[Tenacious 1]

An old column-shifted manual transmission is probably the ultimate in carjacker confusion.

LOL... TRUE!

Years ago, I almost bought an old used Nova that was 3-on-the-tree. It was hard to shift. I accidentally got it into reverse trying to go to 2nd while rolling. That will scare the hell out of ya (and about knock your teeth out). I didn't buy the car because the holes in the floor boards straight through to the pavement made me nervous. And after what I did to the transmission, I figured it might be a little maintenance issue down the road.

[ZirconEncrustedTweezers]

I test-drove an old Falcon Ranchero once that had a three-on-the-tree. It was an interesting experience, both in trying to shift it properly and dealing with the HUGE gap between first and second gears.

[Calvin Locke]

I once borrowed a friend's Chevy van with the column shift. My problem was getting it to go into 3rd easily.

I rode with my friend afterward, and he had no problems. It must have been worn to his biometrics...