Crashing this could get expensive.

[Possegal]

On a related note, I am always amused at how many people I meet who seem to be surprised when they find out my car has a manual transmission - by choice

Me too! And they are now all shocked because I'm upset that the car I've had for 9 yrs and would like to replace with the same car, no longer comes as a manual. I don't want an automatic, and I don't want to go one level down in the car. Why do car makers think that if we want the nice seats and moonroof and entertainment options, we can't possibly also want a stick.

[pll]

Me too! And they are now all shocked because I'm upset that the car I've had for 9 yrs and would like to replace with the same car, no longer comes as a manual. I don't want an automatic, and I don't want to go one level down in the car. Why do car makers think that if we want the nice seats and moonroof and entertainment options, we can't possibly also want a stick.

Another one with manual transmission by choice here! I also consider it an anti-theft device. Even more perplexing to people than the manual transmission is the fact that I don't have automatic locks and windows. It's all manual, baby. Also, people are in disbelief when I tell them it costs less (~$1000 less) than the same model with automatic transmission.

[Catrin]

Sales manager at my dealer told me the manuals are the slowest to leave his lot, it was just a coincidence they had one in the model and color I wanted. They simply would have had to get one for me from another dealership if they hadn't...

I agree it is an anti-theft device - and is also easier on the brakes and gas mileage. The one time I have regretted a manual was after my foot surgery...I couldn't drive for a LONG time

[KnottedYet]

I think those of us who drive stick-shifts should get discounts on our insurance.

We know the inertia of our cars. Intimately.

We can disengage the engine at a moment's notice. (no runaway Toyotas for us!)

We can downshift if our brakes fail or fade.

We simply cannot talk on the phone or text while driving.

If we park on a hill, in gear, the car won't roll away even if the parking brake poops out.

[Owlie]

Well, thanks for saying that all of us that drive automatics are inconsiderate drivers or stupid or something.

Honestly, there are lots of times on here where I feel I'm getting attacked. I know it's the internet and therefore nothing personal, but still.

[KnottedYet]

Well, thanks for saying that all of us that drive automatics are inconsiderate drivers or stupid or something.

Honestly, there are lots of times on here where I feel I'm getting attacked. I know it's the internet and therefore nothing personal, but still.

Where did that come from?

[Owlie]

Where did that come from?

The "texting and talking while driving" bit. (But then, I'm not coordinated enough to drive and talk/text at the same time.) And it seemed like you were saying that we're not as familiar as we should be about how our vehicles behave.

I'm having an "off" day.

[luv2climb]

Another one with manual transmission by choice here! I also consider it an anti-theft device. Even more perplexing to people than the manual transmission is the fact that I don't have automatic locks and windows. It's all manual, baby.

Same here! When I was at the dealer and saw the truck with manual transmission, manual windows, no carpet to dirty up (rubber floors), and vinyl seats, I knew that was the truck for me. Less crap to break, easier to keep clean, and I just prefer manual shifting. I guess that comes from riding bikes all my life.

Speaking of bikes with dumbed-down shifting systems, anyone remember the Autobike? They used to have those late-night infomercials for that thing years ago. I actually saw one at the LBS where I took my recumbent to sell on consignment.

[pll]

Oh, rubber floors! I wish my car had that. Why do we need carpet in cars, actually?

[luv2climb]

Oh, rubber floors! I wish my car had that. Why do we need carpet in cars, actually?

+1! I can't think of any good reason for it. I wish we didn't have to have it in apartments either. At least when you're a homeowner you can rip that bacteria sponge crap out, but when you rent, it seems like every landlord is infatuated with putting that beige crap in that shows every stain. Linoleum, tile, or laminate would pay for itself in the long run because it wouldn't get trashed as easily and it's much easier to keep clean. Once something liquid soaks into carpet, you're not getting it all up. Same with dirt. I've removed plenty of carpet and seen tons of dirt on the floor underneath. Yuck!

Also, all that dust and dirt can't be good for allergy sufferers. Luckily I don't have allergies.

That's actually a myth now, probably it was true in the early days of automatic transmissions. Nowadays manuals are much more likely to fail.

Anyway I don't think it will be long before all cars have CVT. It's so much better for fuel economy, not to mention smoother.

That's good to know. Actually I was referring to the manual windows when I said "less crap to break".

What's CVT? I'm guessing "constant velocity transmission". I've never heard of CVT.

[Jolt]

+1! I can't think of any good reason for it. I wish we didn't have to have it in apartments either. At least when you're a homeowner you can rip that bacteria sponge crap out, but when you rent, it seems like every landlord is infatuated with putting that beige crap in that shows every stain. Linoleum, tile, or laminate would pay for itself in the long run because it wouldn't get trashed as easily and it's much easier to keep clean. Once something liquid soaks into carpet, you're not getting it all up. Same with dirt. I've removed plenty of carpet and seen tons of dirt on the floor underneath. Yuck!

Also, all that dust and dirt can't be good for allergy sufferers. Luckily I don't have allergies.

I'm with you on the carpet thing--yuck. Besides the dirt/dust/allergy factor, I would much rather sweep/dust mop than push a heavy, loud vacuum cleaner around. My last apartment was all hardwood and linoleum floors; the place I am in now has carpet as did every other apartment I looked at here (but around here all the landlords seem to love putting in medium-blue carpet rather than beige). I think part of it has to do with noise reduction; people stomping around on a carpeted floor make less noise for the people below them than if they were stomping around on a hardwood floor.

[luv2climb]

I'm with you on the carpet thing--yuck. Besides the dirt/dust/allergy factor, I would much rather sweep/dust mop than push a heavy, loud vacuum cleaner around. My last apartment was all hardwood and linoleum floors; the place I am in now has carpet as did every other apartment I looked at here (but around here all the landlords seem to love putting in medium-blue carpet rather than beige). I think part of it has to do with noise reduction; people stomping around on a carpeted floor make less noise for the people below them than if they were stomping around on a hardwood floor.

You're right about the noise factor. Too bad they can't come up with some kind of insulation underneath a hard floor that reduces noise.

[OakLeaf]

What's CVT?

https://secure.wikimedia.org/wikiped...e_transmission


And, count me for the fabric interior. I just put a beach towel on the seat when I'm sweaty. Vinyl will literally burn my legs and back when a car's been parked in the sun, and my DH gets an allergic reaction on his hands and left arm just from the plastic in the steering wheel and door panel.

[luv2climb]

https://secure.wikimedia.org/wikiped...e_transmission


And, count me for the fabric interior. I just put a beach towel on the seat when I'm sweaty. Vinyl will literally burn my legs and back when a car's been parked in the sun, and my DH gets an allergic reaction on his hands and left arm just from the plastic in the steering wheel and door panel.

Thanks for the link, learned something new today.

I've burned myself on my seat, but the pain never lasts more than a few seconds so I don't think I did any damage.

[OakLeaf]

Less crap to break

That's actually a myth now, probably it was true in the early days of automatic transmissions. Nowadays manuals are much more likely to fail.

I do kind of pride myself - the last stick-shift car I owned, I was younger, it was a sporty car, I bought it used and the prior owner I think probably wasn't any easier on the tranny than I was - but I drove it for another 15,000 miles after the second gear syncro went out. DH (whom I met in that period of time) never could drive the thing without grinding the gears. "Honey, you've just got to feel the engine and shift when the car tells you it's okay."


Anyway I don't think it will be long before all cars have CVT. It's so much better for fuel economy, not to mention smoother.