I have a manual VW GTI but have driven a DSG GTI, and the DSG is great and no human could possibly shift faster than the DSG (8 ms I think is the shift time for it), but the manual is still a hell of a lot more fun. I hope manuals aren't replaced with DSGs.
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Is it worth it to drive a stick? (Where can you rent a car to learn how?)
- Thread starter Luigi239
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I have a manual VW GTI but have driven a DSG GTI, and the DSG is great and no human could possibly shift faster than the DSG (8 ms I think is the shift time for it), but the manual is still a hell of a lot more fun. I hope manuals aren't replaced with DSGs.
Still got the original clutch AND no bills for brakes. Helps to be driving roads I know like back of my own hand.
you havent replaced brake pads yet? how many miles?
my stock clutch on my car gave out at 110k miles. just wouldnt accelerate anymore and couldnt go uphills lol
One more thing, dont be put off by one second about owning a manual bc newer transmissions are coming out. We have seen this cycle before. Automatics came out and sent the lowly manual down to basic equipment. However, in the US, nearly the only way to get manual now is in a "sports car." Imagine that."
Now with this dual friction clutch automatic, it is the same thing. Blah blah blah. Manuals hold more power and I know that I can work on them.
Being 16, now will be the time to really learn how to work on a car. Most people wouldn't touch an automatic if they happen to go out. A manual on the other hand, you might just be able to take care of it.
Sorry, that just reminded me of another reason why I drive a manual, autos can go out at any given moment. It's happened to me. Not fun.
Now with this dual friction clutch automatic, it is the same thing. Blah blah blah. Manuals hold more power and I know that I can work on them.
Being 16, now will be the time to really learn how to work on a car. Most people wouldn't touch an automatic if they happen to go out. A manual on the other hand, you might just be able to take care of it.
Sorry, that just reminded me of another reason why I drive a manual, autos can go out at any given moment. It's happened to me. Not fun.
Thanks everybody for your input. At the very least, I decided I want to learn how, and from there I'll decide about buying a stick 
Unfortunately, most likely something cheap and boring like a Honda Civic or VW Jetta. I've been looking around and it seems like there are just as many manual Jettas as there are automatic, and there are lots on Craigslist to choose from. Plus, I think the Jetta is more interesting than a Civic.
Only thing is that most of the Jettas in my price range have a ton of miles, 100,000 - 150,000+. Is that too many to consider buying, even if it seems to be in good shape? During college when I have more money, I can see myself upgrading to something newer, so let's say it has to last me at least 3 years...hopefully more.
Unfortunately, most likely something cheap and boring like a Honda Civic or VW Jetta. I've been looking around and it seems like there are just as many manual Jettas as there are automatic, and there are lots on Craigslist to choose from. Plus, I think the Jetta is more interesting than a Civic.
Only thing is that most of the Jettas in my price range have a ton of miles, 100,000 - 150,000+. Is that too many to consider buying, even if it seems to be in good shape? During college when I have more money, I can see myself upgrading to something newer, so let's say it has to last me at least 3 years...hopefully more.
unless you have like lifts and stuff, working on a cars transmission, even if manual, is still quite an undertaking
Thanks everybody for your input. At the very least, I decided I want to learn how, and from there I'll decide about buying a stick
Unfortunately, most likely something cheap and boring like a Honda Civic or VW Jetta. I've been looking around and it seems like there are just as many manual Jettas as there are automatic, and there are lots on Craigslist to choose from. Plus, I think the Jetta is more interesting than a Civic.
Only thing is that most of the Jettas in my price range have a ton of miles, 100,000 - 150,000+. Is that too many to consider buying, even if it seems to be in good shape? During college when I have more money, I can see myself upgrading to something newer, so let's say it has to last me at least 3 years...hopefully more.
100k isnt that bad
as far as upgrading, i am still driving my first car after 9 years of having it and its a 1990. alot cheaper than having a car payment
if you take care of it, it will last a while
Only 12k since I bought it (used, with new brakes).
My 88 Escort had 186k miles on it, original clutch but the linkage got welded a few times when reverse quit cooperating.
How to make the transmission decision:
Do you enjoy driving? If so, is the car you're buying going to be enjoyable to drive?
