Originally Posted By: JOD
JHZR2 asked a question, and that's cool--but I have to wonder if he (or others) are really willing to look objectively at the information that's available.
Things break. I'm not going to buy him a new transmission if his MIL's breaks. But that fact remains that according to all available sources of information in the public domain, the transmission in this car is exceedingly reliable, and there's been zero evidence to suggest otherwise.
The fact the he suggests that he suggests that a manual would be a better choice demonstrates to me that he's not really willing to look objectively at the issue (sorry to talk about you in the 3rd person JHZ, I just didn't want to start another response). There's no way the average life-cycle cost is going to be less in an MT than an AT on this particular vehicle. AT rebuilds are exceedingly rare. MT rebuilds happen with about the same regularity (or more), plus you have the potential for a $1,500 clutch replacement--which, on hilly terrain, is a reality for most drivers at some point, regardless of experience. I say this as a big fan of MT's. As an aside, you can easily add additional gear in the Gen II MT's, which is pretty awesome.
Honda apologist's insight isnt objective data. I have three Honda AT failure stories (one just today) that backed up my claims.
That said, objective data was provided, and it indicates that the CRV AT is not an issue (and that the recall was not particularly relevant).
My inlaws down there have historically driven MT cars down there for lower lifecycle cost and less issues. ATs will boil their fluid down there. Ask me how I know (4 cyl Toyota 4runner puked fluid and stopped in the middle of a big hill, wouldnt move again until it cooled). As an MT fan myself, Im convinced that the lifecycle cost of an MT is lower - from acquisition, to weight/fuel economy, through to the fact that if Im getting 150-200k out of my clutches, the rebuild point is on par with an AT, but FAR cheaper, by $1500-2000+.
MT takes any AT issues out of the picture completely. It also reduces the purchase price. Lots of good reasons to go MT. Plus she would be happy with one. A win for all. It still is a bummer they cant be had with MT, even if the AT is reliable.
But it is great to know that the AT is a non-issue with that model, as it will likely be what she goes for.
Thanks!
