What percent of Americans can drive a stick shift car? (wagon, price) - Automotive -Sports cars, sedans, coupes, SUVs, trucks, motorcycles, tickets, dealers, repairs, gasoline, drivers... - Page 21 - City-Data Forum

yellowsnow · 10-18-2009, 11:42 PM

Always a stick for me. I prefer it. Especially in bad weather conditions.

I took a test drive this weekend in a 6 speed Hyundai Genesis. I had to drive it off the lot and take it to the gas station. The salesman couldn't drive it..........

THEN.....I had to pump the gas too. He didn't know how to do that either. Said he was from NJ where all gas is full service.

What's up with that? When the 'sales manager' came over to ask why I wasn't buying the car, I asked him for a job. Told him I was better than what he had. I was only partially kidding!

12GO · 10-19-2009, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yellowsnow

Always a stick for me. I prefer it. Especially in bad weather conditions.

I took a test drive this weekend in a 6 speed Hyundai Genesis. I had to drive it off the lot and take it to the gas station. The salesman couldn't drive it..........

THEN.....I had to pump the gas too. He didn't know how to do that either. Said he was from NJ where all gas is full service.

What's up with that? When the 'sales manager' came over to ask why I wasn't buying the car, I asked him for a job. Told him I was better than what he had. I was only partially kidding!

No, you under estimate yourself!!!

Sayantsi · 10-20-2009, 07:38 AM

Why didn't you buy the car, by the way?

everwinter · 10-20-2009, 06:51 PM

I despise manuals. I'm on my 3rd one in a row & will be purchasing a new car soon with the main reason I'm tired of shifting. Why do something a machine can do better for you?

What percentage of Americans can drive a manual?
I'd say 70%. It's not hard & most could learn in a good hour. I learned on a bus.

deepcynic · 10-20-2009, 10:39 PM

First, I apologize for not reading the whole thread, but this is ridiculous...

While many may prefer an automatic, it is my belief that one should learn to drive a manual before being allowed to have a license. Basic knowledge of car control.

deepcynic · 10-20-2009, 10:48 PM

First, I apologize for not reading the whole thread, but this is ridiculous...

While many may prefer an automatic, it is my belief that one should learn to drive a manual before being allowed to have a license. Basic knowledge of car control.

deepcynic · 10-20-2009, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Internet nut

I was shocked to see so many replies but I wish there had not been so many people saying how wonderful stick shift cars are. That was not my question.

I wanted to know what percent of American drivers know how to drive a stick shift car?

Any answer would be a guess...

but mine would be about 60-70%... and dwindling... sadly.

BlackShoe · 10-21-2009, 02:28 PM

Learned to drive on a stick shift.While it has been something like 20 years since last time drove one,am sure that it is still instinctive in me.Might grind a little coffee at first,but after that it would be like old times.Remember the old saying about how a person never forgets how to swim or ride a bicycle?Same thing with driving a stick shift.

JBMallory · 10-21-2009, 02:36 PM

i can, very well and very efficiently with a powerful vehicle to boot...

learned on a geo tracker out in the woods, it's easy, i taught my wife in 5 minutes in a jeep on 35" tires

beachmel · 10-24-2009, 02:43 PM

I learned to drive on a manual transmission. I've only owned a couple of automatics and just prefer a stick. My most favorite truck I ever had was a manual on the column....and oldie but goodie. I wish they made more of them....less wasted floor space!