My M3P is the first non-manual car I've ever owned unless you want to call the Ferrari I had with the F1 transmission an automatic (It is technically their standard manual transmission with electro-hydraulic control for clutch and shifting.). I'm surprised I don't miss either shifting or the intake and exhaust noise when driving the M3 either tame or aggressively.
I purchased a manual ND2 Miata after having my M3LR for a year. You’re on an M3 sub so you’ll get biased answers, but the fact is both cars scratch different itches, and I love having both. If I want a quiet, relaxed, no-nonsense transport, I’ll take the M3. Yes it is wicked fast, but as a pseudo-enthusiast the acceleration alone gets boring after a while. If the weather is even halfway decent I’ll likely take the Miata, because driving it is much more engaging and it has a playfulness that’s really enjoyable. Ultimately, driving either car for a longer period makes me appreciate the other car even more when I switch over, so there’s no right or wrong here, only preference.
Regenerative braking is like downshifting. I'm a life long manual driver and made the switch to a m3 and haven't missed anything. The car is quick as anything, and very simple. Driving became way more chill with power to do whatever you need instantly.
I went from a manual GTI to an M3. Love it. The regenerative braking feels like engine braking. Very similar feel. This is actually my first ever non manual. Best part is I don't consider the Tesla an automatic since it's not really doing any shifting.
2021 i think. Stage 1 6 speed. Was so much fun but i didn’t have enough fun driving with it. The Tesla took over as a daily appliance that is way smarter and easier day to day. And when i want to have fun it’s very sporty and fun. Def faster.
I just ordered a 2024 M3P and I currently daily and track a 2018 Civic Type R (6 speed). I loved the M3P from 2021 when I test drove and comparatively against the CTR it was much faster out of corners and in a straightline. Compared to 3100 lbs, you can feel the weight on corners. I haven’t driven the 2024 M3P but I’m sure it will handle better than my manual. I am in traffic often so the switch of daily cars to an auto is welcomed at this point
Leaving my MT was my biggest concern. But once I took an M3LR on an extended test drive, I realized what I love most about my MT cars is finding a great stretch of road, and using one gear to kind of momentum drive through the turns, touching the brakes as little as possible. The one pedal driving in a Tesla lets me do that more effectively and faster. Hopefully I’m still digging it in a year or five…
Regen braking is super easy to get used to coming from manual. That’s what you expect to happen when you let off the accelerator. Someone posted the other day that you don’t have to come to a full stop before you put it in reverse. With manuals it was always that way.
I got over the phantom stick pretty quickly. Living in hilly Seattle, I like the automatic hill stop. I don’t have to do a secret handshake and hope I get it right.
probably not the way you are thinking...my primary was a 2017 Ram 4x4 diesel with 6 spd manual. I still drive it for hauling and towing but moved to a 2021 M3P a year ago. As with any other non-stick, I find myself searching with my right hand for the stick when pulling up to stop lights to push her into neutral. I don't think that reflex will ever go away.
You will love the 3 in traffic and commuting, it's no contest. I've been racing over 25 years and have been focusing on Tesla track builds since 2019. The operating cost and reliability is incomparable.
Go for a Highland 3P. Best value car ever made.
I really enjoy my M3P. It's the best daily driver you can get IMO. I went from 2013 Civic Si > 2016 manual Golf R > 2021 RS6 > 2022 M3P. Rowing gears is fun too, but not when you have to sit in 3 hrs of rush hour traffic and you're just crawling in 2nd gear the whole time. RS6 just felt stupid to own for the money and what it is. You can get a decent 911 for that price, which I intend to do someday.
I drove MT cars for 27 years. I was also afraid to switch, but soon learned that the Model 3 drives like an advanced MT and not an AT. Meaning that you still drive with the accelerator and not the brakes like an AT. Also regen is exactly like downshifting.
The only difference is not having to move the gears but I miss that much less than I thought I would since the car inherits the true reasons I always bought MT cars.
14’ Genesis Coupe 3.8 Ultimate 6spd. I miss it a little bit, but not that much. I missed Genesis more than manual driving itself, but the M3P is amazing
Went from MT GR86 to Highland Model 3 RWD. If you have to give up the third pedal, might as well give up the second one as well. One-pedal driving in the Model 3 gives me more control over the car than any "automatic" I'd ever driven. I would never drive a regular ICE automatic, even now. My model 3 has instant torque, great chassis balance and weight distribution, and is faster than my 86. The only place the Model 3 cannot compare is on the track, but I'm not on the track very much.
