Car Jackers

That is funny... did the owner of the porsche go back when the cops got there and start the "what you gonna do, what you gonna do when they come for you"

Almost every car I've owned has had a manual transmission. More fun to drive and I figure it's a free deterrence factor for thieves.

My last 3 cars have all been manual transmitions. Currently I drive a Mustang GT with 6 speed manual. The benefits of a stick shift are:
1) lower original cost
2) cheaper to repair
3) better gas mileage
4) faster
5) more fun to drive

I also believe that drivers of stick shift automobiles are safer than most others.

Another advantage is that people don't ask to borrow it. LOL.

What you gonna do

Shadow my feelings exactly.

sc,

Let's take your list further...

1) lower original cost
A Harley is even lower cost. Well some are. :)

2) cheaper to repair
A Harley is even cheaper, if not taken to a H-D dealer.

3) better gas mileage
A Harley always has better gas mileage then a "fun to drive car".

4) faster
Depends. :)

5) more fun to drive
Every wonder why dogs ride with their heads out the window?

OK Clubber - I would like to see you getting a BJ on your Harley while doing 65mph on an interstate. :)

The gas-mileage gap between automatics and manuals has narrowed greatly in recent years. On some cars and with some drivers, automatics actually deliver better mileage.

I still prefer a manual, though.

Isn't anyone going to make a stick-shifting joke?

sc,

No argument there. I'd love to see that as well!!! :)

My fav and I were going somewhere and she was shifting until I poped my clutch...wow I still had 4 more gears to go.

Shad! You come across as a yellow corvette driver.

When I was 16 my dad bought my older sister a used car with a manual transmission. She never could learn so I showed my dad I could drive it so I got it.

Bikes in Mexico have Manuel transmissions.

I've never owned an automatic transmission. Even my wife prefers manual tran.

So the thief couldn't drive a stick... I went to a grocery store the other day, and the young girl at the cash register counted my change back to me. I commented to her supervisor standing nearby that I was impressed. The supervisor said the store owner insists on all cashiers being taught to count change back.

I agree that manuals are way more fun to drive but what if a car jacker got pissed off that they couldn't drive it and turned that anger towards the driver? In that rare event you'd be safer with an auto. But I think most purists would play the odds.

I don't know how to drive a stick either. This thread reminds me of when my mom tried to teach me how to drive a stick in a red truck she use to own. At the time, I didn't know how to drive at all and was very nervous- so it didn't go well and I'd always have the stick lock up on me and then the car would shake, lol. That's so annoying.

After that, I never really got back around to learning/trying to drive a stick shift, so I still don't know how to drive one to this day. I admit it's a useful thing to know, though.

The first time I ever drove an automatic was when I borrowed my sister's car for a quick trip while my truck was up on the hoist for repairs. I was lost! All my company F-150s are manual transmission as, of course, are all the semis and tankers.

As I age, however, I will admit to appreciating the convenience of an automatic whenever I rent a car on my travels in strange cities (except in Europe where automatic rentals are very rare and very expensive, if available).

I taught both of my children to drive standards and they appreciate it to this day. Until recently I always had sticks but have grown to appreciate the new 6 and 7 speed automatics. And I appreciate getting head at highway speed.

Anybody remember the Dodge push button transmition?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IlEYoAq2…

my '57 Dodge was my first automatic.

This reminds me of when I used to work for a U.S. company. We had an incident and a whole bunch of guys came over from Georgia. They all hired cars that were manual and one guy often opened the door with his right hand instead of changing gear with his left.

Even race/sports cars are becoming more automated. "Paddle shift" (engaging paddle like switches to shift vs stick and clutch arrangement) is the norm on race cars. Auto transmission with paddle shift option is found on several high end sports cars. More corvettes are so equipped vs the standard 6 speed manual.

I prefer manual transmission vehicles. One of the funniest things you can watch is someone trying to learn how to drive a manual transmission (Sorry GoVikings). Growing up my dad had VW Beatle with a stick and he would let me shift gears as he drove. Very fond memory.

sc,

You're so old you remember when a car was really a horse and buggy! :)

Clubber - Yes and my first air plane ride was in a DC3.

sc,

Don't feel bad. I flew many a times between Miami and Key West in a DC-3.

http://www.floridamemory.com/items/show/…

The first time I flew was on Delta in 1970. Likely a DC-9 who be my guess.

How do you get road head in a manual? I guess if you have sport paddles behind your wheel for gear shifting I guess I can understand, but if you have to change gears while getting road head and she's leaning over, I imagine it would be difficult or distracting to one or both parties lol.

I knew a girl who worked for Naples Airlines. I flew from Miami to Naples in a DC-3. Cool.

<i>Even race/sports cars are becoming more automated. "Paddle shift" (engaging paddle like switches to shift vs stick and clutch arrangement) is the norm on race cars. Auto transmission with paddle shift option is found on several high end sports cars. More corvettes are so equipped vs the standard 6 speed manual.</i>

Maserati's have them...