Hi! from a lurker

[SGT_OKINAWA]

They don't teach cursive writing to my 9 year old kid in school, because not many people read and write it anymore, i.e. it a vanishing technique.

STICK however. LEARN IT, because we'll still have it for the next 50 years IMO.

Geee we got way off topic here huh? Muahahahaha!

Peace!(rei)

 

[x10dude]

Yeah this is a bit off topic... but it's interesting.

I'm glad you brought up cursive writing because that is exactly what is happening to the MT. There are just FEWER and FEWER vehicles on the road that are MT. Unfortunately I don't have up to date stats but the percentage of cars with MT has been falling dramatically in the US. In 1985 nearly 23% of cars and light trucks were MT. But 2003 that percentage has fallen dramatically to a mere 7.3%. So I guess if you are over the age of 40 it's probably more likely to know how to drive a MT.

But it is a bit ridiculous to tell people that they have to learn how to drive a MT when they probably only make up arond 5% of the total sales in the US today. (yes, I DO KNOW, that it is much higher is Europe).

The fact (and the stats back this up) is that there have been alot of advances in AT and most drivers in America prefer it.

Again, I'm not arguing that it isn't a good skill to have. But not every one needs to learn how to drive it. And I don't think we should belittle peope who don't. People tend to glorify the "stick shift" and yes they are fun to drive, but let me tell you, having to clutch in stop-n-go traffic is no fun.

 

[KBrian]

Again, it's pride. If you learn stick... Wonderful. Don't get me wrong. It definitely is a skill that is useful.

But simply telling people they need to learn stick just because they need to be able to drive any car is just silly. I don't feel any superior to any other driver just because I can drive stick. I'm sure in certain cases like on a farm or in other special cases, knowing how to drive a MT is a necesity but for the majority it's really not a requirement.

You are right X10dude, no one must learn to drive stick. I consider myself an enthusiast who loves to drive, and enjoy driving even more when its a stick. I would hate to have to pass up a drive in a particulatr car because I couldn't work the clutch.

There are likely a majority of people for whom cars are transportation tools, and would not find themselves at a dealer drooling over the latest Mustang, Camaro or Challenger with a rock-crusher between the seats.

BTW, I have often had to move guest's vehicles from our driveway to get out of the garage, and often encounter manuals. No farm tractors in sight

 

[skyhawk]

When you've been driving only MT for so many years.. You will discover the benefit of an AT. When driving becomes part of you daily work.. The AT is a good friend. Lets you eat your sandwhich, along the way with less worry. And in traffic jams in 401, or even along Yonge St.. in rush hour. The AT is my choice.

I'm even wishing for a pushbutton brake actuator in the steering wheel. So my foot will be on the gas and in stop and go traffic, I can simply press a button
without shifting my foot from gas to the brake pedal.

 

[x10dude]

When I learned to drive (MT) it was in a small city with little traffic. And I have to confess, I thought I was so "cool" because I could drive stick and my friends couldn't. But once I moved out the to a big city with all the traffic (and grew up a bit), I soon learned that it isn't all that cool...

But in bad weather or driving down a curvy mountain road, I'd still probably prefer a stick.

 

[DKaz]

Again, I'm not arguing that it isn't a good skill to have. But not every one needs to learn how to drive it. And I don't think we should belittle peope who don't. People tend to glorify the "stick shift" and yes they are fun to drive, but let me tell you, having to clutch in stop-n-go traffic is no fun.

I dunno, I thought ATs would be nicer in traffic but my right foot gets tired because I have to keep the foot on the brake when stopped, otherwise the car moves forward automatically.

 

[thaxman]

I'm even wishing for a pushbutton brake actuator in the steering wheel. So my foot will be on the gas and in stop and go traffic, I can simply press a button
without shifting my foot from gas to the brake pedal.

Some of us learned to left-foot brake. And its pretty easy to switch back and forth once you have picked it up. After all, pilots use their hands and feet to control all sorts of things, then get in their cars and drive home.

Anyway, my big reason for getting the stick (beside gas mileage in stop-n-go city traffic) was for longevity. I want this to be a 15 year car for us, and truthfully, when you put a mental image up of a 300,000 mile car, is it ever an auto?