If "yes" crossed your mind at any point along the way, I believe your pedals shall be numbered three.
Do you enjoy driving? If so, is the car you're buying going to be enjoyable to drive?
If "yes" crossed your mind at any point along the way, I believe your pedals shall be numbered three.
Thanks everybody for your input. At the very least, I decided I want to learn how, and from there I'll decide about buying a stick
Unfortunately, most likely something cheap and boring like a Honda Civic or VW Jetta. I've been looking around and it seems like there are just as many manual Jettas as there are automatic, and there are lots on Craigslist to choose from. Plus, I think the Jetta is more interesting than a Civic.
Only thing is that most of the Jettas in my price range have a ton of miles, 100,000 - 150,000+. Is that too many to consider buying, even if it seems to be in good shape? During college when I have more money, I can see myself upgrading to something newer, so let's say it has to last me at least 3 years...hopefully more.
The Jetta will definitely be more fun to drive than a Civic, but German cars are more expensive to fix than Japanese ones and with 100,000+ miles, something's eventually going to break, so keep that in mind.
Older dual-clutch transmissions tended to be fairly complex but thanks to the work done by Borg-Warner, Getrag and Ford, there is a new dry-plate dual-clutch tranmission (which will be built under the name Powershift) that is actually not much more complicated than a regular manual transmission. You will see this first on the 2011 Ford Fiesta for the North American market, which will arrive around March 2010.
They're also working on DCTs that can handle more powerful engines and engines with narrow power peaks. I would not be surprised that Honda has investigated using a DCT for their more sporting versions of the Honda Civic.
Older Jettas in perticular are famous for their electrial issues, that can take even a superb mechanic hours to trace down and sort out.
I'd pass on anything German unless you're good with a multimeter and have hours to spend tracking down problems as they pop up. And honestly, if you've got that ammount of time to work on your car, you'd be better of just buying something like a 86+ Porsche 944, which go for next to nothing these days, and are fantastic little cars. I had one many years ago, and boy was it a joy to drive. Easy on gas, pretty quick (even quicker if you find a Turbo), handled like it was on rails. But they do have their share of electrical and mechanical problems that unless you can fix yourself, get really expensive quickly.
Personally, I'd look for an early 90's econobox, Civic, Corolla, Escort, ect. They'll be easy to find with a stick, and are pretty low cost. Plus when you wreck it (which you probably will), you're not going to have a hard time parting with it.
I'd pass on anything German unless you're good with a multimeter and have hours to spend tracking down problems as they pop up. And honestly, if you've got that ammount of time to work on your car, you'd be better of just buying something like a 86+ Porsche 944, which go for next to nothing these days, and are fantastic little cars. I had one many years ago, and boy was it a joy to drive. Easy on gas, pretty quick (even quicker if you find a Turbo), handled like it was on rails. But they do have their share of electrical and mechanical problems that unless you can fix yourself, get really expensive quickly.
Personally, I'd look for an early 90's econobox, Civic, Corolla, Escort, ect. They'll be easy to find with a stick, and are pretty low cost. Plus when you wreck it (which you probably will), you're not going to have a hard time parting with it.
As a suggestion, look into some manual Infiniti G20's!
They're reliable (they're Nissan) and more fun to drive than a civic for sure
They're reliable (they're Nissan) and more fun to drive than a civic for sure
Engine braking will NOT wear out the clutch unless you decide to slip it the whole way, and there is no reason for that.
The clutches in big trucks work just the same as the clutch in every other car out there, yet we get 400k+ out of them with a LOT of engine braking, in a LOT heavier vehicle, even with the jakes on.
Not everywhere. Some places let you rent a car under 25 but they'll charge you more.
I have owned 2 cars and both have been manual transmissions. They are much more fun to drive and will help you develop good driving skills. If you live in an area that gets snow or ice you will find that a manual transmission will give you much greater control when your tires start spinning.
Learning how to drive it shouldn't take you more that 20 minutes to get the "feel". It will take you another month or so to have an excellent understanding of how it works.
I was the first one of all my friends to have a stick shift car, then after I taught most of my buddies how to drive one they all got one. The only downside for me was when I would park my car in my driveway (when I lived with my parents) and my mom or dad needed to move the car. None of them knew how to drive it. The hills and traffic are not that bad and should not be something to really complain about unless you have a bad left knee. It will just become another part of driving like using your turn signal or turning on your headlights.
