Curious on if you use the manual side of the J Gate to switch gears, or are you like me, and just put in in D and go?

Am I missing out by not using it?

 

Nope.

 

I used it a lot on my last long trip. Also cracked the plastic from what I guess was slapping it around too much.

 

It's OK to use. Way more fun using the paddle shifter on the X150.
Dave

 

If you've never had a true F1 transmission (paddle shifter) put one on your list.

 

I use it all the time, mostly downshifting to slow or gain control for "spirited" cornering. Also downshifting for fast passing. I usually leave it in D when accelerating and let the tranny upshift on its own.

I used to drive our old X-Type the same way.
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I seldom use it. Occasionally in a down hill conditions. It is a 13 year old performance beauty. I see my job is to enjoy it while preserving its integrity. And that doesn't include a new transmission<g>.

 

I am in LA, so it's bumper to bumper traffic most of the time...maybe I should try using it sometime...like en route to Vegas!

 

Bluefin, I used to use it a lot....in traffic to save the Brakes...Then one day I said to myself, which cost the most....Brakes or a Transmission? Now I play Hot-Rodder by using the "Sport" button......not the J-gate!

Billy Clyde in Houston

 

I use it all the time, and I don't think I'm doing the tranny any harm.
I basically keep it in 4 in local driving under 40mph, and flip it over at higher speeds.

I've noticed at times that my car will occasionally upshift into 4th prematurely and lose some torque. By driving in 3rd, I have the ability to get the most out of 3rd gear before upshifting.

 

It's not great. I don't use it.

The Tiptronic units in the Audis I've had were very good as far as a manual-esque automatic gear selector goes. It actually set the gear you were in, rather than act as a ceiling. My A8 would let you bounce at the indicated redline in a gear if you'd like, or lug in a high gear.

Paddle shifters in the later Jaguars is much more engaging, not that with our cars we have a ton of choice lol.

 

It is my wife's car. She has never used the J-gate and would not even know how to do it. I tried it a time or two shortly after we acquired the car in February 2012 and found it rather disappointing. Never used it since....

 

I use the 'sport' button quite often, but very rarely use the J gate.
Regards,

 

I use it for two reasons:


1. Passing. With the 6HP tranny, just sliding the shifter over drops the trans into 5th in anticipation; then when I hit the gas it kicks down to 4th and AWAY WE GO.


2. When going through tunnels with my daughter. Roll down the windows, J-gate to 4th, and stomp it. She loves the roar of the free-flow exhaust!


Having a little fun once in while should always be on the menu. ;-)

 

I too use it often, like to put in 2 when approaching a curve in going to attack.

My favorite J Gate use is when I come up to a particular hill on a road with a 35mph limit. Lock cruise control on 35 and downshift to 3. Car will roll faster than 35 on dowhill side without being in 3 despite the cruise control, and you can bet your bottom dollar that there is a speed trap at the bottom of the hill ( hidden in the bushes of course).

 

I use it every day lol. Especially around town. I love the instant torque you get when you punch it.

 

What? You can just switch to D and leave it there? Nah, I'm good with shifting; it's way more fun!

 

All the time

 

I use it when you go uphill.. some reason the transmission likes to grunt the engine a little bit and I get a little nervous when it does that so I let it rev a little higher (also easier on the transmission)

Also going downhill.. helps use that engine to slow things down if things are getting crazy..

It's fun I don't mind it. Rarely use it but it's fun.

 

I think you boys need to teach me how to use it then. more spirited driving sounds fun! but again, here in LA, not many chances for open roads unless its 3am.

I have never driven a manual, but a friend has an Audi, and it's amazing.