<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">
I also like the manual trans, but didn't want to deal with clutch replacement and cost down the road. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
The following comments are not meant to be hostile, rather they are meant for discussion:
The appeal of a manual transmission is (for me) that it allows the driver to have total control of the engine power band as opposed to the automatic transmission that removes this control from the driver. Some scenarios where this is most desirable is 1) when driving an underpowred vehicle becuase the driver can better manage the power that is available and thus get more out of such a vehicle, and 2) when driving off road, for the same reason. Both of these scenarios apply for the H3. Most automatic shift points are tuned for fuel economy and lowered emissions, and not necessarily to maximize engine power output.
The argument most often given in favor of the automatics is that people say that they get tired of shifting and clutching in traffic (this is my wife's view). I sort of shift in my sleep, and so I can honestly say that I have never enountered a situation where this was a problem. My biggest problem comes when I try to drive an automatic in traffic. I slam the brake pedal to the floor when I automatically push in the clutch pedal that isn't there, thus throwing everyone into the windshield,
, and I often get reprimanded for gropping my passengers when I reach out and grab the non-existant shift lever.
I am dangerous when operating an automatic transmission.
The other argument in favor of an automatic in an off-road vehicle is that this gives you the ability to work the brake and the throttle at the same time. This isn't an issue in a manual trans vehicle because the the heal and toe technique can be used if the pedals are positioned properly. Many of us sports car owners have used the heal and toe technique for years, again without even thinking about it, when downshifting and braking into a corner. All racing drivers use this technique (except F1 where the clutch is computer controlled, and other cars with SMGs).
I don't understand the issue with burning up a clutch. I've owned nothing but manuals (mostly cars but one other 4WD) for 27 years, and I have never burned up or replaced a clutch. I can't imagine an offroad scenario where one would have to slip the clutch so as to burn the thing up, but admittedly I am not an off-road expert.
I would be interested to hear comments from the automatic transmission camp.