Automatic or Manual, that is the question.

Ok, I know this is kind of a drivetrain question but its not a technical question. I just want everyones opionions on whether the automatic is worth the extra $1000 or not. I've been driving a manual since my first truck and don't really mind it. An automatic would be nice so the fiancee could drive it if needed. I'm know I'm getting a 02' SE S/C 4x4 but can't decide if the auto's worth the extra buxs.. How does everyone like their autos and manuals? Smooth shifting? durable? How are the shift points in the autos?

Thanks,
Richard

If I could do it again, I would get a stick. Much more fun.

No complaint at all with the auto in my book, as long as you understand the OverDrive Off button, when you should use it, and what it can do for you.
It's handy for extra engine braking when traffic begins to slow ahead of you, and for extra kick when you're trying to merge or pass. That's what it can do for you.
Using it when climbing grades, towing, and other times when the engine is under load for more than a brief period will go a long way towards taking care of the tranny by keeping the temp down due to the torque converter being unlocked.

I tried to persuade my wife to go for a manual, but she's never driven one and has no intention of it, so we got an auto. I was disappointed, but I've come to appreciate it, especially off-road. No worries trying to finesse the clutch between stalling and spinning the tires, though I wouldn't mind the extra engine braking that the manual has downhill.

Brent

I don't know about the '02s, but the '00 and '01s have a maximum (rated) towing capacity of 3500 lbs for the manual, and 5000 lbs for the automatic. If you're going to do any towing, I'd get the automatic.

In hindsight I would get an auto if you are planning on a lot of off-roading. The Xterra clutch is still a weak point in my opinion. Yeah, you'll have to brake a lot more going downhill, but not smoking your clutch on hard obstacles might be worth it. if I was buying just for going to the snow-mountain and easy trails then I would always get a 5-spd having grown up on the things.

Originally posted by Schludwiller
In hindsight I would get an auto if you are planning on a lot of off-roading. The Xterra clutch is still a weak point in my opinion. Yeah, you'll have to brake a lot more going downhill, but not smoking your clutch on hard obstacles might be worth it. if I was buying just for going to the snow-mountain and easy trails then I would always get a 5-spd having grown up on the things.

Ditto to that!

If I were to do it again I'd probably get an automatic too. I normally despise automatics, but the reality is that the manual transmission in the Xterra isn't the greatest to begin with and has a POS clutch. Like Schlud noted, it won't hold worth a damn offroad when you really need it, and the action is poor. Of course I also spend a lot of time sitting in traffic and working the clutch on the X is a royal PITA (actually, PITF - Pain in the foot); especially since the pedal sticks out so far from the foot well.

I like everything about the 5-speed besides the weak clutch. If I had to purchase agin, I would still get the manual tranny simply because I despise auto transmissions.

I wanted the manual, but got the auto as part of a compromize with the wife. No problems with it so far at 67,000 miles. I drain and refill the transmission fluid quite often to keep it fresh.

Lower transfer case gears would probably help with the clutch problems, as you wouldn't have to ride the clutch as much during steep climbs. I have the same problem with my CJ5 after putting 35's on it. Of course, I know that is an expensive option.

Does anybody make an aftermarket clutch for the Xterra? Centerforce comes to mind.

Yes, Centerforce has one, but it's probably not what you're looking for. I believe it's designed to clamp harder as the revs go up, not exactly much benefit for 'wheeling.

Hmm, actually, they say that their II and Dual-Friction models are suitable/capable for 4WD and off-road use:
http://www.centerforce.com/generalinfo.htm

For whatever reason, Mike/Philosopher decided it wasn't worth it when he had his replaced. Ian/XOC has been through a few as well, still went back to stock.

Brent

Get the auto. It's got plenty of pickup. I've always driven 5 speeds until now, and love having an auto.

From what I've read, Centerforce clutches have springs that are prone to pop out of the disc. I've read this a couple places, but can't remember where I saw it. This is also what a Nissan Master Tech posted over on NOR, he said stay away from them, advising Nissan Motorsports should be the first place to look for a clutch. When it comes time to replace mine, I'll probably go with a stock replacement, I don't know how Centerforce could stay in business though if they are as bad as some people say...go figure?

As far as the debate goes, I'd go with a manual again as I too hate having an auto and the manual gives you slightly better braking down steep descents. T-case gears would definetly help though.

Dog

Im happy to drive both but I went with the auto. I like manual in a vehicle with a lot of kick. The XTerra doesnt have that so working the gears in traffic doesnt get me excited.
I like the hands-free aspect and my Fiance can drive it easily.

