Need ideas for cheap car to learn to drive stick (gasket, coupe)

[sailordave]

If you can find one, look for a Sunbird, Sunfire, or Cavalier with a manual transmission.

[hoffdano]

Originally Posted by sailordave

If you can find one, look for a Sunbird, Sunfire, or Cavalier with a manual transmission.

We owned a Sunbird. One of THE crappiest cars ever. And it was the clunkiest manual transmission with a heavy clutch.

I think a sure winner would be a first gen Miata. You can find 1991-1994 for < $5K. Possibly the finest 5 speed transmission ever. And fun as hell.

[MustangEater82]

Originally Posted by StealthRabbit

All the above have whimpy trannies for rough service.

Buy a 1950 Chev pickup for $100. You can also get some utility out of that. (many of the Fords of that vintage had 3 on the tree)

Learning to drive a stick shift will take all of 30 minutes. Be sure to learn to drive it w/o using the clutch. THAT can be very handy when needed, and helps you to be a more conscious shifter (of matching rpm). I seldom use my clutch except for stop lights that I can't time a rolling stop. I have cars with 300k and original clutch.

My kids each had to know how to get home without a clutch (and we live on a VERY steep hill). They each had to drive home more than once when cable / clutch malfunctioned.

You can buy an old semi truck with a 5x4 (double sticks) for $3000. That will get you educated on shifting.
here is a NICE double sticker that you can restore and take to the ATHS events. (or make revenue 'hauling') 1955 autocar dump truck (http://portland.craigslist.org/yam/cto/2990031698.html - broken link)
1955 autocar dump truck - $4000 10 yard box 230 cummins 4 and a 3very solid and original runs great drives stops and dumps
I will assure you that a weekend in the mtns with this rig and you will know how to shift.


I would not go buy a transverse mounted engine / tranny car to learn on.

Find me any car, remotely close to any sort of driving ability in the US for $100.

A Junkyard will give 4-5 times that for scrap metal and pick it up out of your driveway.

[Chadillac]

Originally Posted by mustangman66

I agree with PokerMunkee. Ive owned many cars and a Jeep Wrangler is the easiest one Ive ever driven. I just sold my 89 YJ to my 15 year old neighbor and he caught on in a couple hours. I highly recommend a Jeep, it definitely has a "cool" factor about it too. 4wd for the winter and off roading, convertible top and removable doors for the summer.

+3. I drive a '89 Wrangler to work everyday and play with it out in the mountains almost every weekend. It's super easy to drive. With the low-end torque of the I6 you really have to try to stall it.

[jimazee]

As you can see from the previous (and subsequent) posts, a lot of cars can fill the bill. I won't suggest any specific model. I think given the choices and suggestions, coupled with your preferences and the available used market near you, you will have plenty to choose from.

One thing that may help you initially in a tight spot is a good hand/emergency brake that can be engaged on a steep hill to act as a third foot like a hill-holder. This can reduce the tendency for a rapid roll backward when starting from a stop in these situations. If you engage the hand brake carefully and gradually release it, it makes the clutch-brake/gas timing a bit less critical. It most matters when you have someone close to your rear (like at a light or stop sign in the city) or if the hill is SO steep that you may roll far/fast. My experience is that a seat-side hand-brake operated with the right hand using a lever that pulls up with a button at the end to release works well. Even this technique requires a little practice, and I would recommend doing it somewhere where you are not in traffic etc. a few times. (I honestly don't know how common these hand-brakes are nowadays...many of my cars have had them IIRC).

They used to put hill-holders on some old cars (I think)...and some new ones (Subaru...) now provide slick electronic versions.

This is NOT a necessity but may be helpful as you hone your skills...or in extreme situations.

[MustangEater82]

^good point.

My driveway is slanted, and we have a big curb, gutter. When I park my cars in tandem, I pull in, roll back then pull forward. I stop the car, pull hand brake right before I roll into the gutter and drive forward.

This is easier then going into the gutter, giving a bit more gass to get out of the gutter then go lunging forward quickly towards the back of my other car.


Also there is always an A-hole who pulls right up on your ass, on an onramp stop light, so can't roll back the slightest.

[cittic10]

Make friends with someone that has one that will teach you in exchange for some other favors.

Buying a car just so you can learn is silly especially since manual transmissions are fast becoming non-existent. The electrics and hybrid that are rolling out will be the end of the stick shift. It only takes maybe an hour or two to learn and a couple days to perfect anyway.

[jtur88]

Originally Posted by cittic10

It only takes maybe an hour or two to learn and a couple days to perfect anyway.

I've had girl friends who spent a year trying to drive my car and never got beyond panicked beginner. They couldn't cut an apple in half without ruining a good knife, either. It takes a certain frame of mind to be at peace with moving parts in the newtonian universe, and some people just can't wrap themselves around that.

[bmwguydc]

I would look at something in an older BMW if it's in good condition, as you could get an E36 3-series in your budget range. The Mazda Miata or BMW Z3 would also work if you wanted a roadster.

[asubram3]

Why not a '92-2002 Ford Escort? Or a Chevrolet Cavalier/Pontiac Sunbird/Sunfire from the same era ? Cheap, not catastrophically bad, and plenty with manual transmission available.