I'm 15 years old and will be driving very soon. I'm not sure whether or not I want to buy a car with manual or automatic transmission. I am sort of leaning towards the automatic, because I'm scared of having to shift all of the time when I'm just learning to drive. My dad tells me automatic would be easier, but I've heard people say manual is more fun and gives you more power or something...please help! Thank you.
2007-06-22 13:44:43 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
Learn on a stick. It's a whole lot easier to go from driving a stick to an automatic than the other way if you ever need to.
2007-06-22 13:53:39 · answer #1 · answered by HgMan3 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An automatic would be easier. But, they are not anywhere close to as much fun as manual. It is scary at first because there seems like so many things to do but in a very short time you will not even think about it, especially if you do the manual first.
A couple of things if you live where there are a lot of mountains it can be a little scary until you get used to it because if you stop on a hill the car will roll a little before you get it going.
The really good thing is that most people, especially girls don't know how to drive a manual so they can't borrow your car. Makes it much easier to say no. I bet your dad will like this part.
2007-06-22 21:00:22 · answer #2 · answered by Morgan S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Missy, The pros and cons go like this.
Manual transmission is more responsive and "sporty". It is also cheaper to fix than an automatic.
The down side is if you are learning to drive, do yourself and everyone on the road a favor and make it as simple on yourself as you can.
An automatic takes away a lot of distraction. Just two pedals and then you can concentrate on learning to navigate the streets. To learn to drive, an automatic is best. once you are a seasoned driver, say a few years from now, I'd encourage you to learn how to drive a stick so if you ever have to, you'll be able to. I bought my son a Volvo with an automatic and he's 16 so he's glad he went that route first.
Also, as a mechanic, I routinely fix clutches that youngsters learned to drive in. Monday an 18 year old is bringing his Honda Accord back to the shop for his second clutch in two years. (but you know how boys drive!!) My point is, go with the auto. good luck.
2007-06-22 20:54:47 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Automatic transmissions take the thought out of the drive, just stomp on the gas and go. Standard transmissions require you to pay close attention to the engine rpm's and the feel of the road, switching gears as required. This gives you a greater sense of control over your drive, which is a lot of fun for some people. Me, I'd rather relax and let the automatic do the work for me.
Another consideration is gas mileage. Standard's use less fuel than automatics.
2007-06-22 21:19:49 · answer #4 · answered by Drew 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i am 16 years old, and trust me...if you want the manual, there better not be any big hills where you live or else you will be having trouble with that. Also the manuals are way harder to drive.
If you and your dad are pretty good friends, ask him to get you a some what newer sportier car. Thats because most of the new cars come with a sports transmission. This is where you can have the manual, but can instantly switch into auto.
I am getting a MAZDA3 and it has a sports transmission
IT IS SO SWEET
2007-06-22 21:36:37 · answer #5 · answered by goldminer498 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would prefer any kids of mine learn how to drive a manual transmission. automatics are great but the stick shift has many benefits.
1 because you have to perform a task to drive it it forces you to at least get a basic understanding of how the vehicle works. always a benefit to a new driver
2 if you were to get stuck in the snow or mud, getting the car unstuck is much easier in a stick (start out in 2nd gear instead of 1st, it does not put as muck power to the wheels so spinning is reduced). New drivers don't have the experience to know how deep of snow or mud the car can travel through
3 (personal experience here) if your starter would go bad you can coast start it.
4 learn in a stick and you can drive anything. Which comes in handy if any of your friends or family would own a stick and get hurt and was not able to drive
2007-06-22 21:09:12 · answer #6 · answered by mike _ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Automatic's good enough, unless you're going to drive a car with manual transmission. Other than that, there's no practical reason to learn how to drive stick.
2007-06-22 20:48:47 · answer #7 · answered by chrisatmudd 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, for starters, I think it's good to know how to drive a manual. I think everyone should know how to drive one, but for your first car, I would def. reccomend the automatic, just because you're learning, and sometimes straight drives can be exhausting...esp if you live in a highly populated area...having to stop and start a lot... Hope it helps :)
We have a newer car that's a five speed, and even though it's awesome on gas, I HATE it when we have to drive through bigger cities...a real pain!
2007-06-22 21:28:13 · answer #8 · answered by Mandi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would go with the manual. I love my stick and will not drive anything else. Besides you've got to learn to drive a stick or you will always be made fun of when people find out that you can't.
2007-06-22 23:12:00 · answer #9 · answered by redcinnamon99 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think driving sticks helps kids avoid distractions because you have to be more involved in what you are doing. Stupid things like speeding, cells, friends will raise chances of accidents not 3 pedals. If you mess up the car just stops! It won't accelerate.
My husband has been a bmw tech for 15 years and he will only allow our children to learn on a stick for safety reasons.
2007-06-22 21:09:03 · answer #10 · answered by goingpostal- 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