subie_man wrote:Tazz wrote:Can't comment on the other's, but i've got a STX navara diesel auto.
I am very much leaning towards the Navara, but had not considered an Auto. I had a very bad (read snail/slug/slow/gutless) experience with a mates diesel auto Prado towing my boat to the south coast - man what a slug that thing was (I know the current model has more power now, and boy did it need it
). I think my 2000 2.8 diesel Rodeo felt more powerful with the boat on the back.
Anyway, for that reason I was considering manual only - but from your comments Tazz maybe I should take an auto for a test drive... always been a manual man though hmmm. Out of interest, can I ask why you got an auto?
Cheers and thanks!
I used to have a falcon (auto) as a company car and 80series as tow / camping / snow car, things changed and I now have the navara for both duties.
I was a manual man also, but the falcy convinced me otherwise, maybe I got lazy not sure, but stopping and starting in traffic is much more bearable with the auto.
Now, I dont think i'd go back, its just so easy to drive, and from what i've heard from mates with Navara manuals, they reckon mine tows heaps better also.
They say 1st is too high for taking off when towing ( even the 80 was a little high geared in 1st with the car trailer loaded up to head of for a comp, so I can imagine it would be even worse with little 4 cyl) and they are constantly changing back gears to keep the motor on boost when towing.
Sure it still tows well, but they have to work harder to keep the motor on the boil power wise, and ride the clutch more taking off.
With the auto, I just let it go, often just on cruise control and i'll knock it out of 5th when i see a large hill ahead.
If I was'nt using it for work (often in traffic) or doing a heap of towing, maybe i'd go back to the manual, but for those 2 area's i find the auto is great, and for long hauls (like syd to melb) its real relaxing to drive.. cruise control on and just go.