For all you Automatic drivers with a 2k3's, What gear do you guys normally drive in?

I keep it in 3 and not D because I feel that it drives a heck of a lot better and more Torque. If you keep it in D, it definitely feels a lot slower on the low speeds. Not sure if this will hurt the Tranny, so I was wondering if anyone else does the same thing.

Thank You!

 

Usually in town I leave it in 3rd and if at lower speeds in traffic sometimes in 2nd. Reasons: quicker response when hitting the gas, it's already in the best gear for the time and place and it adds to the fun factor which to me is part of the reason I drive the Max. Also, as auto transmissions go I think this one is very good and it's behavior and response when manually selecting gears is about as close to a manual as you're going to get. I know there are people who prefer the manual and more power to them - I'm sure it is a great driving experience - but not for everyone. The Max - even with the auto - is a very good performer.

 

The GLE is my wife's car, and I've suggested she keep it in 3rd unless on the interstate, then pop it over to drive. When I drive it, that is how I prefer it as well, for all the same reasons: more torque, better performance feel, etc. Also, I do the same in shifting it down to second or even first depending on the traffic conditions. Having a 6 speed SE, I find the automatic a very good driver, and sometimes prefer it (when sitting in traffic!). At the end of the day, though, I want to go through the gears myself. But again, I think the auto in this car shifts great and feels every bit a Maxima...not having ever driven an automatic max until we got this 03 GLE last month, I was pleasantly surprised.

srm

 

So long as you don't mind filling up on gas more frequently, there isn't a problem in running 1:1 around town and in O/D on the highway...