Manual Transmission?

Question

I'm looking to buy a new car soon, and as of right now I drive a car with automatic transmission. I want to get a manual transmission car and was wondering if that's a good idea. I've never driven a manual car before, but I have read up on it and watched some videos. It just seems to be hold the clutch, switch gears, let go of clutch and gas. Do you think it's a good idea to get a manual car? or no? Would I just make a fool out of myself test driving one?

Answer 1

Everybody learns sometime, I suppose. Read all you want, but expect jerky starts and engine cutoffs until you get the hang of it. Oh and putting your transmission into the wrong gear for the speed. And trying to start off going uphill, in traffic, you might roll backwards and hit the car behind you.

Answer 2

I don't think the decision to get a car with or without a manual transmission should be hinged if you know how to drive it. If you do end up buying one, it won't be long and it will become second nature. The bigger question is will I like it or not?

I've driven manual transmission cars for many years, and actually have both. Can I honestly say I prefer one over the other? Not really. It totally depends upon the situation.

My everyday driving is normally a mixture of city / country driving. Probably about 30/70. I like to drive a car with a manual transmission where it feels like you're actually driving the car, not just pointing it in some direction and pushing on the gas pedal. How boring is that? The upside to a standard transmission? More fun to drive, usually better gas mileage, more control, better performance.

That being said, if I'm driving in stop and go traffic I will take the auto transmission every time. A standard transmission in this kind of traffic, or continuous city driving is just a total pain in the butt. Constantly putting in the clutch while up/down shifting. Move a block or two (or sometimes feet), put in the clutch. Clutch in, clutch out, and on and on and on. You get the picture. The upside to an automatic transmission? The transmission itself is usually more durable than the clutch components of a standard transmission, it's easier to drive, better resale value. If you live in a climate where a remote starter for your car is desirable you'll want an auto transmission. Most, if not all of them require it.

One other thought is maintenance. Auto transmissions are pretty much a no-brain-er. Get the fluid and filter changed on occasion and it will probably last the life of the car. Manual transmissions are a little less forgiving. Don't get me wrong, they can take some abuse, but even if you take care of it you'll probably end up replacing the clutch and it's components at around 100,000 miles. Yeah, some people will get more but most will get even less. Not exactly a cheap endeavor, unless of course you can do it yourself. If that's the case it's not to bad in terms of money, just a pain doing it.

Finally, if you have a friend or family member who can give you a crash course in the art of driving a car with a standard transmission it would go a long way in helping you decide. Don't worry about making a fool of yourself learning how to drive a standard, we all started there. You'll learn a new skill, it will be fun, and trust me on this.... It won't take long!

Answer 3

It is a good idea to get a manual transmission car. You'll have more control of the car, and you'll get better gas mileage. However, as mentioned, it can be a pain if you spend a lot of time sitting in traffic jams.

Yes, if you've never driven one before, you will make some mistakes the first time driving one. Just let the sales person know you've never driven one, and ask them to let you drive it around the plarking lot practicing starts/stops before going out on the road. Or, find a friend/neighbor/relative that has a manual tranmission car, and ask them to teach you. It's easy to learn, just takes some practice.

I've had one automatic transmission car in my life, and it's the only one I've ever sold. All of my other manual transmission cars either went to the junkyard, were turned is as they were leases, or I still have them, and still love driving them (currently 4 of them...).

Answer 4

You have to actually drive it to get the feel. There is no way to learn from a book. After a while it becomes automatic. I have driven a manual transmission for 40 years. This also give you the training to drive a tractor or fork lift if ever needed.

I learned how to drive in an automatic and then when I purchased my first car it was a manual. I had to drive it from the dealer after never driving one before. It was an experience. After a few minutes you get used to it. It is a challenge at first starting from a stop on a hill.

Answer 5

Manual trans is the way to go if you want to keep more cash in your pocket. Here are some of the pluses for manual
1- better fuel economy- you can upshift at lower speeds to keep rpm's down
2- downshift to slow down, causing less wear on the brakes
3- easier to stop on slick roads, clutch in disconnects the engine power from the wheels.
4- If the battery is too low to start the car, you can bump start by rolling in second gear and releasing the clutch at 10 mph
5- standards are maintenance free
6- you build up your left leg muscles in traffic
Overall, manuals are far superior to automatics.
If you want to learn, contact a local driving school and they would be happy to give you a few lessons on their cars.

Answer 6

I have driven a manual forever. I like automatic better, manual is a pain in the butt during traffic. My husband likes manual better, but he races his car everywhere he goes. I think its a matter of opinion, some people like it and some don't. Its really easy to learn how to drive one, but you definitely need to drive one and not read about it. Good luck

Answer 7

If you don't know how to drive a manual shift vehicle, don't get one especially if you don't have anyone to teach you, for one how would you get it home. You would definitly make yourself look like a fool for even trying to test drive a manual shift car if you don't know how to drive one. Have someone teach you how first, then go look for a car.

Answer 8

It is a good idea. Less maintenance, more fun, usually more fuel efficient, less expensive, can have more control of the car, less weight, better handling, faster or controlled acceleration.

But you have to learn it first.