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I am new to this forum, but I wanted to ask: I am looking for a new car, likely a Subaru, and I love manual transmissions. However, at age 65 now, I am having problems and pain with my right hip. It hurts a lot and I sit for a living. I really want to buy a manual transmission car, but is it a bad idea? Do I have to relinquish that desire?
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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I gave up my last one at that same age, but without any pain issues yet. I just decided that I was not likely to buy another before about age 80, when many people stop driving, and a problem like yours would be likely. If, like me you enjoy driving a stick, go for a 2nd (or 3rd) car with one, but make it an inexpensive beater. With so many younger people unable to drive a manual, you can pick up a good deal on one with about 100,000 miles. For example, a quick check on Craigslist here shows a 2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R with 6 speed stick and only 96,000 miles for just $2,775.
I am new to this forum, but I wanted to ask: I am looking for a new car, likely a Subaru, and I love manual transmissions. However, at age 65 now, I am having problems and pain with my right hip. It hurts a lot and I sit for a living. I really want to buy a manual transmission car, but is it a bad idea? Do I have to relinquish that desire?
No. You do not have to.
18 wheelers do not have synchronized gears, and are shifted without the clutch by virtually all experienced drivers. You'll have to use the clutch to start and stop, but other than that, you will just leave the left foot on the floor.
Find a trucker and get him to show you how. You will be up shifting and down shifting before you know it.
At 70 i just bought my first automatic, i found the constant clutching on my previous vehicle was becoming uncomfortable. That pain you are experiencing in your hip will not get better with age so just buy an automatic.Why is it you need a clutch/manual tranny?
I am new to this forum, but I wanted to ask: I am looking for a new car, likely a Subaru, and I love manual transmissions. However, at age 65 now, I am having problems and pain with my right hip. It hurts a lot and I sit for a living. I really want to buy a manual transmission car, but is it a bad idea? Do I have to relinquish that desire?
i usually use my left leg to operate the clutch, so you may not have to give up a manual transmission. as suggested take one on a long test drive, or better see if you rent a manual trans car for a week or two. that should give you plenty of time in the car to determine if you can drive it without pain.
i usually use my left leg to operate the clutch, so you may not have to give up a manual transmission.
Most people do. I think he's concerned that the strain of depressing the clutch with his left leg might transfer through the pelvis and affect his right hip.
Most people do. I think he's concerned that the strain of depressing the clutch with his left leg might transfer through the pelvis and affect his right hip.
I wouldn't buy a manual transmissions if was having hip, or knee problem. You might be fine 90% of the time, but if you are having an episode with a hip, or knee, there may be times when you can't drive the manual, but you could have driven an automatic. If you have someone who can drive you around, or you have a second vehicle with an automatic, you may be fine.
Same question here.
Why you are having issues clutching with RIGHT hip pain? Clutching is 99.9% done by the left foot unless you are driving a right hand vehicle.
Clarification maybe?
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