Just sharing my first experience
#2
Keep at it, and good luck.
Terry
#4
^^
![Agree](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/agree.gif)
I love driving stick. I will never buy anything except a stick car, unless my life literally depended on it.
![Agree](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/agree.gif)
![Agree](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/agree.gif)
I love driving stick. I will never buy anything except a stick car, unless my life literally depended on it.
#5
Suzuka Master
Haha dont worry my first experience wasnt soo great either. But maybe you weren't taught right. The first time i stalled frequently, but when i did it my second time with another friend I was taught a lot better and I only stalled once. I've only driven manual a couple times sooo im no where near good but i can get the car moving. Not good with hills though haha
#6
Haha dont worry my first experience wasnt soo great either. But maybe you weren't taught right. The first time i stalled frequently, but when i did it my second time with another friend I was taught a lot better and I only stalled once. I've only driven manual a couple times sooo im no where near good but i can get the car moving. Not good with hills though haha
1 year later, I test drove a Civic SI and I only stalled once
![Smile](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Well twice, I couldn't get up the dealer's driveway LOL.
I learned from Youtube videos and used some tips from people.
#7
Suzuka Master
heh, my first time. I couldn't even stop the car without stalling. I was nervous and I thought I already put it in neutral.
1 year later, I test drove a Civic SI and I only stalled once![Smile](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Well twice, I couldn't get up the dealer's driveway LOL.
I learned from Youtube videos and used some tips from people.
1 year later, I test drove a Civic SI and I only stalled once
![Smile](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Well twice, I couldn't get up the dealer's driveway LOL.
I learned from Youtube videos and used some tips from people.
For sure my next car is gonna have a MT
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#8
Punk Rocker
#9
Senior Moderator
#10
Instructor
iTrader: (1)
As with anyone i had a tough time with the manual when i was a teen, but i was working as a wash boy at a Acura dealership when i was as well, so i had the luxury of driving lots of manuals daily, including a few NSX back from various tire shops, 3 manual cars later ( all Acura Integra's ) i finally went back to the auto as i just wanted a daily commuter ...already miss my old GS-R, and now have the mod bug on my auto CL-S that was supposed to remain stock lol
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#11
The Dumb One
iTrader: (1)
you'll get it. after owning 4 vehicles... 2 autos and 2 manual's.. i can say from experience that once you get the hang of it, you'll never want another auto car again.
accord and TL where auto. and my 944 and prelude are 5 spd.
accord and TL where auto. and my 944 and prelude are 5 spd.
#12
Suzuka Master
quick question sorry for thread jack, but how much harder is it learning a manual on a more powerful car, say a sti versus a GTI?
#14
'10 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
I'm not sure how long you've been driving, but I drove for about 5 years before getting behind the wheel of a M/T car. In my opinion, learning to drive for a couple of years on an automatic and then learning on a M/T is the way to go.
A new driver learning how to drive M/T without much driving experience to begin with is just going to be tough for them, in my experience.
A new driver learning how to drive M/T without much driving experience to begin with is just going to be tough for them, in my experience.
#15
And I mean it with every bone in my body. Barring some injury that wouldn't allow me to operate the clutch properly or shift (in which case my life may very well be at risk) I'm only buying cars that are stick. I've taught and helped people learn before, and if the future mother of my children doesn't want a car that's stick, I'll let her get the car she wants and I'll get something cheaper as long as its manual.
I hope traditional manuals are still available in the future. If anything, I will never buy an automatic for my personal car. Dual clutch transmissions are becoming more common and more affordable.
It's not harder to learn on a more powerful car IMO, it depends more on how easy the clutch pedal is to modulate and where the engagement point is and how easy it is to find.
A GTI will have an easier clutch to modulate, and an STi's will be quite stiff. Not all (stock) powerful cars will have firm clutches though... a Corvette's clutch pedal is surprisingly easy to modulate. OTOH I have driven cars with aftermarket clutches that were so stiff that I had to lift my buttcheek to put more weight on the pedal to get it to the engagement point.
