Why do few people regret buying manual transmission cars, while so many regret buying automatic transmission cars?

Owner 1:

Although manual transmission cars are known for their reliability and low maintenance costs, their inconveniences have become increasingly apparent in modern life, and the joy of driving them has faded. Automatic transmission cars are favored for their convenience, but their inconsistent quality has left some consumers with regrets.

In the current market, manual transmission models are becoming rare, especially among mid-level and higher sedans. Automatic transmission cars, on the other hand, have made significant progress in quality and fuel efficiency. When purchasing a car, I lean toward automatics for their practicality. There are various types of transmissions, each with its own strengths: CVTs are smooth and jerk-free but have limited torque; dual-clutch transmissions are efficient and fuel-saving but lack smoothness and durability in congested traffic; ATs are reliable but come with higher costs and maintenance expenses.

The decision should be based on personal needs. If roads are clear and you prioritize driving pleasure or economy, a manual is still a good choice. Despite declining market share, manual transmission cars won’t disappear—their advantages in specific scenarios remain undeniable.

Overall, I tend to recommend automatic transmission cars, but dual-clutch transmissions should be chosen with caution. When buying a car, always make a wise decision based on your personal needs and preferences.

Owner 2:

When it comes to driving, what I pursue is the sense of control. When I need third gear, it never drops to second; when overtaking from a standstill, a manual transmission easily outperforms an automatic of the same displacement—that sense of safety and confidence is something an automatic might not provide. If city traffic is unbearably congested, wouldn’t walking, an e-bike, or public transport be more comfortable? As for fatigue in traffic jams, that’s just an excuse for lack of skill.

Some mock manual transmission buyers for being poor, which is truly displeasing. More importantly, driving concerns family safety—every trip demands caution. I can handle both manuals and automatics, but some are limited to automatics and are helpless with manuals.

Nowadays, car manufacturers and 4S shops aggressively push automatics to cater to the market, making manuals seem like a low-end choice. But this trend is just a profit-driven illusion. Some brands even produce knockoff models to feed consumer vanity. In truth, whether manual or automatic, the best choice is the one that suits you.

Once, manuals were praised for being fuel-efficient, economical, easy to repair, and full of driving fun. But in today’s congested cities—like Shanghai’s "brutal" traffic—the joy of manuals has been worn away by constant clutch work. Meanwhile, automatic transmissions with simulated gears let us reclaim a bit of that fun in busy driving.

Owner 3:

Times have changed, and traffic congestion is now the norm, while fuel consumption concerns have diminished. Automatic transmission technology has matured, while manual models have grown scarce.

In transmissions, manuals have evolved to 6MT, while automatics include mainstream types like CVT, DCT, and AT, with AMT nearly extinct. Hybrid transmissions hold great future potential. Manuals were once mandatory for driver’s licenses, but now automatic learners are increasing. Manual shifting requires precise coordination of clutch, throttle, and timing—fuel-efficient and smooth once mastered. Their simple structure means low failure rates and repair costs, but operation is cumbersome, prone to errors in emergencies, and exhausting in traffic. As engine torque improves, fewer models are paired with manuals.

Times change, and so do driving needs. The choice of transmission should depend on personal preference and actual road conditions.

Owner 4:

We seasoned drivers know—just look at today’s sales figures—automatics absolutely dominate manuals! Those old tales about manuals being quicker off the line are outdated. Let’s be real: there’s no such thing as a sluggish car, only sluggish drivers. With an automatic, you still need to understand RPMs and press the throttle at the right moment—then gear shifts can be as smooth as a manual. Try it, and you’ll see automatics can accelerate even faster! Those still hung up on manuals vs. automatics really need to rethink.