Well...
donotgetset said:
I am just having a question and would like an answer.
When a car runs into a trainsmission problem, is it cheaper to fix a standard or an automatic? Also, assuming we have 2 brand new cars, one auto and one standard, which transmission is easier to run into a problem (assuming the driver of the standard and the auto are both good drivers)
...that somewhat depends on your perspective, and what you mean by "problem".
if there is indeed a "problem"...meaning something has occurred that both not routine and renders the car inoperable, the auto is going to be more expensive to fix.
Manual transmissions are pretty straight forward devices, as these things go. Truth be told, there isn't a whole lot to break, unless the tranny is being abused.
Autos are VERY complex devices, and when something goes wrong, it is usually a big, big deal.
This is the thing though....
Things seldom go wrong with modern automatic transmissions. Yes, yes, there was the Chrysler minivan problem a few years back, but that was truly an exception. Plus, the recall covered the repair costs (and yes, if you had to fix it BEFORE the recall came out, but AFTER your warranty had expired you were screwed, but how many people would that have been?).
With manual transmissions however, minor things "go wrong" all the time. Clutches have to be adjusted...and eventually replaced. Beyond that, a manual transmission is VERY MUCH subject to the whims of the person driving the car...menaing that if the driver is very agressive (or has no idea what they are doing), you could burn through a clutch in short order...and repeat a few times in the course of a few years.
In 20 years of car ownership I have NEVER had a problem with an automatic transmission. Never. Change the fluid, change the filter, don't abuse the car, and your automatic should run until the car stops running for some other reason. On the other hand, in that 20 year period I have had...1...2...3...4 sticks. 3 of the 4 eventually need clutch work.
Sticks are more fun to drive, and depending on the type of car, I'd definately get one. But if we are just talking about the family truckster here, get the auto...
The auto must have fluid change a couple times but the standard once should do it.
