Notices

Auto or Manual?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 24, 2009 | 12:28 PM
  #1  
TOUGHLover's Avatar
TOUGHLover
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 773
Likes: 0
From: VA/USA
Question Auto or Manual?

Forgive me. Me noggin is awash in numbers (of ALL sorts).

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 ...
 
Reply
Old Feb 24, 2009 | 12:55 PM
  #2  
Jbad's Avatar
Jbad
New User
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Tampa, FL
go auto

you have to take the auto/manual argument on a case by case basis.. both the intention of the vehicle and the intrist of the owner. The feeling I got and my opinion is hands down the automatic in your situation.
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.
 
Reply
Old Feb 24, 2009 | 04:08 PM
  #3  
TOUGHLover's Avatar
TOUGHLover
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 773
Likes: 0
From: VA/USA
Thumbs up

Great points all - thanks.

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 ).
 
Reply
Old Feb 24, 2009 | 09:57 PM
  #4  
Mark Kovalsky's Avatar
Mark Kovalsky
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
25 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 3
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,703
Likes: 2,623
From: SE Florida
Originally Posted by TOUGHLover
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.
You don't have a choice with the hybrid. There is no manual trans available.
 
Reply
Old May 19, 2009 | 07:03 AM
  #5  
F250OBX's Avatar
F250OBX
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
A big consideration would also be is whether you intend to tow with the vehicle. I did not find this out until I already owned my '03 Ranger, but the Auto trans is rated to tow over 5k Lbs, where my stick is only rated for something over 3k!! I was not happy to find this out, especially since I had downsized from an F250.

Bob
 
Reply
Old May 19, 2009 | 07:07 AM
  #6  
F250OBX's Avatar
F250OBX
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
Oh,
also,
My brother was considering the hybrid also. Did you see that the MPG is only like 4mpg better?
 
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:51 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-1
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-2
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-3
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

Slideshow: 10 most surprising Ford truck options/features in 2026.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:17:22


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

Slideshow: Here are the top 10 Fords coming to Mecum Indy 2026.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:49:49


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 worst Ford truck wheels of all time

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:49:01


VIEW MORE