I hope traditional manuals are still available in the future. If anything, I will never buy an automatic for my personal car. Dual clutch transmissions are becoming more common and more affordable.
A GTI will have an easier clutch to modulate, and an STi's will be quite stiff. Not all (stock) powerful cars will have firm clutches though... a Corvette's clutch pedal is surprisingly easy to modulate. OTOH I have driven cars with aftermarket clutches that were so stiff that I had to lift my buttcheek to put more weight on the pedal to get it to the engagement point.
#16
Punk Rocker
Believe me, I used to say the same thing. Almost every car I have ever owned was a stick. Now, though, I like the smoothness and instant power of the auto. I don't have to worry about what gear I'm in, or screwing up the launch. I just 'wick it and go (plus the rev-matched throttle blips sound killer and I never have gotten the hang of heel and toeing)...
#17
Drifting
Torque is another thing that makes it easier. I was sitting in a parking lot driving my grandpa's f-250 diesel with a unloaded trailer and accidentally released the clutch in first. Instead of stalling it just lurched then idled forward.
#18
Believe me, I used to say the same thing. Almost every car I have ever owned was a stick. Now, though, I like the smoothness and instant power of the auto. I don't have to worry about what gear I'm in, or screwing up the launch. I just 'wick it and go (plus the rev-matched throttle blips sound killer and I never have gotten the hang of heel and toeing)...
I started practicing heel and toe in the same month that I bought my car. I like to rev match and heel toe in every car I drive, even if its my first time driving it. I do it every time I downshift when I drive my car.
I don't like driving manual. Driving manual is more like a requirement for me, like A/C or the heater. It's a passion for me. It's not just for fun.... I love a shifter that feels like a bolt-action rifle. I love ripping off a perfect shift, pulling off a perfectly rev-matched double clutched downshift.
I'm not going to say I will drive manuals forever..... I may change. But the way I see it now, if I look deep down inside myself.... I don't see it any other way.
Yeah, that too. With pretty much any big V8 or torquey engine, its hard to stall it.
#19
Suzuka Master
And I mean it with every bone in my body. Barring some injury that wouldn't allow me to operate the clutch properly or shift (in which case my life may very well be at risk) I'm only buying cars that are stick. I've taught and helped people learn before, and if the future mother of my children doesn't want a car that's stick, I'll let her get the car she wants and I'll get something cheaper as long as its manual.
I hope traditional manuals are still available in the future. If anything, I will never buy an automatic for my personal car. Dual clutch transmissions are becoming more common and more affordable.
It's not harder to learn on a more powerful car IMO, it depends more on how easy the clutch pedal is to modulate and where the engagement point is and how easy it is to find.
A GTI will have an easier clutch to modulate, and an STi's will be quite stiff. Not all (stock) powerful cars will have firm clutches though... a Corvette's clutch pedal is surprisingly easy to modulate. OTOH I have driven cars with aftermarket clutches that were so stiff that I had to lift my buttcheek to put more weight on the pedal to get it to the engagement point.
I hope traditional manuals are still available in the future. If anything, I will never buy an automatic for my personal car. Dual clutch transmissions are becoming more common and more affordable.
It's not harder to learn on a more powerful car IMO, it depends more on how easy the clutch pedal is to modulate and where the engagement point is and how easy it is to find.
A GTI will have an easier clutch to modulate, and an STi's will be quite stiff. Not all (stock) powerful cars will have firm clutches though... a Corvette's clutch pedal is surprisingly easy to modulate. OTOH I have driven cars with aftermarket clutches that were so stiff that I had to lift my buttcheek to put more weight on the pedal to get it to the engagement point.
#20
Registered Member
Ever since I started driving stick, automatics were too boring for me to drive. In comparison, I liked driving my incredibly slow, bone stock, stereo with 1-working speaker Integra with a screwed up paint job more than our pristine, luxurious, fast and beautiful looking but automatic 2G TL-S. That's when it hit me.
I started practicing heel and toe in the same month that I bought my car. I like to rev match and heel toe in every car I drive, even if its my first time driving it. I do it every time I downshift when I drive my car.
