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Hey, Help On One Question Please
Hi, I just found this newsgroup and I was hoping someone here could help me
on an age old question. Stickshift or Automatic? I'm going to buy a Honda Civic 04 soon and I would very much appreciate any insight into this. One thing that keeps me from better being able to decide my self is the plain fact that I don't know how to drive stickshift (yet). So I wouldn't know if it would annoy me by having to constantly shift gears from block to block. Some other factors are that I live in Washington DC where there is virtually no open road, I'm a 20 year old college student, and in about a week I'm going to be moving out on my own (To Silver Spring, Still commuting to DC and back.). Also, for those who don't know, DC can have pretty bad traffic during certain parts of the day (Rush Hour). I don't know if I'm actually going to want to do engine modifications. And if I ever do make egine mods it'll probably happen about 2 years down the road (So I guess by then I could sell the automatic anyway?). I guess my main question is, is the immediate fun really worth the trouble? Thanks in advance for your patience and help. -RG |
Re: Hey, Help On One Question Please
My first seven years of driving was only on automatics, in the suburbs with a
touch of city driving here and there. My first real boyfriend patiently taught me how to drive a manual (great test for "boyfriend suitability" BTW), and when I bought my first car, I would only go with a manual transmission. Why? Because it was fun, got better fuel mileage, saved a meaningful sum of money (approx. $500 to $1000) on the initial purchase (which was a bigger factor right out of college), and I liked feeling I had more control over the car's correct operation. But I haven't lived in a big city like DC in some time. I do know it is annoying driving my manual transmission 1991 Civic when I am driving **off-highway** in a big city's rush hour. It's not a big deal during non-rush hour or on the highway during rush hour. So despite your lack of experience with a manual, I think your intuition is correct. IIRC from my little driving in/around DC, commuting would justify a manual transmission. Living smack dab in the middle of a large city would not, comfort-wise. "Rabid G" <a_rabid_g@nopam.hotmail.com> wrote > Hi, I just found this newsgroup and I was hoping someone here could help me > on an age old question. > Stickshift or Automatic? > > I'm going to buy a Honda Civic 04 soon and I would very much appreciate any > insight into this. One thing that keeps me from better being able to decide > my self is the plain fact that I don't know how to drive stickshift (yet). > So I wouldn't know if it would annoy me by having to constantly shift gears > from block to block. Some other factors are that I live in Washington DC > where there is virtually no open road, I'm a 20 year old college student, > and in about a week I'm going to be moving out on my own (To Silver Spring, > Still commuting to DC and back.). Also, for those who don't know, DC can > have pretty bad traffic during certain parts of the day (Rush Hour). > > I don't know if I'm actually going to want to do engine modifications. And > if I ever do make egine mods it'll probably happen about 2 years down the > road (So I guess by then I could sell the automatic anyway?). I guess my > main question is, is the immediate fun really worth the trouble? > > Thanks in advance for your patience and help. > -RG |
Re: Hey, Help On One Question Please
My first seven years of driving was only on automatics, in the suburbs with a
touch of city driving here and there. My first real boyfriend patiently taught me how to drive a manual (great test for "boyfriend suitability" BTW), and when I bought my first car, I would only go with a manual transmission. Why? Because it was fun, got better fuel mileage, saved a meaningful sum of money (approx. $500 to $1000) on the initial purchase (which was a bigger factor right out of college), and I liked feeling I had more control over the car's correct operation. But I haven't lived in a big city like DC in some time. I do know it is annoying driving my manual transmission 1991 Civic when I am driving **off-highway** in a big city's rush hour. It's not a big deal during non-rush hour or on the highway during rush hour. So despite your lack of experience with a manual, I think your intuition is correct. IIRC from my little driving in/around DC, commuting would justify a manual transmission. Living smack dab in the middle of a large city would not, comfort-wise. "Rabid G" <a_rabid_g@nopam.hotmail.com> wrote > Hi, I just found this newsgroup and I was hoping someone here could help me > on an age old question. > Stickshift or Automatic? > > I'm going to buy a Honda Civic 04 soon and I would very much appreciate any > insight into this. One thing that keeps me from better being able to decide > my self is the plain fact that I don't know how to drive stickshift (yet). > So I wouldn't know if it would annoy me by having to constantly shift gears > from block to block. Some other factors are that I live in Washington DC > where there is virtually no open road, I'm a 20 year old college student, > and in about a week I'm going to be moving out on my own (To Silver Spring, > Still commuting to DC and back.). Also, for those who don't know, DC can > have pretty bad traffic during certain parts of the day (Rush Hour). > > I don't know if I'm actually going to want to do engine modifications. And > if I ever do make egine mods it'll probably happen about 2 years down the > road (So I guess by then I could sell the automatic anyway?). I guess my > main question is, is the immediate fun really worth the trouble? > > Thanks in advance for your patience and help. > -RG |