 

[x10dude]

Anyway, my big reason for getting the stick (beside gas mileage in stop-n-go city traffic) was for longevity. I want this to be a 15 year car for us, and truthfully, when you put a mental image up of a 300,000 mile car, is it ever an auto?

The 2 mpg gas mileage can't argue with. But MPG also depends alot on how you drive too.
Generally MT last longer but my wife's AT Accord went to 220K before the transmission went out.

But one thing I forgot to mention is that the resale/trade-in value of MTs vs ATs is lower. About 10 years ago, I had an old MT 626 that I listed for sale. I got alot of calls from interested parties but once they found out it was MT, they were no longer interested. Took a few weeks to find an interested MT driver in purchasing it.

 

[SGT_OKINAWA]

But it is a bit ridiculous to tell people that they have to learn how to drive a MT when they probably only make up arond 5% of the total sales in the US today. but let me tell you, having to clutch in stop-n-go traffic is no fun.

Agree, no one has to do anything.

Agree, stop-n-go = Boooo stick shift.

I have often had to move guest's vehicles from our driveway to get out of the garage, and often encounter manuals. No farm tractors in sight

case in point, some people DO need to learn.

So my foot will be on the gas and in stop and go traffic, I can simply press a button without shifting my foot from gas to the brake pedal.

Would be nice. (first)

But in bad weather or driving down a curvy mountain road, I'd still probably prefer a stick.

Noted: However AT = less chance you skip a gear and CAN'T get it back into gear and then HAVE TO ride the brakes ALL the WAY down THE hill. (shocked)

but my right foot gets tired because I have to keep the foot on the brake when stopped, otherwise the car moves forward automatically.

Learn to drive an AUTO where in Japan they TEACH YOU to shift to 'N' when in traffic and less brake press and / or on flat ground/road you just sit there in 'N' until, boop, back into 'D' (first)

Some of us learned to left-foot brake. Anyway, my big reason for getting the stick (beside gas mileage in stop-n-go city traffic) was for longevity.

Two foot AUTO TRANS DRIVING IMO = danger, it's a multi-tasking that leads to worn brakes, or jerk stops. (ughdance)

Generally MT last longer

IMO:

a) YES on Japan Made cars and any US car before 1980.

b) MT USA cars suck IMO, it's a long story. So... to each his own.

but my wife's AT Accord went to 220K before the transmission went out.

See, Japan made AUTO Trans is giving MT a run for their money! (glare)

resale/trade-in value of MTs vs ATs is lower.

Depends on the car, and AT Mustang is less value than a MT mustang, IMO.

About 10 years ago, I had an old MT 626 that I listed for sale. I got alot of calls from interested parties but once they found out it was MT, they were no longer interested.

Again, depends on the car, most 16 year old school girls DON'T want a MT Mazda 626 (poke)

MT vs. AT is an OLD OLD debate, however...

Did you guys and gals know some fun facts:

Autos (cars for lay terms) made from 2007 and later no longer have....

1. ALL cars come with power windows now, NOPE not one big company makes old school roll up windows anymore, can't even special order it anymore, BUMMER!

2. Drive by wire, i.e. a game pad and NO steering wheel is NOT approved yet! I say YET!, but it's been proven to be more efficient and safer than steering wheel for drivers UNDER 19 YR's of age.

3. ALL cars come with A/C now, (Unless it's some really special order and it's hard to ask for it now) ALL cars sold from a NORMAL dealer (Off the show room floor) come with A/C.

4. ALL cars now come with fuel injection, (Unless it's some different / special engine, I knowbla bla bla.)

5. ALL cars come with power steering. Yup that is right, no car, van, truck, etc, is made WITHOUT power steering, good God I remember driving an old farm truck with NO power steering, it was brutal!!

6. ALL cars come with power brakes, NOPE you can NOT order a car with manual brakes anymore. BUMMER?? LOL!

7. ALL cars .... well you get the idea...


So the question is....


When will we add #8

8. ALL CARS (Unless special order for a Ferrari or Porsche etc.) can NOT get manual transmission.

Peace!(rei)