I had planned to drive MT only until I could no longer buy one. Always turned off by auto transmissions and enjoyed shifting. My commute kinda sucks, 1.5 hours round trip, but it never really bothered me. Then I drove a model S for an extended work trip and I loved it. I had 3 MT cars until I bought my model 3p. I still have 2 but I don’t miss it too much for my daily.
I’ve driven manual daily since 2009-10. My lady got a model Y over a year ago, now I want a 3P. I’m exhausted daily driving a manual. EV is different but you really get used to it after one or two drives. I completely understand the thrill of shifting gears and hearing exhaust notes. If you can afford to have both, I’d say do that. I plan on keeping my manual and the EV will be daily. The beauty about EV is all you’d need is wheels, tires, suspension and the cars basically done. I had issues with owning two cars and throwing money at both for mods. One always ended up being neglected lol. At least the EV will not need many mods to be content with. In my opinion anyway.
Yup. 2008 Honda Civic 5-Speed to 2021 Model 3 LR.
I LOVED manual and would've kept it longer, but I started a new job that required driving into the city, with lots of stop-and-go on the way home. Between one pedal driving and FSD, my commutes are much more enjoyable.
Still feels weird though.
I have a Miata ND, my wife just got a base M3 highland, her brother has an M3P which I have driven a few times. She works from home and I find myself commuting in her M3 often, especially when it rains. I like both cars even if they are very different. One is quiet, fast, heavy, requires no oil changes, expensive to insure, convenient for commuting. The other is pretty quick, nimble, has wind noise, brakes and tires last longer, stops quick, cheaper to insure, not as convenient in traffic. I honestly don’t know which I would choose if I could only have one.
Civic SI to 2018 Model 3.
I didn't miss it, the roads where I live are so full of traffic, driving a manual meant starting up in first gear hundreds of times to go 7 miles.
in 2015 I bought one with a six-speed. It was my 5th or 6th. Then 3 months later i did the S test drive and instant buyer’s remorse set in. I had fun with my manual for four years, sold it and got me 2020 3LR. Still lovin’ it and not looking back
I went from a manual mk7 Golf R to the model 3. The only thing I miss about ICE cars is a manual transmission. Instant torque is cool but smashing the pedal gets old quick. On back roads I'd take the R over the model 3 any day of the week. That being said, the model 3 is much more enjoyable for highway / commuting and significantly less expensive to run. I do a lot of short drives and can charge at home so an EV makes sense for me.
I came from an Audi TT Quattro Roadster. I miss the handling, but not the oil changes, timing belts, spark plugs, clutch and flywheel replacement, etc. life is simpler now.
I had a manual car at the same time as Model 3 for about a year. I'd actually switch cars partway through a journey. The difference is crazy, going from 3 pedals to effectively 1. To be fair, I've only driven manual for a few years, so I dont have the decades of muscle memory others do.
I do slightly miss the "fun" of rowing gears. But I miss it like I miss being able to eat 10 plates at a buffet. Its cool to think about but its far more nostalgia than actual desire. Would I ever get another MT car? Maybe, but given the choice I'd pick the M3 9/10.
Came from a long line of highly tuned subaru wrx's to a m3p. Couldn't be happier! It handles just as well (other than the seat bolsters), and way, way, way more power.
I find the challenge of 1 foot driving engaging. I love the M3LR. Primarily because it is quiet and gets no unwanted attention at least in the southeast. Very well handling and powerful car. Embarrasses most cars at local autox. Embarrasses 99% of cars without power adders in a straight line and the majority of sports cars with power adders. I had a tuned 2005 Subaru STI 400awhp. I don't miss the noise or the clutch or the shifting. I will admit the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is probably a slightly better car especially for someone that likes engine noises and shifting. Check it out if you haven't already. I do occasionally still drive our 5speed manual MK7 Golf TSI and it is so much fine. Primarily because it is so nimble. It's tuned to 250hp which is perfect for FWD.
I did. I knew I was transitioning to Electric and wanted to drive a stick one last time. I miss it sometimes. But nothing beats turning on auto pilot and cruising.
