CVT or 6-Speed?: Questions from a Prospective Owner

[bdgdl08]

I want to say that the CVT does not zap the fun out of the car AT ALL (and this is coming from someone who has always preferred manuals.) I also know that, for the 2011-12s at least, the CVT is faster 0-60 because of the ability of the CVT to stay in the power band. I have driven both and I like both. The CVT offers a good mix for me, but it's ultimately up to you.

[jwaters943]

Thanks for the feedback guys, I really appreciate it. For the record, I have already test driven a CVT model and liked it quite a bit. I just didn't care for the constant high RPM drone under accelerating...I'd assume this is where the paddle shifters with their simulated shift points would come in handy.

In any case, it looks like I'm going to have to practice some more and take a manual model out for a spin sometime soon.

[jwaters943]

Originally Posted by supercrz

My reasons for getting stick:

1. Cheaper
2. I have more control with my driving
3. It's fun!
4. The likelyhood of others borrowing my car will be less. Although everybody in my family knows how to drive stick, but some of my friends don't.
5. I can make fun of people who does not know how to drive stick.

Hopefully you find some answers here and wish you the best!

Good luck!

Funny, these are more or less my reasons for wanting a manual. This will also be my first 2 seater, so no more giving rides to everyone.

BTW, I see we both live in Reno. I don't think I've seen your CR-Z around. They're pretty rare around here...I only recall seeing a grey one and a blue one. I'll have to keep my eye out for your ride. I've wanted to see one in black in person for a while now. Nice choice.

[corbygray528]

I have the CVT EX. Paddle shifters let me play manual when I want to, but I don't have to deal with it in traffic.

[Scotty001]

Everyone should drive and own a MT or two and know how to drive one. My vote in this case is to go for the MT.. I remember buying my Son's Civic SI and having to drive it home for him back in 1996 or so.. Immediately took him for a couple of rides, a bit of instruction and he was off and running in a week or so. No big deal. Starting out and if in a hilly area, the parking break is your friend until you get the hang of it.

[supercrz]

Originally Posted by jwaters943

Funny, these are more or less my reasons for wanting a manual. This will also be my first 2 seater, so no more giving rides to everyone.

BTW, I see we both live in Reno. I don't think I've seen your CR-Z around. They're pretty rare around here...I only recall seeing a grey one and a blue one. I'll have to keep my eye out for your ride. I've wanted to see one in black in person for a while now. Nice choice.

Yeah! I agree with the 2 seater. No more giving rides to people and "we can't take my car, there's too many of us!"

I got mine the beginning of the month. I have seen a few here. First one was a North Shore Blue, then a Crystal Black Pearl, then a Storm Silver, and finally a Milano Red. I've posted on the "Was that you?" section but no response.

Well there's a couple of CRZ's in town. Lithia Chrysler on Mill street has a 2011 North Shore Blue for $17800 EX 6MT with only 1878 miles. Bill Pearce Honda has 2, one MT and the other CVT.

We could meet sometime if you want to see my car. Let me know.

[Lady_CRZ]

6mt !!!! I learned to drive stick in my z and first time I took off fine learned perfectly on a day and normal an Econ are super forgiving sport not so much as it revs faster and higher I feel also the car tells you when to shift its like a personal driving teacher after a while tho u get the feel for it and shifting becomes like breathing ^_^ I would test drive both if you can don't worry about stallin or w/e a good guideline for 1st is don't go past 2rpm that helped me and ever since I don't stall in first again I love my 6mt even tho I have crappy arthritis knees I wouldn't trade lol

[JnC]

Originally Posted by Scotty001

Starting out and if in a hilly area, the parking brake is your friend until you get the hang of it.

The CRZ 6MT has a hill holder feature that works quite well for launching on an incline.

[varoom]

Originally Posted by jwaters943

So, after narrowing down my next new car purchase to a half dozen finalists, I am all but certain I will be getting a CR-Z within the next 6 months (lets hope the 2013 improvements make it to the U.S.).

Just a bit of back story on me: I've exclusively owned cars with automatic transmissions since I got my license nearly 20 years ago. Only recently have I begun driving my boyfriend's car which has a stick. Much to my surprise, I found the experience to be rather enjoyable once I got over my fear and nervousness. I still have a lot to learn, and every once in a great while I will stall the car in 1st gear, but overall I'm fairly comfortable behind the wheel of a manual transmission equipped car, which is not something I could rightfully claim even a month ago.

With that said, I am concerned about buying a new car w/ a manual and "abusing" it due to my relative inexperience with manuals. I had initially considered the CVT, but all the reviews seem to be in agreement in stating that it really saps all the fun out of the CR-Z. Is the CR-Z's manual very "forgiving" (e.g. easy to operate) for novice stick drivers like myself?

I've owned and driven stick shifts most of my life (age 67) and can say wihout a doubt that Honda in general makes some of the smoothest manual trasmissions on the road and the CRZ is no exception. We've owned an Accord and Fit as well and they all have very forgiving clutches.

[LeVaillant]

Its the first manual hybrid in the world!!! I have the manual edition and I recommend the 6 speed manual!