This car makes me sad.

"fhrblig" (fhrblig) 03/13/2015 at 10:32 • Filed to: None

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I had a silver 500L for a loaner while my 500 was in the shop, and I'm bummed out. The 6-speed dual-clutch automatic may be the worst transmission I've ever experienced.

Why am I bummed out? Because the rest of the car was great. The fit and finish was just fine, it was very roomy, and the interior was comfortable and well-thought-out. Also, I've never thought the 500L was ugly like most people do; there's a few styling changes I'd make, but it looks ok enough. It's just about perfect for my needs.

But that transmission is an abomination. First gear is the worst. When you take off, it surges and bucks, and the shift into second is hard. The rest of the gear changes are fine, except that when it needs to downshift it's indecisive. Within 5 minutes of driving it, I developed a burning hatred for it. Unfortunately, I've heard the manual is unreliable too. That sucks. I would have considered one of these if the manual was good.

Milky > fhrblig 03/13/2015 at 10:38

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Im with "most people", not great to look at. The X on the other hand …..

fhrblig > Milky 03/13/2015 at 10:42

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I do like the 500X. I sincerely hope it gets better transmissions.

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > Milky 03/13/2015 at 10:42

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It's much better, even likable, but this is better still...

WhiskeyGolf > fhrblig 03/13/2015 at 10:43

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Apparently that first gear juttering is a problem with most dual clutches, but that doesn't explain the rest of the crappiness. I had a Mazda 3 rental with auto about a year ago and I thought that transmission was awful but I think it was just because I kept smashing my left foot down looking for the clutch.

Milky > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 03/13/2015 at 10:51

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Well yea, I like that more too. But I see the appeal for a "softer" version.

Milky > fhrblig 03/13/2015 at 10:52

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Wont it get the 9spd too? I guess I just assumed that.

fhrblig > Milky 03/13/2015 at 11:03

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The nine speed is a different transmission. The 500L has a 6-speed dual clutch auto that apparently constantly breaks down.

Milky > fhrblig 03/13/2015 at 11:25

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From what I can gather you can only get a 6spd manual or a 9spd auto on the X, so good news!

Vicente Esteve > fhrblig 03/14/2015 at 12:41

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Wait, did you try the manual? Was it bad?

fhrblig > Vicente Esteve 03/14/2015 at 12:46

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I haven't tried the manual, but I've heard the manual is unreliable too.

Vicente Esteve > fhrblig 03/14/2015 at 12:48

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Crap, I liked them as well.