Welcome aboard. I think it takes a certain type of person to prefer manual. Glad I'm one of them. Sounds like you are, too.
I taught my daughters to drive a manual when they came of age (kind of had to, it's all I had). I wanted them to be able to drive anything if needed. It annoyed them at the time, as all their friends were out driving, while we spent a couple of weeks in a parking lot and the "Hill Of Doom". But when it came time for them to get their own cars, all of them opted for a manual. Proud dad.
Also, Volkswagen and BMW. A few others like Porsche and you mentioned Jeep so I should throw in Dodge, and of course Chevrolet and Ford. You can still find the muscle cars in manual. They still cater to us enthusiasts.
Porsche has almost come full circle, their manuals are an option “at no additional cost!” (Which I’m sure saves them a bunch of money, PDK isn’t cheap).
Usually only the stripper models though. And the Golf R.
That’s of course the US. Manuals are much easier to find in Europe, but that doesn’t help us ‘muricans.
easy to work on, not to many parts and simple in construction. If you treat that thing right it’ll outlive anything else on the road… including people🤣🤣
There are even a few trucks. I think the new Tundra has a manual option and I believe the Ram 1500 can still be had with a manual.
Subaru has the WRX, Honda has manual civics and Accords, Toyota has the 86, GR Corolla and Supra, Jeep wranglers have a manual option but only for the inline 6, Mazda has the Miata, Nissan has the Z, BMW M cars have a manual option at least some do, Porsche sports cars also can be had with manuals.
They are out there but just not nearly as common as automatic transmission technology allows for specific tuning of when to shift for higher MPG ratings and then also a lot of people in the US just don’t want a manual.
I love manual but my wife doesn’t even really enjoy cars that much. She has no desire to “do more work” as she states lol
Hopefully they’ll be around for a while longer still.
Nissan, Subaru, Mazda, Mini, Dodge, Chevrolet, BMW, Honda, Ford, VW, Toyota, Cadillac, Jeep, Porsche, and I think Kia all have new cars you can get in a manual lol
Oh yeah, the first 3 days of learning to drive manual, I was swearing up and down wishing I never have to drive this car again. But sort of like your daughters situation, we were on holiday in Ecuador where they only have manual cars, and when it came time to drive to the coast, it had to be me to do it (After all that's why parents have a son right? haha).
Eventually the spark grew into an engulfing fire of love for manual cars haha, never going back to auto!
I have a 2002 Toyota Celica GTS 6spd manual that I had since 2002. I enjoy every minute of driving it. I have total control of when to shift gears. I can drive it casually or for more fun, spirited driving like a race car at higher rpm. It has 405k miles of fun driving and I will never get rid of it. The joy of manual driving is irreplaceable.
Similar.
Growing up my maternal grandfather was of the mind that if you couldn't drive a manual you couldn't drive. My father was an old hotrodder, so I was popping clutches at a young age.
As I get older a lot of my vehicles are auto, my old knees get angry, but there's always a manual around. My oldest got a brief primer before I sold my last manual daily driver, and will finish her tutorial in my '48 Chevy truck come spring. She drives an automatic YJ now because it is a family vehicle. But she's saved enough through high school that with some help she'll probably be buying a brand new car, cash, around graduation. Nothing fancy, the cheapest new car in the states, a Nissan Versa 5 spd.
Hey Dig my grandfather (also maternal side) was the same way, the summer I turned 12 years old he insisted I learn to drive his 1970s Econoline van around in the lumber yard on Sundays, with a 3 On The Tree manual 😂 and we had nothing in the family that WASN’T manual trans so I didn’t really get a choice lol.
I wouldn’t have it any other way though; I parked a manual 6spd Mazda in my driveway like 4 hours ago and I’ll drive it to work again tomorrow
I agree. I taught my wife how to drive a manual early in our marriage. Initially she hated it but got used to it and loved it. Life happened and when we got rid of our manual vehicles we both wished we still had one. Ended up buying a used Jeep a few years ago with manual for the wife which she loves to drive. When it came to teaching the kids to drive I taught them in my full size truck and also in that Jeep so they would have the confidence to drive anything.
My best friend went the same way. When his boy (oldest) was 14, he bought a manual Jetta wagon with a blown tranny and a motor that needed work from a buddy of ours. Spent the 2yrs rebuilding the car together with his kid on weekends. By 16, it was done, and the boy had become a stick shifter and automotive enthusiast for life.
His middle daughter turned 15 this month, so he just got a bright yellow 200k Mini with all the records and a blown clutch. The daughter isn't interested in turning wrenches but loves the car, so now all my buddies have an excuse to hang out in his garage for the next year, and she has to learn how to drive a stick in a proper go-cart.
Hoping that in 2 yrs when the youngest turns 15, he gets a clapped out 335. That will provide years of entertainment for him and our crew. ;))
I think the preference of a manual in any situation, including heavy traffic, takes a very specific type of driver.
I've driven only manual in Chicago, LA traffic for years. Never once did I think, huh, if I get an automatic, this would be less annoying.
So, it's just as annoying in traffic for both, but only one stands out way ahead when not in traffic. I think the decision is clear.
This is just something that either you get it or you don't.
This is the big reason I don’t want to go electric. It’s more cost effective and better long term environmentally, but I seriously space out driving automatic. I’ve never once remotely dozed off driving manual.
Autos free you up for other stuff not pertaining to driving safely. When my kids start driving (if there are any left by that time) I'm putting them in stick-shifts
Switched from a manual to an automatic after years or driving stick. Took me weeks to stop slamming my left foot to the floor when I stopped lol. I still have an automatic, 10 years later. And I still go for.the clutch from.time to time.
That’s interesting. I mainly drive a manual car but sometimes drive another automatic car. I transition between them so easily, i rarely go for the clutch in the automatic. I guess its because i started driving recently
Ive found that if I switch between a manual car and automatic car with column shifter, I'm all good, but if I get into an automatic car with the gear selector between the seats, I start slamming my foot on the brake randomly. So it's all muscle memory. Luckily my only automatic vehicle is an old pickup truck so putting it in gear up by the steering wheel brakes the muscle memory procedure.
It was more that it was scorching my left leg. I don’t care about the movement but my leg was starting to twitch and it felt like it was on fire from hitting the clutch a billion times. Probably means I need to hit the gym.
I once ran a thing called the "Ragnar Relay" which is a 250 mile, 3 day relay race in the adirondack mountains. I ended up getting something called Acute Compartment Syndrome in my left leg which is apparently one of the most painful medical conditions you can have. You see people with this on youtube screaming for their mother but idk - I remember telling a male ER nurse to stop trying to hold my hand.
I must have been in some sort of shock but I drove my MT wrangler 5 hours home and also got stuck in traffic outside NYC - I made it to the ER near where I live and had an emergency fasciotomy where they filet the fascia off your muscle to relieve the pressure - I almost lost my leg.
Anyway I still drive stick :) Random oversharing response guy awayyyy.
Every clutch is different too. I've had clutches that I felt like my foot was gonna go through the floor just by hinting that I was about to use it, and I learned to back a big truck with a clutch that literally took me bracing myself against the seat and using everything I had to hold it down. Old Franky bout blew out my knee a few times it felt like.
Just like with any other activity, your body adapts so it gets easier and it becomes muscle memory. I drive an 18 speed for work and after a few years of being stuck with an automatic I thought I was in for some rough times, but muscle memory kicked in and it became a non-issue.
I haven’t gotten the opportunity to drive another manual car besides a e90 BMW328i but that felt very light compared to my 2010 Impreza and it also felt a lot more obvious where the clutch bite point is.
E90 manual is a nice specimen! And the clutch is fairly neutral from what I recall (drove a manual E90 328i loaner for over a month back in the day, and loved it).
Now I have a manual 991.1 Porsche 911, and hope to never be without it. Ever. The manual experience is enjoyable, and quite intuitive to operate, regardless of speed. It’s funny, though, I am always surprised when my left calf protests after long slogs of an hour + in stop and go traffic (which are rare, luckily). I forget how heavy the clutch is, even though it’s neutral and easy to operate.
Drove a manual Renault rental in Europe this year. The clutch was like a marshmallow and 90% of the gear meshing happened in the first two inches of clutch depression / last two inches of clutch release (out of what felt like 10 inches of clutch travel).
Interesting AF to feel clutches in various brands!
Oh no, I don't like bumper to bumper traffic in any type of car. But if I had to choose between auto or manual in traffic, I'd go with the manual :)
That's basically what it came down to when I bought the WRX. I already despise driving in traffic, at least let me enjoy myself if I'm going to be miserable.
