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Planning on learning how to drive manual

ColdFusion718

ColdFusion718

Diamond Member
I'm looking to learn how to drive stick after driving an automatic for 10 years.

Right now, I am driving a 2002 Accord Sedan. I was thinking of getting a cheap used car to learn how to drive stick on. I was thinking of something in the neighborhood of $1,000 to $2000.

What do you experts recommend? I've been browsing CL for the past few days for used cars and I've seen most Acura Integras and Mazdas from 1989-90. What are other possible choices?

Background info:

Since I grew up with 3 older sisters and my mom, they all learned how to drive cars with automatic transmissions. As a result, so did I. 🙁

Being a late bloomer, I've recently discovered all the things I want to accomplish before I turn 30. Learning how to drive stick is one of them.

I want to learn how to drive stick because I will continue to feel inadequate as a man until I accomplish this j/k 😛.

EDIT: OK, I forgot to mention that I want to learn how to drive stick because I'm planning on getting an M3 in a year or two. I want to be comfortable with a manual transmission before I do that. M3 clutches are very expensive in the range of a few grand (so I've heard).
 
Get whatever is cheap and has a clutch/tranny in decent condition.
Hydrolic clutches are very unforgiving, so avoid them at first.

All you can do is practice and practice some more. Then take it out on the road and just drive normally, after a while it becomes second nature.
 
I don't know if this would help you, but what really helped the "feel" of manual shifting to click in my head was starting from neutral on an incline, letting the car roll backward down the incline a bit, then put it in gear and go.

Also, if you have a friend or family member that knows how to drive stick, have them work with you. Just watch their feet if nothing else.

I'm no expert, so I'm trying to talk to you as one who only got comfortable with it about a year ago.
 
OK, I forgot to mention that I want to learn how to drive stick because I'm planning on getting an M3 in a year or two. I want to be comfortable with a manual transmission before I do that. M3 clutches are very expensive in the range of a few grand (so I've heard).

Originally posted by: DivideBYZero
<lawn chair>
Click to expand...

LOL why would you pull up a lawn chair for this? It's not a parody thread. Besides, ColdFusion718 doesn't make parody threads--it's not his style. 😀

I'm serious about learning how to drive stick.
 
Originally posted by: ColdFusion718
OK, I forgot to mention that I want to learn how to drive stick because I'm planning on getting an M3 in a year or two. I want to be comfortable with a manual transmission before I do that. M3 clutches are very expensive in the range of a few grand (so I've heard).
Click to expand...

The M3 transmission is quite clunky, especially when cold. The clutch is pretty heavy, too, so I hope you have a decent commute. I wouldn't say it would be the best manual trans for a n00b, but it's your money and they are great cars! GO FOR IT! YOU CAN DRIVE STICK SUPER DRIVER #1 ^_^
 
Originally posted by: ColdFusion718
OK, I forgot to mention that I want to learn how to drive stick because I'm planning on getting an M3 in a year or two. I want to be comfortable with a manual transmission before I do that. M3 clutches are very expensive in the range of a few grand (so I've heard).
Click to expand...

A new clutch is about $400 or less parts cost. It's the labor that can be expensive since you have to drop the transmission.

But I wouldn't expect more than a grand in labor at an independent shop if not less.
 
By far the easiest way is to rev the engine to about 2K rpm and slowly let out the clutch in first until the car begins to move. Once you find where the friction point is, learn how to keep the gas steady as you slowly let out the clutch at the same time. Once you learn first, the rest of the gears are cake.
 
Originally posted by: AgaBoogaBoo
How about a Corolla/Tercel?
Click to expand...

I saw this one going for $14. I almost pissed myself. No I'm just kidding. I know the seller is asking for $1495. It looks to be in great condition compared to the other ones I've seen. However, I'm not sure nearly $1500 is worth it for that car.

What do you think? Btw, thanks everyone for the helpful responses. 🙂
 
Just get an old beater that runs. There isn't really one single car that is the greatest to learn on, they are all a bit different and you get used to whatever you drive. My one piece of advice would be to not get flustered when driving. I've taught a few people stick and they tend to freeze up at big intersections or hills with cars behind them. Go ahead and stall, if the guy behind you gets pissed off then screw him. He is either driving an automatic, and if he isn't then he had to learn at one point too.

It's really easy, like anything else it just takes practice. Within a couple of days your stalling days will mostly be over.
 
I did some quick numbers at Edmunds.com in the used car appraiser:

STD Sedan True Market Value Pricing
Trade-In Private Party Dealer Retail
National Base Price $1,014 $1,482 $2,129
Optional Equipment $119 $153 $222
Air Conditioning $92 $119 $172
Power Steering $27 $34 $50
Color Adjustment
Dark Blue $-1 $-1 $-2
Regional Adjustment
for Zip Code 95101 $57 $84 $121
Mileage Adjustment
109,000 miles $161 $161 $161
Condition Adjustment
Average $-341 $-493 $-701
Total $1,009 $1,386 $1,930

I put average condition, zip code as 95101 based on a quick google search for San Jose, and the option that it has power steering and A/C. (A/C was listed for sure, not sure if it will really have power steering though)

Anyway, you can probably get the price down a bit. I'd have a friend go check out the car and offer $900. He'll deny, and you can come in 2-3 days later offering $1,100 and your chances getting are a bit higher since he might be afraid he won't get it. You can play a few tricks like that to get the price you want 😉

Business is business, he wants to sell and you want to buy.
 