I don't like driving manual. Driving manual is more like a requirement for me, like A/C or the heater. It's a passion for me. It's not just for fun.... I love a shifter that feels like a bolt-action rifle. I love ripping off a perfect shift, pulling off a perfectly rev-matched double clutched downshift.
I'm not going to say I will drive manuals forever..... I may change. But the way I see it now, if I look deep down inside myself.... I don't see it any other way.
Yeah, that too. With pretty much any big V8 or torquey engine, its hard to stall it.
I started practicing heel and toe in the same month that I bought my car. I like to rev match and heel toe in every car I drive, even if its my first time driving it. I do it every time I downshift when I drive my car.
I don't like driving manual. Driving manual is more like a requirement for me, like A/C or the heater. It's a passion for me. It's not just for fun.... I love a shifter that feels like a bolt-action rifle. I love ripping off a perfect shift, pulling off a perfectly rev-matched double clutched downshift.
I'm not going to say I will drive manuals forever..... I may change. But the way I see it now, if I look deep down inside myself.... I don't see it any other way.
Yeah, that too. With pretty much any big V8 or torquey engine, its hard to stall it.
Other than the sheer joy of driving a manual in a fine car, manuals are far less expensive to own and maintain than are automatics. Plus they are much less prone to problems or damage than automatics.
If a car is not offered in a manual, then it is removed from my list of choices - I feel that strongly about this issue. So until I am no longer able to operate a manual transmission, automatics are not in my future. I don't hate them. I just don't see the need or sense in having one in my personal driving machine.
#21
The Dumb One
iTrader: (1)
![Huh](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/huh.gif)
instant power = manual transmission.
smooth shifts are subjective to the driver.
i can shift my car smoother than any auto car i've driven. when im driving casually there are no surges between shifts. now when im driving spiritedly, thats another story lol
#22
Racer
Thread Starter
Dont worry guys I am not giving up yet! haha. I practice on my friend's civic hatchback sometimes when he lets me. But so far, it's pretty fun. Getting out of first is so difficult!
#23
Since he test drove the Si before. I was like, what the heck, I'll try it out. I even told the Salesman, I'm not very good at driving manual. He didn't mind.
#24
Suzuka Master
Lol, we were looking at cars and my dad had been test driving all the MT cars we looked at. Including a 2010 MS3, damn I wanted to drive it.
Since he test drove the Si before. I was like, what the heck, I'll try it out. I even told the Salesman, I'm not very good at driving manual. He didn't mind.
Since he test drove the Si before. I was like, what the heck, I'll try it out. I even told the Salesman, I'm not very good at driving manual. He didn't mind.
#25
I had a Mk5 Jetta. I loved that car.
#26
Suzuka Master
Nice, I was actually car shopping with my dad today, he ended up buying a corolla -_-, i wanted him to get a jetta tdi haha. But he just wants a car to get from point a to point b that is cheap easy to maintain and gets good gas mileage.
#27
Burning Brakes
Couple of things that I thought helped when I first learned to drive manual:
1. You want to let out the clutch a little first before giving it gas or else you'll just be revving the engine and going nowhere.
2. Don't be afraid to add a little more gas to keep the car from stalling. It's hard to move the car with just the clutch especially in low torque cars, or if the road isn't perfectly flat.
1. You want to let out the clutch a little first before giving it gas or else you'll just be revving the engine and going nowhere.
2. Don't be afraid to add a little more gas to keep the car from stalling. It's hard to move the car with just the clutch especially in low torque cars, or if the road isn't perfectly flat.
#28
^good advice. What helped me learn at first was my friend just told me to let out the clutch while revving it up to about 1200-1500 rpm or whatever is necessary and modulate the clutch pedal from there. A lot simpler to get the car moving that way, then once you get the hang of it you can launch at whatever RPM you feel like.
absolutely agree
Most people on the road today do not own a traditional manual transmission. We are a niche group.... a group which I am fervently loyal to. I completely understand the vast multitude of reasons why somebody would want an automatic. Heck, I will and have without hesitation paid 5-10% more of a car's value to get a manual instead an automatic.... but don't tell the automakers that.
