Can you drive a stick shift car?

Rubix

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I learned on an auto (don't think I would have ever passed with a stick), but pretty much everything I have owned since has been manual.
 

Endued

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Yeah, automatics aren't very common in the UK. Shifting gear is actually part of the fun of driving, tbh. I can't imagine it without.

What I'll never understand is the people in the UK who take their test in an automatic meaning that's the only thing they're allowed to drive. Take the manual test, you wusses!

How long have automatics been more common in the US anyway?
 

HiddenLacey

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I had an automatic for about six months before a friend rear-ended me after we left school one day. After that I drove a stick for 6 years. The computer went bonkers in that car, the engine would rev wide open and it cut off when I slowed down... I loved that car to the bitter end. Nothing like sitting in traffic thinking about how my car sounded like it was ready to take off on the race track.

There are times when I really miss shifting gears, other times like when I'm stuck in traffic I'm thankful that I don't have to play with the clutch to creep up closer to someone.
 
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Mr Ed in Mass

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I drive an 18 speed without using the clutch.
 

StatusQuo

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Probably not. I think that e.g. most of Europe drives stick shift.
What I find incredible is how you can use your left hand - if you are not left-handed - for switching gears in countries where you drive on the left.

Its not that bad. When VW was unveiling the new GTI in the US, it was already released in the UK. They brought over a right hand drive car and I got to drive it on an auto crossing track. It is weird because the gears are in the same place. I misshifted once, but other than that it was pretty fun. Got one of the best times so I got a tee shirt.
 
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superbot

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Manual is the only way to go if you like driving,just don't like auto's, esp with my Rover RV8,shiver at the thought!!
 

MysticMedusa

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If you actually enjoy driving, stick is soooooooo much fun!! You can control the vehicle so much better with shifting and don't need to rely on your brakes. As far as I'm concerned knowing how to drive standard is a necessity and I'll teach anyone in my entourage who wants to learn. What if you are in a life or death situation and death ends up being the outcome 'cause you don't know how to drive stick... not a nice scene...
 

MysticMedusa

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The VW GTI Rabbit was a nice fun ride... zip zip zip...

Its not that bad. When VW was unveiling the new GTI in the US, it was already released in the UK. They brought over a right hand drive car and I got to drive it on an auto crossing track. It is weird because the gears are in the same place. I misshifted once, but other than that it was pretty fun. Got one of the best times so I got a tee shirt.
 

Calboner

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Love driving stick shift. Unless in bumper to bumper traffic. Then it blows.
They are also somewhat troublesome when you are coming up to a traffic light behind one of those imbeciles who, instead of simply rolling up and stopping, like to creep forward at about 1/2 mph through the last few car lengths. :rant:
 
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223790

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Six out of the seven cars I have owned in my life were stick. Only my first car was automatic and that was 24 years ago. I prefer stick to automatic. Ouside of being more fuel efficient and cheaper to purchase than an automatic, I feel like I have more control over the car and it's a lot more fun to drive. My current car is a stick (5 speed). I would like to buy a hybrid or electric car next time because I'm fed up with being held hostage at the gas pump. From what I have seen, they only come in automatic. I hope that's not the case. I don't expect to be in the market for a new car for at least another 3-5 years. My Toyota Corolla is 7 years old now and is so damn reliable! The body is still in great shape as well. It's been paid off for about 5 years now, and I just don't want car payments again until I absolutely have to. Hopefully by then all of the bugs will be worked out of the electric cars that are hitting the showrooms this year (Nissan Leaf, Chevy Volt, and Toyota RAV 4 that I know of). I learned a long time ago to never buy a car the first year it hits the market.
 

Ekwhipt

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Nope, unless I had to and then it would not be a smooth ride. Funny, I am not embarrassed with putting pics of my dick up here, but I am a little embarrassed about this confession.
 

D_Harry_Pitts

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yeah. used to drive automatic american midsized sedans. since getting sporty smaller import cars, it has been totally worth it to get them in standard. vrrrrroooooommmmmm
 

tamati

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Learned to drive stick at 7 years old.
Love em, but with all the traffic now I much rather have a clutchless hybrid 'bump' style stick with option for full auto. I believe everyone should have to take their driving test in a manual, and must be able to parallel park too!