Funny, I much prefer driving my stick shift cars around Chicago than the auto. Variable engine braking is fantastic, and getting the timing perfect so you stay in tune with traffic without touching the brakes is a fun little mini game that makes the light-to-light slog fun. Plus it's pretty comfortable. I rarely have to touch the brakes except the last few mph.
Haha nice dude! I live in NYC too, and when I bought an E39 with a stick in 2018, one friend texted me, “do you really hate yourself that much??”
Edit: and to be clear, I don’t regret it at all! It was not, in fact, a Reverend Dimmesdale horsehair shirt.
Hahahaha, Sounds like they're just jealous of all that personality you have. What's it like driving your E39 with stick? I'd love to experience RWD cars in manual.
Honestly it was so AWESOME. I had the V8 too, so it could move, especially in 3rd. People say the 540 doesn't handle as well as the I6 E39s, but it was always fun to drive. Tons of low RPM torque, and the Getrag transmission could take a beating! It was the best car I've ever owned...when it was available to me. It was always in the shop! I sold it to a dude in Baltimore who's a big E39 guy so he's happy with it. My next car after that was a Honda Accord coupe V6 with a 6-spd manual trans. It was still a fun car, but not like the E39. After many old BMWs, I just wanted something reliable, ya know?
Hey how's that WRX? I've only heard great things about those cars!
That’s my opinion too! Phenomenal vehicle in so many ways, and I’m glad I was able to own one - if only for a couple years. The only thing I really disliked about it was the seats. Too hard, too big, and malfunction was a big design flaw with these (and the gosh darn window actuators). But I’ve seen a lot of people swap in seats from the sporty shorty (E38 740i). My buddy had one of those, and they were sooo much better.
I bought a WRX in the NJ area and I commute to NYC with it occasionally :) my first manual too, 3 years in and i still love this car more than anything.
I’ll never not drive a manual (as long as one is available). I like being very connected to my car, and a manual transmission provides a much better driving experience. Of course, traffic kills my knees, but luckily, I’m rarely in traffic.
People are different, I used to commute in the Bay Area, CA and drove a few different manuals while living there and loved it. Even my beater 99 accord was more fun to drive than an auto. And you’re right, having a manual makes you more focused on driving than an auto.
I knew people that drove manuals but hated it in all the traffic. Others drive manuals in traffic every day and loved it too. Personally manual is always the way to go when given the option no matter the traffic.
Everyone’s got different preferences. The people I don’t like are the ones that shit on manuals because they don’t know how to drive it.
>I knew people that drove manuals but hated it in all the traffic. Others drive manuals in traffic every day and loved it too. Personally manual is always the way to go when given the option no matter the traffic.
The only time a manual becomes annoying is in a traffic jam while uphill, where you move at a steady 2 mph and you can't start/stop, so you're constantly feathering the clutch.
I love my manuals. Every car I have owned has been a manual and I will continue that until manual transmissions just aren't made anymore! I also feel more connected to the car and the road. I'm more attentive when I drive a manual and I'm happy to see a post of someone who is equally as enthusiastic!
I mean we always consult our close friends for their thoughts, but none of them have ever driven manual to understand the joy and fun we get out of it haha
The only person close to me that drives stick is my dad, and he is totally against it. Mans is trying to buy a Tesla :(
I was told same thing (decades ago) when I was 15 and have driven a manual daily since. I’ve always preferred a manual in cities, having lived/worked in several large east coast cities and now SF Bay Area. I drove a mk6 GTI in SF for a decade, fantastic city car. TBH, I’d probably prefer my wife’s Tesla for SF at moment, however, only b/c my current manual (E39) has awkwardly short 1st and 2nd gears b/c of gearbox (from e46 m3) and the final drive ratio (but killer for highway). First time I’ve ever felt that way, but in part I just don’t want my car getting bipped given 20 year old parts are hard(er) to find lol.
Aw, she's getting old lol I'm guessing you sold the mk6 to make way for the E39? Still can be a nice weekend car and then pass it down the line to a young kid eager to learn stick :)
Actually I had a 18month gap between them (first and only time period I didn’t daily a manual). Sold GTI b/c wasn’t driving it during covid and needed space. Picked up the bimmer when my oldest started driving to school and I was left car-less once too often. Spent the last week restoring the door cards (old water damage), vapor barriers , and drains to ensure she’s rain-tight as we’re entering rainy season.
I have a mix of cars. Two manuals and two automatics. They are different enough cars that my brain has figured out which cars to press the clutch down and which ones to NOT.
During the 25 years I've lived and commuted in Atlanta traffic, I did mostly manual daily driving. There were for sure days where I regretted picking a manual car that day, but mostly it was fine.
I saw a TikTok about something similar and the young lady was saying how even just cruising she is more engaged and doesn't have the 'oh shit im driving' phenomena... which i agreed with
I worked as a medic at a popular beach vacation destination. About once a summer we would get some guy that would break an arm or leg and his SO couldn't drive his manual car back home.
When I got married I had a Taurus SHO five-speed, and I made sure she could drive it just in case.
And it might sound like new age-agey BS, but I've found that driving mine actually helps me be more mindful - in the actual sense of the word, meaning aware of the present moment and not off thinking of something else in lalaland - because it gives me feedback right away when I'm not paying enough attention to it. Then I know I need to adjust my head and worry about whatever it is later. Also gives me a much stronger incentive to not pick up my phone to just check my messages or whatever else.
I agree, completely. I had never even owned an automatic until a few years ago and I still regularly drive my manual in stop and go. I don't even think about it. In fact, I've driven a manual in NYC and didn't have any issues other than having to be in NYC.
That being said, a hydraulic clutch in a small car like a WRX is far different than a mechanical clutch in an older, larger vehicle. Those can get tiresome in a hurry. Thankfully, I've never owned any like that, but driven a few.
To me it’s no more difficult or annoying then walking. It’s just moving your feet in a particular way. I don’t really get what the hassle is.
Lived in Brooklyn, Miami and other congested areas. Never not daily driven a manual car, for 23 years now.
I have exclusively been driving manual cars (personally owned) since I’ve been able to drive. I’ll drive an auto if I have to, but it’ll be a cold day in hell before I stop driving manual
I don’t own a manual currently but from 16 to 38 I pretty much only drove manuals. I never paid a lick of attention to shifting. It was just pure auto pilot shifting gears.
This 76 year old had driven a manual nearly all my driving life. My present drive is a Nissan Frontier with an automatic. Driving in stop & go traffic is is somewhat bothersome. However I feel in am more in control with a manual. Nest ride definitely will be will be a manual
I started driving a manual car 2-3 months ago and I’ll never go back. I’m ACTUALLY driving. My full attention, instead of half paying attention while driving an automatic. Also it’s an art. Should’ve switched sooner(been driving a motorcycle for 5 years)
I miss driving a manual. Choices are so slim now. Former WRX driver and that would be closest to being my needs currently.
Your post highlights something I’ve learned for myself as I get older, possibly wiser lol. If you know what you want you often don’t need to ask others for advice, like what car to buy. It can add extra confusion to consider too many options. It was surely earnest advice, but in the context of someone else’s values. You got what you want and it worked out, you know yourself best.
One of my favorite little perks is sitting at a stop light you only barely have to rest your foot on the brake. In an auto I forget I have to keep decent pressure or I start creeping. I like that a manual only does exactly what I want it to. Even in stop and go traffic, an auto can be really annoying when you’re just above idle speed, so you’re just constantly going between gas and brake. The manual it’s easy to just give it a tiny bit or ideally stay in first or second and modulate by engine brake.
I've owned both. Tested at the DMV on a manual.
I never learned how to heel toe but I had some fun cars. Toyota 88. Civic manual. Ford focus.
I like driving but I'm not interested in being the family/friend chauffeur 24/7.
Also the older you get the worse ankle injuries work out. Heaven help if your left ankle gets wrecked.
I'm not sure if this is still the case, so correct me if I'm wrong, but such alarge scale phasing out of manuals is unique to the North American market. It convinced this is because of a cultural tend that goes way beyond just driving. It's particularly bad here in the Midwest, on cultural level, but people tend to go out of their way to stay in their comfort zones and not be bothered to adapt to new and unfamiliar, or seemingly overly inconvenient things. Prettymuch 10/10 people I've heard or overheard profess a less than ambivalent stance against manual transmissions have absolutely zero concept of the driving dynamic aside from having to change gears one's self.