On a side note, I once stumbled upon a Yahoo! user group that hated manual transmissions
Ridiculous.
You and I are of the same mind when it comes to transmissions for our personal driving machines. I have never seen or understood the sense of preferring an automatic over a manual for my driving machine. A utility vehicle I can accept, but not my driving machine.
Other than the sheer joy of driving a manual in a fine car, manuals are far less expensive to own and maintain than are automatics. Plus they are much less prone to problems or damage than automatics.
If a car is not offered in a manual, then it is removed from my list of choices - I feel that strongly about this issue. So until I am no longer able to operate a manual transmission, automatics are not in my future. I don't hate them. I just don't see the need or sense in having one in my personal driving machine.
Other than the sheer joy of driving a manual in a fine car, manuals are far less expensive to own and maintain than are automatics. Plus they are much less prone to problems or damage than automatics.
If a car is not offered in a manual, then it is removed from my list of choices - I feel that strongly about this issue. So until I am no longer able to operate a manual transmission, automatics are not in my future. I don't hate them. I just don't see the need or sense in having one in my personal driving machine.
![Thumbs Up](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
Most people on the road today do not own a traditional manual transmission. We are a niche group.... a group which I am fervently loyal to. I completely understand the vast multitude of reasons why somebody would want an automatic. Heck, I will and have without hesitation paid 5-10% more of a car's value to get a manual instead an automatic.... but don't tell the automakers that.
On a side note, I once stumbled upon a Yahoo! user group that hated manual transmissions
![rofl](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/rofl.gif)
#29
Registered Member
^good advice. What helped me learn at first was my friend just told me to let out the clutch while revving it up to about 1200-1500 rpm or whatever is necessary and modulate the clutch pedal from there. A lot simpler to get the car moving that way, then once you get the hang of it you can launch at whatever RPM you feel like.
absolutely agree
Most people on the road today do not own a traditional manual transmission. We are a niche group.... a group which I am fervently loyal to. I completely understand the vast multitude of reasons why somebody would want an automatic. Heck, I will and have without hesitation paid 5-10% more of a car's value to get a manual instead an automatic.... but don't tell the automakers that.
On a side note, I once stumbled upon a Yahoo! user group that hated manual transmissions
Ridiculous.
![Thumbs Up](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
Most people on the road today do not own a traditional manual transmission. We are a niche group.... a group which I am fervently loyal to. I completely understand the vast multitude of reasons why somebody would want an automatic. Heck, I will and have without hesitation paid 5-10% more of a car's value to get a manual instead an automatic.... but don't tell the automakers that.
On a side note, I once stumbled upon a Yahoo! user group that hated manual transmissions
![rofl](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/rofl.gif)
I would never fault or chastise someone for buying an automatic. If that is what satisfies their wants and needs then who am I to criticize them.. I expect the same in return for my preference. That is why it amazes me about people such as the ones you mentioned on the Yahoo site who hate manuals. Crazy.
#30
Registered Member
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...1#post11723530
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...n#post11509328
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...n#post10949963
#31
Punk Rocker
I disagree with the maintenance costs of auto vs manual. Having just turned in my 6MT G37 after just two years, the clutch was on the bad side of "about to go" and replacing it runs at least $1000 if you go cheap ($2400 from the stealer). I have a feeling that the clutch in that car is a bit on the weak side (never raced it, never downshifted to slow down, etc) but now that I have the 7AT I don't have to worry about any "wear" items in the driveline that I'll have to replace out of pocket. Its a lease so it will be under warranty the entire time I have it.
The 7AT also gets around 3-4 mpg better gas mileage than the 6MT, the drivetrain is about 100x smoother with a torque converter, and when I'm not in "boy-racer" mode (i.e. reaching over to give my daughter the passy), I don't have to worry about shifting.
I still prefer manual to auto, no doubt. But in THIS car and in my current life-situation, the auto is just a better choice for me. Wait til you hit your thirties, have a wife who can't drive stick, and a newborn baby girl...