Re: Hey, Help On One Question Please
Caroline wrote:
> My first seven years of driving was only on automatics, in the > suburbs with a touch of city driving here and there. > > My first real boyfriend patiently taught me how to drive a manual > (great test for "boyfriend suitability" BTW), and when I bought my > first car, I would only go with a manual transmission. Why? Because > it was fun, got better fuel mileage, saved a meaningful sum of money > (approx. $500 to $1000) on the initial purchase (which was a bigger > factor right out of college), and I liked feeling I had more control > over the car's correct operation. > > But I haven't lived in a big city like DC in some time. I do know it > is annoying driving my manual transmission 1991 Civic when I am > driving **off-highway** in a big city's rush hour. It's not a big > deal during non-rush hour or on the highway during rush hour. > > So despite your lack of experience with a manual, I think your > intuition is correct. > > IIRC from my little driving in/around DC, commuting would justify a > manual transmission. Living smack dab in the middle of a large city > would not, comfort-wise. > > "Rabid G" <a_rabid_g@nopam.hotmail.com> wrote >> Hi, I just found this newsgroup and I was hoping someone here could >> help me on an age old question. >> Stickshift or Automatic? >> >> I'm going to buy a Honda Civic 04 soon and I would very much >> appreciate any insight into this. One thing that keeps me from >> better being able to decide my self is the plain fact that I don't >> know how to drive stickshift (yet). So I wouldn't know if it would >> annoy me by having to constantly shift gears from block to block. >> Some other factors are that I live in Washington DC where there is >> virtually no open road, I'm a 20 year old college student, and in >> about a week I'm going to be moving out on my own (To Silver Spring, >> Still commuting to DC and back.). Also, for those who don't know, DC >> can have pretty bad traffic during certain parts of the day (Rush >> Hour). >> >> I don't know if I'm actually going to want to do engine >> modifications. And if I ever do make egine mods it'll probably >> happen about 2 years down the road (So I guess by then I could sell >> the automatic anyway?). I guess my main question is, is the >> immediate fun really worth the trouble? >> >> Thanks in advance for your patience and help. >> -RG I wouldn't give you a thank you for a standard transmission in city driving. Once had to drive a VW bug in downtown Montreal (all hills and mountain) and almost needed a new left thigh after about 2 hours of stop and go driving. Having driven rush hour in DC, although flat terrain, I still wouldn't enjoy driving standard there. Come to think of it can't see any practical use for a standard nowdays, of course I'm 62 so creature comforts are much more important to me. Mike |
Re: Hey, Help On One Question Please
Caroline wrote:
> My first seven years of driving was only on automatics, in the > suburbs with a touch of city driving here and there. > > My first real boyfriend patiently taught me how to drive a manual > (great test for "boyfriend suitability" BTW), and when I bought my > first car, I would only go with a manual transmission. Why? Because > it was fun, got better fuel mileage, saved a meaningful sum of money > (approx. $500 to $1000) on the initial purchase (which was a bigger > factor right out of college), and I liked feeling I had more control > over the car's correct operation. > > But I haven't lived in a big city like DC in some time. I do know it > is annoying driving my manual transmission 1991 Civic when I am > driving **off-highway** in a big city's rush hour. It's not a big > deal during non-rush hour or on the highway during rush hour. > > So despite your lack of experience with a manual, I think your > intuition is correct. > > IIRC from my little driving in/around DC, commuting would justify a > manual transmission. Living smack dab in the middle of a large city > would not, comfort-wise. > > "Rabid G" <a_rabid_g@nopam.hotmail.com> wrote >> Hi, I just found this newsgroup and I was hoping someone here could >> help me on an age old question. >> Stickshift or Automatic? >> >> I'm going to buy a Honda Civic 04 soon and I would very much >> appreciate any insight into this. One thing that keeps me from >> better being able to decide my self is the plain fact that I don't >> know how to drive stickshift (yet). So I wouldn't know if it would >> annoy me by having to constantly shift gears from block to block. >> Some other factors are that I live in Washington DC where there is >> virtually no open road, I'm a 20 year old college student, and in >> about a week I'm going to be moving out on my own (To Silver Spring, >> Still commuting to DC and back.). Also, for those who don't know, DC >> can have pretty bad traffic during certain parts of the day (Rush >> Hour). >> >> I don't know if I'm actually going to want to do engine >> modifications. And if I ever do make egine mods it'll probably >> happen about 2 years down the road (So I guess by then I could sell >> the automatic anyway?). I guess my main question is, is the >> immediate fun really worth the trouble? >> >> Thanks in advance for your patience and help. >> -RG I wouldn't give you a thank you for a standard transmission in city driving. Once had to drive a VW bug in downtown Montreal (all hills and mountain) and almost needed a new left thigh after about 2 hours of stop and go driving. Having driven rush hour in DC, although flat terrain, I still wouldn't enjoy driving standard there. Come to think of it can't see any practical use for a standard nowdays, of course I'm 62 so creature comforts are much more important to me. Mike |
Re: Hey, Help On One Question Please
