If it was me, I would want to test drive my new S2000......
In your case, I think it would be best for you to learn manual before hand, just to make sure the S2000 is for you.

Good luck

 

The S is a really easy car to learn on. I learned on an old A4, and switching to the S was a breeze. I got the basics down on the A4 and then moved on to the S. I'd learn enough to be able to do a test drive, and then perfect it after you get the car (assuming you buy it). And remember, everyone stalls when they're learning, so don't feel embarrassed.

 

my mom drove it off the lot and we switched places. stalled twice haha

 

I was in the same position as the OP.

I had a salesperson who happened to race trucks take me for a test drive, with him as the driver.

I had only driven manual transmission for maybe 1 or 2 miles previous to driving mine off the lot, it really isn't that hard when you start out, save the hills, you just have to know what you're supposed to do (how to operate the clutch and gear selector).

 

Haha, as a matter of fact I also live in the Chicago area. I don't know if I will be able to get a car soon because of financial issues.

Just out of curiousity, what car is your winter beater/how much would it cost?

 

Honestly?.. Find a friend, coworker, that KNOWS how,, By KNOWS how, I don't mean someone that can shift through the gears,, etc,, I mean someone that can show/teach you what downshifting, is, matching engine RPM's, to the lower gear,, and can seemlessly let the clutch out without the normal, forward "jerk" you feel from going into a lower gear,, The BEST person to teach you how to REALLY use a manual tranny is an over the road semi truck driver, etc,, If you learn to do it, "right",, you'll have SOOOO much more fun with the 2000,,,

 

LOL sweet! come by my house next sat. I'll let you do WHATEVER you want with that car, because I'm just gonna drive it through some dirt roads and call the local junk yard to come pick it up. It's an '88 corolla, and if you want it I'll let you have her for 200 bucks OBO. Then we can go to a s2k meet
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=577073


here are some pics:
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc170/s...pg?t=1205646202
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc170/s...pg?t=1205646329

 

my dad told me to drive one day and after 12 hours in my new 2003 eclipse i mastered driving manual. 6 months later i traded it in for my miata.

thats the expensive way to do it. the cheap way would be to bum test drives offa yer friends

 

At the very least know what you're doing before the test drive.

 

this post takes me back! i used to dream about driving a stick, i knew i could do it, i just never had the opportunity. my brother had a "fiat" in the '70's, and i tried to drive it, but it was difficult and there were hills. then a gf had a capri, she used to say, "turns in 2nd, hills in 3rd", surprising how i still remember/use that info. my big break was a gf who had a brand new '77 320i, and it was alot of getting used to, since it was san francisco! we were going to the san francisco art institute, and the hills were murder. but! i learned how to use the e-brake to replace "hill-holders" found on automatics. i guess the bottom-line is learn all you can before buying the s, cuz a new clutch is very pricey, and you don't want to be seen stalling at stop signs and risking snickers from onlookers! and BTW, don't ever skip gears when up or downshifting.....