7-speed auto transmission in "manual mode"- Do you like/use it?

[CDNicecube]

Hi there

A newbie here. I would like to tap into the collective wisdom of all you folks. I am interested in purchasing an EX35 (yes I know, this is the G forum). However, in 2011, the EX35 comes with the 7-speed transmission (confirmed by my dealer). I think it is the same 7-speed AT as you folks have been enjoying for a while. My questions to you is do you enjoy it More specifically, when you "manually" to through the gears, do you find that you have to shift "rapidely" through all these gears? I mean, with 7 gears, are you constantly shifting gears until you are up to speed? How fun is that compared to doing the same with, say, the EX35 current 5-speed AT? Any insights on the 7-speed AT in both the full auto or the manual mode?

I am really debating if I should wait for the 7-speed 2011 model or try to get a less expensive 5-speed AT?

Thanks again

Ice

[pippen99]

I have a 2010 FX35 with the 7 speed transmission. I came out of a 08 G37 coupe 5AT which I only occasionaly shifted manually. I only found the manual mode useful when in a playful mood. I did drive one week using only the manual shift mode and my mpg drop by 2mpg. As for the FX in 3 months of ownership I have never used manual mode and doubt I ever will. It's a 2 ton SUV nuff said

[timmy0257]

altought my 08 g35 has the 5at, i drive my car in Sport mode mostly. I find it stays in the powerband a bit longer and is better for my quasi-aggressive driving. i do not use the sport shifting unless i get angry at an oblivious driver and want to fly past them.
i would not buy the '11 just for the 7at.

any other features the new model offers that the '10 does not?

[CDNicecube]

Thanks Timmy. The only benefit from the new 7at is, I was told, better fuel mileage by 1 liter/100KM in both city and highway driving (I am in Canada) and lower RPM at highway speed. That is 2.35 miles per gallon improvement using a conversion calculator. Is that worth it?

[timmy0257]

Thanks Timmy. The only benefit from the new 7at is, I was told, better fuel mileage by 1 liter/100KM in both city and highway driving (I am in Canada) and lower RPM at highway speed. That is 2.35 miles per gallon improvement using a conversion calculator. Is that worth it?

what are the other benefits of going with the new year model?

what type of driving habits do you have?

there are alot of knowledgeable people on here that know much more than i. wait for their two cents also.

[joe603]

Its a great transmission, a definite improvement over the 5AT. I use manual mode occasionally when I want to do some "spirited" driving

[Garz]

From what I gathered in my research between the two, the only benefit of the 7 speed transmission was maybe improved gas mileage. Some chalked it up to marketing. I guess unless you have drivin both, that would be the only way to know. A big improvement over the 5at? I would like to hear more people who have driven both (for a good amount of time) and get their opinion. I rarely use manual, but it is nice to keep in high rpm range for quick blasts.

[CDNicecube]

Good discussion. Any more opinions? You see my main dilemma is to purchase a 2010 EX with the 5AT at much reduce cost or a 2011 with 7AT but at a much higher price... decision, decisions....

Ice

[audtatious]

More gears, a tad faster in the 1/4 mile in comparison to the 5AT. Otherwise, just as stable as the 5AT which is also a good transmission. 5AT vs 7AT won't really make a difference in used vehicle value in the future so it's up to you whether you want the 2010 or the 2011 from a financial perspective, IMO.

[kmckis1029]

i came from the 2005 g35x (5spAuto) to the 2010 g37x(7spAuto)... i use manual mode about 60% of my driving in both cars... the 2 extra gears make the g37 feel much faster and is a good improvment on highway milage. Shifting through the two extra gears does not seem cumbersome in manual mode like i thought it was going to be. The 7sp in auto mode sometimes "thinks" too much at lower speeds, with minum trottle. But with that said the 5sp did the same sometimes, but way less than the 7 sp. I'd choose the 7sp over the 5sp anyday after driving and tracking both.

but you talking about an SUV... so the only benifit i really see for you with the 7sp is better highway milage.