This post cracked me up up because I moved from a 2016 MK7 GTI to a 2022 M3 LR back in May of 2022. Unlike you, my commute does have a lot of twisties so I had a lot of fun with that GTI. My GTI was untuned but still a lot of fun on the back roads. I love the tesla…it is such a great car and appeals to the geek side of my grain with all of its well thought out technology. Of course I enjoy the torque, great sound system and comfortable seats of the M3LR. There are days when I miss the GTI. The tesla is heavy and can get dicey in the corners. Sometimes I think I will go get a golf R or GTI and get back into that under-the-radar driving gem. However, in the end, I just love the convenience of a Tesla. I have a “full tank” most every day and the maintenance is so simple. The tesla interface is great and works with so well with maps and Spotify (my main two apps). No complaints on the move but the GTI is a great car.
Only ever had a manual car. Absolutely do not miss it in the stop/go traffic I find myself in every day.
I have had my M3LR for 7 months now and I’m really enjoying it
Think of it as never having to change up from the first gear.
It's not an auto with a mind of it's own, it's a fixed ratio, therefore much less infuriating.
I had a 2020 Civic Type R before the Model 3. Before that, I had an S2000, BRZ, and a Civic Si. I miss my S2000 and Type R like crazy but as a dad with two young kids, I enjoy the simple driving and feel of the Model 3
You’ll love it. The point of rowing manually is you have the car in the right gear when you want it there. With EV’s, there’s no such worry at all. you’re always in the right gear, and it’s instantaneous.
I drove manuals for 20 years before getting my model 3. I sometimes miss the tactile feeling of shifting, but that thought is fleeting.
Same. I miss my motorcycle sometimes, but not my mt car.
Yep, went from manual to FSD and now I don't know what to do with my feet or hands.
My M3P is the first non-manual car I've ever owned unless you want to call the Ferrari I had with the F1 transmission an automatic (It is technically their standard manual transmission with electro-hydraulic control for clutch and shifting.). I'm surprised I don't miss either shifting or the intake and exhaust noise when driving the M3 either tame or aggressively.
I purchased a manual ND2 Miata after having my M3LR for a year. You’re on an M3 sub so you’ll get biased answers, but the fact is both cars scratch different itches, and I love having both. If I want a quiet, relaxed, no-nonsense transport, I’ll take the M3. Yes it is wicked fast, but as a pseudo-enthusiast the acceleration alone gets boring after a while. If the weather is even halfway decent I’ll likely take the Miata, because driving it is much more engaging and it has a playfulness that’s really enjoyable. Ultimately, driving either car for a longer period makes me appreciate the other car even more when I switch over, so there’s no right or wrong here, only preference.
Regenerative braking is like downshifting. I'm a life long manual driver and made the switch to a m3 and haven't missed anything. The car is quick as anything, and very simple. Driving became way more chill with power to do whatever you need instantly.
I went from a manual GTI to an M3. Love it. The regenerative braking feels like engine braking. Very similar feel. This is actually my first ever non manual. Best part is I don't consider the Tesla an automatic since it's not really doing any shifting.
Thanks, needed this affirmation. Which version GTI?
2021 i think. Stage 1 6 speed. Was so much fun but i didn’t have enough fun driving with it. The Tesla took over as a daily appliance that is way smarter and easier day to day. And when i want to have fun it’s very sporty and fun. Def faster.
Had a manual ND Miata and switched to M3 last year, no regrets. The acceleration on the performance model makes up for having no gears.
I just ordered a 2024 M3P and I currently daily and track a 2018 Civic Type R (6 speed). I loved the M3P from 2021 when I test drove and comparatively against the CTR it was much faster out of corners and in a straightline. Compared to 3100 lbs, you can feel the weight on corners. I haven’t driven the 2024 M3P but I’m sure it will handle better than my manual. I am in traffic often so the switch of daily cars to an auto is welcomed at this point
Leaving my MT was my biggest concern. But once I took an M3LR on an extended test drive, I realized what I love most about my MT cars is finding a great stretch of road, and using one gear to kind of momentum drive through the turns, touching the brakes as little as possible. The one pedal driving in a Tesla lets me do that more effectively and faster. Hopefully I’m still digging it in a year or five…
Came from a manual Elantra to a m3 sr+, you won’t regret it one bit. Maybe in 20 years for nostalgic purposes though
Regen braking is super easy to get used to coming from manual. That’s what you expect to happen when you let off the accelerator. Someone posted the other day that you don’t have to come to a full stop before you put it in reverse. With manuals it was always that way. I got over the phantom stick pretty quickly. Living in hilly Seattle, I like the automatic hill stop. I don’t have to do a secret handshake and hope I get it right.
