is driving a manual seen as a kind of status symbol in the US

Jun 14, 2003
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obviously for me driving a manual is just run of the mill....... the default selection.

unless you state otherwise its just assumed that you'll learn to drive in a manual, take a manual driving test and when you go to buy a car the dealer will be assuming your buying a manual.

so driving a manual here is about as ordinary and un-special as dirt. its a subconcious thought you dont think about it, you just do it.

so if you are american, and you can drive a manual are you abit more respected in your driving talents? do you use it as a status symbol ? or as a means to impress?
 

JEDIYoda

Lifer
Jul 13, 2005
33,986
3,320
126
Originally posted by: otispunkmeyer
obviously for me driving a manual is just run of the mill....... the default selection.

unless you state otherwise its just assumed that you'll learn to drive in a manual, take a manual driving test and when you go to buy a car the dealer will be assuming your buying a manual.

so driving a manual here is about as ordinary and un-special as dirt. its a subconcious thought you dont think about it, you just do it.

so if you are american, and you can drive a manual are you abit more respected in your driving talents? do you use it as a status symbol ? or as a means to impress?

Your point? or are you just trolling??
 
Jun 14, 2003
10,442
0
0
Originally posted by: JEDIYoda
Originally posted by: otispunkmeyer
obviously for me driving a manual is just run of the mill....... the default selection.

unless you state otherwise its just assumed that you'll learn to drive in a manual, take a manual driving test and when you go to buy a car the dealer will be assuming your buying a manual.

so driving a manual here is about as ordinary and un-special as dirt. its a subconcious thought you dont think about it, you just do it.

so if you are american, and you can drive a manual are you abit more respected in your driving talents? do you use it as a status symbol ? or as a means to impress?

Your point? or are you just trolling??


er no im asking a question in regards to the thread on people who like driving a manual. im not from the US, obviously, and i would like to learn something here
 

Turin39789

Lifer
Nov 21, 2000
12,218
8
81
I'm one of the few proud Americans who drive a standard, and I recommend it to anyone who thinks they are smart enough to learn. Your car is almost theft proof as no thiefs know how to drive a standard. Also the local manual drivers in your area will have a club(they make you drive a manual while they watch so no trying to sneak in) that will get all sorts of discounts and can get you into the best clubs. I got to meet Jimmy Carter 2 years ago as part of the National Manual Drivers Association conference, and gave him some pointers on building houses and making peace. It really is worth the time but it's also a lot of work.



P.S. - If you can learn to drive a standard be sure to put it on job applications and loan applications, there is no way I would have been approved for my mortgage, but the loan manager was also a manual driver and she hooked me up!

P.P.S.- Also, chicks dig it.
 
Jun 14, 2003
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i guess i should point out that this isnt a stab at americans nor is it a means of patronising americans either

im simply curious.

 

aircooled

Lifer
Oct 10, 2000
15,965
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I learned on a manual (1975 Datsun B-210). So it's just second nature to me.

I prefer an automatic for daily work and back commuting traffic, but I like a manual for 'driving'.

 
Jun 14, 2003
10,442
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Originally posted by: Turin39789
I'm one of the few proud Americans who drive a standard, and I recommend it to anyone who thinks they are smart enough to learn. Your car is almost theft proof as no thiefs know how to drive a standard. Also the local manual drivers in your area will have a club(they make you drive a manual while they watch so no trying to sneak in) that will get all sorts of discounts and can get you into the best clubs. I got to meet Jimmy Carter 2 years ago as part of the National Manual Drivers Association conference, and gave him some pointers on building houses and making peace. It really is worth the time but it's also a lot of work.



P.S. - If you can learn to drive a standard be sure to put it on job applications and loan applications, there is no way I would have been approved for my mortgage, but the loan manager was also a manual driver and she hooked me up!

P.P.S.- Also, chicks dig it.


exactly the type of answer i was looking for

cheers!

so it does kinda garner you a bit more respect as a person then, guess in the US where auto's are the default choice, taking the time to learn a manual tells people something about your self
 

lokiju

Lifer
May 29, 2003
18,526
5
0
Cars here in America come standard with automatic now days so most people don't even know how to drive manual as a result.

I like driving a car with manual because of the fun factor and more control over my driving plus its usually slightly better gas millage.


 

Chrono

Diamond Member
Jan 2, 2001
4,959
0
71
I think he's ticklin' your funny bone there.

