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You should try the automatic
Posted by Ned [Email] (more from Ned) on Wed, 2 Oct 2002 16:08:54
In Reply to: I may be forced to try the Aero w/ automatic!, Mike, Wed, 2 Oct 2002 15:23:42
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Mike, I'm with you all the way on your conundrum. I have a 2001 Aero manual, and I wanted the Aero largely because it is one of the only cars in the class with a manual. If I wanted an automatic, I simply would have bought an Acura TL Type-S, which trails the Aero in a few areas, but has that rockin' VTEC V6 plus Honda reliability and build quality. It's also less expensive, so maybe you should try one. It lags the Aero on luxury, design, steering, and "character," although I agree with AutoWeek editors that a screaming Honda VTEC engine has plenty of character. Despite the TL's virtues, I couldn't live without a stick, so I happily bought the Aero.
The downside is that it isn't a great shifter. The clutch is perfect, and throws are light and short, but they are neither clean nor precise, and the shift pattern is a little strange. It doesn't feel robust to me, although I know Saab shifters can last eons. Also, for serious performance driving, second gear is way to tall. It's tough to power out of tight corners in such a tall second, and the turbo lag, though minimal, doesn't help.
So, I think you should try the automatic. Car & Driver reported that it felt quicker than the manual. My understanding is that it has shorter gearing, and as enthusiasts we all (presumably) know the benefits of pairing a turbo engine with an automatic. These factors and the steering wheel shift buttons just might tip the balance in the automatic's favor -- and you don't know how much it pains me to say that.
P.S. One of my friends just bought a 2002 Aero automatic, and I plan to test it soon. I'll provide a full report to those interested.
posted by 147.31...
Posts in this Thread:
- Test drove '03 Aero 5-spd & not sure I liked the manual, Mike, Wed, 2 Oct 2002 10:38:26
- Re: Test drove '03 Aero 5-spd & not sure I liked the manual, Jason, Thu, 3 Oct 2002 00:30:17
- I like it..., MisplacedYankee
, Wed, 2 Oct 2002 23:48:26 - Another (indirect) annoyance with the Aero 5-spd was..., Mike, Wed, 2 Oct 2002 15:17:41
- Shift light, Lou, Wed, 2 Oct 2002 17:15:17
- Have your dealer turn it off at delivery..., b.flippo, Wed, 2 Oct 2002 16:57:57
- Yes, it can be disabled.........., zeke, Wed, 2 Oct 2002 15:33:41
- Shift linkage not 9-5 advantage..., Mike Lynch
, Wed, 2 Oct 2002 15:16:58 - Thanks for the replies, this has left me w/ doubts..., Mike, Wed, 2 Oct 2002 15:13:19
- Re: Test drove '03 Aero 5-spd & not sure I liked the manual, vtrich, Wed, 2 Oct 2002 14:39:57
- Re: Test drove '03 Aero 5-spd & not sure I liked the manual, compaqted, Wed, 2 Oct 2002 14:36:58
- I'm surprised you found it any better than your Accord, Aero'ed, Wed, 2 Oct 2002 13:32:36
- I'd wait for a 6-speed.............., zeke, Wed, 2 Oct 2002 11:23:51
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