As you can see it really depends on the level of traffic you drive through on a daily basis. If you're drive is light in traffic than it wouldn't be a problem, but if you sit in traffic for long periods of time than it's a pain in the ass. I've done both and have had both types of commutes. I always preferred my auto in daily use, much simpler and you have less frustration than you would with a manual. Driving a manual is much more enjoyable in the right situations though, and considering the GTI you mentioned I would assume you're getting that vehicle with that purpose in mind. I wouldn't have traffic dictate what I drive though. Get the vehicle you want and just deal with the circumstances that comes with it. I would much rather drive a vehicle that brings enjoyment to me than one that is solely used as an appliance to get you from point A go point B.
I've driven standard in cities with horrible traffic (Karachi, San Francisco, Boston) and then automatic in comparable cars for the same commute. The difference was huge. In Houston, I have standard in my motorcycles, and those I only ride on weekends and when there are few drivers on the road. For a daily driver, I would not want standard especially in a bad-traffic city like Houston - although the lack of hills is a godsend. Although people are correct in that it will become second-nature, that's actually your brain 'tuning out' the hassle in order to cope. The stress builds in the background, but you don't notice it. It's like having a month where you only get little sleep. True, you can make it with coffee and staying focused, but overall it starts to grind you down. With a full night sleep, you only appreciate it truly after that bad month. Get an automatic for the daily driver and save the standard for the weekend sports car.
The GTi is my favorite car, ever, and a lot of modern GTi enthusiasts poo-poo buyers purchasing the manual because the computer behind that automatic transmission is quicker than us silly humans will ever be. Still, how can you buy a GTi without a stick? Another quibble -- the paddle shifters on the automatic move with the steering wheel instead of staying in the same space, a pain in the ass when you're down-shifting and working corners. Not to say that driving the automatic in manual mode isn't a blast, it is, that part of it is just a little annoying.
This. I drove a manual for 5 years, and I really miss it. Working the clutch in traffic didn't bother me. Being in traffic bothers me regardless, so my transmission type wasn't a factor there. In the end, it's all going to depend on you as an individual. I prefer being more focused on driving and a manual helped keep my attention on the road. Plus, I just find it to be cooler in general
I had a 5 speed manual in my Accord that I drove in Houston for 3 years, no problem. The only time it sucked was the 3 months I spent commuting downtown from Friendswood. Occasionally, I'd get stuck in bumper to bumper traffic and my left leg would get worn out when forced to stop-and-go for more than half an hour.
Completely disagree. My brain doesn't need to cope to drive a stick, it's a ridiculously easy maneuver. I certainly think some people can't multi task either efficiently or at all and that's probably the people who are thinking that houston traffic and a stick is some kind of issue. I do agree that it would be more of a hassle in a hilly environment.
I can hardly mix a drink while driving an automatic, much less control the wheel AND stick with my knees.
I've been driving manual for 5 years now and I second everyone who says it is fun to drive but when ONLY when there's no traffic. Trust me it gets very tiresome after a while, I'm finally getting a new car in couple of weeks and definitely switching back to automatic.
Don't understand what the big deal is. Drove manual for 20 years in Austin and Houston. The only reasons why I buy autos now are because I have kids and family friendly cars don't come in manual. When you have kids, you need that extra hand free sometimes.
I have a Mini Cooper in manual. I love it. Yes, when you get in bad bumper-to-bumper traffic, it can be a little tiring. But, the rest of the time, it's a lot more fun that an automatic. In an automatic, I'm simply commuting; I arrive places to realize I don't remember the trip over. But with a manual, I'm more actively engaged in the driving. Plus, for the rest of the world, Americans driving automatic is just another manifestation of our self-indulgence, sloth, and softness. We'll spend more money (upfront, on repair, and in gas mileage) so that our left legs can sit idle and so we can use our right hands to eat. Elsewhere, automatics are for the handicapped. For the sake of our reputation in the world, more Americans should drive stick.