Originally posted by: Farang
Just get an old beater that runs. There isn't really one single car that is the greatest to learn on, they are all a bit different and you get used to whatever you drive. My one piece of advice would be to not get flustered when driving. I've taught a few people stick and they tend to freeze up at big intersections or hills with cars behind them. Go ahead and stall, if the guy behind you gets pissed off then screw him. He is either driving an automatic, and if he isn't then he had to learn at one point too.

It's really easy, like anything else it just takes practice. Within a couple of days your stalling days will mostly be over.
Click to expand...

That's what's scaring me. But I'm determined to overcome this.

When I was 18, I was in France for my summer foreign exchange trip. My host cousin tried to teach me on his little Peugeot. Needless to say, I failed miserably. I haven't tried a manual ever since. Hearing the instructions in French wasn't so helpful either. 😀
 
Biggest rule: Do NOT learn to drive a manual from a signficant other. Heck, do not learn from a friend or a relative either. This is very important.

That is all.
 
Originally posted by: scott916
By far the easiest way is to rev the engine to about 2K rpm and slowly let out the clutch in first until the car begins to move. Once you find where the friction point is, learn how to keep the gas steady as you slowly let out the clutch at the same time. Once you learn first, the rest of the gears are cake.
Click to expand...

No it isn't! Thats a good way to burn your clutch plate up.

I wouldn't worry about screwing up the clutch on a new car. Unless you are God awful for weeks on end it wont hurt it. The clutch is sensitive, yes, but it is meant to survive some rough times.

The easiest way to learn (This is how I taught 3 of my friends to drive on my car) is to keep there foot on the brake and slowly engage the clutch. When the car begins to pull (You can feel it in the brake) let off the brake and let them play with the clutch for a while. Then after they get a little bit of a feel, tell them to get to that point and just give it some gas (While reminding them not to just drop the clutch after the car starts).

I taught one of my friends with total driving time of about 2 days (We spread it for a couple days over a few weeks)

-Kevin
 
When you are using the clutch keep your heal on the floor and pivot your foot to let it up. Don't pick your foot off the floor and lift your whole leg. I did this when I first started and couldn't figure out why I couldn't get it nice and smooth. As soon as I started to pivot on my heel it was smooth sailing.
 
Originally posted by: ColdFusion718
Originally posted by: Farang
Just get an old beater that runs. There isn't really one single car that is the greatest to learn on, they are all a bit different and you get used to whatever you drive. My one piece of advice would be to not get flustered when driving. I've taught a few people stick and they tend to freeze up at big intersections or hills with cars behind them. Go ahead and stall, if the guy behind you gets pissed off then screw him. He is either driving an automatic, and if he isn't then he had to learn at one point too.

It's really easy, like anything else it just takes practice. Within a couple of days your stalling days will mostly be over.
Click to expand...

That's what's scaring me. But I'm determined to overcome this.

When I was 18, I was in France for my summer foreign exchange trip. My host cousin tried to teach me on his little Peugeot. Needless to say, I failed miserably. I haven't tried a manual ever since. Hearing the instructions in French wasn't so helpful either. 😀
Click to expand...

I know that when I was learning how to drive a manual, it was much harder with my dad in the car. I dunno why...

But once I started driving the car on my own, I felt more comfortable and made much less mistakes. Now I am extremely comfortable with my 5spd Passat. I don't think about shifting...I just do it.
 
Originally posted by: Excelsior
Originally posted by: ColdFusion718
Originally posted by: Farang
Just get an old beater that runs. There isn't really one single car that is the greatest to learn on, they are all a bit different and you get used to whatever you drive. My one piece of advice would be to not get flustered when driving. I've taught a few people stick and they tend to freeze up at big intersections or hills with cars behind them. Go ahead and stall, if the guy behind you gets pissed off then screw him. He is either driving an automatic, and if he isn't then he had to learn at one point too.

It's really easy, like anything else it just takes practice. Within a couple of days your stalling days will mostly be over.
Click to expand...

That's what's scaring me. But I'm determined to overcome this.

When I was 18, I was in France for my summer foreign exchange trip. My host cousin tried to teach me on his little Peugeot. Needless to say, I failed miserably. I haven't tried a manual ever since. Hearing the instructions in French wasn't so helpful either. 😀
Click to expand...

I know that when I was learning how to drive a manual, it was much harder with my dad in the car. I dunno why...

But once I started driving the car on my own, I felt more comfortable and made much less mistakes. Now I am extremely comfortable with my 5spd Passat. I don't think about shifting...I just do it.
Click to expand...

LOL, ain't that the truth. My dad was just getting angry and I was frustrated. He went out of town for a weekend with my mom and I took the truck out on my own and the next time we went out together he was in for a surprise!
 
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