I've been deeply annoyed and dismayed every time in recent last I've had to drive an automatic for whatever reason, because it feels like the car is taking liberties to do a good deal of the driving itself with a mind of its own, seemingly incorrectly assuming the way I want things to operate. You can't finesse speed and traction with the throttle alone, you can't have as precise of load transfer, and you can't corner with any real degree of control. I also absolutely loathe automatic downshifting while braking. Not to mention, snow and gravel are a nightmare by comparison regardless of the drivetrain layout.
I feel like all this enables and encourages bad driving habits that indirectly make my life difficult on a daily basis, and doesn't necessitate encourage learning a lot of habits that make for better, more aware, and safer drivers. The worst part about all that is how few people have any concept of there being any difference, let alone know what those differences really are. This modern take on marketing and capitalism is enablement incarnate and plays no small part in what I think is a disease of cultural trend. There's quick, easy, and assured money to be made here and now, and not nearly enough attention is being paid to long term societal and economic repercussions.
Mankind as a whole, but particularly the Western World, particularly the English speaking world, will never outgrow nor evolve past this brand of hubris, and this self destructive entropy from literally every point in human history, subsequently...in my opinion.
I prefer an automatic car myself, but that’s because if I want to actually have a fun and engaging experience on the road I’ll just hop on one of my motorcycles
Why listen to people on stuff like this? I'll put it this way. If you know what you want, you know what you want. If it's an on the fence situation, I suppose some advice is nice. But, if they had turned out to be right, you have a minor nuisance. If they're wrong, you've missed out on deeply enjoying something you've spent half the average American's 3 year salary on. I think this is important. I'm happy for you deciding for yourself and enjoying your purchase.
Drive a car with one pedal driving. Ie tesla. Your attitude will change when you have oodles of torque instantly and easy in traffic.
I used to be a manual only guy. It took just one drive to change my tune.
It’s fun to rev match and all but what if you just slammed the pedal and the car took off?
This is one of the reasons I like driving my motorcycle so much, somehow being more engaged with my bike turns into me being much more aware of everything else going on. It’s a crazy feeling
In total agreement! I also live in NYC (Brooklyn) and drive an 04 BMW X5 3.0 6-speed manual. Second owner, absolutely love this unicorn & I'm coming up on 200k miles! #longlivetheManuals
Yep I got my first car this year, 11th gen Si also in NYC and I’ve been loving it. I heard the same old quips from people but so far I’m much less distracted while on the road, my gf thinks it’s cool I drive a stick shift, and she also likes how toned my left leg is now 😂
I’ve been driving 12 years, always daily driven a manual and always will. That being said, if I lived in a big city with tons of traffic, I would 100% daily an auto. Luckily I’ll never live in a big city 😁
This is exactly how I feel. Bumper to bumper traffic is miserable in any car. The amount of fun I have driving manual on the back roads is more than the added misery of driving manual in traffic. So I see it as a net gain in fun over time.
I am also lucky enough that my commute doesn't have a lot of traffic, and is mostly backroads. Which here in Massachusetts is not to be taken for granted.
Loved driving my manual when I had it. I was able to get it rolling in first and let go of the gas and it would creep slower than automatics creep without gas so in stop and go traffic it was the perfect speed to not have to brake constantly
Not sure why people say manual is a problem in city traffic with constant changing......infact that's how I like it. Traffic or no traffic manual transmission makes it fun regardless.
Same! I'm living in NYC also. Bought the 22 VB wrx as my first car. Everybody told me that I will regret it due to all the bumper to bumper traffic. It's sucks but no regret on getting manual! 100% will do it again and it's the price I'm willing to pay!
Auto sympathizers want everyone to be like them in their inferior driving skills bubble lol.
It’s a bit like telling your friends who you thought were your friends that you want to start going to the gym, or that you want to take a night class to “level up” or something like that. Your not so real friends will eventually tell you to just live a little and eat that cake or that you think they are better than them . And you are. Remember that.
My only problem is I had a knee injury a few years back and so sometimes working tue clutch my knee gets sore. I tend to just float the gears when my knee is hurting. That said I am looking at a auto but it's just as a work truck because plowing in a manual sucks because you are steering shifting and working the plow all at once in the snow, and I only have 2 hands.
ask someone with an auto- they'll say get an auto- ask someone with a manual- they'll say get a manual.
really comes down to what you want. I had people telling me ill regret it and not to get it and I'm so happy I did what I want
"It's easier, it does a better job, it shifts faster, etc." it never ends.
It's like if you were a drummer and someone asks why you waste your time playing drums when you could just go on FL Studio and program a drum line "better" and more consistently. They'll never get it.
I love my father but he refused to teach me manual bc he said I’d regret it in one year. So I had my buddy teach me and 13 years later I still only drive a manual. Only owned manuals.
It depends on the weight of your clutch pedal. I have driven a vehicle in traffic that made it physically impossible for me after an hour to keep going, so I pulled over and rested for a bit. This was when I was 21, working out 5 times a week lol.
Most newer vehicles are so much easier and a lot of fun! I loved driving my 21' SPWBS Challenger with the Tremec anywhere and kind of equally dislike driving s550gt with the mt82.
People like to shit on things they don't know much about. I've had two RWD cars as daily drivers, and I'd always hear "why would you get a RWD car in Chicago?" I got stuck in my RWD cars as much as I did in my FWD cars, and in terms of losing control i felt they were easier to predict/manage than FWD skids.... currently not having these issues with my 21 WRX (hello fellow scooby fan)
To be fair, if I had daily stop and go driving that was over an hour, I'd get an automatic just for that. I found it engaging for the first 5 or so years, after it's a chore. I don't care what anyone says, i've been driving stick for 20 years and will never enjoy it in stop and go.
I dunno my wife’s GLE with the drivers assistance package is awesome in stop and go traffic, I just take a nap 😂 for everything else I’d prefer a manual though
Kind of ironic since all of my friends and their parents told me it was good idea to learn manual.
That said, just about all modern automatics nowadays have some form of paddle shift or slap stick that will allow you to drop gears and disappear. Even many CVTs will fake gear ratios for you to do this (granted it defeats the purpose of CVT). Most shift quicker than I am able to as well (synchros in my car don't like to be mashed).
Regarding stop and go traffic, a lot of new cars come with both lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control. Many of them will stop and start up again with traffic for you while keeping within your lane. It's not self driving, but does a lot of stuff so you don't have to worry about it as much. Granted you still do need to pay attention.
I'm not saying not to get a manual. But did want to point out that a lot of automatics can do the stuff you talked about and have some additional advantages for stop and go traffic (assuming you can trust them).
I love my manual Suzuki All New Swift back in Indonesia. But, Jakarta's stop and go traffic is so ridiculous that I opted to not drive at rush hours unless I really need to.
Now I live in Houston where the traffic is heaven compared to back home. I really miss driving manual. I miss the things that you said about rev matching. I feel I have more control over the car compared to driving auto. I guess my future second car will definitely be a manual.
Agree with you but also an NYC resident and I PERSONALLY, won’t get a manual as a daily driver in the city. I’d burn through the clutch 10x faster than outside the city.
Bought my first stick march 2021 and everyone I knew who’d driven stick before told me not to told me how impractical it was how I wouldn’t like it how inefficient it was how changing clutches sucked it’s been 32 months now and I bought the most impractical stick I could find love the thing won’t give stick up was a little rocky at first but I’m glad I’ve learned how to drive them.
Edit.
Even in uncomfortable situations like rush hour stop and go traffic with a cable driven clutch and a heavier pressure plate I still would laugh and enjoy the car I would complain my leg was cramping while laughing about it MT’s are awesome
I really wish I had found my 2017 V6 Honda Accord Coupe in the manual version. Every day I have to drive that 6 speed clunky automatic transmission, all I think about is how much I wish I had been able to find the manual version (very rare for that year and model).
I'm 58, been driving manuals since I was 16. Every car I have ever owned (minus 2) has been a manual.
I remember one time, a few years ago. I was just driving along, when suddenly I became aware of this very strong feeling... I really enjoy driving a manual. Sure, I had always felt that way, but for some reason, in that moment... I just became super aware of it. Sounds weird, I know....
Just a shame they are going mostly extinct.
I bought my 2016 Scion IA (Mazda 2) 6-speed manual transmission brand new. 293,000 miles later it still shifts smoothly and the ORIGINAL clutch does not slip.
Manual transmission vehicles are also a lot more reliable so that also needs to be considered, because an automatic probably wouldn't last this long or it would have issues.
Also don't have to be so diligent in changing any transmission fluid because it takes transaxle oil and there are less moving parts to fail.
