ChadP777

I have different cars in mind however I can't decide whether to get an automatic or manual, I only know how to drive an automatic right now and I was wondering if it would be worth it to learn manual and get a stick shift car. Tell me your opinions thanks!

pbasil1

What do you want from your car? Fun and performance, or do you sit in traffic and commute often, without a thought of performance? A stick is much more fun IMO, But at the same time it can get old if you do alot of city/stop go traffic.

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ChadP777

I like the fun and performance but are stick shift cars a lot faster? and I don't spend a lot of time in stop and go traffic but is it hard to learn?

legoman786

I've found that earlier model cars have better fuel economy (based on driver habits, and maintenance) with manual transmissions, compared to their automatic counterparts.

That being said, I would pull about 30 MPG in city, meaning stop'n'go traffic for my daily commute.

I worked at a used car dealer, which also ran a rental shop under the same name (legal in AZ, in case anyone was wondering). They had plenty of 98-01 Nissan Altimas, all with automatic transmissions that could barely pull 22+ MPG, on average, I saw 17 MPG from them. My 98 Altima, with a 5-speed, could easily outdo that with 30 MPG.

Then, again, driver habits and maintenance, are just 2 of the variables in this increasingly convoluted formula for MPG. Plus, we're on the internet, so I could easily say that my Altima pulled 100+ MPG with the addition of a flux capacitor, except I couldn't drive faster than 88 MPH, else I'd end up in a different time period. :\

Take what you will, research what's available to you, and most importantly, do it yourself.

I, honestly, miss driving with 3 pedals. But, that's for a different time.

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Mike

Manual.

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enderx475

Are they faster? They CAN be depending on the car. In general, yes, because you can control when the car shifts gears. Most automatics aren't built to shift at higher RPMs (I only say most because some automatic sports cars will), but a manual gearbox will allow you to control that explicitly.

Is it hard to learn? No. Frustrating and confusing at first. Just takes a day of stalling out, another week or two to iron out your skill, and then you're good to go. Each time you hop in a different car it will be different, though.

That being said, almost anyone here will tell you manual. It's more fun in my opinion in addition to enabling you to save yourself gas if you want to or to tool around if you want to. More freedom.

It all depends on your preference or what you'll be using this for. The only situation in which I wouldn't recommend it is constant stop-and-go traffic.

Keep in mind that selling a manual car can be difficult because there's much less demand, but again, it depends on the car.

Good luck to you!

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ChadP777

I agree that the manual does seem like a lot more fun however all I have driven is automatic. I think that manual might be a good choice though because then I will be able to drive anything. I don't think I'd ever sell the car either, and I don't spend much time on the interstate so I'm good . What would you guys suggest as a manual shift car, I like the Scion Fr-s however the gas mileage isn't so impressive with 200hp and 151 ft. lb of torque. What manual shift cars do you guys like?

KSIMP88

Manual. I don't understand why people don't like them in stop and go traffic. I think they are more efficient in stop and go by far. I can pull from 3rd just fine clutch clutch clutch

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enderx475

Those are pretty decent cars. Post over in Looking to Buy with a budget, preferences, etc.

Exactly

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simfreak

Manual. It's more fun, better on gas, and I like being in control. Plus power shifting sounds cool

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