People with Automatic Trannsmission...

[btacular]

Hi, I was wondering if you guys use the "manual" mode if you have the automatic transmission. If you do, under what circumstances do you use it.

[NetRage]

I use it all the time. You have more control. I only use auto in stop and go traffic condition.

[btacular]

cool... any tips you can give me would be appreciated. I've never driven manual before.

[howdy]

Hi,

I use the manual mode every once in awhile. Mostly when I need a quicker getaway to pass an 18-wheeler or slower vehicle in front of me.

For example, the other night I'm on the highway approaching an interchange to another highway. This particular exchange in a long then fairly abrupt right turn to get onto the next 1/8-mile approach. I was behind an older Mazda 323, I believe, and an 18-wheeler. The truck was slowing everybody since we're going slightly uphill. So, I go into manual mode and check my RPM was low but the 3 still was in 4. So, I downshifted into 3 and cruised until we're up on the next stretch of highway, my revs were still low so I downshifted once more into 2. A sudden push to the backseat and I'm closing in fast to the car and truck in front, I check the mirrors, no traffic so I push out to the left lane. My RPMs rocket toward redline, I shift up to 3. The car and truck are now in my rearview mirror as I hear the engine wind up in 3. Finally I shift back up to 4 and signal out of the passing lane. Man, that was fun!

And my experience is that I don't normally use the manual mode during stoplight to stoplight. I just like to step and go. YMMV.

[btacular]

cool

[jblmz3]

I also have an automatic in my 5door 3S. I use the manual sportronic option whenever I am entering the freeway, or when I need a little extra zip to pass. It is a pretty idiot safe transmission. If you put it into manual and forget, it will take over and automatically shift. I limits the rpm ranges for each gear so you there is less of a risk to burn out the AT.

[Slalom]

Originally posted by jblmz3@Mar 11 2004, 10:01 PM
I also have an automatic in my 5door 3S. I use the manual sportronic option whenever I am entering the freeway, or when I need a little extra zip to pass. It is a pretty idiot safe transmission. If you put it into manual and forget, it will take over and automatically shift. I limits the rpm ranges for each gear so you there is less of a risk to burn out the AT.

it won't automatically shift up if you have it in manual mode... go ahead and try, its fun bouncing the engine off the rev limiter!

the manual mode will only downshift itself...

[04mazdathree]

i have a 2.3 mazda3 sedan and i use the manual mode all the time. espacially when i want to show off my custom exhaust. (the backfire) **** it sounds good. but n e ways i also had never really driven stick be4 this but like the other guy said it is pretty idiot proof as long as u know the basic concept u will do fine.

[Siphen]

Just stopped in to taunt the people with auto trans.

:P
I got a 5-Speed!! (quickly runs and hides)


j/k

[SED]

Auto on Mazda3 is pretty good. The ratios are quick and sporty. However, when you need a boost, use the manual. If you're cruising don't bother. Sometimes I am using manual just to faster shift into second gear (you know it requires more RPMs to do it in auto). It is one of the best AUTO I've ever driven.