

Note: Make sure your 100% sure you want an automatic. If your 99.9% sure you want an automatic, that 0.1% itch to get a manual will become a thorn on your side. Last thing you want is regret, it’s too expensive to get a conversion and your pretty much stuck with what you have.

 

HAHA!
My 16 year old friends just like that. He talks so much **** and doesn't know how to drive. Its funny and annoying.

Right now, I'm going through the same thing as you Tusa123. And the funny part is, my sister wants a manual b/c its a sports car and all. I just want one for the fun of it.

 

I really don't think you should be driving a Z if you're still a teenager, but whatever, its your parents' insurance money.

 

Lol tell that to my school. There are countless M3s. and more Zs. even more G35s. and much much more.

btw, I'm not exaggerating. except a little on the m3s.

 

The MT is higher on the fun scale but you have to balance that against the daily drive issue. If you have a half hour or more daily commute in stop & go traffic, then the automatic starts sounding more appealing.

Very little loss in power with AT and the MT is cheaper than the AT.

Personally, I would not add any options other than standard stuff; mudguards, matts, etc. Certainly DO NOT sign up for "paint protection" or other such dealer garbage.

 

Thanks for all your responses! Normal traffic to and from work is 40-50 mins each way so the auto is sounding like an ok option, I thought I would hear that there was more power loss. What is VDC and TCS?

 

To find more information on the Nissan 5AT, go to the search function, search by poster, and search for Aggro_Al. He has plenty of posts that explain the Nissan 5AT and how it is really much more advanced than almost every other automatic out there.

 

I was just gonna post that Aggro_Al should be in here shortly (you beat me to it, in essence)... especially if this age-old argument gets out of hand

 

If it were really up to the wife she would get a cute car like a VW beetle. Then auto would be fine. Since it's more of your toy get the manual. Let her choose the color so it sounds like you both win.

 

Actually manuals are more expensive... 2grand i think to be exact.
But i got an 5AT and that 0.1% thorn has been itchn and itchn more and more, and now i regret ever getting a 5AT. Wish i would of gotten the 6MT.
Personal opinion. Lay downt he law and tell her your getting the 6MT.

 

ok, yes I should have expected the "tell her how it is" or "she should drive a beetle" so to clear this up she loves driving the Z which makes this conversation an easy one. The argument would have been worth fighting if it makes a huge difference in power but since I have read so many positives about both I dont think the 5AT is a bad choice.

I looked up Aggro_Al and his postings and they are very technical. I just need the basic, what is TCS and VDC? How does it affect the control of the car since a rear wheel drive car in the Seattle rain can be a challenge.

 

Where do you get this info lol? Manuals are cheaper because they have less moving parts, and are easier to replace than autos. Why do you think the base model comes manual only???

 

I have TCS in my 5AT Touring Z and it is ok in rain. Just no flooring it everywhere lol. Just 6MT is funner, and can be alot better. There are some differences in power... like faster shifting and more power to the wheels with the 6MT... but whatever floats your boat

 

True. Also, try pricing an Enthusiast 350Z on nissanusa.com and you'll see that the 5AT is $1K (MSRP) more than the 6MT.