Auto VS Manual longevity

[wpurple]

Your opinions please,
I know that 95% of all X's are auto's and a manual transmission's life is mostly based upon driver input, but setting those facts aside, what is the most reliable?

 

[DeagleDave]

well i got 135k out of my manual before it blew up. but i believe that was do to the little rubber plugs, which at that time i knew nothing about. had it not been for that it would still be running strong. i think if you know about the little quirks with the manual it will outlast the engine.

 

[InspectoRob]

I have a 94 with a manual - Mazda 5speed, with 165K on it. I recently started having trouble with it going into gear once warmed up. I bled the clutch and it is now smooth again! When I purchased the X with 155K (with new engine) I changed the trans fluid. It was thick, black and smelled like dead fish! The magnetic plug was covered with a good handful of metal shavings and even a little metal bracket!?? I haven't had trouble with this tranny except as stated above. With all the trouble stories about Ford explorers with auto, I am glad to have the 5 speed!
My point: If you do not mind shifting (I love it) I would recommend manual over the auto.

 

[leenjen]

i have about 166K on my manual. it's still the original stock clutch. i have been very hard on it. my friends always want me to make the tires smoke. and some of the trails around here are very steep, so a lot of riding the clutch. before i do some performance mods, i plan on upgrading to a CF dual friction clutch. it's rated to handle something like 70%-90% more power than stock. sounds good to me since the stock clutch has held up so well. even with all the abuse it still works great. but obviously with so many miles it doesnt bite as hard as it used to.