Driving stick

[njchopper87]

I grew up driving automatic cars. My dad used to let me shift from first to second in his little truck a while back, but other then that I have no experience with it. I learned how to shift at the MSF class (which made me REALLY wish I took my dad up on his offer to teach me). Now, with that said would it be difficult to transition to a manual car?

I ask because while I'm on the lookout for a car I don't want that to be a deal breaker.. especially if it's a damn good deal. I'm cheap and would rather spend my money on another bike.

[Porkchop]

Originally Posted by njchopper87

I grew up driving automatic cars. My dad used to let me shift from first to second in his little truck a while back, but other then that I have no experience with it. I learned how to shift at the MSF class (which made me REALLY wish I took my dad up on his offer to teach me). Now, with that said would it be difficult to transition to a manual car?

I ask because while I'm on the lookout for a car I don't want that to be a deal breaker.. especially if it's a damn good deal. I'm cheap and would rather spend my money on another bike.

Learned on automatics. Bought a manual as my current car a year ago. If you understand the concepts (which you do ) its no big deal. The first month is rough, you often look like an idiot. Months 2-3 are much better, still a few mistakes here or there. After 3 months you're golden....

[shmike]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8p2NF0nFyo

[Rangerscott]

If you're in a LOT of stop & go traffic I'd go automatic. My only vehicle I've ever owned is stick and it sucks balls. You don't have to worry about the tranny overheating but all I think about is the clutch wearing out. lol

Other than that, I'd drive stick anywhere, anytime.

[pauldun170]

I haven't had an automatic since 1993.
Traffic has never bothered me.

I'd rather be stuck in traffic in my car than my wife's automatic.

[MikeSP1]

I drive a five speed twin turbo subaru with a twin plate clutch in northern Japan. If I can get around here in bumper-to-bumper traffic with no issue, then I can safely say that there's no excuse for anyone to drive an automatic

[VatorMan]

Traffic and steep hills-stay in an auto. Stick shift is only mandatory in sports cars. Only chicks drive a sports car with an auto.

[CasterTroy]

My 14yr old son mastered the manual transmission in less than an hour.

(I had forgotten this myself) He said that his seat time on his motorcycles really helped him get the hang of it.

I want my kids first car to be a stick (intentionally) so that they never have to be in a situation where they can't drive someone else's car.

You should have no problem learning it if you NEED too to get the car you want for the price you want.

[defector]

As a kid, learning how to operate a manual was sort of a rite of passage. That, and backing up a trailer.

[Flexin]

Originally Posted by CasterTroy

My 14yr old son mastered the manual transmission in less than an hour.

(I had forgotten this myself) He said that his seat time on his motorcycles really helped him get the hang of it.

I want my kids first car to be a stick (intentionally) so that they never have to be in a situation where they can't drive someone else's car.

You should have no problem learning it if you NEED too to get the car you want for the price you want.

I think that is a great idea. I had food poisoning or something when I was 16. I had a townhouse with some friends. My girlfriend and cousin were there with me. I was too sick to drive and they didn't know how to drive well enough to get me to the hospital. And I wasn't going in an ambulance. I would have found a way to drive just not to do that. Mother and stepfather had to come in to drive me in. Everyone should know how to drive a standard. Its not hard. I learned on a old Dodge 1/2 ton with a 4 speed.

James