Learning how to drive it shouldn't take you more that 20 minutes to get the "feel". It will take you another month or so to have an excellent understanding of how it works.
I was the first one of all my friends to have a stick shift car, then after I taught most of my buddies how to drive one they all got one. The only downside for me was when I would park my car in my driveway (when I lived with my parents) and my mom or dad needed to move the car. None of them knew how to drive it. The hills and traffic are not that bad and should not be something to really complain about unless you have a bad left knee. It will just become another part of driving like using your turn signal or turning on your headlights.
Very few of the specialty rental places have manuals, either. Two years ago, I tried looking for a nice convertible sports car to rent for a weekend in LA and all of them, including the Porsches, Aston Martins, etc, were all automatic.
I think the only manual rental I've ever driven in the US was a Saab Viggen around five years ago in DC.
I would say it depends on the car. If you're getting a cheap car with not much of an engine to have fun with, I don't think it's worth it to get a stick.
Driving around town or in traffic really sucks with a stick.
Oh and by the way you can easily engine brake with an automatic, just put it in the "2" or "3" mode, where you only allow it to use the bottom 2 or 3 gears.
I rented a Porsche in LA not long ago, that had Tiptronic, with the shifters on the stearing wheel. Had a lot of fun up and down Sunset with it
Driving around town or in traffic really sucks with a stick.
Oh and by the way you can easily engine brake with an automatic, just put it in the "2" or "3" mode, where you only allow it to use the bottom 2 or 3 gears.
I rented a Porsche in LA not long ago, that had Tiptronic, with the shifters on the stearing wheel. Had a lot of fun up and down Sunset with it
Yeah too bad everyone's not driving a stick in traffic --> no time left to text while driving.
I dunno know. I think you get a lot more out of an anemic four banger with a manual than an automatic. I have no interest in driving a V-8 luxobarge with a manual. Performance cars are another story.
Driving stick is something everyone should know how to do. I love my little BMW stick. You have way more control especially in the winter. Autos frequently have the "top of the hill flip out" and this causes me to buy manual transmissions. They're so much more fun too, autos are boring.
^^
1+ automatic transmissions are very boring. You should just go out and buy a cheapo car that has a stick. It wont take long to learn. Honda's are very easy to learn on.
1+ automatic transmissions are very boring. You should just go out and buy a cheapo car that has a stick. It wont take long to learn. Honda's are very easy to learn on.
Learn to drive a manual car, it may take a little longer to learn the biting point and things, but it will mean you can drive just about any car.
The main thing with driving (in terms of road safety) is to be so comfortable with the controls that you are concentrating on road position, observing the hazards coming up, what you have passed, where you are going, checking your blind spots, making sure you are within the speed limit and probably a load of other things. You don't want to be worrying about knowing what gear to be in for the right engine speed or stalling the car all the time.
With experience, you'll get it. It doesn't even take much time, a few hours at the most and you'll have your car control down to a tee.
Do you really want to go through the hassle and embarrassment of being 35 and not knowing how to use the clutch of the 'classic' 1980s Porsche 911 that a friend has let you drive because you didn't want to spend a few extra hours when you were a kid?
I think its pretty much unanimous... Learn to drive a manual. They are really fun to drive. Find some twisty road and play with the gears and engine and if you get a light FWD car, learn about the joys of L/O oversteer
The main thing with driving (in terms of road safety) is to be so comfortable with the controls that you are concentrating on road position, observing the hazards coming up, what you have passed, where you are going, checking your blind spots, making sure you are within the speed limit and probably a load of other things. You don't want to be worrying about knowing what gear to be in for the right engine speed or stalling the car all the time.
With experience, you'll get it. It doesn't even take much time, a few hours at the most and you'll have your car control down to a tee.
Do you really want to go through the hassle and embarrassment of being 35 and not knowing how to use the clutch of the 'classic' 1980s Porsche 911 that a friend has let you drive because you didn't want to spend a few extra hours when you were a kid?