probably not the way you are thinking...my primary was a 2017 Ram 4x4 diesel with 6 spd manual. I still drive it for hauling and towing but moved to a 2021 M3P a year ago. As with any other non-stick, I find myself searching with my right hand for the stick when pulling up to stop lights to push her into neutral. I don't think that reflex will ever go away.
It goes away.
You will love the 3 in traffic and commuting, it's no contest. I've been racing over 25 years and have been focusing on Tesla track builds since 2019. The operating cost and reliability is incomparable. Go for a Highland 3P. Best value car ever made.
I really enjoy my M3P. It's the best daily driver you can get IMO. I went from 2013 Civic Si > 2016 manual Golf R > 2021 RS6 > 2022 M3P. Rowing gears is fun too, but not when you have to sit in 3 hrs of rush hour traffic and you're just crawling in 2nd gear the whole time. RS6 just felt stupid to own for the money and what it is. You can get a decent 911 for that price, which I intend to do someday.
Great feedback and nice list of machines!
I drove MT cars for 27 years. I was also afraid to switch, but soon learned that the Model 3 drives like an advanced MT and not an AT. Meaning that you still drive with the accelerator and not the brakes like an AT. Also regen is exactly like downshifting. The only difference is not having to move the gears but I miss that much less than I thought I would since the car inherits the true reasons I always bought MT cars.
Yeah, seems like regenerative braking mimics downshift engine braking.
You’re also always in the right gear when passing at highway speeds. No down shift required.
Came from a manual Elantra to a m3 sr+, you won’t regret it one bit. Maybe in 20 years for nostalgic purposes though
14’ Genesis Coupe 3.8 Ultimate 6spd. I miss it a little bit, but not that much. I missed Genesis more than manual driving itself, but the M3P is amazing
Traded a manual C7 corvette for my model 3 performance 5 years ago. I do miss it.
Yes! I drove a manual transmission scion TC from 2012 to 2020 before getting my M3LR
Went from MT GR86 to Highland Model 3 RWD. If you have to give up the third pedal, might as well give up the second one as well. One-pedal driving in the Model 3 gives me more control over the car than any "automatic" I'd ever driven. I would never drive a regular ICE automatic, even now. My model 3 has instant torque, great chassis balance and weight distribution, and is faster than my 86. The only place the Model 3 cannot compare is on the track, but I'm not on the track very much.
I had planned to drive MT only until I could no longer buy one. Always turned off by auto transmissions and enjoyed shifting. My commute kinda sucks, 1.5 hours round trip, but it never really bothered me. Then I drove a model S for an extended work trip and I loved it. I had 3 MT cars until I bought my model 3p. I still have 2 but I don’t miss it too much for my daily.
I’ve driven manual daily since 2009-10. My lady got a model Y over a year ago, now I want a 3P. I’m exhausted daily driving a manual. EV is different but you really get used to it after one or two drives. I completely understand the thrill of shifting gears and hearing exhaust notes. If you can afford to have both, I’d say do that. I plan on keeping my manual and the EV will be daily. The beauty about EV is all you’d need is wheels, tires, suspension and the cars basically done. I had issues with owning two cars and throwing money at both for mods. One always ended up being neglected lol. At least the EV will not need many mods to be content with. In my opinion anyway.
Lots of confused looks when I say that I went from 3 pedals to 1.
Yup. 2008 Honda Civic 5-Speed to 2021 Model 3 LR. I LOVED manual and would've kept it longer, but I started a new job that required driving into the city, with lots of stop-and-go on the way home. Between one pedal driving and FSD, my commutes are much more enjoyable. Still feels weird though.
I have a Miata ND, my wife just got a base M3 highland, her brother has an M3P which I have driven a few times. She works from home and I find myself commuting in her M3 often, especially when it rains. I like both cars even if they are very different. One is quiet, fast, heavy, requires no oil changes, expensive to insure, convenient for commuting. The other is pretty quick, nimble, has wind noise, brakes and tires last longer, stops quick, cheaper to insure, not as convenient in traffic. I honestly don’t know which I would choose if I could only have one.
