RobSheffield Posted August 26, 2007 Share Posted August 26, 2007 Drove an auto Supra for the first time ever yesterday, having always been a manual car type of guy. I have to be honest and say that it was bloody lovely! Little bit confusng with all the different modes etc, and it wasnt my car so i didnt give it any major 'caning' as thats not really fair. It felt so smooth, so well sorted, every gear just fell into place and had me smiling (until i had to put it onto some ramps ) The message im trying to get accross here is that you shouldnt write an auto off as being 'slow' or 'boring' or an 'old mans car' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamesmark Posted August 26, 2007 Share Posted August 26, 2007 I take it that was my ex car? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobSheffield Posted August 26, 2007 Author Share Posted August 26, 2007 Nope, although it did look sparkly leaving my house Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dr_blackman Posted August 26, 2007 Share Posted August 26, 2007 Yep my Supra is my 1st auto, never ever thought i'd own an auto! I do about 80k+ driving for a living so I love jumping in mine, its so relaxing yet still performs like a good-un Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael Posted August 26, 2007 Share Posted August 26, 2007 The message im trying to get accross here is that you shouldnt write an auto off as being 'slow' or 'boring' or an 'old mans car' Really? I might buy one now, thanks People will always slate the auto without experiencing it first hand, can't say it bothers me, I have the smug knowledge that it's a great 'box, it just needs to be a bit stronger. I'm probably one of the minority that doesn't really like the manual gearbox much though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike_Mac Posted August 26, 2007 Share Posted August 26, 2007 First auto for me also and I think unless you're a serious track user then there's no real compromise in power delivery. Plus it makes daily driving in the good old UK much less of a hassle too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedM Posted August 26, 2007 Share Posted August 26, 2007 Welcome to the Supra communities least best kept secret. I'll swap you my auto box for your 6spd and £500 cash. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wez Posted August 26, 2007 Share Posted August 26, 2007 The auto box is very nice, great for commuting Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrickTT Posted August 26, 2007 Share Posted August 26, 2007 I'm looking for the "YOU HAVE SEEN THE LIGHT" smiley. Once you get used to it, i find an auto is much easier to put on ramps etc - just use your left foot to brake. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muffleman Posted August 26, 2007 Share Posted August 26, 2007 The auto is a great box. I remember taking my brother for a spin in my BPU auto, and he at the time worked for mercedes and so had been in mercs, AMGs etc etc. He was VERY impressed with how smooth it was, how quick it changed etc. The manual is good in that it holds the power, but I do find it a little agricultural. Can't have it all ways I spose Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevie Boy Posted August 26, 2007 Share Posted August 26, 2007 Before getting my TT Auto Supe i test drove both Manual and an Auto at former Supra dealer JIC, i think they were called. Driving the manual felt clumsey and was expecting a sluggsih gear change from the Auto, on return from test drive I was sold, I wanted an Auto! Great if you have a lead foot because you can just pin it, and away you go and you can divert all you attention to more important things like the road ahead instead of stirring a 6sp box. That was however at a time when used car value prices on paper indicated Auto models were worth slightly more than a manual At the current state of market people now appear almost unable to give their Auto's away, I guess the manuals are quite rare. Maybe this thread will send those Auto prices through the roof eh! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wrenlea Posted August 26, 2007 Share Posted August 26, 2007 Yep my Supra is my 1st auto, never ever thought i'd own an auto! Same here, I would have bet serious money four years ago that I would "never" have an auto... ever! Having test driven a few manuals I was not convinced I liked the gear box, though I am sure like anything you'd get used to it. I finally test drove an auto and it was SO smooth. Now I have bpu, the engine is much more free running and if you floor the throttle the gear changes are evidenced by mere flicks on the rev counter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lui Posted August 26, 2007 Share Posted August 26, 2007 Funny you saying that last week I had a drive of a manual fun but all I can say is put me in a auto any time Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R Black Posted August 26, 2007 Share Posted August 26, 2007 I don't do track days, so i dont need or want a manual. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wrenlea Posted August 26, 2007 Share Posted August 26, 2007 Before getting my TT Auto Supe i test drove both Manual and an Auto at former Supra dealer JIC, i think they were called. Driving the manual felt clumsey and was expecting a sluggsih gear change from the Auto, on return from test drive I was sold, I wanted an Auto! JIC is where I got mine too, I was impressed by them, sadly I assume they went bust later. My expereinece was the same as yours both there and a week earlier where we tested a couple of manuals in Wiltshire somewhere. I got mine in Sept 04 when did you get yours? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris and Alana Posted August 26, 2007 Share Posted August 26, 2007 Me and my fiance both like the auto box in the supra aswell I used to work in halfrauds (bow head in shame) and have driven a good number of cars and all auto's I drove felt horrible and I thought I would never ever have one but after I took my GZ for a spin I was hooked, I was amazed at how quick the box reacts and although it only has 4 gears (including OD) you would never think it, as it picks up speed so quick and still has a good top end. Some other good points are that you can eat and drink while driving as you have a free left hand (or you can fondle the missus if your so inclined to do so) Like to see you manual boys do that while driving round town. Also if you bugger the auto box you can pick one up for £300 or so, bargain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael Posted August 26, 2007 Share Posted August 26, 2007 JIC is where I got mine too, I was impressed by them, sadly I assume they went bust later. I was under the impression they simply stopped trading due to poor health? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ewen Posted August 26, 2007 Share Posted August 26, 2007 I was under the impression they simply stopped trading due to poor health? Yup, it was either John or Tim I think suffered severe health issues. As a company they were strong I believe, importing all sorts..aluminium, Japanese bathroom equipment and stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ewen Posted August 26, 2007 Share Posted August 26, 2007 For the benefit of those who havent seen it... A critique on the Tiptronic by our lord and master. http://www.supras.co.uk/imports/tiptronic.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ivan Posted August 26, 2007 Share Posted August 26, 2007 Hadn't seen that before Ewen, thanks. Changed your mind yet JB? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gaijin Posted August 26, 2007 Share Posted August 26, 2007 I can honestly say that i have never been in a situation on the road,that the auto couldn't handle with aplomb.Compare in gear times with a manual and an auto in kickdown.OK for the track(how many times a year?) the manual has it.For everyday blasting and burning;an auto.(ps-how much is a conversion?) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobSheffield Posted August 26, 2007 Author Share Posted August 26, 2007 I liked the auto but im glad mine is manual to be honest. I rarely drive in traffic, and just enjoy the manual experience more....agricultural or not Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Branners Posted August 26, 2007 Share Posted August 26, 2007 Hadn't seen that before Ewen, thanks. Changed your mind yet JB? funnily enough I have. I have owned an auto and a manual supra and would swap back to a j-spec auto with no hesitation. The manual is good, but for the rare occassions when you can really use it properly its difficult to justify, especially when I sit in traffic on the M25 knowing I have an auto MR2 that I could use for the same journey. When my UK spec eventually falls apart I will look at a VVTI Tiptronic and BPU it. Reliability and performance in a usable package. so I agree with Rob, the autos really are a great option. JB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ivan Posted August 26, 2007 Share Posted August 26, 2007 Glad to hear it. I made my mind up to get a tiptronic after the mag Supra Thrash article (JTuner or something). ISTR that the one the author "would buy" was a facelift VVTi tiptronic auto so I set my sights on that. Never did get round to test driving a manual either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobSheffield Posted August 26, 2007 Author Share Posted August 26, 2007 I wonder if my opinion would be further skewed if i knew all the various bits and could boot it (as in if it was my own car) Despite it being dry, warm and sunny i was concerned over the kickdown! Now a tiptronic might really change my mind! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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