Automatic Vs Manual

[nesuahgirmoh]

I have a 22 Black Diamond 7mt, would not have it any other way. With the caveat that I did have to have the trans replaced due to the issue with a certain run of 7mts that had that synchro scraping issue, since then it's been amazing, on road and off. I learned to drive and spent decades behind manual transmissions - it's where I'm comfortable and I acknowledge that bias within myself. I agree with the pro-points already made in this thread, but in an attempt to add a new perspective to the thread, I will add this little anecdote:

About a year ago I (stupidly) left my key in the bronco during what I expected to be a relatively short visit with family that ended up being an all-nighter. I had a bad habit of tossing my keys in the footwell and just leaving them there for weeks - too trusting of the world I suppose. During the night, the car was "broken" into (nothing broken, they just opened the door because I'm an idiot), and a lot of stuff was taken. Among the removed items were a few laptops and other valuables; in order to file a claim my insurance required me to file report with the local pd, which I wouldn't have done otherwise mainly because I didn't want to have to tell anyone how dumb I'd been. Long story longer, the responding officer was absolutely convinced that the only reason the truck itself wasn't stolen was because it was a manual and the offending parties likely did not know their way around a third pedal. It had never crossed my mind before that point, but that little extra bit of theft deterrent likely saved me a much larger headache.

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[ctskier]

I have a 22 Black Diamond 7mt, would not have it any other way. With the caveat that I did have to have the trans replaced due to the issue with a certain run of 7mts that had that synchro scraping issue, since then it's been amazing, on road and off. I learned to drive and spent decades behind manual transmissions - it's where I'm comfortable and I acknowledge that bias within myself. I agree with the pro-points already made in this thread, but in an attempt to add a new perspective to the thread, I will add this little anecdote:

About a year ago I (stupidly) left my key in the bronco during what I expected to be a relatively short visit with family that ended up being an all-nighter. I had a bad habit of tossing my keys in the footwell and just leaving them there for weeks - too trusting of the world I suppose. During the night, the car was "broken" into (nothing broken, they just opened the door because I'm an idiot), and a lot of stuff was taken. Among the removed items were a few laptops and other valuables; in order to file a claim my insurance required me to file report with the local pd, which I wouldn't have done otherwise mainly because I didn't want to have to tell anyone how dumb I'd been. Long story longer, the responding officer was absolutely convinced that the only reason the truck itself wasn't stolen was because it was a manual and the offending parties likely did not know their way around a third pedal. It had never crossed my mind before that point, but that little extra bit of theft deterrent likely saved me a much larger headache.

Best theft detection on the planet. Also the best way to avoid valet parking. Simply roll down window and say it's a stick and watch them run

 

[Lujess]

Manuals will be gone soon...so there's that. By the time I buy another new car, they will be

I have double replacement knees and crappy ankles....the manual (2-door Badlands) has been quite enjoyable. My last 2 DD cars were manual VW Golf Rs. The Bronco manual is slightly smoother and the clutch is more forgiving than either my '12R or '22R. The manual paired with the 2.3L is a nice combo - not going to win any drag races....but it's completely fine for the acceleration needs of the vast majority of daily driving.

Definitely agree to test drive one if you can.....try to find a used one at a local dealer, much more likely to get a test drive.

In the end it's a a heavy truck - given your personal driving preferences/style and expected usage, only you can decide what you want

 

[Syringe]

This manual transmission really is good, or maybe I got lucky!

Was going to order in '23, but when the manual option was gone from the order banks, I waited until I could order a '24 with it, and am very glad I did. It suits the character of the Bronco well, and the terrain here also, as we get a lot of snow. Being able to choose and hold a gear and keep your wheel speed up a bit [not impossible on an auto, I know] is a big advantage. Same for mud. I also really like the clutch feel and smooth uptake.

My Dad has a '23 Wildtrak 2-dr that I drive some, and I don't enjoy that auto very much. It is definitely better after the Ford Performance tune, which recalibrates shifting as well, but seems to hunt gears around town speeds, and at times doesn't kick down when you need it offroad. Or, you end up giving it more throttle than you need, and the kickdown is more aggressive than you intended.

Yes, I know about manual shifting, but sometimes the situation develops unexpectedly. Either way, its not particularly smooth. Possibly a real advantage to the auto is if you tow, then the highway speed maintenance up and down hills that require a downshift is easier than if using the manual.

 

[Oldhippie]

I am kind of surprised buy all the folks saying they have more control with the manual because they can choose the gear they want…do they not realize they can do the same thing with an automatic? I use the ”manual” buttons a lot (wish it had paddles) and they work very well while keeping all the advantages of the automatic…
ps; just drove my model A (I love that thing) in stop and go up hill for about 20 minutes coming home from Big Sur and it sucked…

 

[EasternSierra]

I am kind of surprised buy all the folks saying they have more control with the manual because they can choose the gear they want…do they not realize they can do the same thing with an automatic? I use the ”manual” buttons a lot (wish it had paddles) and they work very well while keeping all the advantages of the automatic…
ps; just drove my model A (I love that thing) in stop and go up hill for about 20 minutes coming home from Big Sur and it sucked…

My Ford Transit Connect minivan has an auto with the same controls. Yes, you can choose your gear, but personally I find it's unsatisfying and for me it doesn't compare to a manual. There's still a torque converter in the drivetrain rather than direct drive.

Of course this is very much a matter of personal preference. A manual is the single biggest reason why I'm going to get either a Bronco or a Tacoma when I finally buy later this year.

 

[ctskier]

Telling me paddle shifters is just like a manual is like kissing your cousin IMHO.

 

[CalvinT]

Paddle shifters have their advantages. For one thing you don't have to let go of the steering wheel. Very good for road racers. But for my uses, I still prefer a manual because there is no torque converter.

 

[Oldhippie]

You guys know modern automatics have lock up converters so that is really a nonissue until slow speeds… but I get it…ya want what ya want…even Ferrari folks with dual clutch manuals are upset because there is no clutch pedal or shift lever…

 

[Tricky Mike]

The manuals seem to have the most problems with the typical synchro ring noise, the 10 speeds are pretty much flawless.
But at the end of the day it really just depends on which one you’d prefer. Neither one are necessarily bad.

Have you seen or heard of any CDF drum failures in the Bronco?

 

[Ducati1098]

Have you seen or heard of any CDF drum failures in the Bronco?

Nope. According to Ford the 10R60 isn’t affected by the CDF issue. I’ve also never seen it happen in any 10R60’s either.

 

[Tricky Mike]

Nope. According to Ford the 10R60 isn’t affected by the CDF issue. I’ve also never seen it happen in any 10R60’s either.

How ironic for those clamoring for the "better" 10R80.

 

[Ducati1098]

How ironic for those clamoring for the "better" 10R80.

Right. Everyone assumes bigger is better, but in this case it never was.

 

[Dontc4re]

Listing to your original post I feel MT is not for you. And maybe a Bronco is not for you.This vehicle is more a hobby than a vehicle. It is so much fun tinkering and tuning to make Fords pile of Legos and office supplies you’re own. If you’re concerned with MPG and reliability you might want to re think joining the fold.

 

[CalvinT]

Listing to your original post I feel MT is not for you. And maybe a Bronco is not for you.This vehicle is more a hobby than a vehicle. It is so much fun tinkering and tuning to make Fords pile of Legos and office supplies you’re own. If you’re concerned with MPG and reliability you might want to re think joining the fold.

I tend to agree. You don't really need a two speed transfer case for snow unless you're off road. OP said they're not that interested in modding or off-road.

Maybe they should consider a Subaru Outback or Forester? Subarus are noted for doing well in snow.

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