Sign of the times.

[joekingcorvette]

I had a manual transmission in my old 2006 Honda Civic. I sold it with 115,000 miles and the clutch was still good however to replace a clutch on a Honda Civic would cost well over $600.00. As far as cost savings I don't see any return in the long haul. I would rather do several 3 quart automatic transmission drain and refills than replace an expensive clutch. The automatic transmission in my 2012 Civic still shifts nicely at 115,000 miles and I am much happier with the automatic transmission. I have never seen a sign like that and am quite surprised than no-one would be able to drive a manual transmission. Us old timers can all row the gears.

 

[supton]

I had a manual transmission in my old 2006 Honda Civic. I sold it with 115,000 miles and the clutch was still good however to replace a clutch on a Honda Civic would cost well over $600.00.

Trans rebuild would be more than $600. And there are those on here that insist that 150k is a good lifespan for an automatic. While most manuals don’t wear out, save for the clutch.

 

[supton]

Manual makes even the mundane car fun for me. Say what you will about manuals, but it is more than just ego. There is some visceral thrill that an automatic optimized robotic substitute cannot replace.

I’m going to disagree, I tried the 2010 vintage Corolla in both auto and manual, and I could not tell the difference… both were the ultimate snoring machine. The auto was slightly better as a result.

But otherwise I do agree, it tends to perk the drive up, assuming its not bumper to bumper, or you’re trying to back up a trailer up a hill.

 

[Kjmack]

Driving a stick shift makes you pay attention , plain and simple .

 

[windeye]

With auto, your left foot is very jealous about what your right hand and your right foot are doing. With manuL, your left foot can have its own fun. Plus, manual can be a theft resistant device.

 

[PF52]

Valet parking? WHO VALET PARKS? I am apparently not highbrow enough for this forum.

 

[aquariuscsm]

Sad

I would more than welcome this sign with open arms, because I hate anyone other than me driving my car Another reason why I love owning cars with a standard transmission. No one will ever ask to borrow or drive your car.

 

[Spyderman24_7]

Valet parking? WHO VALET PARKS? I am apparently not highbrow enough for this forum.

The only places I've seen it in my area is at a few medical clinics. One is quite new at UNC and they likely offer it due to quite a few patients not safely being able to park/walk.

 

[MrQuackers]

Valet parking? WHO VALET PARKS? I am apparently not highbrow enough for this forum.

 

[supton]

Valet parking? WHO VALET PARKS? I am apparently not highbrow enough for this forum.

 

[jeepman3071]

I can text just fine while driving a manual.

 

[Passport1]

Not being able to handle a manual trans car is the reason why so many Americans could never ride a motorcycle. It takes even more coordination than a car.

And of course, many Americans consider a car to be almost an appliance like a;

 

[supton]

I can text just fine while driving a manual.

I bet if I had one of the old phones, the ones with real buttons, that I could. I recall trying a couple of times back then, and not liking, but half that I bet was practice: then and now, I send like a text per week. No practice.

I remember as a teen trying to see how many things I could do while driving... while driving stickshift. I won't defend that, but I know I can do more than just one thing at a time.

 

[Kira]

Snagglefoot said above, " I have to admit, I don’t know how to run a threshing machine."
EXACTLY, The manual transmission (I've had 3...and wish I bought the manual V70 offered by a New Hampshireite for my "2002 Volvo era") is to be compared to the butter churn. They require more effort for sure.

Automatics are much stronger than manuals and require some finesse' at times.

 

[D60]

There is a world outside the United States borders......

Claims of "good riddance" or "the manual is going away" are uniquely American

 

[supton]

There is a world outside the United States borders......

Claims of "good riddance" or "the manual is going away" are uniquely American

I thought other countries were seeing the change too? VSC is easier if the ECU has control over the transmission. Hybrids tend to be eCVT or similar, and their adoption is going up as time goes by.

 

[Rmay635703]

I work with boomers who can’t drive a stick. I’m only 30.

What’s pathetic is a modern stick is nearly child proof, don’t even need to depress the accelerator if you release the clutch slowly

Would have to try hard to grind gears, this isn’t astrophysics people

During a domestic emergency when we have the parts to build simple vehicles but no parts to build more complex items like hybrids and 8 speed automatics you would think someone would step up (yes components for electronically controlled Xmsn are short like screen and control modules)

Want a car, get the simple one or wait 2-3 years, seems like this isn’t hard to understand for either consumer, politician or auto makers.

Sadly an artificial shortage is good for the bottom line, you would hope one of the small fry with excess capacity would step up but so far they are pulling the same tactics.

 

[StillLearning]

Two cars pull up to the line, one automatic and one manual.

One presses the brake and preloads the gas pedal, the other feathers the throttle to hold launch rpm. Lights go green.

One let's off the brake and pushes the gas pedal the rest of the way down, the other uses the clutch and gas pedal to modulate wheelspin.

One continues to hold down the accelerator. The other watches the tach waiting until the just the right moment to release the gas, clutch in, shift from 1st to 2nd, release the clutch and get back on the gas pedal as quickly as possible.

One continues to hold down the gas pedal. The other again watches the tach waiting until the just the right moment to release the gas, clutch in, shift gears, release the clutch and get back on the gas.

One again continues to hold down the gas pedal. The other immediately goes back to watching the tach, waiting for that moment to repeat the process, with the satisfaction of knowing they made those shifts as quickly as they possibly could.

Both cars cross the finish at the same time. Who had more fun?

 

[supton]

Both cars cross the finish at the same time. Who had more fun?

Both?

One guy might love being in 100% control, working clutch and stick, no electronic gizmos in the way. The other guy might have spent hours, maybe days, programming the ECU to take into account barometric pressure, ambient temperature, rpm and throttle input, so as to create a map of exactly where it needs to shift. Both having 100% satisfaction in what they have accomplished.

If that last bit seems over the top, substitute "spent hours rebuilding the transmission so as to handle track abuse and lovingly built the rest of the car too".

 

[PF52]

Both cars cross the finish at the same time. Who had more fun?

Are we assuming one is more fun than the other?

I've owned some delightful, fun stick-shifts..... And some real turds.