NTR: Is your car standard transmission?

Soap1

Beginning to shop for cars and my dream car is only available with standard transmission.  I know how to drive a standard but have never had a car without automatic transmission as my primary means of transportation.  Just wondering how annoying it is as a daily/constant thing.  Does it get really old, or is it no big deal?

rjeller32

It's not hard, unless you live in a large city, at first it's kind of irritating, but then after awhile I didn't notice at all. I wish I had a manual again, but they are not as common in newer vehicles unless specified. Booo.

Soap1

rjeller32:

It's not hard, unless you live in a large city, at first it's kind of irritating, but then after awhile I didn't notice at all. I wish I had a manual again, but they are not as common in newer vehicles unless specified. Booo.

That's reassuring!  I do wonder things like, when the kids are screaming and I'm trying to drive and toss back a cup of water or a toy or something... could be really frustrating while also trying to shift.  But probably worth it so I can get the car I desperately want (Subaru Impreza hatchback  <3)

beckslea

I live in a smaller city so traffic is moderate but I don't mind it.  The opposite actually--I did not want an automatic transmission so we chose my SUV (Xterra) partially for its standard transmission.

orangecurls

I prefer manual transmission. But if you have to commute with traffic or do a lot of stop and go driving, I would want an automatic.

rjeller32

Soap1:

rjeller32:

It's not hard, unless you live in a large city, at first it's kind of irritating, but then after awhile I didn't notice at all. I wish I had a manual again, but they are not as common in newer vehicles unless specified. Booo.

That's reassuring!  I do wonder things like, when the kids are screaming and I'm trying to drive and toss back a cup of water or a toy or something... could be really frustrating while also trying to shift.  But probably worth it so I can get the car I desperately want (Subaru Impreza hatchback  <3)

Funny, DH and I were just looking at that same car. We are trying to trade in our Sentra soon, because 2 girls, a dog and ourselves causes a VERY stuffy car ride on long trips haha.

MNgirl326

Up until I got my mini-van in august, I had a manual transmission for years.

I live in a big city and got used to it.  I kind of miss my stick shift, although I do love my all wheel drive van now!

J+MS

Our last car (Caliber SRT) was a stick. To me, it did get old. I love having an automatic again.

brettsmama

orangecurls:

I prefer manual transmission. But if you have to commute with traffic or do a lot of stop and go driving, I would want an automatic.

This. I think manuals are fun, just not in traffic. Especially traffic in hilly areas. I drove a manual for about 3 years, until i switched to my big 4 wheel drive.

PayolaCrayola

brettsmama:

orangecurls:

I prefer manual transmission. But if you have to commute with traffic or do a lot of stop and go driving, I would want an automatic.

This. I think manuals are fun, just not in traffic. Especially traffic in hilly areas. I drove a manual for about 3 years, until i switched to my big 4 wheel drive.

Both of these. I live in LA and the traffic sucks. So as much as I love my VW Bug it is annoying in traffic. I cant have DD in my car cuz it doesnt have seatbelts but even if I could I wouldnt because no way could i do all that shifting and deal with her!

mexicolombiana

I do! I have a jetta.  Driving stick shift is not even an issue.  It comes second nature to me.  I freak out for a moment when I drive a car with automatic transmission.  Like, what the hell do I do with my left foot?!

Seriously though, it's not an issue.  It comes second nature and doesn't present any problems whatsoever.  EXCEPT that my husband can't drive it, but he's dumb and should learn.