Gdetrailer wrote:
Even the OP Fin has posted "Just wanted to add, I found out the manual xterra does have a lower tow rating, it's 3500 for the standard and 5k for the automatic."
That is direct from the manufacturer that they have and do derate a manual over automatics.
Ford has done this also, can't say for sure GM or Ram but most likely they have derated for manual.
When faced between a manual with LESS capacity and a auto with MORE capacity for nearly the same price, the HIGHER CAPACITY of the automatic trumps the lower capacity of the hand shaker..
They HAVE a reason to derate manuals so, otherwise they WOULD be rating manual transmissions the same OR HIGHER capacity over automatics if a manual transmission was superior..
Come on, it IS time to move from technology designed back in the 1920s (manual transmissions and manual clutch)..
The standard manual transmission train has left the station 10-15 yrs ago and it is never coming back. This really should not be a conversation but I get it, the stick huggers have a hard time making a change and playing taps for their old friend.
I do agree with you that most/alot/all manual trans vehicles are derated compared to the same vehicle as an auto trans. Not sure where that means they're not capable to do a job that they're rated for.
I got one in my shop right now, that fits that bill, but at 175k miles and with the clutch I put in it, it handles an extra 300+ ft lbs of torque over stock and is stone reliable. But the junk factory clutch exited the vehicle at abut 40k miles.
I'm not hanging on to the past, he!!, I'm in my mid 40s and the first "nice" truck I had was a 1990 model and it was a 5 speed and the current truck is a handshaker as well, with a couple other handshakers in between and a bunch of autos.
Regardless, in the context of the OP's search and budget, the best vehicle, regardless of what the trans identifies as is the best vehicle.
You'd have to understand what goes into every rating to know if the trans truly has less capacity and if it's the reason for the rating.
From a cost and simplicity standpoint, the manual still wins in the long run. You can replace the clutch for anywhere from $118 to $550 for a very high performance model with a set of hand tools and a floor jack.
What's it cost to rebuild an auto trans and who knows how to do that in their backyard?
Again, I'm not bagging on auto transmissions, but it's evident some folks love their opinions and theirs only.
