Worth It?

[shar350z]

In about a month or so my dad is going to purchase the 09 Corolla XRS with automatic transmission. Personally I drive an ancient 1997 Pontiac grand am, so I was pretty excited to hear he was interested in the sporty 158 horsepower XRS.

But sadly he is really set on the automatic transmission despite my efforts to convince him otherwise.

Now my question to you guys would be whether or not it's worth investing some of my money into upgrading the XRS performance wise, cold air intake, etc.. Alot of my friends say it's not worth it because of the automatic transmission. But I'd prefer a more experienced opinion so I'd appreciate some input.

PS Are there any good arguments I can make in favour of the manual transmission?

[desentrix]

Off the line, the XRS is already pretty nimble.

- Driving a manual is a life skill.
- It'll deter you from falling asleep at the wheel
- These days, its marginally more gas economic than automatics
- Less bog from being still
- Cheaper, thus you can spend that money on vehicle extras

This is TN, we mod our cars no matter what condition its in...

[Wild.Joker]

Originally Posted by desentrix

Off the line, the XRS is already pretty nimble.

- Driving a manual is a life skill.
- It'll deter you from falling asleep at the wheel
- These days, its marginally more gas economic than automatics
- Less bog from being still
- Cheaper, thus you can spend that money on vehicle extras

This is TN, we mod our cars no matter what condition its in...

If you're not concerned about fuel economy difference between a 1.8 and a 2.4, then go for the bigger engine on the XRS.

[buddy97]

not worth it trying to make a 158 hp, 3000 lb car fast. the automatic is a slug, but it is faster than the 1.8.

put your efforts into talking him into the manual tranny.
-it will be cheaper
-less likely to be stolen

[sinnaever]

I got the Auto Tranny XRS, and it is fine for my needs. Its a family car for me, not a race car so the Auto was a no brainer since the lady of the house also has to drive the car. I'm pleased with it, but i'd never do major mods, just lowering springs to level out the stance of the car, and maybe something else like a sway bar... I'm not going to race this car so i have no need for CAI, Headers, Exhaust, Pulleys, etc... IT all depends on what he will use it for. If he wants the extra umph then go XRS. The Auto makes it feel like a luxury car to me. But that could also be because all i used to drive were manuals... Either way, the XRS Auto is a nice car, and weighs like 2 Tons... Not a race car, but a nice Drive for those like me who commute to work, and drive a family around. (I hope my next car isn't a Mini-Van )

[Wild.Joker]

The stance of the car isnt even?

Originally Posted by sinnaever

I got the Auto Tranny XRS, and it is fine for my needs. Its a family car for me, not a race car so the Auto was a no brainer since the lady of the house also has to drive the car. I'm pleased with it, but i'd never do major mods, just lowering springs to level out the stance of the car, and maybe something else like a sway bar... I'm not going to race this car so i have no need for CAI, Headers, Exhaust, Pulleys, etc... IT all depends on what he will use it for. If he wants the extra umph then go XRS. The Auto makes it feel like a luxury car to me. But that could also be because all i used to drive were manuals... Either way, the XRS Auto is a nice car, and weighs like 2 Tons... Not a race car, but a nice Drive for those like me who commute to work, and drive a family around. (I hope my next car isn't a Mini-Van )

[sinnaever]

Originally Posted by Wild.Joker

The stance of the car isnt even?

no the ass end is raised up a bit higher than the front of the car...

Thats why the TRD Springs drop 0.5" in the front, and 1.5" in the rear. to compensate the raised rear end.

However the drop on the XRS Auto will be a little more than those specs... those numbers are based on the "S" 5-speed

[djb383]

Geeeeeeez.................a manual transmission, how stoneage can you get. The Wifey and I don't even shift gears on our 2 wheelers. We just don't give a shift.......cars or bikes.

[Wild.Joker]

Originally Posted by djb383

Geeeeeeez.................a manual transmission, how stoneage can you get. The Wifey and I don't even shift gears on our 2 wheelers. We just don't give a shift.......cars or bikes.

Funny man

[Corollanation]

I think manual is fun and gives you more feeling of DRIVING your car..