It's hard to figure maintenance cost without knowing the whole picture. If he's keeping it stock, what exact car it is, what are the driving conditions, all kinds of variables. If I had gotten an auto WRX the maintenance fees would be far less than the manual is, the manual are known eating clutches and kicking the bucket if you even fart in the wrong direction, where as the autos are known to handle 300+whp with zero troubles. With hondas it's hard to call as well. I have two friends with 7 gen V6 6 speeds, one already had the clutch replaced, one is running flawlessly. I have 3 friends with 7gen V6 autos and one of them had to have the tranny replaced at 19k miles. In the long run it's a tossup depending on your driving conditions. My ancient F350 TD has 180K miles on the dial and the tranny is still in great shape(even though the body is ready to fall apart), although I did change the TC, but that was for a higher stall and not due to troubles. My dad's commuter box is an old 280zxT that he keeps in pristine shape, He goes through turbos more than clutches.

In the end it's really hard to say which is better from a TCO(total cost of ownership) standpoint, so it does come down to preference of driving.

 

I agree, I said the exact same thing in my post. IMO, it's all even in the end - but sometimes it depends on the car.

 

how about the 5th gen V6 auto transmission? are they as good compare to the 4cyl auto? i only seen v6 5th gen on the road. i have a 1996ex auto super slow compare to any 5th gen manual. I already can tell somewhere n the 100+k miles i will need a new transmission. i have 86k right now. my friends manual same car but coupe had 87k miles and the transmission just quit one day. $2000 for a new one.

To answer the main question i would say if u dont care about power then u should go with the auto. but either way if u are the first owner and u can drive a manual good then i dont see the diff between auto or manual other than power.

 

If you buying new, or late model used, get a extended warranty
(best bet if you stick with Honda is HondaCare). Worth every penny
if you worried about the tranny, or anything else major for that matter.

 

manual because id never buy an auto for a honda...too many potential problems

 

Personally I now go auto. I get al the fun I need on my GSX-R1000. For driving in stop and go traffic as I do a lot, a stick sucks!

 

manual all the way man! more control and more fun

 

If you're talking about a 6th Gen Accord, by ALL MEANS go manual. The auto transmission in those cars has to be THE WORST tranny I've ever had the displeasure of driving. Don't get me wrong, I love every other thing about this car - Honda just fucked up the transmission BIG time IMO. It's the car's achilles' heel. It meanders and downshifts too soon, and just basically acts like it doesn't know what gear you're trying to use. Many other car reviews have said the same thing, so it's not just me. I like the concept of the Vtec engine, and it performs like it should, but that god awful auto transmission they pair it with stifles any noticable performance you could draw from it.

I *really* dig how when you let off the gas you lunge forward as the transmission downshifts! You don't even have to brake. Yeah, that's a GREAT design!

The newer models got it right (although the steering's a big flighty and fades easily), but if you're looking at a '99-2002(3?) Accords, stay the HELL away from the auto transmissions.

FWIW, mine had to be replaced at 30,000 miles because of a recall since they were burning up the 2nd gear. The replacement doesn't have this issue but still sucks an equal amount of ass performance-wise.

 

Well clearly you've never driven any older cars or cheap korean cars with automatics...

Car and Driver said that the 6th gen V6's automatic shifted flawlessly and was nearly telepathic. I had no problem with my original 98 until it died or my slightly used 2000...you have to treat them well and they'll perform fine. Unlike most other auto trannies, it's extremely easy to pick shift points based on throttle.

 

They aren't that great. My S600 shifts like a dream compared to what my AV6 did, you can't even tell it shifts unless you put the pedal to the floor and the 365 cubic inches of V12 love comes to life and makes that sucker move, although not quite like the late model 600s, but it still scoots. At about 60k miles it shifts better than my AV6 did when it was brand new, although my benz did cost as much buying it at 8 years old as my accord was new. I know 3 people personally(many many more via the web) that have had problems with their 6G AV6 tranny, one of my friends had his replaced twice with under 70k miles on the clock, and is now driving a maxima in the same conditions with 80k miles on it now without a hint of trouble, and MUCH smoother off throttle shifts. If you're doing nothing but highway driving, the AV6 tranny might live well, but under harsh conditions, like a stop and go commute through the hills of San Fran, they aren't the best around. The 7G V6 5 speed auto is a step in the direction, but still nothing like a real luxury or sport oriented tranny. It's a decent median, but they really aren't the best around. Go drive a Camry or Maxima and see the difference.