Yes that's right, I'm contemplating the switch. So let's get right to the point here: I hate the auto transmission on this car. I think it sucks. I don't want start an auto vs manual thread here, this is just my personal taste in driving. I know I could go with a XCal or something as a remedy but I've already paid $1000 extra for auto and another $600 or so on top doesn't sit well with me. I had my reasons for getting auto when I did (I won't bore you with the details), but now I kind of wish I hadn't.

Right now I drive an '05 v6 coupe. Based on my research (autotrader.com and KBB), my car is worth almost exactly what I owe on the loan. So, in theory, I can sell it off and effectively break even.

Then, step 2 would be to buy a used car with similar mileage, except with manual tranny and - for good measure - a convertible since it appears to be in my price range (but not entirely necessary). Insurance is roughly the same.

The only downsides I can find are:
- Buying/selling privately is a hassle
- Manual + Convertible seems to be a hard combination to find
- I have to trust a guy I have never met before when he says the car was maintained properly and not abused
- It will suck selling away my car

From your experience, is this just going to lead to a world of anger and frustration? I have a backup car and public transport to hold me over in case there is a lapse between selling and buying. I feel like that episode of Sienfeld where Kramer is trying to figure out how much it would cost to recycle cans in Michigan and he's all obsessed and running all sorts of numbers.

Your thoughts?

 

Do you plan to go to the track? Add a power adder?

If so, keep in mind that most tracks require verts in the 13's (which is easy for us to do with a power adder) to get a roll bar/cage. Thats another 500 bucks.

 

Question - Have you considered just getting a tuner but no intake? The cost would be less than a tuner/CAI combo at $600, and I hear that the tuner alone would be an improvement in performance and create better shifts with the auto. It is a hassle to sell off your own car and buy a used one (but if that's what you want to be happy, then that's ok). There is some comfort to be had by knowing a car's history, and you at least know how well your car has been treated since you bought it. If you decide to proceed, I do recommend the convertibles! Good luck with your decision.

 

Sounds like a hassle but when all is said and done you'll love a vert/manual combo, I know I do!

 

I've thought about hitting the track in the future. As far as power adders, that's probably way down the road. I don't think these cars break into 13's w/o a power adder, so I am comfortable with the roll bar situation.

Yeah, thought about that too.....that would drop things by about $200. Life is just full of pain in the *** decisions.



Thanks for the advice so far.

 

Well, the tune and CAI will cost you $600, but selling your car and buying another will cost you more money in the end as well. If you don't end up liking the CAI and tuner, you can take them off when you sell, and sell them used on this forum. I am sure that combo, used, would bring back $300, so you are really only talking about a $300 risk.

I have an auto vert. It really can't be overstated. The tune really changes the car.

Now, if you just want a vert, which is understandable, then get the vert for the sake of getting a vert. Don't get rid of your car because the trans is soft. That can be fixed for $300, or REALLY fixed for $560 or so (which includes CAI).

So, figure out why you are really selling.....

 

I'd say go for it. If it is what you want, you will definately be happy in the end. They are right that a tuner will make the car perform better and shift better, but honestly I still would find it more fun to drive a stick over an auto. There is just something about shifting yourself that makes the car all that more fun for me. And i also sometimes regret not getting a 'vert. Even if it costs you a few extra pennies, it will make you happy in the end.

 

I had forgotten how much pleasure I derived from really "driving"...

For me that requires a stick... But I acknowledge that traffic in many places makes that chore...

My 85 and I went almost 10 years without driving any significant distance because I was too busy...

Then I cracked and got the '06. I discovered dropping the top entirely is a whole new level of enjoyment...

Regardless of traffic, when I am done getting from here to there, I always feel better than when I started...

Life is short - where possible have as much fun as you can...

 

I might not have been as clear in the original post, I am also looking for the control you get out of the stick as well, so it's not just the slow shifting auto that's making me want drastic changes. But I'm gonna talk to a bunch of people about this over the weekend and get some more opinions. Either way, It's not going to be an impulse decision. I will definitely be posting the results if I make a move.

 

you know 1, 2, and 3 are manual valve bodies right[&:]