The 7AT also gets around 3-4 mpg better gas mileage than the 6MT, the drivetrain is about 100x smoother with a torque converter, and when I'm not in "boy-racer" mode (i.e. reaching over to give my daughter the passy), I don't have to worry about shifting.
I still prefer manual to auto, no doubt. But in THIS car and in my current life-situation, the auto is just a better choice for me. Wait til you hit your thirties, have a wife who can't drive stick, and a newborn baby girl...
#32
10th Gear
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Georgetown TX
Age: 34
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heres my advice drive alone like that you dont got someone behind your back saying bad comments i took me two weeks to drive stick and now i can drive really good learn the basics and soon youll think your driving an auto when its a MT
![Wish](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/wish.gif)
#33
Suzuka Master
Clutches cost that much to replace!!!!!!! Damn
#34
Suzuka Master
I have a quick question, When engaging first gear, you should start hitting the gas as you hit the place where your clutch engages. At the point where your clutch engages and you have hit the gas do you hold the clutch in that position for like a second to get the smoothness then continue to slowly let off the clutch? Or should the clutch be constantly moving slowly?
#35
I slowly hold the clutch pedal around the engagement point until it grabs, then I slowly let off. Very smooth that way
#36
Suzuka Master
Okk good, I hope when i get a manual car and spend a lot of time learning i do not pick up any bad habits.
#37
Registered Member
I disagree with the maintenance costs of auto vs manual. Having just turned in my 6MT G37 after just two years, the clutch was on the bad side of "about to go" and replacing it runs at least $1000 if you go cheap ($2400 from the stealer). I have a feeling that the clutch in that car is a bit on the weak side (never raced it, never downshifted to slow down, etc) but now that I have the 7AT I don't have to worry about any "wear" items in the driveline that I'll have to replace out of pocket. Its a lease so it will be under warranty the entire time I have it.
The 7AT also gets around 3-4 mpg better gas mileage than the 6MT, the drivetrain is about 100x smoother with a torque converter, and when I'm not in "boy-racer" mode (i.e. reaching over to give my daughter the passy), I don't have to worry about shifting.
I still prefer manual to auto, no doubt. But in THIS car and in my current life-situation, the auto is just a better choice for me. Wait til you hit your thirties, have a wife who can't drive stick, and a newborn baby girl...
The 7AT also gets around 3-4 mpg better gas mileage than the 6MT, the drivetrain is about 100x smoother with a torque converter, and when I'm not in "boy-racer" mode (i.e. reaching over to give my daughter the passy), I don't have to worry about shifting.
I still prefer manual to auto, no doubt. But in THIS car and in my current life-situation, the auto is just a better choice for me. Wait til you hit your thirties, have a wife who can't drive stick, and a newborn baby girl...
The "wait til you hit your thirties made me laugh a little (not a flame)". I'm 64 and have no plans for an automatic in my future.
#38
Registered Member
I have a quick question, When engaging first gear, you should start hitting the gas as you hit the place where your clutch engages. At the point where your clutch engages and you have hit the gas do you hold the clutch in that position for like a second to get the smoothness then continue to slowly let off the clutch? Or should the clutch be constantly moving slowly?
#39
My only car is a Bus
Join Date: Sep 2005
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If that were true than why would $100,000.00 sports cars be dropping it? A good auto box is faster and smoother than a manual one.
that seems a little backwards dont ya think? lol
instant power = manual transmission.
smooth shifts are subjective to the driver.
i can shift my car smoother than any auto car i've driven. when im driving casually there are no surges between shifts. now when im driving spiritedly, thats another story lol
![Huh](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/huh.gif)
instant power = manual transmission.
smooth shifts are subjective to the driver.
i can shift my car smoother than any auto car i've driven. when im driving casually there are no surges between shifts. now when im driving spiritedly, thats another story lol
#40
![Huh](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/huh.gif)
instant power = manual transmission.
smooth shifts are subjective to the driver.
i can shift my car smoother than any auto car i've driven. when im driving casually there are no surges between shifts. now when im driving spiritedly, thats another story lol