I-Shift: first job

I will never buy another truck that isn't auto again. My 2014 volvo ishift is a dream come true, Its nice to not have to shift gears........... more time to text the wife while driving!

 

I don't text and drive, because then I would have to put my beer down.

 

Make sure to enter your info into your Tom-Tom with your free hand while in motion!

 

Auto shifts are becoming popular with some companies as for the most part anyone can drive. I own a Volvo I-shift (2011 model) full version. There are 2 versions. One version is what most companies put in. It is completely controlled by the computer. You can not make the shift on your own but have to wait for the computer to determine it. Put it in D and it goes. The other version is controlled by the computer but you can make up and down shift with the push of a button. Driver has a bit more control.
Haven't driven out west with my truck. Driving eastern mountains I haven't had any problem with the I-shift. I drove manual before this auto and use my knowledge of shifting at times when I need to decide on going up a hill if the truck needs a lower gear before the computer is going to shift. I also love the auto in stop and go traffic. No sitting with my leg on a clutch. Decided on purchasing an auto shift when my body started complaining (knee, shoulder, elbow). When one enters their 60's often you have to listen to the aches and pains.

 

I drove one, behind a D13 Volvo engine. I prefer manual shifting, but that I-shift is a good, reliable transmission. The one I drove had a manual shift control you could engage, which made it better. For me. Auto trannies don't ease into motion like a manual, there's this little surge when you back or pull out. You can ride the brake pedal at those dock speeds with no problems, I just didn't like the way it worked. Down hills, another place where I preferred the control of a manual tranny. But the I-Shift is great, you'll probably love it.

 

I am in a 2012 Volvo I-Shift. I drive Chicago only and "once in a while" get in some traffic. The I-Shift is a godsend to my clutch knee, as the volvo manual clutch is about 80 pounds to press, and doing that about 30 times per mile heading towards the "Jane" on 290 at 1700 O'Clock SUCKS!

I did two and a half years with a manual first, then lucked into the auto. You do not have the control that a full manual offers. But driving a little more cautiously than usual in slippery conditions is a small price to pay for the benefits it provides.

Not sure if it was my company or Volvo but they took away the manual option for new models, unless you signed away all warranties on the tranny. I guess too many "drivers" were burning them up with improper use.

Mikeeee

 

Yes, more manuals than autos out there and you can't limit yourself. Plus many states are restricting licenses when taken on autos even if yours doesn't it still doesn't make sense to limit yourself that way.