Driving a manual car means nothing really.
 

lokiju

Lifer
May 29, 2003
18,526
5
0
Originally posted by: otispunkmeyer
Originally posted by: Turin39789
I'm one of the few proud Americans who drive a standard, and I recommend it to anyone who thinks they are smart enough to learn. Your car is almost theft proof as no thiefs know how to drive a standard. Also the local manual drivers in your area will have a club(they make you drive a manual while they watch so no trying to sneak in) that will get all sorts of discounts and can get you into the best clubs. I got to meet Jimmy Carter 2 years ago as part of the National Manual Drivers Association conference, and gave him some pointers on building houses and making peace. It really is worth the time but it's also a lot of work.



P.S. - If you can learn to drive a standard be sure to put it on job applications and loan applications, there is no way I would have been approved for my mortgage, but the loan manager was also a manual driver and she hooked me up!

P.P.S.- Also, chicks dig it.


exactly the type of answer i was looking for

cheers!

so it does kinda garner you a bit more respect as a person then, guess in the US where auto's are the default choice, taking the time to learn a manual tells people something about your self

Um....

 

slsmnaz

Diamond Member
Mar 13, 2005
4,016
0
0
Originally posted by: otispunkmeyer
Originally posted by: Turin39789
I'm one of the few proud Americans who drive a standard, and I recommend it to anyone who thinks they are smart enough to learn. Your car is almost theft proof as no thiefs know how to drive a standard. Also the local manual drivers in your area will have a club(they make you drive a manual while they watch so no trying to sneak in) that will get all sorts of discounts and can get you into the best clubs. I got to meet Jimmy Carter 2 years ago as part of the National Manual Drivers Association conference, and gave him some pointers on building houses and making peace. It really is worth the time but it's also a lot of work.



P.S. - If you can learn to drive a standard be sure to put it on job applications and loan applications, there is no way I would have been approved for my mortgage, but the loan manager was also a manual driver and she hooked me up!

P.P.S.- Also, chicks dig it.


exactly the type of answer i was looking for

cheers!

so it does kinda garner you a bit more respect as a person then, guess in the US where auto's are the default choice, taking the time to learn a manual tells people something about your self

:laugh:
 

Turin39789

Lifer
Nov 21, 2000
12,218
8
81
Originally posted by: otispunkmeyer
Originally posted by: Turin39789
I'm one of the few proud Americans who drive a standard, and I recommend it to anyone who thinks they are smart enough to learn. Your car is almost theft proof as no thiefs know how to drive a standard. Also the local manual drivers in your area will have a club(they make you drive a manual while they watch so no trying to sneak in) that will get all sorts of discounts and can get you into the best clubs. I got to meet Jimmy Carter 2 years ago as part of the National Manual Drivers Association conference, and gave him some pointers on building houses and making peace. It really is worth the time but it's also a lot of work.



P.S. - If you can learn to drive a standard be sure to put it on job applications and loan applications, there is no way I would have been approved for my mortgage, but the loan manager was also a manual driver and she hooked me up!

P.P.S.- Also, chicks dig it.


exactly the type of answer i was looking for

cheers!

so it does kinda garner you a bit more respect as a person then, guess in the US where auto's are the default choice, taking the time to learn a manual tells people something about your self

Definetly! You have to go out of your way to learn a manual over here, often having to find a special class taught by the local manual club, though high priced corporate alternatives are available. You study the history and dynamics of terms like redlining and double clutching. It can be pretty intense and that's why most people don't do it. Personally I think the prestige and self respect are worth all those months of training and preparation. It's kind of a snowball of self respect, once you get the recognition in your community of other succesfull people, they begin to give you business and financial opportunities. I know several manual drivers who started out driving beat up old volkswagens that are now driving Ferarri's. Over here in the US it's just such a strong community and everyone helps each other out. Next year's convention is in March and it's at the Playboy Mansion FTW!
 

ranmaniac

Golden Member
May 14, 2001
1,940
0
76
I'd like to learn manual, however, I'm in bumper to bumper traffic each way to work and home (takes me an hour each way), so it probably would be more of an annoyance.

Having been in the UK and Europe, almost everyone there drives manual, mostly cause gas is high, and a car is cheaper to buy if it's manual.
 
Jun 14, 2003
10,442
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Originally posted by: Chrono
I think he's ticklin' your funny bone there.

Driving a manual car means nothing really.


yeah guess i should of expected that to happen here.......everyones a smart ass

this place is worthless, cant even ask a simple question becuase its beyond people to just answer it.

