S1997

My favorite cars have always had a stick, except for the 1 Series BMW that I have now for a DD. It has the seven speed DCT. I still don"t like the paddle shifting very much, I need a clutch pedal to work. I'd definitely trade the paddles for a pedal! I just picked up my S from the shop on Friday. The fuel pump cratered and blew the relay and the big ass fuse. I didn't want to do the install myself, because dealing with the fuel pump inside the gas tank is a pain. Anyway it is all fixed up now and stored on the lift in my garage. Maybe the tide will ebb, and I will be able to get it out for a run soon. and yes, rob, all the fun is in the gearbox!

valentine

I learned to drive a manual transmission in my 1967 VW Beetle and then progressed to an MG midget later. I feel highly superior knowing that I can drive a manual. We no longer have a manual and I miss it. There was nothing in our past fleet of cars that was more fun to drive than the S.

tof

I learned to drive with three-on-the-tree in a Chevy sedan in Driver's Ed. I recall driving more than one volkswagen beetle where use of the clutch was actually sort of optional. Gear disengagement required only a gentle tug on that long shift lever and engagement could be accomplished with just a half-way decent rev match. Probably not great for the transmission but I was young and the bugs weren't mine.

Morris

Learned the shift/clutch on a VW, but the first car I really drove a lot in was Mom's 1960 Falcon, three on the tree. Have had many many stick shifts since then, including a Kioti tractor.

valentine

Using the clutch was pretty much optional in my old VW Beetle. I remember rev matching and was elated when it shifted nicely. ROFL

dlq04

I love sticks as much as anyone but I certainly would disagree with the heading - all the fun is in the gearbox. For me all the fun is "in the corner" and I don't care if it's a stick or an automatic. Most of my life I been speeding up when I see a corner coming; at least when the wife is not sitting next to me. I was recently reminded of it, since I've not been to the track for a number of years. I've had a couple people test drive my Audi and I've had offers that we're $2,500+ over Kelly Blue Book but I'm hoping to get another $1k so I started driving it (for a change) with the idea it may not sell for what its worth IMHO. I was approaching an off ramp I drive all the time that is circular over a bridge with another opposite curve at the other end. No traffic. Alone. I thought, what the hell, and took it at 150% of the speed limit. Instant high!! And I didn't do it for any other reason than my own enjoyment and did not endanger anyone but me. I know - - - the race track is the proper place. I preach it all the time. But it was wonderful feeling all four of the Audi's tires gripping like that and the balance the car had.

Bamafan

Like many car guys, I am often asked to help purchase cars for the driver-age children of friends. Many--particularly parents of girls--have been asking me to help them find manuals. The idea is that they would not be as tempted to text while driving if both hands were occupied.

We have three manual transmission cars, so learning to drive one is essential for my kids.

tof

Good point for a Tide supporter. Both my boys learned to drive on manuals...CRX's in both cases.

windhund116

My first car was a beat-up, dead in the water, 1967 Bug. Had to rebuild the engine, for my afterwork summer project.

My Dad... "I'm gonna show you once... how to shift. Then, it's your car. Either you'll be driving, all over town, by the end of the weekend. Or you'll be taking the bus."

That was a great little car. Stone stock, white with black interior. Girls thought you were not as likely to be a hard-core "Horn Dog" --- like guys driving brand new Caddies or MBs. Aw... those innocent days.

jukngene

Being a farm boy, learned in my dad's 1941 Ford pick-up. 3 in the floor.