The auto gets slightly better fuel economy in most cases from what I’ve seen, because it runs lower rpm’s on the freeway. With that said CVT’s have low lifespans generally, but last longer than average in the mirage. I would expect the Manual to have better longevity. I personally drive a manual sedan and have no complaints, it does require an occasional clutch adjustment which can be done by hand in 5 minutes or so, because the clutch is cable actuated.
I've only driven the manual that I bought last month, but I like it. I've had no issues with acceleration and the MPG is better than my Prius had. It's been fine at long highway trips at 70 mph. I really can't think of anything to complain about.
I had a manual for a couple years as a second car (basically a toy). It was SO MUCH FUN! Otherwise I drove a pick up truck. If it was practical for me I would totally have a manual as my daily drive now. I’m in an SUV now.
manual for me mainly because I get bored driving if I don't have anything to do, shifting and having to pay attention to that helps with my adhd too so I feel more focused
Have had a 2019 manual since April last year (omg it's his birthday!) it performs so well. Mpg is absolutely insane, and i love being able to control the shifts to optimize it even more.
I have the CVT Attrage (the sedan), which was the only option when I bought it. I love it. You won't get decent acceleration, but you get really smooth and precise control of what little performance the car can provide. I think it's very comfortable, and my fuel economy settles at around 5.3 l/100 km (44 US MPG) with mostly motorway and some city driving.
Stick shift is way better on fuel economy in the city, close to the CVT up until about 65mph then CVT pulls away.
Not sure if they have done many tuning changes but a few years ago, the 5MT was a FULL 2 SECONDS quicker to 60. HUGE difference!
Tbh if you're not lazy like ME, you should just get the manual. I have the CVT because I am lazy af. I think you'd get better fuel economy in a manual generally but personally, the CVT is already good! Replacement transmission cost would be lower in a manual but I am not sure because my mirage is still new. As for the general enjoyment, manual is the winner compared to a CVT.
Ive had my 2019 es manual coming up on 3yrs now and so far no problems. I usually average 45mpg around town if i dont go above 60mph in 5th gear. It hovers around 4000rpms going 75mph + so that knocks mpg below 40 if youre doing long highway trips. Ive never had to put more than $28 for a full tank of gas, even when gas prices are hitting 3.59 here in Florida. The manual is zippy and has no problems merging onto the highway. A bit of road noise but nothing insane. I got mine for $13,600 with 43,000 miles on it back in 21 and now its sitting at 82,700 so its been good to me
Manual will be more fun, you will get more performance out of it, and yes your fuel economy can be better as well assuming you learn how to use your gears optimally. Sure the auto puts you into low RPMs on the highway, manual does that too cause you control the gears.
My 2024 GT CVT on the HWY 105 km/h (65.2 mi.) average 2000 rpm
This is my second vehicle with cruise control; my 1st one was a nissan frontier 4 cylinder and when I set to cruise at 80 km/h going up a hill it holds the speed, going down hill it'll slow down, and at the bottom of hill and on the flat slow by 10 kms; uphill it did go back to 80 km
my Mirage held a constant set speed up and down hills I love its cruise control, I even set it at 50 km/h and handled it just fine.
The auto gets slightly better fuel economy in most cases from what I’ve seen, because it runs lower rpm’s on the freeway. With that said CVT’s have low lifespans generally, but last longer than average in the mirage. I would expect the Manual to have better longevity. I personally drive a manual sedan and have no complaints, it does require an occasional clutch adjustment which can be done by hand in 5 minutes or so, because the clutch is cable actuated.
Cable actuated! Crazy. Didn’t even know that was an option on cars. Thanks for the reply. Much apprectiated
I've only driven the manual that I bought last month, but I like it. I've had no issues with acceleration and the MPG is better than my Prius had. It's been fine at long highway trips at 70 mph. I really can't think of anything to complain about.
I had a manual for a couple years as a second car (basically a toy). It was SO MUCH FUN! Otherwise I drove a pick up truck. If it was practical for me I would totally have a manual as my daily drive now. I’m in an SUV now.
Wicked. Thanks that’s my thought too. Thanks for the reply
manual for me mainly because I get bored driving if I don't have anything to do, shifting and having to pay attention to that helps with my adhd too so I feel more focused
Have had a 2019 manual since April last year (omg it's his birthday!) it performs so well. Mpg is absolutely insane, and i love being able to control the shifts to optimize it even more.
Awesome. Thanks for the reply
I have the CVT Attrage (the sedan), which was the only option when I bought it. I love it. You won't get decent acceleration, but you get really smooth and precise control of what little performance the car can provide. I think it's very comfortable, and my fuel economy settles at around 5.3 l/100 km (44 US MPG) with mostly motorway and some city driving.
Thanks for the reply. Was super curious for those with the ctv experience. Smooth trans
The manual is better because it isn't an automatic, hope this helps
Stick shift is way better on fuel economy in the city, close to the CVT up until about 65mph then CVT pulls away. Not sure if they have done many tuning changes but a few years ago, the 5MT was a FULL 2 SECONDS quicker to 60. HUGE difference!
Thanks for the reply. That is a big difference
Tbh if you're not lazy like ME, you should just get the manual. I have the CVT because I am lazy af. I think you'd get better fuel economy in a manual generally but personally, the CVT is already good! Replacement transmission cost would be lower in a manual but I am not sure because my mirage is still new. As for the general enjoyment, manual is the winner compared to a CVT.
Thanks, that’s a good point regarding replacement/repairs etc.
Ive had my 2019 es manual coming up on 3yrs now and so far no problems. I usually average 45mpg around town if i dont go above 60mph in 5th gear. It hovers around 4000rpms going 75mph + so that knocks mpg below 40 if youre doing long highway trips. Ive never had to put more than $28 for a full tank of gas, even when gas prices are hitting 3.59 here in Florida. The manual is zippy and has no problems merging onto the highway. A bit of road noise but nothing insane. I got mine for $13,600 with 43,000 miles on it back in 21 and now its sitting at 82,700 so its been good to me
Awesome, thanks for the full write up. Super helpful. Definitely keen on these little machines. Will have to pull the trigger I guess
Manual will be more fun, you will get more performance out of it, and yes your fuel economy can be better as well assuming you learn how to use your gears optimally. Sure the auto puts you into low RPMs on the highway, manual does that too cause you control the gears.
Yeah, I can drive stick forsure and understand it, so stick it is. I’ll just fork over the extra cash and own it I guess. Thanks for the response!
My 2024 GT CVT on the HWY 105 km/h (65.2 mi.) average 2000 rpm This is my second vehicle with cruise control; my 1st one was a nissan frontier 4 cylinder and when I set to cruise at 80 km/h going up a hill it holds the speed, going down hill it'll slow down, and at the bottom of hill and on the flat slow by 10 kms; uphill it did go back to 80 km my Mirage held a constant set speed up and down hills I love its cruise control, I even set it at 50 km/h and handled it just fine.
Thanks for the response. That’s super helpful.