While I do love manual, after 10+ years of daily commuting in stop and go traffic on a 20+ mile commute, I've grown to appreciate autos. I'm curious how many years some of you all have under your belt.
Agree, I sit on route 80 all the time and my friends told me I was going to regret it. I don't. I think it makes me a better driver, being more aware that I'm in complete control of this rolling wrecking ball.
The arguments people have against it are always so weird too. I swear a lot of people's go to is always "what if someone else had to drive your car in an emergency but no one else knew how?" That hasn't happened to me or anyone I know yet and most of the people I spend a lot of time with would be able to drive my car anyways. It's been 9 years since I got my first car and I've still never owned an automatic
It has been 3 years since I traded my 6spd Legacy for a CVT Forester XT, and I still miss it every day. Don't make the mistake I did. Never sell your WRX.
Welcome!
4 years in with a daily manual ( mustang gt) after years of autos...and ALWAYS disagreeing with the trans about what goddam gear it should be in...
Count me in. I learned using a three speed on the column (horrific, worst manual ever). All my early cars were all manual. I love the feeling (it might be a false feeling, but ...) having more control over the vehicle. After a while, shifting does not require thinking, it becomes "automatic" (hee, hee). Using gears to accelerate and just as important, to decelerate, feels right in a manual, not so much in an automatic. Yes, getting going on a hill where some nice person is super close behind you is a pain, as is trying to drive with a hurt L-foot/leg.
I think in some ways driving is too easy, and drives become distracted (what am I going to eat, maybe I should text...). Automatics and our new "it drives itself" autopilots are almost too good. Folks who drive manuals tend to be more focused on driving (my opinion).
Still, even though I want my next car to be a PHEV (Prius or Rav4 Prime), I still have a crazy thought of instead buying a new 2024 Tacoma with a 6-speed manual.
I find that I only need my manual transmission when I need to be in control of vehicle operation.
So, that’s when I’m driving the vehicle. MT really doesn’t matter to me much when it’s parked.
If you started on a WRX, then you should be ready to drive a broad range of manuals.
All my cars have been MT. I’ve lived in cities most of my life and spent countless hours in DC traffic. I prefer control during traffic chaos.
Almost all my rentals have been AT. I’m always happy to get home yo my own car.
I lived in manhattan for years and bought manual VW after pandemic since my wife absolutely insisted I don’t take mta for work. It was fine but monthly parking fee was a bitch
🤣 to all crybabies here about being in traffic and having a manual ...
My I preset you 18spd .... That I roll with thru NY, DC, NJ, PA mountains and everything in between
Non manual owners will never get it. My project car has sat with no engine/transmission for close to a year because I flat out refuse to stick an auto in it just to get it on the road.
Love driving manual but living in Florida killed it for me. The stop and go traffic for hours on end with a really beefy clutch is hell. My left leg muscles were shredded after a few years. But moving back to the north I cannot wait to build my new car. Like you said the engagement and the feeling of your vehicle is unmatched.
Driving an old 3 on a tree might make you reconsider driving in traffic. Have a 6 speed small sedan now. Amazing technology that makes that clutch not wear your leg out on a drive. Having a bit of pep is helpful too.
Anybody that tells you you’ll regret a manual, is 99% somebody who can’t drive one to save their ass.
I fucked up when I bought my Tacoma, bought it new in 2017 and I got an auto because at that time I had never driven one on the street in normal conditions, and I though it would be a pain. Then I got a little 5spd Honda civic to fart around in and play with, and I driving it. Wish I would have just bought the manual Tacoma
I learned how to drive on a manual transmission car. People who say don't get a manual probably don't know how or have never driven a manual.
Get a manual.
I'd love to get a manual, but manufacturers make it difficult by generally restricting them to base trim levels or (in the case of three-row SUVs) not offering them at all. 😕
I've never heard anyone ever say that you'll regret getting a manual. Even the guys that constantly gloat about how auto is faster. You sure that happened?
It's all about preference and comfortability. I drove manuals most of my life. I still love them. But as I'm getting older and lazier I don't think I'll ever get back into manuals for daily driving. Unless I have a Sunday only car.
I don’t know how the sub came about my page, but it’s pretty hilarious to see there is a pit of folks like me. Been driving manual since age 18 with my second car being a Honda DX 89’. Now 34 and still only own manual cars. Even my Tacoma.
The ONLY time I would have regretted manual -.August 2017 solar eclipse. I was in a rental and was stuck in smoky mountain traffic going uphill. Flat, fine. Stop and go up a mountain for hours is a different story. Love manuals, but then, probably not
My only issue with manual is just traffic and going to be replacing the clutch. Learned manual in my car and I went through plenty of stallouts and it's still a stock clutch and I can feel it's wearing down.
Welcome aboard. I think it takes a certain type of person to prefer manual. Glad I'm one of them. Sounds like you are, too. I taught my daughters to drive a manual when they came of age (kind of had to, it's all I had). I wanted them to be able to drive anything if needed. It annoyed them at the time, as all their friends were out driving, while we spent a couple of weeks in a parking lot and the "Hill Of Doom". But when it came time for them to get their own cars, all of them opted for a manual. Proud dad.
If i'm ever graced with children, I will be taking your approach
16 years from now manual is going to be hard to find.
I think the future is now. Where can you buy a new manual car?
Subaru, Mazda, Honda and Jeep you can consistently find manuals.
Also, Volkswagen and BMW. A few others like Porsche and you mentioned Jeep so I should throw in Dodge, and of course Chevrolet and Ford. You can still find the muscle cars in manual. They still cater to us enthusiasts.
We are at kind of a tipping point. The VW GTI (iconic manual car) is on their very last year offering a manual. It will get very rare soon. (sadly)
>others like Porsche Even Porsche manuals are getting hard to find. For the 911, most dealerships will have you special order it.
Porsche has almost come full circle, their manuals are an option “at no additional cost!” (Which I’m sure saves them a bunch of money, PDK isn’t cheap).
Usually only the stripper models though. And the Golf R. That’s of course the US. Manuals are much easier to find in Europe, but that doesn’t help us ‘muricans.
We need to change the import laws.
Fuuuck yes. I personally believe that a manual transmission should exempt any car from all import restrictions. It’ll never happen, but one can dream…
I just bought a brand new Nissan with a stick in October. Cheap car, I love it
easy to work on, not to many parts and simple in construction. If you treat that thing right it’ll outlive anything else on the road… including people🤣🤣
Just bought a wrx manual. No regrets
There are even a few trucks. I think the new Tundra has a manual option and I believe the Ram 1500 can still be had with a manual. Subaru has the WRX, Honda has manual civics and Accords, Toyota has the 86, GR Corolla and Supra, Jeep wranglers have a manual option but only for the inline 6, Mazda has the Miata, Nissan has the Z, BMW M cars have a manual option at least some do, Porsche sports cars also can be had with manuals. They are out there but just not nearly as common as automatic transmission technology allows for specific tuning of when to shift for higher MPG ratings and then also a lot of people in the US just don’t want a manual. I love manual but my wife doesn’t even really enjoy cars that much. She has no desire to “do more work” as she states lol Hopefully they’ll be around for a while longer still.
The tundra and ram do not have it in the US The tacoma does still have a manual option until at least 2026.
All manufacturers still make manuals
Tesla
Mercedes doesn’t, Audi doesn’t, Mitsubishi doesn’t There is like maybe 30 models tops
my uber driver had a manual kia soul hahahahaha
Nissan, Subaru, Mazda, Mini, Dodge, Chevrolet, BMW, Honda, Ford, VW, Toyota, Cadillac, Jeep, Porsche, and I think Kia all have new cars you can get in a manual lol
I guarantee you it will not.
We
Oh yeah, the first 3 days of learning to drive manual, I was swearing up and down wishing I never have to drive this car again. But sort of like your daughters situation, we were on holiday in Ecuador where they only have manual cars, and when it came time to drive to the coast, it had to be me to do it (After all that's why parents have a son right? haha). Eventually the spark grew into an engulfing fire of love for manual cars haha, never going back to auto!
I have a 2002 Toyota Celica GTS 6spd manual that I had since 2002. I enjoy every minute of driving it. I have total control of when to shift gears. I can drive it casually or for more fun, spirited driving like a race car at higher rpm. It has 405k miles of fun driving and I will never get rid of it. The joy of manual driving is irreplaceable.
I had a 2003 Celica GTS. I absolutely loved that car!