I think its pretty much unanimous... Learn to drive a manual. They are really fun to drive. Find some twisty road and play with the gears and engine and if you get a light FWD car, learn about the joys of L/O oversteer
As a Brit, where 'stick shift' is normal and automatic is the rare exception (though not as rare as it used to be) I have owned and driven both.
When I had an automatic for a little while, and since having manual again, my conclusions are:
You definitely want manual in hilly areas (no it won't burn out the clutch haha). The indecisive auto gearbox was irritating in that situation, jumping back and forth between two gears, and I just prefer to decide when I want extra acceleration for myself - without relying on the kickdown, which was a bit more geared (heh) towards overtaking on a flat than boosting the sluggish car up the hill. It just felt very unnatural to me in that particular situation. Might not help that it had 3 gears seemingly, whilst I'm used to having 5. 3 is very coarse.
As LizKat put it (mine was a Corolla also):
On the other hand, in stop-start city traffic, I loved having an auto gearbox. For one thing, there's usually so much going on that changing gears, even though it becomes sort of instinctive and subconscious, still strikes me as as unnecessary drain on brain resources that would be better spent making sure you're not hitting things.
But more noticeably, putting the clutch up and down (no it won't rapidly burn out even in stop-start traffic) gets very tiring and tedious. Worse when you're queueing up a hill and have to consider handbrake and biting point to make sure you don't roll back. Give me an auto gearbox any day in a city.
I live in the Lake District of England and have a 4 minute journey to work, the rest of the time I'm taking the car around all the hills and twists and turns getting to the base of mountains, so it's a manual for me.
When I had an automatic for a little while, and since having manual again, my conclusions are:
You definitely want manual in hilly areas (no it won't burn out the clutch haha). The indecisive auto gearbox was irritating in that situation, jumping back and forth between two gears, and I just prefer to decide when I want extra acceleration for myself - without relying on the kickdown, which was a bit more geared (heh) towards overtaking on a flat than boosting the sluggish car up the hill. It just felt very unnatural to me in that particular situation. Might not help that it had 3 gears seemingly, whilst I'm used to having 5. 3 is very coarse.
As LizKat put it (mine was a Corolla also):
Exactly.
On the other hand, in stop-start city traffic, I loved having an auto gearbox. For one thing, there's usually so much going on that changing gears, even though it becomes sort of instinctive and subconscious, still strikes me as as unnecessary drain on brain resources that would be better spent making sure you're not hitting things.
But more noticeably, putting the clutch up and down (no it won't rapidly burn out even in stop-start traffic) gets very tiring and tedious. Worse when you're queueing up a hill and have to consider handbrake and biting point to make sure you don't roll back. Give me an auto gearbox any day in a city.
I live in the Lake District of England and have a 4 minute journey to work, the rest of the time I'm taking the car around all the hills and twists and turns getting to the base of mountains, so it's a manual for me.
First off I will say I been driving a manual since I turn 16 ten years ago. My first car was a manual. The car it was replace with has a 6 speed manual in it.
While for the most part I like driving a manual there are times I honestly would rather drive an auto. I am debating about when I replace my car going auto. The reason for this is because I have to drive in traffic quite a bit and let me tell you in stop and go traffic manual gets old REALLY fast but for cruising I like them. I also like it because on 2 lanes road where I have to make a quick pass I can drop a gear with zero lag time.
I also if you do not like driving do not get a manual. I have a friend who hated driving ask me if a manual made driving better. I told him that he should go auto because other wise it is just one more thing and you will not enjoy it.
Oh and the other place manual suck is on dates. Some times you like to just hold your girls hand for a while but try that in a stick and nope got shift about every 10 seconds (joys of stop lights).
While for the most part I like driving a manual there are times I honestly would rather drive an auto. I am debating about when I replace my car going auto. The reason for this is because I have to drive in traffic quite a bit and let me tell you in stop and go traffic manual gets old REALLY fast but for cruising I like them. I also like it because on 2 lanes road where I have to make a quick pass I can drop a gear with zero lag time.
I also if you do not like driving do not get a manual. I have a friend who hated driving ask me if a manual made driving better. I told him that he should go auto because other wise it is just one more thing and you will not enjoy it.
Oh and the other place manual suck is on dates. Some times you like to just hold your girls hand for a while but try that in a stick and nope got shift about every 10 seconds (joys of stop lights).