I don't own an AT Z, but when I test drove one, I used the paddles most of the time. Paddle-shifted auto is a lot of fun to drive.

The paddles are fun for some spirited driving. However, I let the AT handle 99% of everything. I don't mind because the AT does a hell of a job.

Agreed and ditto, the only time really use them is if someone new rides in it and wants to see how it works.....Otherwise I just leave in auto mode.

I agree, for an auto the 7AT works quite well. I normally cruise around in auto mode, perhaps 80% of the time. When I get on it I switch to manual. In the twisties it's always manual mode. If I really want to row some gears I hop in the S2000. :tup:

I was driving around with the paddles today, and I got a big reminder of why the shifters annoy me: The car downshifts right about the same rpm I want to downshift, resulting in many times me skipping two gears. If the car didn't shift for me and let me do what I want, I would probably use it more.

Good points. Has anyone noticed how the steering wheel gets in the way of
knowing what gear you are in as you down shift. its a pain as you turn the wheel.

is there not a full-manual mode?

<---doesn't have much time in an auto Z, but my accord had a pretty much fully manual mode.

No, when you get down to a certain rpm (1200 maybe?), it automatically shifts.

Oh, ok. But only if it's pretty low then, I guess. That's not too bad.

I'd rather it not. I can shift fine myself.

I usually leave it in full auto mode when I'm on my daily commute. I'll use the paddle shifters whenever I want to have some fun and do some spirited driving. I feel like if I use the paddles everyday, it's not as fun because I'm so used to it. If I use them after a while, it's more exciting to shift with the paddles and makes for a more fun driving experience. I've only had the car for a few months though

Yeah it shifts down automatically, but not up.

I heard they made a transmission option that let you do that:roflpuke2:


But seriously, below 1200 is pretty rough. I think you are getting to stall-risk range there.

Unless I am downshifting to keep revs up (above 2000) I generally let the car handle downshifts. Sometimes I still double downshift when I misjudge the RPM drop though - I wish it showed the new gear immediately, like it does when you press a paddle, so you get a little more warning it is about to downshift.

I love hearing the exhaust note when you downshift. Should be even better with a CBE/HFC :)

Agreed.

It does take some time to get used to shifting with the paddles, since it is an AT, your shift-timing is completely different than a manual. But once you get the hang of it, is really is pretty damn fun.