Manual trans. following the passenger pigeon?

[asiancivicmaniac]

I want to learn how to drive a manual. I just don't have anybody to teach me.

Even if the manual transmission disappears in the US there are other countries where it will still exist. Went to visit relatives in Vietnam last summer and all the taxis had manuals. And were talking bumper to bumper traffic that most Americans would probably be scared to drive in and these drivers do fine. I would think that since a manual makes for a cheaper car that they would dominate over autos in third world countries. Plus not every country is like the US where anybody could get a license as long as they're not blind. And it seems like most of the time the ones who can't drive are driving an auto.

 

[saaber1]

This thread sort of overlaps with the Volvo transmission thread. These direct shift gearboxes (DSG) are manual transmissions with two automatic clutches. They are incredibly smooth and precise. There is no clutch pedal. Note that this is not an automatic (torque converter slushbox) with the ability to shift manually, numerous cars have these. It is a manual transmission with the ability to shift automatically (you can drive as an automatic or manual) very few cars (audi, vw, bugatti veyron, etc) have these at the moment but I would venture there will be a lot more in the future.

Jason Plato (many time touring car champ) gave a good explanation in this video when reviewing the golf

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EdjEE0edPw

 

[RTexasF]

I hope that isn't true. With a few exceptions it's stick shift or sneakers for me.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: ClarkB
I don't see what reasons there are for choosing a manual in a passenger vehicle now days. Please, convince me otherwise.

For me, that reason is and always has been: more fun to drive. I get very bored in a slushbox-equipped car. Driving a manual is just more exciting for me. Some people could care less about the excitement factor since a car is an appliance to them. For those people, there is no reason to buy a manual and no reason trying to convince them to buy one either. And that's OK, too. People buy cars for different reasons.