Does anybody drive a 6-speed manual?
 

I just bought one and I don't really understand when I'm supposed to use the 6th speed. It seems like if it was just for fuel conservation, I would switch right to 6th from 4th...In other words, I switch into 5th at around 60 MPH and I've been switching to 6th at 65.

I don't want to ruin my tranny. Anyone have advice?

I drive a 6 speed. I run through my gears just like I did when I had 4 or 5. As soon as the engine gets to a whining then I shift. I too often go from 4th to 6th but only when on the highway.

Yeah, another issue is I think I'm psyching myself out because my last car didn't have a tach, and this one does. I should just listen to it instead of worrying about the actual RPM count.

Rosetta Stone before the trip to Thailand.

I have a 2013 Mazdaspeed3.

Depends on how I'm driving. I shift from 4th to 6th if I run 4th up to 70. I generally try to keep the turbo from spooling up. If I get into 6 gear too early or below 65 the turbo will spool up to keep the power up.

What kind of car Buck?

How do you like that ride?

You have a tranny ?? Figures.

I ****ing love it. It's quick and handles great. The fit and finish and options for what I paid for is unbelievable. I got it for $22,859.

Nice. I have a Ranbit, and wanted the Gti. But wasn't in the cards at that time.
I'd love a fun turbo

As a hardcore car guy, my advice to you is to drive it. Get a really good feel for the car to the point that you can tell the RPM by the sound.

Some motors need to be taken much higher in the RPMs than others. A k20 in an RSX Type S as an example, you'll want to take up to 3100 RPMs before you shift it from gear to gear, and generally around 2700-3100 from your 5th to 6th shift.

In a Terminator Cobra (03/04) as an example, you'll take it to ~1800-2200 RPMs between each gear shift, and probably right around 1900 for the 5th to 6th shift at highway speed.

That being said, you don't have to use 6th, and it isn't going to hurt the tranny going from 6th to 4th or 4th to 6th. In my '02 GT (5 speed) I cruise around in 4th gear all the time daily driving until I get up to 50ish, then I'll use 5th, its factory gears are long enough to make that work for me.

Yea, it's going to be even more fun once the manufacturer warranty runs out. Upgrade the fuel pump, new downpipe, cold air intake, and a tune will get you around 70 more ponies.

over time you will be completley used to this vehickles accelaration, braking, etc....that tach is your friend, and I wouldn't suggest pushing past the redline too much for now...use both the tach and the sound/feel of the motor..

You bought a Tacoma 6 spd manual. You have versatility, use the gears as little as you can. Seat of your pants driving, go by the engine sound, the tach. The sixth gear is for cruising, don't go into it if you think you'll jst have to downshift in a mile or two. I have the Tacoma 6 spd also. I use maybe 3 or 4 gears for around town. The more you shift, the sooner that clutch will wear out.

I am looking to get the exact car at the start of next year or within the next 2 years. Looks like a great but versatile ride that is also practical.

Sorry for the thread hijack, Buck.