 
Jun 14, 2003
10,442
0
0
Originally posted by: Turin39789
Originally posted by: otispunkmeyer
Originally posted by: Turin39789
I'm one of the few proud Americans who drive a standard, and I recommend it to anyone who thinks they are smart enough to learn. Your car is almost theft proof as no thiefs know how to drive a standard. Also the local manual drivers in your area will have a club(they make you drive a manual while they watch so no trying to sneak in) that will get all sorts of discounts and can get you into the best clubs. I got to meet Jimmy Carter 2 years ago as part of the National Manual Drivers Association conference, and gave him some pointers on building houses and making peace. It really is worth the time but it's also a lot of work.



P.S. - If you can learn to drive a standard be sure to put it on job applications and loan applications, there is no way I would have been approved for my mortgage, but the loan manager was also a manual driver and she hooked me up!

P.P.S.- Also, chicks dig it.


exactly the type of answer i was looking for

cheers!

so it does kinda garner you a bit more respect as a person then, guess in the US where auto's are the default choice, taking the time to learn a manual tells people something about your self

Definetly! You have to go out of your way to learn a manual over here, often having to find a special class taught by the local manual club, though high priced corporate alternatives are available. You study the history and dynamics of terms like redlining and double clutching. It can be pretty intense and that's why most people don't do it. Personally I think the prestige and self respect are worth all those months of training and preparation. It's kind of a snowball of self respect, once you get the recognition in your community of other succesfull people, they begin to give you business and financial opportunities. I know several manual drivers who started out driving beat up old volkswagens that are now driving Ferarri's. Over here in the US it's just such a strong community and everyone helps each other out. Next year's convention is in March and it's at the Playboy Mansion FTW!


yeah ok you over did it there man
 

Zee

Diamond Member
Nov 27, 1999
5,171
3
76
Originally posted by: Turin39789
Originally posted by: otispunkmeyer
Originally posted by: Turin39789
I'm one of the few proud Americans who drive a standard, and I recommend it to anyone who thinks they are smart enough to learn. Your car is almost theft proof as no thiefs know how to drive a standard. Also the local manual drivers in your area will have a club(they make you drive a manual while they watch so no trying to sneak in) that will get all sorts of discounts and can get you into the best clubs. I got to meet Jimmy Carter 2 years ago as part of the National Manual Drivers Association conference, and gave him some pointers on building houses and making peace. It really is worth the time but it's also a lot of work.



P.S. - If you can learn to drive a standard be sure to put it on job applications and loan applications, there is no way I would have been approved for my mortgage, but the loan manager was also a manual driver and she hooked me up!

P.P.S.- Also, chicks dig it.


exactly the type of answer i was looking for

cheers!

so it does kinda garner you a bit more respect as a person then, guess in the US where auto's are the default choice, taking the time to learn a manual tells people something about your self

Definetly! You have to go out of your way to learn a manual over here, often having to find a special class taught by the local manual club, though high priced corporate alternatives are available. You study the history and dynamics of terms like redlining and double clutching. It can be pretty intense and that's why most people don't do it. Personally I think the prestige and self respect are worth all those months of training and preparation. It's kind of a snowball of self respect, once you get the recognition in your community of other succesfull people, they begin to give you business and financial opportunities. I know several manual drivers who started out driving beat up old volkswagens that are now driving Ferarri's. Over here in the US it's just such a strong community and everyone helps each other out. Next year's convention is in March and it's at the Playboy Mansion FTW!

Manual driving definitely brings all the girls to the yard! And they're like It's better than mine, and i'm like damn right it's better than yours, I can teach you, but I have to charge.!
 

Dirigible

Diamond Member
Apr 26, 2006
5,960
30
91
Nobody cares, except a few who mistakenly think driving a manual makes 'em cool. Seems like you fall into the latter category.

 
Jun 14, 2003
10,442
0
0
Originally posted by: Dirigible
Nobody cares, except a few who mistakenly think driving a manual makes 'em cool. Seems like you fall into the latter category.


depending on who your replying to i would check my profile. im from the UK and driving manual is the norm, its not even considered remotely cool or special. i was just trying to see if the same held true in the US where the auto box is the default choice for alot of cars.

and as usual i get a bunch of ****** from people instead
 

judasmachine

Diamond Member
Sep 15, 2002
8,515
3
81
Only by elitist bastards. I loved driving my Saab 5-Speed but I never bragged about it being a stick.