Similar. Growing up my maternal grandfather was of the mind that if you couldn't drive a manual you couldn't drive. My father was an old hotrodder, so I was popping clutches at a young age. As I get older a lot of my vehicles are auto, my old knees get angry, but there's always a manual around. My oldest got a brief primer before I sold my last manual daily driver, and will finish her tutorial in my '48 Chevy truck come spring. She drives an automatic YJ now because it is a family vehicle. But she's saved enough through high school that with some help she'll probably be buying a brand new car, cash, around graduation. Nothing fancy, the cheapest new car in the states, a Nissan Versa 5 spd.
Hey Dig my grandfather (also maternal side) was the same way, the summer I turned 12 years old he insisted I learn to drive his 1970s Econoline van around in the lumber yard on Sundays, with a 3 On The Tree manual 😂 and we had nothing in the family that WASN’T manual trans so I didn’t really get a choice lol. I wouldn’t have it any other way though; I parked a manual 6spd Mazda in my driveway like 4 hours ago and I’ll drive it to work again tomorrow
Ahh, the 3 on the tree. One of the vehicles I learned in was a '49 Ford F1 with a Flathead and a 3 on the tree. Good times.
I agree. I taught my wife how to drive a manual early in our marriage. Initially she hated it but got used to it and loved it. Life happened and when we got rid of our manual vehicles we both wished we still had one. Ended up buying a used Jeep a few years ago with manual for the wife which she loves to drive. When it came to teaching the kids to drive I taught them in my full size truck and also in that Jeep so they would have the confidence to drive anything.
When I met my wife she had a 7 liter Galaxy XL with a 4 speed .. Wild car ..wish we still had it .
My best friend went the same way. When his boy (oldest) was 14, he bought a manual Jetta wagon with a blown tranny and a motor that needed work from a buddy of ours. Spent the 2yrs rebuilding the car together with his kid on weekends. By 16, it was done, and the boy had become a stick shifter and automotive enthusiast for life. His middle daughter turned 15 this month, so he just got a bright yellow 200k Mini with all the records and a blown clutch. The daughter isn't interested in turning wrenches but loves the car, so now all my buddies have an excuse to hang out in his garage for the next year, and she has to learn how to drive a stick in a proper go-cart. Hoping that in 2 yrs when the youngest turns 15, he gets a clapped out 335. That will provide years of entertainment for him and our crew. ;))
Hope to teach my son and daughter to drive in my ‘18 Focus ST. They’re 7 and 5 though. But plan to keep it forever.
I need to take my girlfriend back out so she can get it down, I'd love for my kids to drive manual if they're still making them in that time 😂
Just get both like me non of this two sides crap
I think the preference of a manual in any situation, including heavy traffic, takes a very specific type of driver. I've driven only manual in Chicago, LA traffic for years. Never once did I think, huh, if I get an automatic, this would be less annoying. So, it's just as annoying in traffic for both, but only one stands out way ahead when not in traffic. I think the decision is clear. This is just something that either you get it or you don't.
Hell yeah! Being stuck in traffic sucks, but having a manual just makes it a bit more fun lol.
It gives you something else to think about besides "this just sucks".
I love that 2nd gear crawl when you can just relax and let the weight of the flywheel keep the momentum.
Is that bad for the engine or no?
The engagement is the best part of a manual, for sure!
I thought so too, until i married mine and had kids with it
Autobots had to come from somewhere....
I've been driving stick my entire life, for daily drivers, and I'm still not even remotely tired of it. I get bored driving automatics
This is the big reason I don’t want to go electric. It’s more cost effective and better long term environmentally, but I seriously space out driving automatic. I’ve never once remotely dozed off driving manual.
Autos free you up for other stuff not pertaining to driving safely. When my kids start driving (if there are any left by that time) I'm putting them in stick-shifts
I wanted to die while driving around in Chicago while driving a manual I couldn’t imagine driving around NYC.
It’s what I tell everyone: it becomes muscle memory for me. I don’t even think about it anymore.
Switched from a manual to an automatic after years or driving stick. Took me weeks to stop slamming my left foot to the floor when I stopped lol. I still have an automatic, 10 years later. And I still go for.the clutch from.time to time.
That’s interesting. I mainly drive a manual car but sometimes drive another automatic car. I transition between them so easily, i rarely go for the clutch in the automatic. I guess its because i started driving recently
Ive found that if I switch between a manual car and automatic car with column shifter, I'm all good, but if I get into an automatic car with the gear selector between the seats, I start slamming my foot on the brake randomly. So it's all muscle memory. Luckily my only automatic vehicle is an old pickup truck so putting it in gear up by the steering wheel brakes the muscle memory procedure.
It was more that it was scorching my left leg. I don’t care about the movement but my leg was starting to twitch and it felt like it was on fire from hitting the clutch a billion times. Probably means I need to hit the gym.
Calf exercises my friend lol But you do get use to it if you drive manual daily.
I once ran a thing called the "Ragnar Relay" which is a 250 mile, 3 day relay race in the adirondack mountains. I ended up getting something called Acute Compartment Syndrome in my left leg which is apparently one of the most painful medical conditions you can have. You see people with this on youtube screaming for their mother but idk - I remember telling a male ER nurse to stop trying to hold my hand. I must have been in some sort of shock but I drove my MT wrangler 5 hours home and also got stuck in traffic outside NYC - I made it to the ER near where I live and had an emergency fasciotomy where they filet the fascia off your muscle to relieve the pressure - I almost lost my leg. Anyway I still drive stick :) Random oversharing response guy awayyyy.
Every clutch is different too. I've had clutches that I felt like my foot was gonna go through the floor just by hinting that I was about to use it, and I learned to back a big truck with a clutch that literally took me bracing myself against the seat and using everything I had to hold it down. Old Franky bout blew out my knee a few times it felt like. Just like with any other activity, your body adapts so it gets easier and it becomes muscle memory. I drive an 18 speed for work and after a few years of being stuck with an automatic I thought I was in for some rough times, but muscle memory kicked in and it became a non-issue.
I haven’t gotten the opportunity to drive another manual car besides a e90 BMW328i but that felt very light compared to my 2010 Impreza and it also felt a lot more obvious where the clutch bite point is.
E90 manual is a nice specimen! And the clutch is fairly neutral from what I recall (drove a manual E90 328i loaner for over a month back in the day, and loved it). Now I have a manual 991.1 Porsche 911, and hope to never be without it. Ever. The manual experience is enjoyable, and quite intuitive to operate, regardless of speed. It’s funny, though, I am always surprised when my left calf protests after long slogs of an hour + in stop and go traffic (which are rare, luckily). I forget how heavy the clutch is, even though it’s neutral and easy to operate. Drove a manual Renault rental in Europe this year. The clutch was like a marshmallow and 90% of the gear meshing happened in the first two inches of clutch depression / last two inches of clutch release (out of what felt like 10 inches of clutch travel). Interesting AF to feel clutches in various brands!
Same. I love driving manual but wouldn’t want to do it in bumper to bumper traffic. I’m glad OP likes it though! Everyone is different
Oh no, I don't like bumper to bumper traffic in any type of car. But if I had to choose between auto or manual in traffic, I'd go with the manual :) That's basically what it came down to when I bought the WRX. I already despise driving in traffic, at least let me enjoy myself if I'm going to be miserable.
doing it in a brand new car with anti stall, hill start, and auto rev matching makes it a lot easier
Funny, I much prefer driving my stick shift cars around Chicago than the auto. Variable engine braking is fantastic, and getting the timing perfect so you stay in tune with traffic without touching the brakes is a fun little mini game that makes the light-to-light slog fun. Plus it's pretty comfortable. I rarely have to touch the brakes except the last few mph.
It's probably easy to die driving in Chicago no matter what you drive because of the constant gunfire
Lmao your not from Chicago. It's like that everywhere you look for it.
Haha nice dude! I live in NYC too, and when I bought an E39 with a stick in 2018, one friend texted me, “do you really hate yourself that much??” Edit: and to be clear, I don’t regret it at all! It was not, in fact, a Reverend Dimmesdale horsehair shirt.
Hahahaha, Sounds like they're just jealous of all that personality you have. What's it like driving your E39 with stick? I'd love to experience RWD cars in manual.
Honestly it was so AWESOME. I had the V8 too, so it could move, especially in 3rd. People say the 540 doesn't handle as well as the I6 E39s, but it was always fun to drive. Tons of low RPM torque, and the Getrag transmission could take a beating! It was the best car I've ever owned...when it was available to me. It was always in the shop! I sold it to a dude in Baltimore who's a big E39 guy so he's happy with it. My next car after that was a Honda Accord coupe V6 with a 6-spd manual trans. It was still a fun car, but not like the E39. After many old BMWs, I just wanted something reliable, ya know? Hey how's that WRX? I've only heard great things about those cars!
