Commute Getting Longer: 6MT -> DCT or Change it Up?

[CSanto]

Hey All,

Just wanted some opinions.
In about 2-3 months I'm moving and my commute is going from 6 miles to 30 in each direction. (Moving closer to family/in laws)
I have a 2015 F80 6MT car, and I dont want to do the rush hour thing with the stick. I've been looking for a 2017 ZCP/DCT car, or considering buying a new 2018.

I want to keep it in the 70-75k price range. Would you guys consider trying out any other sport sedan? Or should I just go with the ZCP upgrade and call it a day?
I love the looks of the M3, best looking sedan on the road in my opinion.


Let me know what you think!

[s1k0ne]

Just picked up my DCT after a couple manuals.. it's only been 4 days or so but my left foot and right hand is real bored.. if it wasn't for the wife and kid, i'd stick with manual! (my opinion may change in a few months)

[maniz]

Only you can answer this question for yourself. No one else can share anything other than their own preference, which will never be a true mirror reflection of your own.

[aerostar]

I would agree that traffic sucks but for the other 65% of the time it's so worth it having a 6MT.

[GERMAN M3]

Personally for me it's 6MT all day long, no matter what kind of traffic. I guess I am biased since that's all I have ever driven, but I think you answered your own question in your post. Best of luck with your choice.
6 MT ALL DAY LONG!

[csbear]

I'm a manual guy through and through, but for 60 miles a day... DCT please.

It's not like he is getting a diamond encrusted, gold shift knob and clutch pedal...

[Jojipoji]

Switch it up if you're going to go to dct. Alfa, c63, slightly used ctsv gen3 or even a m5.

[Gstone]

I never understood the traffic thing. Go to Europe. Everyone in the big city traffic there drives a manual. I have always driven a manual in NY traffic. It's not like you're standing up, you're still sitting down in a very comfy seat. Just have to use your feet a little more.

[docmfg]

To each their own but I can tell you giving up the manual was the best thing I did. I daily drove my E46 M3 6 spd in 70 mile round trip commute in LA which is a 3-4 hour round trip commute for about 5 years and then got a C63 with auto that I split my time in. I am from NYC and know that it is not much better there. I moved and got rid of the c63 and now have the M4 with DCT but my commute is now 6 miles round trip and still don't regret the switch. DCT is so much quicker shifting and can be in auto if I choose but take my opinion with grain of salt. Why? I still have the E46 for when I want to have fun and row the gears

[CSanto]

I dont want this to turn into a DCT vs MT. I love the manual believe me, but I DO hate driving it every day, and in traffic.

Current Tally:
Keep MT: 3
Go DCT: 2
Switch it up: 1

[325iExecutive]

I drove an automatic for 15 years and during the summer I switched back to manual. There are days (albeit few and far between) where I have preferred to have a stick which is typically after long exhausting days from work. For everyone of these there are multiple days where I have adored rowing my own gears either during traffic and/or cruising down the highway.

All in all - do I regret it? Absolutely no way!!

[Kooch]

I run my 6mt daily about 20 miles each way up from south of Boston. Traffic most days but still love the manual. Just enjoy rowing the gears.

[Tacoma]

Originally Posted by csbear

I'm a manual guy through and through, but for 60 miles a day... DCT please.

It's not like he is getting a diamond encrusted, gold shift knob and clutch pedal...

If there's an issue, I'd imagine it's more about time in traffic than distance to destination. I say "if" because it's not an issue for me.

I've been driving manuals for decades and can recall one time when the clutch pads were worn and slipping in hot heavy traffic when for a moment I thought, hmm... would be better with an autobox just about now. However, for the other 99.99% of the time, it never occurred to me. Driving manual is second nature and I don't normally think about it at all in any traffic situation.

[Killed by Death]

Buy the ZCP upgrade and call it a day!

[RobbyMack]

This is really a personal choice. I reverse commute my 6MT 30 miles each way about two times a week to my office so I?m not the best to comment on your situation. My coworker has the opposite commute (about 75mins each way) and does it every day in his 6MT. He claims he?d never change it for the world. Personally I might have second thoughts about sitting in traffic with the MT for that long but the few times a month I actually see some traffic I find the MT gives me something to do.

[jmg]

80 mike round trip commuter here in LA. My DCT is a dram to drive in traffic and STILL lots of fun on the weekends. My vote goes to DCT. You could also get a commuter car. I drive my i3 a few times a week to work and it?s a nice switch up. Each car makes me miss the other so it?s a treat every time I switch it up.

[CSanto]

Thanks for everyones opinion!

I pulled the trigger on a DCT/ZCP car!

I really wanted a ZCP car and for my situation
(Commuting from Long Island to NJ) the DCT just makes the most sense.

I went to the Yankee game last week. 2 hours to get to the bronx. My daily just needs to be Auto/DCT. Sorry MT guys!
I will always keep an MT for my weekend fun car.

[shiv.nandak]

I've never had an issue with the 6MT in rush hour/stop and go traffic. Clutch is super light, car has tons of torque. It's almost like driving a DCT in rush hour anyway.

I honestly think this stigma mostly comes from old cars with heavy clutches, no torque down low and choppy throttle response.

[JibSTir13]

If you're set on getting an auto, I'd at least consider other options (Jag, Merc, Alfa) before getting another F80.

Those are all great cars, each with their own strong points, and fair game since 6MT is no longer in the picture.

Not sure if you're sticking with a 4 door, but the C63S coupe and Jag F would be at the top of my list if a coupe is acceptable.

[CSanto]

Originally Posted by JibSTir13

If you're set on getting an auto, I'd at least consider other options (Jag, Merc, Alfa) before getting another F80.

Those are all great cars, each with their own strong points, and fair game since 6MT is no longer in the picture.

Not sure if you're sticking with a 4 door, but the C63S coupe and Jag F would be at the top of my list if a coupe is acceptable.

Need a 4 door.

Honestly im not a fan of the c63 styling and the reliability of the Alpha is scary

What else ATS-V?

[F80Moe]

6M/T even with traffic..

You will regret DCT once traffic frees up

[cotmfk]

6MT.

No manual no care.

Especially since BMW recently announced the M2 is the last M car with a manual. wtf.