Author Topic: Convincing SO that driving stick isn't that hard  (Read 26304 times)

ajmers

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Re: Convincing SO that driving stick isn't that hard
« Reply #50 on: August 09, 2013, 09:02:22 AM »
As a female, I have definitely had guys tell me outright (it's ridiculous, actually): "my respect for you really went up when I found out you could drive stick."

As a male, I can confirm that (a) it is ridiculous and (b) it is absolutely true.  It makes no logical sense, I know.

I agree. 100%. It's kind of hot too. Don't ask me why.

Guess I need to play this up a bit when meeting guys :)

MoneyCat

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Re: Convincing SO that driving stick isn't that hard
« Reply #51 on: August 09, 2013, 10:04:56 AM »
I used to drive a stick, but my current vehicle has a CVT.  It's very good for fuel economy and I don't have to worry about timing my shifting, etc.

MrsPete

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Re: Convincing SO that driving stick isn't that hard
« Reply #52 on: August 09, 2013, 10:53:18 AM »
I learned on a stick, and some of the best cars I've ever owned have been sticks.  However, it's a dying art.  Few people want anything other than a manual transmission these days, and sticks are actually hard to find.

When I bought my current car, I did some research concerning the efficiency of today's manual vs. automatic transmissions, and I had to concede that automatic is better for fuel efficiency. 

Also, I have to agree with someone above who commented on "easy clutches".  Every straight-drive car I ever owned had an easy clutch; however, I HATE driving my husband's car.  The clutch is located in an inconvenient spot for my short legs.  The result is that I have to essentially STAND UP on the clutch, meaning I have to actually lift my rear from the seat to press the clutch all the way to the floor.  I constantly stall out and look like I can't drive at all, but the real reason is that the car is simply ill-suited to a very short person.  He has no trouble with it, but he's a foot taller than I am.

« Last Edit: August 09, 2013, 10:56:51 AM by MrsPete »

dorothyc

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Re: Convincing SO that driving stick isn't that hard
« Reply #53 on: August 15, 2013, 09:40:31 PM »
Since posting my reply to this thread I decided not to wimp out on driving my husband's car - I watched some Youtube videos - the one by edmunds.com is helpful, and I have since been able to drive the VW. I practiced a bit in the early morning around our neighborhood, and I have since been out on the freeway a few times. Very proud of myself.

Dr.Vibrissae

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Re: Convincing SO that driving stick isn't that hard
« Reply #54 on: August 16, 2013, 06:29:25 AM »
congrats DorothyC, way to be a badass :)

grantmeaname

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Re: Convincing SO that driving stick isn't that hard
« Reply #55 on: August 16, 2013, 08:14:14 AM »
I'm not manipulating her into anything. She doesn't have to if she doesn't want to. I just want to make it enjoyable for her.

This doesn't even need a snarky comment.

katheh

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Re: Convincing SO that driving stick isn't that hard
« Reply #56 on: August 16, 2013, 09:47:32 AM »
I learned to drive on a manual (snow country, lots of old old 4wd driving needed), commuted for many years in a manual. Then we graduated into "family cars" (automatic). Now that my kids are old enough to drive, I am selling the family car for a manual commuter (drive 15 miles 1-way 2-4 days a week). My husband is very distressed I am looking for/would buy a manual transmission car. He doesn't know how to drive one, is intimidated, and just dislikes the idea. I did teach all my boys how to drive a manual (borrowed).

I told my husband in the ZA he is going to be in trouble. A manual is the only kind of car you can get going without electricity when the battery is flat ;)

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!