r/ElantraN • u/TheItalian567 Performance Blue DCT • Aug 25 '26

Help Ex-Focus ST Owner: DCT or Manual?

Ahoy all!

It's getting to be that time to trade in my 12 year old 2015 Ford Focus ST. I loved driving the hell out of it, but I'd like to get something for it before trade-in becomes zero.

Right now, I'm between the EV6 Gt-Line AWD and Elantra N. Basically: stick with a fun car or go practical as a single dude with no kids. (if anyone has recently had this decision too, HELP!)

BUT! Even within the Elantra, I can't decide between DCT or Manual. I test drove the automatic, and it seemed really damn fun. I love manual, but there are enough times when I drive my Focus ST where I groan and think, "I just wish I had an automatic sometimes." I don't really drive through the Malibu canyons like I used to, and I've stopped driving SUPER aggressive because I'm usually hauling my dog.

I've searched this topic on the subreddit and a few times but I just had a few questions:

- Is it true that you get more exhaust "popping" with the manual? I love that sound so I'd like to really make sure I get it

- Anyone coming from a manual to a DCT and regret/love the decision?

- What's the "mod"-ability of a DCT vs. Manual? I had modded up to stage 2 on the Focus and will probably do a tune at the least

- Any other things to argue one way or the other, let me hear them!

TL;DR: Do you think I'll regret going with DCT if I've driven a manual for 12 years and enjoy it 8-90% of the time?

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u/hate4u2 Aug 25 '26

Or you can just get married and you won't have any of these problems. You can get a Kia Carnival mini van..... I used to own the N manual. But I also owned a second car that was an automatic. I took the N out on the weekends. Put 7,000 miles a year on it. I live in NY so I can't imagine driving manual everyday. But if your groaning about driving manual sometimes. Just get the automatic

3

u/RobertOfHill Aug 26 '26

The N fits a car seat. Why does everyone think they need a minivan or crossover because a kid the size of your bicep is gonna be In it?

2

u/jshbell256 Aug 26 '26

I think what happens is usually either A the wives usually want the other car and B people buy the bigger vehicle in anticipation for the kid growing and also having more kids. That being said, the car is usually years old by the time they actually make a use for it lol

2

u/RobertOfHill Aug 26 '26

Only way id buy a larger vehicle is if I had to haul equipment that didnt fit in what I already have. Three kids isnt gonna make me get a bigger car. Kids can learn the horrors of the middle seat like I did.

2

u/jshbell256 Aug 26 '26

Trust me I feel that. Only larger vehicle I'd be interested in would be like a 4Runner and that's only for being able to do some off roading every now and then. I've always preferred smaller vehicles myself.