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Manual Trans...

1K views 16 replies 15 participants last post by  Night Prowler 
#1 ·
Hey guys...

So I've had an '04 Black automatic for the past 2 years. I love the thing, but thinking about passing it along to my father (who's never had a Jeep and really wants one).

To replace it, I have an opportunity to get another '04. This one is Blue and has extremely low, original miles. Only 2 owners.

Anyway, my hesitation is that its manual transmission. I am going to be honest. While a small part of me has always wanted to drive stick, this actually scares the shit out of me. I'm 32 and have never driven a stick in my life (except for 2 lessons a couple of years ago). In fact, before I bought my black one I was going to get a stick but backed out at the last minute.

Anyway, I just have visions of me ****ing up and getting into something bad. Are my fears warranted? Or am I making a big deal over nothing?

Guess I'm looking for some feedback from people who might have made the transition and if they regret it or not.

Thanks!
 
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#2 ·
Ever since I got my first manual transmission I have not gone back. When I decided to get the Wrangler I figured I will get the auto because I thought the stick was going to be a handicap off road, I was wrong. I ended up with the 6 speed manual and am sure glad I did.

However,I am a driver, so to speak. I used to own solely sports cars and have learned proper downshifting, rev-matching and clutch control. Is a manual transmission right for you? I don't know, how could I?

It is unlikely you will wreck anything learning and you will learn quick id imagine, weather you love it after that like I did is anyone's guess.
 
#5 ·
May be frustrating at 1st but stick is awesome on and off road I'm only 19 but I learned to drive soley on manual and have bought all 3 of my vehicles with stick. Once you get the hang of it you'll feel like you have more control of your vehicle in a way, defiantly nothing to be worried about learning. My dad bought a manual car as his first car and learned to drive manual while taking it off the lot!
 
#7 ·
I bought my first jeep and it was a stick. A friend drove the jeep home but after that it was all me. I took it out myself and learned myself, only stalling a few times. The biggest issue,
is getting your left leg/foot used to depressing the clutch pedal (like trying to throw a ball with your non throwing arm)
People find the Tj a very easy vehicle to learn stick in. Without any gas just slowly let the clutch out. The jeep will move under its own torque. Much easy then trying to balance gas/clutch which is the toughest part learning.
 
#8 ·
I'll be teaching one of my employees how to drive my Jeep today so he can drive our big box truck. It isn't difficult and quickly becomes second nature. I enjoy a manual, in part, because you feel connected to the vehicle. You become aware of what the engine needs, as well as how the landscape is physically changing. That can be a good thing in the mountains. Also, there isn't much better than a well executed downshift before going into a turn--even in a Jeep (without an auto locker...:)).
 
#9 ·
Jack our 12 year old has been practicing in the ball field and driveway......he's actually pretty good. First car I drove was my cousin's ...it was a stick. Learned on the 3 on the tree. Wife insisted we get a manual, glad she put her foot down. You'll be fine....worse thing that could happen is burned clutch.......it needed replacing anyway.
 
#14 ·
Go to an empty lot with an incline and practice your takeoffs, after that everything is easy. I learned stick on a 55 dodge 1/2 ton with no tach and to this day I don't drive stick using the tach in any other vehicle.
 
#15 ·
I taught my wife to drive stick in mine. I took her to a gravel road so it wouldn't put to much power to the pavement. A little trial and error and she loves it. The next car bought for her was a stick, she wouldn't have it any othe way. I like it for the fact I think I have more control over the vehicle, especially in the winter. It's all a matter of prefrence, but for me, I like my stick.
 
#16 ·
Save the manuals!!! You're a man, drive like it!! :)
 
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