do cars with manual trans generally last longer than auto?

holden j caufield

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Dec 30, 1999
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and how much cheaper is it maintenance wise? I'm in the market for a used car and though I'd prefer an auto, manual ones are cheaper and the up keep seems to be less. How are 97ish 4runner manual tranny's?
 

EyeMWing

Banned
Jun 13, 2003
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Heh. Well... Uh. I have 2 80's slushboxes in the driveway that are still fine. Stuff fell apart in the mid/late 90's and nothing lasts anymore.
 

Eli

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Oct 9, 1999
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Yes, a manual transmission will generally outlast an automatic, all else being equal.

There is simply much less to go wrong in a manual. When it's worn out, you can still generally nurse it and get somewhere. When an auto tranny starts slipping, that's it.
 

slycat

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Jul 18, 2001
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auto lasts longer...
e.g. transmission in auto will always outlast manual...
out of 5 manuals i seen at 80k, all needed a new transmission but i have yet to
come across an auto that needed trans around 100k
 

Eli

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Oct 9, 1999
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Originally posted by: slycat
auto lasts longer...
e.g. transmission in auto will always outlast manual...
out of 5 manuals i seen at 80k, all needed a new transmission but i have yet to
come across an auto that needed trans around 100k
You're smoking crack.
 

Vic

Elite Member
Jun 12, 2001
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All things being equal, manuals last longer and are more reliable.
The biggest exception to this rule is that manuals, by their inherent design, are more prone to failures due to driver abuse and/or improper technique.
Otherwise, treated properly, a manual trans and clutch should easily go over 200k miles. If any manual trans and clutch were to go out prior to 100k miles, I would certainly blame that on operator abuse/error.
Manual trans also have lower repair and replacement costs than autos.
 

Eli

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Oct 9, 1999
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Originally posted by: Vic
All things being equal, manuals last longer and are more reliable.
The biggest exception to this rule is that manuals, by their inherent design, are more prone to failures due to driver abuse and/or improper technique.
Otherwise, treated properly, a manual trans and clutch should easily go over 200k miles. If any manual trans and clutch were to go out prior to 100k miles, I would certainly blame that on operator abuse/error.
Manual trans also have lower repair and replacement costs than autos.
Yeah... that's something I was going to mention, it's really going to depend on how the manual tranny is treated, since an automatic doesen't see the same abuse a manual can.

But you can still abuse auto's too...

But like I said, when a manual tranny begins to wear out(synchros), you can still use it.. when an automatic starts to wear out(slippage, assuming its from an internal malfunction, not just low fluid), you better get it to the shop quick.
 

Eli

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Oct 9, 1999
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Originally posted by: fredtam
No but they are cheaper to fix.

<---- mechanic
So you're saying on average you see more manual transmissions come in for a rebuild than automatics?


No way...........
 

Quixfire

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Jul 31, 2001
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I drive a 92 Escort GT with a 5sp MT and 190K miles on it. Only had the clutch replaced once at 80K miles.
 

Quixfire

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Originally posted by: Eli
Originally posted by: fredtam
No but they are cheaper to fix.

<---- mechanic
So you're saying on average you see more manual transmissions come in for a rebuild than automatics?


No way...........
I don't believe than either, I am a mechanic and I see more automatics for service than manuals.
 

Shawn

Lifer
Apr 20, 2003
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Originally posted by: Eli
Originally posted by: slycat
auto lasts longer...
e.g. transmission in auto will always outlast manual...
out of 5 manuals i seen at 80k, all needed a new transmission but i have yet to
come across an auto that needed trans around 100k
You're smoking crack.

indeed. wtf are you talkin about?
 

slycat

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Jul 18, 2001
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Originally posted by: Eli
Originally posted by: slycat
auto lasts longer...
e.g. transmission in auto will always outlast manual...
out of 5 manuals i seen at 80k, all needed a new transmission but i have yet to
come across an auto that needed trans around 100k
You're smoking crack.

pass me a phat one..
 

Tom

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
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200k on a clutch and/or throwout bearing ??

That's certainly not common and vastly exceeds manufacturer's recommendations.


btw, the question is not that easy to answer, autos require more frequent minor service, but servicing the clutch pretty much makes up for that.

The reason a mechanic would see more autos is because autos vastly outsell manuals, that isn't very hard to understand.
 

