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Once you learn to do it, it is second nature, you don't even think about it.
I learned to drive a stick at around age 24 and have owned at least one stick car since then.
Everyone thought we were nuts to get a Saturn VUE stick shift with only 4 cyl. for our family, but now that gas prices are what they are, we are so thankful we got the option we did. We get around 28mpg with our VUE.
Even with automatics getting better, standards still tend to have a higher EPA mileage rating. The margin has shrunk but all else being equal, standards still usually win.
Anyway, I taught both of my wives to drive a stick. Both were comfortable enough to be driving in city traffic and urban expressways within a week.
I learned many years ago on a 3 speed on the column, yes probably am dating myself. The 4 speed on the floor is very easy. It is the basic H shape, with the line across the H as being neutral.
I believe once you have the pattern down pact, it is not hard to learn. The hills can be tricky but if you have a emergency brake on the counsel this helps.
Left foot clutch, right foot brake or gas, right hand shifter knob or emergency brake. Remember to ease in the clutch for all activities.
If I can do it you can do it, they can be fun to drive. Great exercise for your legs. If you are in heavy traffic might not be worth it, but these vehicles are cheaper and better on gas. Better control of the vehicle in snowy roads as you control the engine. Let me know how you do
I believe once you have the pattern down pact, it is not hard to learn.
True. You may want to practice in an empty parking lot to get comfortable with releasing the clutch. It is embarrasing and possibly dangerous to have your car stall because you stalled the engine. I learned on a VW bug 4-speed and it's like riding a bike: once you learn you never forget how to do it.
I learned on a suburu over 25 years ago and the sticks I've driven recently seem to shift smoother than that old car. Also, at least if you're a small woman who isn't very strong, be sure to get power steering. I used to drive my husband's old F150 with no power steering and developed very muscular arms trying to steer and shift on these winding West Virginia hills.
I learned how to drive on a stick. If I can do it you can do it. Actually it's kind of fun once you get the hang of it. Be careful on hills though - it's easy to slide down.
I know standards drink up less gas, but it can also be very complicated to drive too. How hard is it?
it's very easy, i like a standard but it gets old around town.
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