POLL: How long did it take you to learn 5-speed, on what car, and what age?
#1
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I'm 17 and just got a 1.8TQ in 5-speed. I've been drivin around for a few days and I'm ok, but definitely couldn't be considered smooth. I also occasionally stall. My question is:
Back when you first learned standard, how long did it take you to learn to drive well enough to get around and then how much longer to be smooth with it? Also, what kind of car did you learn on?
Brett
Back when you first learned standard, how long did it take you to learn to drive well enough to get around and then how much longer to be smooth with it? Also, what kind of car did you learn on?
Brett
#6
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Good question.
Almost 4 years ago I bought a Mazda Protege ES (a piece of crap compared to an A4, but for the money, quite nice, IMHO) with a stick shift. I knew I wanted to learn, but didn't know anything other than the concept when the saleman handed me the key. I made a fool of myself for the next half hour, driving around the parking lot at the dealership, but then made it home alright. It was only a day or two until I felt safe driving, another week or two until I was really getting the hang of it. And then another several months until it was COMPLETELY second nature.
Now I'm trapped; I can't ever buy a car without a stick shift. Even tiptronic seems lame.
It's awesome. I'm glad I learned and it only gets better... have patience.
Almost 4 years ago I bought a Mazda Protege ES (a piece of crap compared to an A4, but for the money, quite nice, IMHO) with a stick shift. I knew I wanted to learn, but didn't know anything other than the concept when the saleman handed me the key. I made a fool of myself for the next half hour, driving around the parking lot at the dealership, but then made it home alright. It was only a day or two until I felt safe driving, another week or two until I was really getting the hang of it. And then another several months until it was COMPLETELY second nature.
Now I'm trapped; I can't ever buy a car without a stick shift. Even tiptronic seems lame.
It's awesome. I'm glad I learned and it only gets better... have patience.
#7
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However, it was a 4-spd non-synchromesh column mounted shifter on a 1954 Morris Oxford replica (this will only make sense to my fellow Indians)
I was 19 at the time...I didn't drive an automatic until several years later.
When you don't know any better (and don't have any bad habits to unlearn) you learn pretty quick...I was driving as smoothly as that car would allow within a week
I was 19 at the time...I didn't drive an automatic until several years later.
When you don't know any better (and don't have any bad habits to unlearn) you learn pretty quick...I was driving as smoothly as that car would allow within a week