Stick Shift or Automatic – Advantages?
I saw a used car I like, a 2005 Hundai Sonata and I like everything about it except I didn’t know it was a stick shift until I got in it. The price is good and I’m not a stranger to manual trannys; I drove a school bus when I was in high school and if you can drive one of those stick shifts, you can drive anything. I live in Jacksonville, FL and until I get on the freeway to work and off of that, there are a few lights to say the least. My buddy said not to get it, but I don’t know if he could drive a stick or not, but he would never buy one. I value his opinion, but I can’t drive a stick fine, it’s just not my first preference. I also think after driving it a while, it would be second nature and since my buddy isn’t driving it, his opinion really doesn’t affect me.
What are your thoughts on the advantages of choosing a stick, or waiting to find an automatic that I would also like? Money is a definite issue and this is the first car I’ve seen that I can afford that I like, other than the stick.
Tagged with: first car • freeway • hundai sonata • jacksonville fl • money • preference • school bus • second nature • sonata • stick shift • stick shifts • stranger • trannys
Filed under: driving schools automatic
Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!
The following points are true beyond reasonable doubt:
manuals are cheaper to buy and maintain, more reliable and efficient. The driver (if he/she knows how to use it) has more control, better performance and mileage. They also take more leg and arm work, which in professional drivers is definitely a con.
Traditional automatics are for comfort, ease of use and big engines – they don’t perform as well in small cars. Kick-down is definitely a safety hazard in many situations.
At present, the most promising new-generation automatic is the VW Audi DSG, more efficient than a manual, yet with the comfort and controls of the traditional automatic, plus the sequential (manual and/or paddle shifters). It delivers uninterrupted power to the wheels even during lightning-fast gear changes. Works well with smaller engines, too. Being a recent development, it lacks track record, but in 5 years or so, if proved reliable, will be the way to go when selecting transmissions.
Your basic reasoning is fine.
You’ve got a car to live with for a while. You will hone your ability to use the manual transmission and get to enjoy most of its advantages. Buying the next car will be easier for you than for your friend – you’ll be free to choose the tranny you prefer, he won’t, unless he learns to use a manual transmission. You did well not to follow your friend’s advice – it was biased toward what HE would have done in your place.