GalvanizedYankee

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Oct 27, 2003
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Properly serviced and adjusted, autos can last the life of the engine.
The problem is they get ignored. Manuals can tolerate no gear oil change,
autos need fresh ATF and any external/internal adjustment that can be done.
With the newer ones having lock-up converters, mpg has increased and
heat build-up decreased, as Martha would say,"it's a good thing". :)

When considering a used car, a good recorded service history is a MUST.
Privet party is the only way I'll buy...;)
 

Eli

Super Moderator | Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
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Originally posted by: Dead Parrot Sketch
200k on a clutch and/or throwout bearing ??

That's certainly not common and vastly exceeds manufacturer's recommendations.


btw, the question is not that easy to answer, autos require more frequent minor service, but servicing the clutch pretty much makes up for that.

The reason a mechanic would see more autos is because autos vastly outsell manuals, that isn't very hard to understand.
Why? It may not be common, but it's certainly not unheard of.

If 150k of those miles are highway, the clutch could be almost brand new.
 

Tom

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
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"Why? It may not be common, but it's certainly not unheard of.

If 150k of those miles are highway, the clutch could be almost brand new. "


I didn't say it was impossible, so what's your point ? I was refuting the idea that it's the norm.
 

fredtam

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Jun 6, 2003
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Originally posted by: Quixfire
Originally posted by: Eli
Originally posted by: fredtam
No but they are cheaper to fix.

<---- mechanic
So you're saying on average you see more manual transmissions come in for a rebuild than automatics?


No way...........
I don't believe than either, I am a mechanic and I see more automatics for service than manuals.

Well no sh!t huh. Did you stop to think that maybe thats because most cars are automatic. The question is does one last longer than the other. As a general rule the average driver will wear out a clutch between 70-90k miles whereas the average automatic won't need servicing till about 115-120k. Start taking a look at the mileage and not the quantity.
 

thomsbrain

Lifer
Dec 4, 2001
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well there's 3 cars with over 150K and autos in my family, and none of them have ever needed transmission servicing. but from what i understand, a properly driven manual lasts longer.

but the car itself should last about the same with either transmission, assuming you drive it properly.
 

Lithium381

Lifer
May 12, 2001
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Good choice on the 4runner! my 88 4runner has 240k on it as of two weeks ago, i'm running original engine and original transmission. Everything is running fine, i have a small oil leak in my engine, and 1st gear pops out sometimes if i don't hold it, but otherwise.......everything is peachy keen! might make a note i'm on my 2nd or 3rd clutch, can't remember, since i bought it used, not sure how relevant that is!
 

GalvanizedYankee

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Oct 27, 2003
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Originally posted by: thomsbrain
well there's 3 cars with over 150K and autos in my family, and none of them have ever needed transmission servicing. but from what i understand, a properly driven manual lasts longer.

but the car itself should last about the same with either transmission, assuming you drive it properly.


I am sure IF you read the owners manuals on any of the three. There will be a specified
service due on the auto-trans. When the auto gets played out, tears will fall and cursing,
what a pos this trans is :(

 

Eli

Super Moderator | Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
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Originally posted by: fredtam
Originally posted by: Quixfire
Originally posted by: Eli
Originally posted by: fredtam
No but they are cheaper to fix.

<---- mechanic
So you're saying on average you see more manual transmissions come in for a rebuild than automatics?


No way...........
I don't believe than either, I am a mechanic and I see more automatics for service than manuals.

Well no sh!t huh. Did you stop to think that maybe thats because most cars are automatic. The question is does one last longer than the other. As a general rule the average driver will wear out a clutch between 70-90k miles whereas the average automatic won't need servicing till about 115-120k. Start taking a look at the mileage and not the quantity.
The clutch is a wear item like brake pads, it doesen't count against the longevity of the transmission.. Only against maintenance costs.

Even if you include replacing the clutch, I am quite sure a manual transmission is cheaper as far as maintenance goes. Replacing the clutch is going to be cheaper than having your slushbox rebuilt.
 

CraigRT

Lifer
Jun 16, 2000
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Originally posted by: Eli
Originally posted by: slycat
auto lasts longer...
e.g. transmission in auto will always outlast manual...
out of 5 manuals i seen at 80k, all needed a new transmission but i have yet to
come across an auto that needed trans around 100k
You're smoking crack.

i was thinking something similar