As a new member, I want to know what my fellow members' transmission preferences are. Basically, I am looking for "kindred spirits" since I am a hard-core stick-shift guy who won't drive anything else unless someone pays me to do it (like a corporate rental car). I am tired of being ridiculed or ignored by car salesmen whenever I am in the market for another Volvo - "You want what????". As far as I know, the only new Volvo you can buy with a stick shift is the S40. It appears that anything above that, including the wagons, are only offered with automatics (or "slushomatics", as one poster called it) in the US (or Canada). I am speculating that Ford had something to do with this, but don't know for sure. Maybe we can all rally toghther and get a movement going to bring back the true Swedish Volvo to the US.

 

I like the manual transmissions so much I converted my Auto to a manual!!

 

How did you do it, which model was it, and approximately how much did it cost?

 

I did it on the Yellow 850 in my Sig pic.
It took me about 12 hours with both cars on lifts.

I got lucky and bought an entire car for $400.00 and swapped everything between both cars.

It is alot harder on the newer cars to do because of the computers.

 

I'm in the "enjoy manual but prefer automatic" camp. I love driving a manual ever now and then and also love the potential longevity of them but when it comes to a daily driver, give me any automatic out there. I'm pretty lazy like that. When I was shopping for a 3/4 ton, the only reason I was considering a Chevrolet is for the Allison which is a fantastic transmission.

 

where is the option for "own an auto and manual but perfer the manual".

 

I love driving a manual car, but commuting makes an auto the only way to fly.
Having said that, I am acquiring parts for a Toyota 5 speed conversion for my wagon. It doesn't see much commuting use any more, so I may as well make it fun!
I didn't vote because I really think a well set up auto is just as nice to own and drive as a manual.

Regards, Andrew.

 

I use my V70 for business (compensated $0.50 per mile). Much as I like manuals, I'm in too much traffic to deal with one.

I guess I'm one of the lucky early P2 owners as my 2002, 130k miles, AW 5 speed auto only has an occasional hiccup.

When I feel the need, I have a 6 speed Corvette to satisfy it ...

 

I thought of that only after I posted the poll. "Own and prefer manual" would cover that category.

 

I enjoy driving a manual but with cell phone, mp3 player, computer, beverage, sun glasses, and other distracted drivers, I'll keep and prefer my auto for safety reasons.