Posted on 05/06/2020 11:10:55 AM PDT by NRx
The Fiat Spider is the only one on that list I’d consider, but I can’t afford a Fiat Spider so it’s a moot point :)
I’ve been driving stick since 1983 and I hope I never have to stop.
A Spitfire, AMC Spirit, a Jetta, Toyota Cressida, my b/f’s ‘Vette, a rusted out full size Bronco, Saturn SL2, other assorted short lived Hoopties, to the current 11 year old Scion xB, or The Toaster.
Even in traffic, I love it. Someone told me they blamed their bad left knee and hip on clutch pushing for 30 years. Perish the thought.
I used to not drive anything but standard trannies, but automatics have improved so much, and most have the standard option, which as you say is the bump type of shift, for those who want that experience, that the automatics are the way to go. I say that for 2 reasons, I’m not as young as I used to be, and I no longer want to have to shift as much. One thing for sure, is laying rubber becomes much harder in the automatics. Because if you put your foot on the brake and try to rev the engine, it won’t. But you do get faster takeoffs for sure.
The wife and I take semi-regular trips to either Ireland or the UK. I always have a manual waiting for us at the airport.
It keeps me more alert and is a constant reminder to me so I stay on the correct side of the road.
There is an aftermarket overdrive for vintage CJ jeeps like my 65.
Not cheap and I can’t see doing it. However, there would be 5 levers. That would confuse a modern person who has no concept of the manual transmission.
Correction.
4.
Was looking at some work related stuff.
Three on the tree is the only car for me.
They also learned how and where to check their motor oil, transmission oil, windshield fluid and how to change their own flats (also where fuse boxes were and how to replace one if necessary) what battery cables were and how to use them.
As a female myself, I never wanted them dependent on someone else for help after dark, in a rain storm and their car dies or you have a flat. Most of their friends (boys included) only knew how to pump their own gas.
Most love their stick shifts still, though they also love automatics as well but for basic around town cars, there’s nothing like the advantages of a stick shift.
My work car is a base 2006 Pontiac Vibe GT. Manual. Roll up windows. The 5 speed went out at 140k and I put in a 6 speed from a Vibe GT. My son has an 03 Vibe GT. Manual. My other son has a 05 Altima. Manual. Rare.
I did my driver test in the family station wagon - which was an automatic - but my dad started teaching me to drive in a ‘74 Pinto with a 4-speed manual when I was 13. I still prefer three pedals and an H-pattern shifter.
When I was a kid in the 60s I loved street racing. Everyone wanted a four on the floor including me.
Still, performance trumps everything and the autos now outperform manuals. No question about it.
I remember one of my dad’s friends test-driving a Mercedes 190D that had a four-speed on the column. I thought that was kinda weird.
1969 Z28 with an M22 Rock Crusher!
My hometown, DeFuniak Springs had a 1928 Lafrance. Finally after I was married and living all over the country, someone told me they finally got a new one.
First time they took it out, it tore up and they had to go back and get the old Lafrance.
40 years of manual shifting for me.
My 05 Tacoma and 12 Challenger SRT8 are manual. Had to replace tranny in Tacoma a few years ago. Toyota quality isn’t what it used to be.
Try working the HD clutch on my 6-speed 2004 Dodge Cummins in heavy traffic!
I’ve had 6 cars with manual transmission. I love a stick shift. The only problem was when you had the dimmer switch on the floor and couldn’t tap it because your feet were too busy with the gas, brake, and clutch pedals.
And males with man buns.
Put 210k on my 01 Civic. Sold it to my son who put another 25k on it and sold it. Manual tranny still working fine.
Manual transmissions tend to be much simpler than automatics. Teardown and repair is much more intuitive.
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