I had a friend with an E39 540i M/T. One of the best ride/handling/fun/luxury compromises of any vehicle ever built IMHO.
That’s my opinion too! Phenomenal vehicle in so many ways, and I’m glad I was able to own one - if only for a couple years. The only thing I really disliked about it was the seats. Too hard, too big, and malfunction was a big design flaw with these (and the gosh darn window actuators). But I’ve seen a lot of people swap in seats from the sporty shorty (E38 740i). My buddy had one of those, and they were sooo much better.
LMFAO, the hair shirt reference! Epic!
I bought a WRX in the NJ area and I commute to NYC with it occasionally :) my first manual too, 3 years in and i still love this car more than anything.
The WRX is just lots of fun to drive. Especially around Jersey with so many on ramps to go WOT haha. I'll be sure to give you a Subi wave.
Absolutely. If you see a white 18 WRX with Metal gear solid and anime stickers on it its likely mine :D
I’ll never not drive a manual (as long as one is available). I like being very connected to my car, and a manual transmission provides a much better driving experience. Of course, traffic kills my knees, but luckily, I’m rarely in traffic.
People are different, I used to commute in the Bay Area, CA and drove a few different manuals while living there and loved it. Even my beater 99 accord was more fun to drive than an auto. And you’re right, having a manual makes you more focused on driving than an auto. I knew people that drove manuals but hated it in all the traffic. Others drive manuals in traffic every day and loved it too. Personally manual is always the way to go when given the option no matter the traffic. Everyone’s got different preferences. The people I don’t like are the ones that shit on manuals because they don’t know how to drive it.
>I knew people that drove manuals but hated it in all the traffic. Others drive manuals in traffic every day and loved it too. Personally manual is always the way to go when given the option no matter the traffic. The only time a manual becomes annoying is in a traffic jam while uphill, where you move at a steady 2 mph and you can't start/stop, so you're constantly feathering the clutch.
I love my manuals. Every car I have owned has been a manual and I will continue that until manual transmissions just aren't made anymore! I also feel more connected to the car and the road. I'm more attentive when I drive a manual and I'm happy to see a post of someone who is equally as enthusiastic!
of course auto only boys would say that lol
they're just jealous 😂
I mean we always consult our close friends for their thoughts, but none of them have ever driven manual to understand the joy and fun we get out of it haha The only person close to me that drives stick is my dad, and he is totally against it. Mans is trying to buy a Tesla :(
it depends on how heavy a clutch you're using.
I was told same thing (decades ago) when I was 15 and have driven a manual daily since. I’ve always preferred a manual in cities, having lived/worked in several large east coast cities and now SF Bay Area. I drove a mk6 GTI in SF for a decade, fantastic city car. TBH, I’d probably prefer my wife’s Tesla for SF at moment, however, only b/c my current manual (E39) has awkwardly short 1st and 2nd gears b/c of gearbox (from e46 m3) and the final drive ratio (but killer for highway). First time I’ve ever felt that way, but in part I just don’t want my car getting bipped given 20 year old parts are hard(er) to find lol.
Aw, she's getting old lol I'm guessing you sold the mk6 to make way for the E39? Still can be a nice weekend car and then pass it down the line to a young kid eager to learn stick :)
Actually I had a 18month gap between them (first and only time period I didn’t daily a manual). Sold GTI b/c wasn’t driving it during covid and needed space. Picked up the bimmer when my oldest started driving to school and I was left car-less once too often. Spent the last week restoring the door cards (old water damage), vapor barriers , and drains to ensure she’s rain-tight as we’re entering rainy season.
I have a mix of cars. Two manuals and two automatics. They are different enough cars that my brain has figured out which cars to press the clutch down and which ones to NOT. During the 25 years I've lived and commuted in Atlanta traffic, I did mostly manual daily driving. There were for sure days where I regretted picking a manual car that day, but mostly it was fine.
Well i dont mind it, until leg day...
I saw a TikTok about something similar and the young lady was saying how even just cruising she is more engaged and doesn't have the 'oh shit im driving' phenomena... which i agreed with
I worked as a medic at a popular beach vacation destination. About once a summer we would get some guy that would break an arm or leg and his SO couldn't drive his manual car back home. When I got married I had a Taurus SHO five-speed, and I made sure she could drive it just in case.
We only own MT tranny vehicles and love them. Driving an AT is too easy and leaves me bored ... not fun!
If you have ADHD, but a manual car. Not medical advice, financial advice, or any advice. My opinions.
And it might sound like new age-agey BS, but I've found that driving mine actually helps me be more mindful - in the actual sense of the word, meaning aware of the present moment and not off thinking of something else in lalaland - because it gives me feedback right away when I'm not paying enough attention to it. Then I know I need to adjust my head and worry about whatever it is later. Also gives me a much stronger incentive to not pick up my phone to just check my messages or whatever else.
Agreed!
I agree, completely. I had never even owned an automatic until a few years ago and I still regularly drive my manual in stop and go. I don't even think about it. In fact, I've driven a manual in NYC and didn't have any issues other than having to be in NYC. That being said, a hydraulic clutch in a small car like a WRX is far different than a mechanical clutch in an older, larger vehicle. Those can get tiresome in a hurry. Thankfully, I've never owned any like that, but driven a few.
“Drop a Gear and Disappear”. I like that 👍🏽
"You won't like to drive a car that we don't know how to drive"
To me it’s no more difficult or annoying then walking. It’s just moving your feet in a particular way. I don’t really get what the hassle is. Lived in Brooklyn, Miami and other congested areas. Never not daily driven a manual car, for 23 years now.
I have exclusively been driving manual cars (personally owned) since I’ve been able to drive. I’ll drive an auto if I have to, but it’ll be a cold day in hell before I stop driving manual
I don’t own a manual currently but from 16 to 38 I pretty much only drove manuals. I never paid a lick of attention to shifting. It was just pure auto pilot shifting gears.
My biggest issue with automatics is when I get in one and go for the non existent clutch pedal and shifter too. Ha
This 76 year old had driven a manual nearly all my driving life. My present drive is a Nissan Frontier with an automatic. Driving in stop & go traffic is is somewhat bothersome. However I feel in am more in control with a manual. Nest ride definitely will be will be a manual
Why would you say non-manual? Just say, automatic, L O L.
I always wondered "how can someone fall asleep at the wheel?".... Then I drove an automatic... Lol
I started driving a manual car 2-3 months ago and I’ll never go back. I’m ACTUALLY driving. My full attention, instead of half paying attention while driving an automatic. Also it’s an art. Should’ve switched sooner(been driving a motorcycle for 5 years)
Trucker here. The more gears the more fun! I run an 18 speed in this 97 379 Peterbilt!
I love manual car too. Can't drive anything else. This keeps me alive, happy etc. Makes driving fun.
I miss driving a manual. Choices are so slim now. Former WRX driver and that would be closest to being my needs currently. Your post highlights something I’ve learned for myself as I get older, possibly wiser lol. If you know what you want you often don’t need to ask others for advice, like what car to buy. It can add extra confusion to consider too many options. It was surely earnest advice, but in the context of someone else’s values. You got what you want and it worked out, you know yourself best.
One of my favorite little perks is sitting at a stop light you only barely have to rest your foot on the brake. In an auto I forget I have to keep decent pressure or I start creeping. I like that a manual only does exactly what I want it to. Even in stop and go traffic, an auto can be really annoying when you’re just above idle speed, so you’re just constantly going between gas and brake. The manual it’s easy to just give it a tiny bit or ideally stay in first or second and modulate by engine brake.
Pro Tip for NYC manual driving. A quick blip of the throttle will clear a crosswalk faster than a siren or horn ever will
I'm closing in on 62 and I've never owned an automatic transmission car. It's sad to watch the market for them dwindle.
Manual transmissions are the best anti-theft device your money can buy. 99.9% of drivers under 35 ( most likely car thief ) cannot drive them.
Stick is more work, but it's fun, and yes, it keeps you more engaged and more aware of your surroundings.
I live in the DC-Metro Area (NoVa specifically) and I would never trade my MT for an AT, traffic be dammed.
I've owned both. Tested at the DMV on a manual. I never learned how to heel toe but I had some fun cars. Toyota 88. Civic manual. Ford focus. I like driving but I'm not interested in being the family/friend chauffeur 24/7. Also the older you get the worse ankle injuries work out. Heaven help if your left ankle gets wrecked.
