Well it sounds like you're the kind of guy that can appreciate the advantages of a manual, and if you hold out for a manual you may be the type to really get into the subtlties of driving a stick, unlike 95% of the population. So if you see yourself being a car enthusiast for life, and you like carving corners- manual.

You say you don't know what the manual GT feels like - none on the lot? Maybe find one locally (Fords site lets you search inventory, or grab an autotrader and test drive someones '05 or '06) to try out - even if it delays you a few days, having the question settled in your head will be worth it, IMO.

 

Wait....get the manual.


~Fletch~

 

The only down side of having a clutch is you'll be doing more hole shots , that means more tire replacements ,clutch replacements. Plus working a clutch in stop and go traffic will drive you nuts after a while. I have a clutch in my jeep and in heavy traffic it will start to fade. Also is insurance more with a 5 speed?

 

I have a auto trans. in mine.. what I wanted.. you do know that you can down shift it around corners right..??? in fact you can downshift in in a straight line.. you can drive it just like a manual... shift from 1'rstall the way up ...MOST OF the heavy hitters have taken there manual tranny's out and put in beefed up auto trans ( from Art racing I think ..?? ) ... look at JDM racing.. ALL of their cars are autos... and the last time I looked they where in the 9 seconds in the 1/4 mile...!!!! on a stock auto trans. car.. of course they have a Saleen S/C and other things.. but still a stock auto trans. ( last time I looked )

buy it... and get the 3.55 gears also.. big time plus...!!!!!

JMO and only that...

 

We have been in contact with dealer, a manual MAY workout but its not certain. Praying it will.

 

/pray

 

I hadn't driven a manual in years, though I had become very proficient with them back in the early 90's. When I test drove the manual Mustang it just wasn't a great manual shifter. Not precise enough, too much of a throw, stiff and the clutch was not set up correctly, with too much foreplay. It was like riding a wild horse! Not that that isn't fun, but just not for my daily driver. If you live out in the suburbs it's great for a weekend car unless you are willing to modify that shifter.
The auto will shift like butter in normal driving, but when it comes to the twisties it makes you get on the brakes more than you should. Shifting down manually takes a while, as there is a long pause.


So my best advice is to decide what kind of driving you will be doing.
It sounds like your left leg is strong enough so if you don't do lots of city driving save the cash and get the manual.

 

a manual is so much more fun to drive... seriously.

most autos bore me, but they can be welcome relief sometimes.

 

Ya, I would really like to test drive a manual before I do anything.

 

yeah but if your new to the manual scene, and you stall the car, or grind the gears or something the stealership will probably claim you broke something and make you buy it.....idk, maybe im just naive.