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How hard is it to learn to drive a manual car?

5,388 584 March 12, 2013 at 03:54 AM
How hard is it to learn to drive a car with a manual transmission? I'm looking to pick up a beater for less than $2,000. I've been looking around lately on the internet and it seems that manuals are always cheaper because most people can't drive them and as a result there's less demand. Also I would assume that manual cars are in better condition than automatics because their owners usually take better care of them. Realistically speaking, how quick would I be able to learn the basics in order to drive it home if I bought one?
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Truth-Serum
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TigerStar
03-12-2013 at 03:58 AM.
03-12-2013 at 03:58 AM.
Are you female?





/relevant question
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calistyle
03-12-2013 at 04:03 AM.
03-12-2013 at 04:03 AM.
Quote from TigerStar :
Are you female?





/relevant question
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Thrifteh
03-12-2013 at 04:07 AM.
03-12-2013 at 04:07 AM.
Quote from calistyle :
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Yeah, what she said.

The first 3 cars I drove were manuals.
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calistyle
03-12-2013 at 04:07 AM.
03-12-2013 at 04:07 AM.
Quote from Thrifteh :
Yeah, what she said.

The first 3 cars I drove were manuals.
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"Respect my AUTHORITAII!"
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LordOfChaos
03-12-2013 at 04:12 AM.
03-12-2013 at 04:12 AM.
Its not that difficult. Especially if you can have someone to coach you. In a solid few hours of playing with the clutch you should be good for the basics.
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w3kn
03-12-2013 at 04:18 AM.
03-12-2013 at 04:18 AM.
Once you get the hang of it, it's not that hard. However, practice off road. The first time I ever drove a manual transmission was in Germany. After stalling out three times in a row and almost getting run over by the locals, I opted to switch to an automatic to avoid getting myself killed.
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TigerStar
03-12-2013 at 04:25 AM.
03-12-2013 at 04:25 AM.
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Well, you are an extraordinary female.
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Dr. J
03-12-2013 at 04:52 AM.
03-12-2013 at 04:52 AM.
Quote from w3kn :
Once you get the hang of it, it's not that hard. However, practice off road. The first time I ever drove a manual transmission was in Germany. After stalling out three times in a row and almost getting run over by the locals, I opted to switch to an automatic to avoid getting myself killed.

when I bought my current car, the dealer told me that if someone wants a stick, they'll sell it to them and let them be on their way even if they have no idea how to drive it - imagine that!
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w3kn
03-12-2013 at 05:04 AM.
03-12-2013 at 05:04 AM.
Quote from Dr. J :
when I bought my current car, the dealer told me that if someone wants a stick, they'll sell it to them and let them be on their way even if they have no idea how to drive it - imagine that!
If I had stuck with it, I would've gotten the hang of it. laugh out loud
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teenbean
03-12-2013 at 05:06 AM.
03-12-2013 at 05:06 AM.
Quote from Truth-Serum :
How hard is it to learn to drive a car with a manual transmission? I'm looking to pick up a beater for less than $2,000. I've been looking around lately on the internet and it seems that manuals are always cheaper because most people can't drive them and as a result there's less demand. Also I would assume that manual cars are in better condition than automatics because their owners usually take better care of them. Realistically speaking, how quick would I be able to learn the basics in order to drive it home if I bought one?
Don't assume that they are better taken care of. I know a lot of teenagers who had manuals as their first car.

Your going to need someone who knows how to drive manual, to test drive these cars for you.
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Justawannabe
03-12-2013 at 05:07 AM.
03-12-2013 at 05:07 AM.
Its not that hard...i prefer manual transmissions! If you do have knee or leg probs driving it may aggravate it. Is there lots of city driving? If so p
Practice your stops and goes as much as you can.
Listen to the engine..as it starts to rev higher that is when you shift...the clutch is your friend!
Driving a stick is great fun!. i started my son at 13, .I take him to a dead end road and just have him drive back to the start. He has the shifting down..we just need to work on reverse...
There should be videos on youtube...but it is a lot like learning to tie shoes...some one can tell you and show you..but you have to get it down for yourself..and after a while you just do it without thinking!
Good luck! Oh and gas milage may be a bit better as well.....
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Last edited by Justawannabe March 12, 2013 at 05:12 AM.
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dalokgawd
03-12-2013 at 05:12 AM.
03-12-2013 at 05:12 AM.
Iagree If there's going to be a lot of traffic where you're driving don't get a manual transmission. It will be hell on your knees. I have been driving manuals since I got my first car 15 years ago but I will finally have to give in and get an automatic on my next one since I have to deal with Atlanta traffic now. I will miss my stick shift. I love driving a manual. Sadwalk
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SnakePlisken
03-12-2013 at 05:13 AM.
03-12-2013 at 05:13 AM.
Women should never fly airplanes upside down.
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emelvee
03-12-2013 at 05:13 AM.
03-12-2013 at 05:13 AM.
Quote from Thrifteh :
Yeah, what she said.

The first 3 cars I drove were manuals.
I'm guessing you wrecked the first two?

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