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Thread: Best car to learn to drive a manual?

  1. #1
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    Best car to learn to drive a manual?

    Let me start by confessing I have very little knowledge about cars. I finally have the time, funds, and equipment to start learning about and working on my own car. One thing I've wanted to do for a long time is learn to drive a stick-shift as the only car i've ever owned is an automatic.
    I'm looking to buy a manual transmission car and teach myself how to drive it. Nobody I know currently owns a car with a stick shift. I'd strongly prefer it to be American made and i'm leaning towards a 4-door. Money isn't a huge issue as i've been saving for this for quite a while but i'm limiting myself to about $20k max. New or used doesn't matter. I need something thats easy to learn on and forgiving. Oh and 25+ mpg highway is a must. I do a lot of driving and with gas prices I can't break the bank just on gas.
    Sorry if this question has been asked before. I did a quick search and didn't see it. Thanks in advance.

  2. #2
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    It's not in the American Prerequisite but maybe a Mazda Protege Sedan would suit your budget and requirements?
    <cough> www.charginmahlazer.tumblr.com </cough>

  3. #3
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    An used Subaru Legacy might fit your needs, the V6 in it isn't gas guzzling at all, and the AWD makes it very forgiving.
    The Ace of All Aces.

    Crysis. Maximum Game.

  4. #4
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    Used Mazda MX-5 Miata FTW. Not American, 2 doors, 2 seats, but it's one hell of a car to learn to drive in.

  5. #5
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    Learning a manual isn't that difficult, just make sure the clutch in the car you buy is in good condition and you'll be fine.
    Faster, faster, faster, until the thrill of speed overcomes the fear of death...
    – Hunter Thompson

  6. #6
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    Acura TSX!!! no bias i swear! Really tho it does have a wonderfull manual.

  7. #7
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    isnt it all about west virginia?
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    isnt the tsx paddle-shift?
    badger badger badger badger badger badger badger badger badger badger badger badger badger badger badger badger badger badger badger badger badger badger badger badger badger

  8. #8
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    I recommend anything that isnt American as they often seem rough and heavy. My personal favorite clutch had to be the jetta vr6, really liked the feel of it.

  9. #9
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    Just go out and buy the cheaest you can find with a good engine/gearbox/clutch. Since it is so darn cheap it doesnt matter if you break it. After you know the trick properly,go out and buy a nicer/newer car.

  10. #10
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    Go find a diesel and work those leg muscles...

    Everythings easy once you learn on the hardest out there...
    I am the Stig

  11. #11
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    I'm with drakkie on this one, just buy a cheap old car and learn the kamikaze way.
    Lack of charisma can be fatal.
    Visca Catalunya!

  12. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by NuclearCrap
    An used Subaru Legacy might fit your needs, the V6 in it isn't gas guzzling at all, and the AWD makes it very forgiving.
    sorry to interupt, i just wanted to interject that no subaru has a V6, only an H6 (horazontally opposed 6) or "boxer 6"

    and i get (out of my 96 liberty wagon) 10 litres to the 100 K on country winding roads.. its not the best car, but pretty average consumption.
    Weekly Quote -

    Dick

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by whiteballz
    sorry to interupt, i just wanted to interject that no subaru has a V6, only an H6 (horazontally opposed 6) or "boxer 6"

    and i get (out of my 96 liberty wagon) 10 litres to the 100 K on country winding roads.. its not the best car, but pretty average consumption.
    Average consumption? Here that's a lot...
    Lack of charisma can be fatal.
    Visca Catalunya!

  14. #14
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    i live in the land of big 6's and small 8's its pretty nominal, my girlfriend gets much better
    Weekly Quote -

    Dick

  15. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by whiteballz
    i live in the land of big 6's and small 8's its pretty nominal, my girlfriend gets much better
    I sometimes wish we had some of the cars you have and the fuel wasn't so expensive here...
    Lack of charisma can be fatal.
    Visca Catalunya!

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