Auto or Manual?
I'm lookin' to buy a used Escape-Hybrid. Probably an `05 or `06, but I may decide to go up to `07 or `08.
But I'm really hung-up on which trans. to go with.
I understand "driving" both types (comfort & convenience w/the auto as opposed to the control & power [for lack of a better word]w/the standard) ...
... but what about "LONGEVITY AND MAINTENANCE/REPAIR COSTS?
Which is gonna serve me better (i.e.: less expensively) - in the long-run (I'm wantin' at least 200,000, maybe 250,000 miles)?
I "think" I already know my answer.
I really am just about over the "desire" for "the stick" (as opposed to the "no-brainer" of the auto) - but won't a manual gimme better MPG's? Run cooler? And cost less in the long run?
Thanks in advance,
Glenn ...
As far as saving money.. you could potentialy save more in gas with a manual that is only if your driving habits are less aggresive on take offs ect. but if udont handle your clutch properly you'll be paying stupid money for repair. I've been in cars with people who i notice cant use second gear because they dont drive right. Besides doesnt the escape come with a nice little center island with cup holders and such that you wouldnt have with the manual? It'd be a better driving experience with still great milage.
And you absolutely have a point with 2nd gear on a manual. I used not have any trouble with it (years ago - like, in the 70's & 80's) - but over the years I seem to have picked-up a bad case of what I call "lazy foot" (or lazy "feet") - I just ain't very smooth on the ol' "heel-toe action" & 2nd gear no more. Either that or they just "changed" all the damned vehicles!??!
Course, I'm kinda "beat-up from the feet-up" too - so, maybe that's got somethin' to do with it ...

Thanks for the reply, and I think you're right - it'll prolly be a new-fangled aut-oOO000OOo-matic fer me. I just hope its got more guts than my most recent experience(s) with a light-duty Ford auto-trans.
However, I gotta admit - them cup-holders are nice
).
Bob