The auto performs just fine off-road in all sorts of conditions just dont be afraid to work the settings and overdrive.

Also, I would imagine getting a manual SC wouldnt be that easy...

I checked stock (online and called) on Green XTerras when I bought mine and when i saw there werent any I went in and paid for one under the condition that it would be there within 12 hours to pick up or no deal. I paid for a manual.
They didnt have one near enough (after we made the deal) and tried to get me to change colou but I said "no."
They ended up bringing me my Canadian Edition Alpine Green down from Vancouver that day..... It had an auto tranny:D

That salesman will think twice before he decides someones a chump instead of just acting stupid.... I also got a free 6 Disc CD changer for my "inconvenience".......

I chose auto because my left leg was becoming noticably larger due to the clutch workout while sitting in DC traffic :P. I havent really pushed it off-road yet but so far I cant complain about the auto in the X.

-Earl

I was attracted to the extra towing capacity! If it can haul more, there more torque applied to the ground! I can't explain it, seems to me the manual should be more bullet proof, but who knows. I have towed several loads close to the 5000 pound limit, OD off of course and had no trouble. I do notice the trailer shift more in the X than did in my full size GMC though.

My experience off-road in the Manual vs Auto thing has not been in favor of manuals. On every southeastern rock-crawling event I have been on manuals have been at a disadvantage. Now before anyone rips me a new @#$, hear me out. Most of our off-roading is on mud-covered rocks. Unless the manual driver is an exceptional driver, all I ever smell on the trail with them is burning clutches. The bad thing about that is if a manual is burning clutches at that rate, the manual driver is wasting as much power as is being sucked up by the auto slush box.

The other plus to the auto is the ability to ease into an obstacle without having to milk the clutch. A good clutch driver can reduce this problem susbstantially. But without that ability, it usually results in the spinning of tires and the old sideways slide off of a mud-covered obstacle.

The advantage manuals do have is the ability to choose which gear they want to run in. Without a manual valve body available for Nissans, autos will never have this option. This is especially handy in low range. You also have improved gear reduction usually with a lower first gear.

Experience for me has told me I prefer the auto to the manual for those reasons. I know there are those who will dispute it, but it really is a matter of choice and driving experiences.

Originally posted by warmonger

The advantage manuals do have is the ability to choose which gear they want to run in. Without a manual valve body available for Nissans, autos will never have this option.


On my Auto I have the ability to select either 1st or 2nd gear. These are the most common gears used in a Manual on the trail, so I don't really see that as an advantage to the manual.

I had a auto in my Pathy I got got rid of and now have a 02 SE/SC with the five speed and really like it. I did not feel the auto was worth the extra $1,000. I just got back from a weekend of off roading and it was fine for the kind of driving I do. I also do not have to do a lot of sity comuting either. Here in ST.Louis hoverever, 5 speeds are hard to find.

1st and 2nd on an auto is a little different to a manual. You do not get the same control over the gears as you dont have a clutch etc.. Its a little apt to "ranginess" too.. Since the low end gearing in Low 4 sucks as it is anemic I dont see the point in getting a manual for wheelin' specifically. The auto does the job just fine and a lot more conveniently. If the trim package you want comes with a manual or you wanna save the $$ then it is a good idea. Performance wise I dont see the point.

Originally posted by Toy4x4Guy


On my Auto I have the ability to select either 1st or 2nd gear. These are the most common gears used in a Manual on the trail, so I don't really see that as an advantage to the manual.

Actually you don't. If you put an X into second gear, it will shift through first and then to 2nd. You can't put the truck in second gear and do a second gear start. It requires a manual valve body to do that. It really limits gear choice in an auto. Try it sometime, you will see what I mean. That is the primary disadvantage to an automatic besides the reduced compression braking.

Originally posted by warmonger


Actually you don't. If you put an X into second gear, it will shift through first and then to 2nd. You can't put the truck in second gear and do a second gear start. It requires a manual valve body to do that. It really limits gear choice in an auto. Try it sometime, you will see what I mean. That is the primary disadvantage to an automatic besides the reduced compression braking.

That is true. I had forgotten about it shifting.

Autos are easier to drive on or off road. I simply like to choose my gears.

I have never owned an automatic!!! But if I did I would want some sort of Tiptronic like Porsche or Ferrari has, (and I don't know who else nowadays makes one?)! Those were fun to test drive! Just like a manual but no clutch!