Good for Baja mode to get past the first 2 gears instead of waiting for the 5k shiftReasons to shift up (+) while in Auto:
- None come to mind.
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ThisYou've pretty much got it.
Reasons to shift down (-) while in Auto:
- Descending a hill, and you don't want to ride your brakes. Click down a few gears until you find one that keeps your speed in check. Once the road levels out, it will shift back up to the higher gears on its own.
- Going up a hill, and the engine feels laggy, or keeps hunting for a gear. Downshift until you find a comfortable RPM. Again, after you crest the hill it will automatically upshift.
- You're getting ready to pass somebody, but once you have an opening, you need to GO. Downshift until the RPM is right in the meat of the powerband. As soon as you gas it, it will take off nicely. As you accelerate, it will upshift on its own as necessary. (I find Sport mode very useful here, too)
- You simply want the vehicle to slow with engine braking, rather than just brakes alone. Play around with this. It's fun.
Reasons to shift up (+) while in Auto:
- None come to mind.
Reasons to use Manual mode:
- Any time you simply want to select your own gears, for any reason. The trans will stay in the gear you select (though there may be an automatic upshift if you over-rev, but I've never tried that to find out!). As you said, it's basically a manual without a clutch at this point. This is why a lot of people would prefer paddle shifters, rather than the little switch on the shift lever...
