Well, I have not driven a stick for several years, but I really do prefer them. I hope I don't forget how. What is really a hoot is going to Ireland (I'm in the U.S.), and driving a stick-shift rental car…sitting on the right, and shifting with the left hand. Wahoo! I've always thought I should put little American flags on the rent car, so the locals know to watch out for me. I'm glad to hear others think driving a stick is cool.
Now wait a minute, MrsPotts--I want the guy with the NakedLady mud flaps. Let's flip a coin!
I agree with the poster who said you can't judge by a vehicle's dirty exterior in the winter. Too true, in a four season climate. My vehicle currently looks like a dirt-pie going down the road---but it's too cold to wash it. The inside is clean.
I would not judge a person by his car as long as it was a reasonably sensible choice, safe to drive, (decent tires, etc.), reasonably clean inside and out (weather permitting), and paid for. If I knew enough about their finances, I would not respect somebody who put too much money into a fancy car and not enough into savings and investments…but of course, in a casual dating situation, that information might not be known. I'm not fortunate enough to live somewhere where people could get by without a car…a different situation than Zikoris.