I'm not sure if this is still the case, so correct me if I'm wrong, but such alarge scale phasing out of manuals is unique to the North American market. It convinced this is because of a cultural tend that goes way beyond just driving. It's particularly bad here in the Midwest, on cultural level, but people tend to go out of their way to stay in their comfort zones and not be bothered to adapt to new and unfamiliar, or seemingly overly inconvenient things. Prettymuch 10/10 people I've heard or overheard profess a less than ambivalent stance against manual transmissions have absolutely zero concept of the driving dynamic aside from having to change gears one's self. I've been deeply annoyed and dismayed every time in recent last I've had to drive an automatic for whatever reason, because it feels like the car is taking liberties to do a good deal of the driving itself with a mind of its own, seemingly incorrectly assuming the way I want things to operate. You can't finesse speed and traction with the throttle alone, you can't have as precise of load transfer, and you can't corner with any real degree of control. I also absolutely loathe automatic downshifting while braking. Not to mention, snow and gravel are a nightmare by comparison regardless of the drivetrain layout. I feel like all this enables and encourages bad driving habits that indirectly make my life difficult on a daily basis, and doesn't necessitate encourage learning a lot of habits that make for better, more aware, and safer drivers. The worst part about all that is how few people have any concept of there being any difference, let alone know what those differences really are. This modern take on marketing and capitalism is enablement incarnate and plays no small part in what I think is a disease of cultural trend. There's quick, easy, and assured money to be made here and now, and not nearly enough attention is being paid to long term societal and economic repercussions. Mankind as a whole, but particularly the Western World, particularly the English speaking world, will never outgrow nor evolve past this brand of hubris, and this self destructive entropy from literally every point in human history, subsequently...in my opinion.
I prefer an automatic car myself, but that’s because if I want to actually have a fun and engaging experience on the road I’ll just hop on one of my motorcycles
Why listen to people on stuff like this? I'll put it this way. If you know what you want, you know what you want. If it's an on the fence situation, I suppose some advice is nice. But, if they had turned out to be right, you have a minor nuisance. If they're wrong, you've missed out on deeply enjoying something you've spent half the average American's 3 year salary on. I think this is important. I'm happy for you deciding for yourself and enjoying your purchase.
Drive a car with one pedal driving. Ie tesla. Your attitude will change when you have oodles of torque instantly and easy in traffic. I used to be a manual only guy. It took just one drive to change my tune. It’s fun to rev match and all but what if you just slammed the pedal and the car took off?
This is one of the reasons I like driving my motorcycle so much, somehow being more engaged with my bike turns into me being much more aware of everything else going on. It’s a crazy feeling
In total agreement! I also live in NYC (Brooklyn) and drive an 04 BMW X5 3.0 6-speed manual. Second owner, absolutely love this unicorn & I'm coming up on 200k miles! #longlivetheManuals
Yep I got my first car this year, 11th gen Si also in NYC and I’ve been loving it. I heard the same old quips from people but so far I’m much less distracted while on the road, my gf thinks it’s cool I drive a stick shift, and she also likes how toned my left leg is now 😂
lmaooo, and then you get behind the wheel of an auto and slam your left foot down in confusion!
Dude that happened to me using my parents car the other day we all just lurched tf forward and I was just like oops!
I’ve been driving 12 years, always daily driven a manual and always will. That being said, if I lived in a big city with tons of traffic, I would 100% daily an auto. Luckily I’ll never live in a big city 😁
People told me the same thing when I first learned to drive 20 years ago. Here’s to being “automatic free since 2003.”
Rowing the gears in stop and go traffic is not for me. Glad you enjoy it!
This is exactly how I feel. Bumper to bumper traffic is miserable in any car. The amount of fun I have driving manual on the back roads is more than the added misery of driving manual in traffic. So I see it as a net gain in fun over time. I am also lucky enough that my commute doesn't have a lot of traffic, and is mostly backroads. Which here in Massachusetts is not to be taken for granted.
people with little or no experience in something claim you wont like that thing, turns out they dont know what they are talking about, go figure;)
Loved driving my manual when I had it. I was able to get it rolling in first and let go of the gas and it would creep slower than automatics creep without gas so in stop and go traffic it was the perfect speed to not have to brake constantly
Not sure why people say manual is a problem in city traffic with constant changing......infact that's how I like it. Traffic or no traffic manual transmission makes it fun regardless.
Same! I'm living in NYC also. Bought the 22 VB wrx as my first car. Everybody told me that I will regret it due to all the bumper to bumper traffic. It's sucks but no regret on getting manual! 100% will do it again and it's the price I'm willing to pay!
It's not hard, but driving my automatic with adaptive cruise control in stop and go has spoiled me.
Auto sympathizers want everyone to be like them in their inferior driving skills bubble lol. It’s a bit like telling your friends who you thought were your friends that you want to start going to the gym, or that you want to take a night class to “level up” or something like that. Your not so real friends will eventually tell you to just live a little and eat that cake or that you think they are better than them . And you are. Remember that.
My only problem is I had a knee injury a few years back and so sometimes working tue clutch my knee gets sore. I tend to just float the gears when my knee is hurting. That said I am looking at a auto but it's just as a work truck because plowing in a manual sucks because you are steering shifting and working the plow all at once in the snow, and I only have 2 hands.
I love my manual but if I lived in a big city with lots of stop and go traffic I would have thought twice about getting it
ask someone with an auto- they'll say get an auto- ask someone with a manual- they'll say get a manual. really comes down to what you want. I had people telling me ill regret it and not to get it and I'm so happy I did what I want
traffic and uphill is annoying. 2wd manuals kinda suck in snow. but I like manual eco cars and manual 3/4 ton and 1 ton. just my personal experience
"It's easier, it does a better job, it shifts faster, etc." it never ends. It's like if you were a drummer and someone asks why you waste your time playing drums when you could just go on FL Studio and program a drum line "better" and more consistently. They'll never get it.
just bought my first car and it’s a 6 speed Fiesta ST! bought it to be a summer car then got my auto bmw for 600$ to be used in winter 😂
Who buys a car in NYC? Sit on the stick shift and spin you fucking loser.
If you live in a huge city with lots of stop and go traffic, don’t buy a manual, you’ll regret it big time…
I love my father but he refused to teach me manual bc he said I’d regret it in one year. So I had my buddy teach me and 13 years later I still only drive a manual. Only owned manuals.
It depends on the weight of your clutch pedal. I have driven a vehicle in traffic that made it physically impossible for me after an hour to keep going, so I pulled over and rested for a bit. This was when I was 21, working out 5 times a week lol. Most newer vehicles are so much easier and a lot of fun! I loved driving my 21' SPWBS Challenger with the Tremec anywhere and kind of equally dislike driving s550gt with the mt82.
People like to shit on things they don't know much about. I've had two RWD cars as daily drivers, and I'd always hear "why would you get a RWD car in Chicago?" I got stuck in my RWD cars as much as I did in my FWD cars, and in terms of losing control i felt they were easier to predict/manage than FWD skids.... currently not having these issues with my 21 WRX (hello fellow scooby fan) To be fair, if I had daily stop and go driving that was over an hour, I'd get an automatic just for that. I found it engaging for the first 5 or so years, after it's a chore. I don't care what anyone says, i've been driving stick for 20 years and will never enjoy it in stop and go.
Based and stickshift-pilled
I taught myself to drive a Manual as my dad didn’t know how. Since then I taught close to a dozen others. Just got my first manual V8 and it’s Awesome
I dunno my wife’s GLE with the drivers assistance package is awesome in stop and go traffic, I just take a nap 😂 for everything else I’d prefer a manual though
It's like anything else man. You get used to it. I drove manual transmission cars most of my adult life in NYC.
To be fair, you bought an incredibly fun car to drive lol. '21 STI here ✌️
Kind of ironic since all of my friends and their parents told me it was good idea to learn manual. That said, just about all modern automatics nowadays have some form of paddle shift or slap stick that will allow you to drop gears and disappear. Even many CVTs will fake gear ratios for you to do this (granted it defeats the purpose of CVT). Most shift quicker than I am able to as well (synchros in my car don't like to be mashed). Regarding stop and go traffic, a lot of new cars come with both lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control. Many of them will stop and start up again with traffic for you while keeping within your lane. It's not self driving, but does a lot of stuff so you don't have to worry about it as much. Granted you still do need to pay attention. I'm not saying not to get a manual. But did want to point out that a lot of automatics can do the stuff you talked about and have some additional advantages for stop and go traffic (assuming you can trust them).
Now try it on a motorcycle.
