Try driving a stick-shift with a heavy clutch through stop-and-go Los Angeles traffic and you’ll understand why the stick shift is going out of style, even though it’s a heck of a lot more fun to drive!
I bought stick-shift cars for twenty years before I realized the re-sale value was being greatly diminished. My last manual-transmission SUV was broken into (door lock yanked out), but not taken. The security guard said it was because it was a stick shift. If only the would-be thieves had just looked in the window!
I love driving stick. I like the control I have over the vehicle. It does come in handy when I visit my relatives in Ireland where rental cars are standard transmission. I think I have more recent time with the stick in my right hand.
I driven standard starting g with 1962 Corvair Monza, 1967 Mustang, 1972 Jeep CJ-5, 1985 Dodge Caravan to what I drive now 2007 Chevy Colorado. Always fun to drive.
I dropped off my 2015 car for maintenance at the dealership. The service guy asked how many miles. 33K. He said that’s not much. I laughed, said it’s manual transmission too. His eyes lit up, he said he’d be interested in buying it. I said NO! I live in a rural area and it’s definitely better for driving in snow and ice. My daughter learned to drive standard shift. Tried to teach my son, but I gave up on it after 10 minutes!
It isn’t hard to drive a stick shift, especially when you don’t have to worry about ruining the clutch or gears. The owner of the car might not like it though.
Real rocket scientists there.. broke the driver’s side window to get in, thus covering the front seat w/ broken glass.
It’s an exact replay of what happened to me. It was 1980, Chicago O’Hare airport, January, parked in long term for a trip. It was my trusty old ‘65 Dodge Dart (3 speed manual on the column). Got back, and they’d smashed the driver’s side window with a chunk of pavement (still sitting on the floor). Ripped wiring out from under the dash, twisted wires together, and failed to start it, but did run the battery dead. A nice security guy found me a broom to clean up, and brought out a booster to get it started. The headlights would not work, and the sun was low. Drove the 80 miles back to UofI with the winter wind freezing us, and covered the last 10 miles in near dark.
I asked the security guy “why my car, when there are so many much newer and nicer?”
He pointed out that mine did not have a steering lock…
rmremail about 2 years ago
Dude, why are you stealing a car without automatic transmission? Nothing with manual transmission is worth stealing anymore.
Farside99 about 2 years ago
Try driving a stick-shift with a heavy clutch through stop-and-go Los Angeles traffic and you’ll understand why the stick shift is going out of style, even though it’s a heck of a lot more fun to drive!
PraiseofFolly about 2 years ago
I bought stick-shift cars for twenty years before I realized the re-sale value was being greatly diminished. My last manual-transmission SUV was broken into (door lock yanked out), but not taken. The security guard said it was because it was a stick shift. If only the would-be thieves had just looked in the window!
dflak about 2 years ago
I love driving stick. I like the control I have over the vehicle. It does come in handy when I visit my relatives in Ireland where rental cars are standard transmission. I think I have more recent time with the stick in my right hand.
William Robbins Premium Member about 2 years ago
Aside from being fun, good reason to keep buying manuals as long as i can.
basspro about 2 years ago
I driven standard starting g with 1962 Corvair Monza, 1967 Mustang, 1972 Jeep CJ-5, 1985 Dodge Caravan to what I drive now 2007 Chevy Colorado. Always fun to drive.
Olddog1 about 2 years ago
I have an automatic now, but missed the stick until I had shoulder surgery with complications. Had to use my left arm to get into gear for 10 weeks.
quinones.felix about 2 years ago
I’ve driven a stick, but my right hand isn’t coordinated with my left foot.
wrytercat about 2 years ago
I dropped off my 2015 car for maintenance at the dealership. The service guy asked how many miles. 33K. He said that’s not much. I laughed, said it’s manual transmission too. His eyes lit up, he said he’d be interested in buying it. I said NO! I live in a rural area and it’s definitely better for driving in snow and ice. My daughter learned to drive standard shift. Tried to teach my son, but I gave up on it after 10 minutes!
John9 about 2 years ago
It isn’t hard to drive a stick shift, especially when you don’t have to worry about ruining the clutch or gears. The owner of the car might not like it though.
mrfeenstra Premium Member about 2 years ago
The fastest high end cars have double clutches and paddle shifters. Heel and toe shifting let alone knowing how to work a clutch is a nearly lost art.
Frank Burns Eats Worms about 2 years ago
How do you drive stick, it has no wheels?
gnorth22 Premium Member about 2 years ago
Real rocket scientists there.. broke the driver’s side window to get in, thus covering the front seat w/ broken glass.
It’s an exact replay of what happened to me. It was 1980, Chicago O’Hare airport, January, parked in long term for a trip. It was my trusty old ‘65 Dodge Dart (3 speed manual on the column). Got back, and they’d smashed the driver’s side window with a chunk of pavement (still sitting on the floor). Ripped wiring out from under the dash, twisted wires together, and failed to start it, but did run the battery dead. A nice security guy found me a broom to clean up, and brought out a booster to get it started. The headlights would not work, and the sun was low. Drove the 80 miles back to UofI with the winter wind freezing us, and covered the last 10 miles in near dark.
I asked the security guy “why my car, when there are so many much newer and nicer?”
He pointed out that mine did not have a steering lock…
dtercho about 2 years ago
Millennial anti-theft device!