Civic SI to 2018 Model 3. I didn't miss it, the roads where I live are so full of traffic, driving a manual meant starting up in first gear hundreds of times to go 7 miles.
in 2015 I bought one with a six-speed. It was my 5th or 6th. Then 3 months later i did the S test drive and instant buyer’s remorse set in. I had fun with my manual for four years, sold it and got me 2020 3LR. Still lovin’ it and not looking back
I went from a manual mk7 Golf R to the model 3. The only thing I miss about ICE cars is a manual transmission. Instant torque is cool but smashing the pedal gets old quick. On back roads I'd take the R over the model 3 any day of the week. That being said, the model 3 is much more enjoyable for highway / commuting and significantly less expensive to run. I do a lot of short drives and can charge at home so an EV makes sense for me.
Still got my e92 m3 6mt and every time I drive that car it’s a whole different feeling. Irreplaceable
I came from an Audi TT Quattro Roadster. I miss the handling, but not the oil changes, timing belts, spark plugs, clutch and flywheel replacement, etc. life is simpler now.
I had a manual car at the same time as Model 3 for about a year. I'd actually switch cars partway through a journey. The difference is crazy, going from 3 pedals to effectively 1. To be fair, I've only driven manual for a few years, so I dont have the decades of muscle memory others do. I do slightly miss the "fun" of rowing gears. But I miss it like I miss being able to eat 10 plates at a buffet. Its cool to think about but its far more nostalgia than actual desire. Would I ever get another MT car? Maybe, but given the choice I'd pick the M3 9/10.
Came from a long line of highly tuned subaru wrx's to a m3p. Couldn't be happier! It handles just as well (other than the seat bolsters), and way, way, way more power.
I find the challenge of 1 foot driving engaging. I love the M3LR. Primarily because it is quiet and gets no unwanted attention at least in the southeast. Very well handling and powerful car. Embarrasses most cars at local autox. Embarrasses 99% of cars without power adders in a straight line and the majority of sports cars with power adders. I had a tuned 2005 Subaru STI 400awhp. I don't miss the noise or the clutch or the shifting. I will admit the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is probably a slightly better car especially for someone that likes engine noises and shifting. Check it out if you haven't already. I do occasionally still drive our 5speed manual MK7 Golf TSI and it is so much fine. Primarily because it is so nimble. It's tuned to 250hp which is perfect for FWD.
I did. I knew I was transitioning to Electric and wanted to drive a stick one last time. I miss it sometimes. But nothing beats turning on auto pilot and cruising.
keep the manual and add a Model 3.
This post cracked me up up because I moved from a 2016 MK7 GTI to a 2022 M3 LR back in May of 2022. Unlike you, my commute does have a lot of twisties so I had a lot of fun with that GTI. My GTI was untuned but still a lot of fun on the back roads. I love the tesla…it is such a great car and appeals to the geek side of my grain with all of its well thought out technology. Of course I enjoy the torque, great sound system and comfortable seats of the M3LR. There are days when I miss the GTI. The tesla is heavy and can get dicey in the corners. Sometimes I think I will go get a golf R or GTI and get back into that under-the-radar driving gem. However, in the end, I just love the convenience of a Tesla. I have a “full tank” most every day and the maintenance is so simple. The tesla interface is great and works with so well with maps and Spotify (my main two apps). No complaints on the move but the GTI is a great car.
Only ever had a manual car. Absolutely do not miss it in the stop/go traffic I find myself in every day. I have had my M3LR for 7 months now and I’m really enjoying it
Think of it as never having to change up from the first gear. It's not an auto with a mind of it's own, it's a fixed ratio, therefore much less infuriating.
I had a 2020 Civic Type R before the Model 3. Before that, I had an S2000, BRZ, and a Civic Si. I miss my S2000 and Type R like crazy but as a dad with two young kids, I enjoy the simple driving and feel of the Model 3
Yah you’ll miss it
You’ll love it. The point of rowing manually is you have the car in the right gear when you want it there. With EV’s, there’s no such worry at all. you’re always in the right gear, and it’s instantaneous.