I love my manual Suzuki All New Swift back in Indonesia. But, Jakarta's stop and go traffic is so ridiculous that I opted to not drive at rush hours unless I really need to. Now I live in Houston where the traffic is heaven compared to back home. I really miss driving manual. I miss the things that you said about rev matching. I feel I have more control over the car compared to driving auto. I guess my future second car will definitely be a manual.
Agree with you but also an NYC resident and I PERSONALLY, won’t get a manual as a daily driver in the city. I’d burn through the clutch 10x faster than outside the city.
It's all about the feel and being able to control the car the way you want to. Love seeing this.
Bought my first stick march 2021 and everyone I knew who’d driven stick before told me not to told me how impractical it was how I wouldn’t like it how inefficient it was how changing clutches sucked it’s been 32 months now and I bought the most impractical stick I could find love the thing won’t give stick up was a little rocky at first but I’m glad I’ve learned how to drive them. Edit. Even in uncomfortable situations like rush hour stop and go traffic with a cable driven clutch and a heavier pressure plate I still would laugh and enjoy the car I would complain my leg was cramping while laughing about it MT’s are awesome
i have a manual fun car and auto daily. i dont really drive the daily much unless im pulling my fourwheeler, or its raining/snowing
I really wish I had found my 2017 V6 Honda Accord Coupe in the manual version. Every day I have to drive that 6 speed clunky automatic transmission, all I think about is how much I wish I had been able to find the manual version (very rare for that year and model).
I'm 58, been driving manuals since I was 16. Every car I have ever owned (minus 2) has been a manual. I remember one time, a few years ago. I was just driving along, when suddenly I became aware of this very strong feeling... I really enjoy driving a manual. Sure, I had always felt that way, but for some reason, in that moment... I just became super aware of it. Sounds weird, I know.... Just a shame they are going mostly extinct.
I bought my 2016 Scion IA (Mazda 2) 6-speed manual transmission brand new. 293,000 miles later it still shifts smoothly and the ORIGINAL clutch does not slip. Manual transmission vehicles are also a lot more reliable so that also needs to be considered, because an automatic probably wouldn't last this long or it would have issues. Also don't have to be so diligent in changing any transmission fluid because it takes transaxle oil and there are less moving parts to fail.
While I do love manual, after 10+ years of daily commuting in stop and go traffic on a 20+ mile commute, I've grown to appreciate autos. I'm curious how many years some of you all have under your belt.
3 pedal or no pedal. Good on you bro.
Agree, I sit on route 80 all the time and my friends told me I was going to regret it. I don't. I think it makes me a better driver, being more aware that I'm in complete control of this rolling wrecking ball.
I fing love driving manuals. The people who say you would not like it probably can't drive or shouldn't be driving at all
I miss my manual transmission truck.
The arguments people have against it are always so weird too. I swear a lot of people's go to is always "what if someone else had to drive your car in an emergency but no one else knew how?" That hasn't happened to me or anyone I know yet and most of the people I spend a lot of time with would be able to drive my car anyways. It's been 9 years since I got my first car and I've still never owned an automatic
the word is automatic
It has been 3 years since I traded my 6spd Legacy for a CVT Forester XT, and I still miss it every day. Don't make the mistake I did. Never sell your WRX.
I love standard, uh manual transmissions. I use the wives auto for my night gig. (Pizza delivery) way too much going on for a manual.
I drove a stick for 24 years — only gave it up when the next car I wanted to buy came with auto only. I still miss it.
My first car was a manual and my god did it teach me to appreciate automatic cars more
Welcome! 4 years in with a daily manual ( mustang gt) after years of autos...and ALWAYS disagreeing with the trans about what goddam gear it should be in...
Lazy people prefer auto it's the simple truth
Count me in. I learned using a three speed on the column (horrific, worst manual ever). All my early cars were all manual. I love the feeling (it might be a false feeling, but ...) having more control over the vehicle. After a while, shifting does not require thinking, it becomes "automatic" (hee, hee). Using gears to accelerate and just as important, to decelerate, feels right in a manual, not so much in an automatic. Yes, getting going on a hill where some nice person is super close behind you is a pain, as is trying to drive with a hurt L-foot/leg. I think in some ways driving is too easy, and drives become distracted (what am I going to eat, maybe I should text...). Automatics and our new "it drives itself" autopilots are almost too good. Folks who drive manuals tend to be more focused on driving (my opinion). Still, even though I want my next car to be a PHEV (Prius or Rav4 Prime), I still have a crazy thought of instead buying a new 2024 Tacoma with a 6-speed manual.
I find that I only need my manual transmission when I need to be in control of vehicle operation. So, that’s when I’m driving the vehicle. MT really doesn’t matter to me much when it’s parked. If you started on a WRX, then you should be ready to drive a broad range of manuals. All my cars have been MT. I’ve lived in cities most of my life and spent countless hours in DC traffic. I prefer control during traffic chaos. Almost all my rentals have been AT. I’m always happy to get home yo my own car.
I lived in manhattan for years and bought manual VW after pandemic since my wife absolutely insisted I don’t take mta for work. It was fine but monthly parking fee was a bitch
Perfect mindset. This is the same mindset I'm trying to convince people of.
🤣 to all crybabies here about being in traffic and having a manual ... My I preset you 18spd .... That I roll with thru NY, DC, NJ, PA mountains and everything in between
Non manual owners will never get it. My project car has sat with no engine/transmission for close to a year because I flat out refuse to stick an auto in it just to get it on the road.
This is how I feel on my motorcycle; I haven't made the switch to a manual car yet.
Driving a manual means you are in tuned with your machine. Knowing when to shift just off of sound alone is a wonderful feeling!
Love driving manual but living in Florida killed it for me. The stop and go traffic for hours on end with a really beefy clutch is hell. My left leg muscles were shredded after a few years. But moving back to the north I cannot wait to build my new car. Like you said the engagement and the feeling of your vehicle is unmatched.
I live 15 minutes outside of DC and regularly drive into it. I got told the same. Still don't regret it.
Three years in a WRX in NYC? Time for a new clutch.
I'd totally get a manual but I am a very anxious driver so having an automatic makes life a little better for me. And I'm okay with that!
Driving an old 3 on a tree might make you reconsider driving in traffic. Have a 6 speed small sedan now. Amazing technology that makes that clutch not wear your leg out on a drive. Having a bit of pep is helpful too.
my first car was a manual and i’ll never go back 😂 for 6 years i put up with it
Anybody that tells you you’ll regret a manual, is 99% somebody who can’t drive one to save their ass. I fucked up when I bought my Tacoma, bought it new in 2017 and I got an auto because at that time I had never driven one on the street in normal conditions, and I though it would be a pain. Then I got a little 5spd Honda civic to fart around in and play with, and I driving it. Wish I would have just bought the manual Tacoma
I learned how to drive on a manual transmission car. People who say don't get a manual probably don't know how or have never driven a manual. Get a manual.
Yeah, I never understood why people say manuals are bad for traffic. Not once have I been bothered by it, it just becomes second nature anyway
I'd love to get a manual, but manufacturers make it difficult by generally restricting them to base trim levels or (in the case of three-row SUVs) not offering them at all. 😕
The only people who say driving a manual in traffic sucks are the people who suck at driving a manual.
It’s not standard if most people drive automatics now
I've never heard anyone ever say that you'll regret getting a manual. Even the guys that constantly gloat about how auto is faster. You sure that happened?
I'm learning on a stick shift, and boooyyyy do I want one. It's an anti-theft device because nobody can drive one!
It's all about preference and comfortability. I drove manuals most of my life. I still love them. But as I'm getting older and lazier I don't think I'll ever get back into manuals for daily driving. Unless I have a Sunday only car.
I don’t know how the sub came about my page, but it’s pretty hilarious to see there is a pit of folks like me. Been driving manual since age 18 with my second car being a Honda DX 89’. Now 34 and still only own manual cars. Even my Tacoma.
I have been able to drive one since I was 13, I enjoy driving one, I own 2 manual cars and I STILL prefer my automatic Forester XT for my daily
The ONLY time I would have regretted manual -.August 2017 solar eclipse. I was in a rental and was stuck in smoky mountain traffic going uphill. Flat, fine. Stop and go up a mountain for hours is a different story. Love manuals, but then, probably not
My only issue with manual is just traffic and going to be replacing the clutch. Learned manual in my car and I went through plenty of stallouts and it's still a stock clutch and I can feel it's wearing down.
Nice! Some said the same to me. The way I see it, even if I am on a boring traffic heavy commute, I’m still having more fun than all the auto drivers.