"Rabid G" <a_rabid_g@nopam.hotmail.com> wrote in message news:x_qRc.7507$nx2.1755@newsread2.news.atl.earthl ink.net... > Hi, I just found this newsgroup and I was hoping someone here could help me > on an age old question. > Stickshift or Automatic? My opinion on this is that, the modern automatic transmission is very good at performing in the way it was designed to do so. There is very little difference between manual and automatic transmissions in the terms of fuel mileage. And the kicker, an automatic doesn't wear out your left knee joint prematurely <g>. -- Brian http://www.cakesbydarlene.ca http://www.accesswave.ca/~orion |
Re: Hey, Help On One Question Please
"Rabid G" <a_rabid_g@nopam.hotmail.com> wrote in message news:x_qRc.7507$nx2.1755@newsread2.news.atl.earthl ink.net... > Hi, I just found this newsgroup and I was hoping someone here could help me > on an age old question. > Stickshift or Automatic? My opinion on this is that, the modern automatic transmission is very good at performing in the way it was designed to do so. There is very little difference between manual and automatic transmissions in the terms of fuel mileage. And the kicker, an automatic doesn't wear out your left knee joint prematurely <g>. -- Brian http://www.cakesbydarlene.ca http://www.accesswave.ca/~orion |
Re: Hey, Help On One Question Please
The only way I would buy a manual trans nowdays is if I lived where there
wasn't much traffic, not many hills and it was a sports car. Otherwise there really isn't any valid argument to purchasing a stick shift. Like the other poster said the difference in mileage is nil and in traffic you aren't having to do a workout by pushing in the clutch pedal all the time. It may sound trivial but if your in traffic with a stick for any significant amount of time then you will feel it in your muscles. With an auto you don't have to worry about somebody stealing your car and push starting it. You can also hook up a remote start/alarm safely with the auto. One last thing.....you don't have to worry about not setting your parking brake and coming out to find your car has rolled down the hill into somebodys house, car or anything else. "Rabid G" <a_rabid_g@nopam.hotmail.com> wrote in message news:x_qRc.7507$nx2.1755@newsread2.news.atl.earthl ink.net... > Hi, I just found this newsgroup and I was hoping someone here could help me > on an age old question. > Stickshift or Automatic? > > I'm going to buy a Honda Civic 04 soon and I would very much appreciate any > insight into this. One thing that keeps me from better being able to decide > my self is the plain fact that I don't know how to drive stickshift (yet). > So I wouldn't know if it would annoy me by having to constantly shift gears > from block to block. Some other factors are that I live in Washington DC > where there is virtually no open road, I'm a 20 year old college student, > and in about a week I'm going to be moving out on my own (To Silver Spring, > Still commuting to DC and back.). Also, for those who don't know, DC can > have pretty bad traffic during certain parts of the day (Rush Hour). > > I don't know if I'm actually going to want to do engine modifications. And > if I ever do make egine mods it'll probably happen about 2 years down the > road (So I guess by then I could sell the automatic anyway?). I guess my > main question is, is the immediate fun really worth the trouble? > > Thanks in advance for your patience and help. > -RG > > |
Re: Hey, Help On One Question Please
The only way I would buy a manual trans nowdays is if I lived where there
wasn't much traffic, not many hills and it was a sports car. Otherwise there really isn't any valid argument to purchasing a stick shift. Like the other poster said the difference in mileage is nil and in traffic you aren't having to do a workout by pushing in the clutch pedal all the time. It may sound trivial but if your in traffic with a stick for any significant amount of time then you will feel it in your muscles. With an auto you don't have to worry about somebody stealing your car and push starting it. You can also hook up a remote start/alarm safely with the auto. One last thing.....you don't have to worry about not setting your parking brake and coming out to find your car has rolled down the hill into somebodys house, car or anything else. "Rabid G" <a_rabid_g@nopam.hotmail.com> wrote in message news:x_qRc.7507$nx2.1755@newsread2.news.atl.earthl ink.net... > Hi, I just found this newsgroup and I was hoping someone here could help me > on an age old question. > Stickshift or Automatic? > > I'm going to buy a Honda Civic 04 soon and I would very much appreciate any > insight into this. One thing that keeps me from better being able to decide > my self is the plain fact that I don't know how to drive stickshift (yet). > So I wouldn't know if it would annoy me by having to constantly shift gears > from block to block. Some other factors are that I live in Washington DC > where there is virtually no open road, I'm a 20 year old college student, > and in about a week I'm going to be moving out on my own (To Silver Spring, > Still commuting to DC and back.). Also, for those who don't know, DC can > have pretty bad traffic during certain parts of the day (Rush Hour). > > I don't know if I'm actually going to want to do engine modifications. And > if I ever do make egine mods it'll probably happen about 2 years down the > road (So I guess by then I could sell the automatic anyway?). I guess my > main question is, is the immediate fun really worth the trouble? > > Thanks in advance for your patience and help. > -RG > > |
Re: Hey, Help On One Question Please
CaptainKrunch wrote:
> The only way I would buy a manual trans nowdays is if I lived where there > wasn't much traffic, not many hills and it was a sports car. > > Otherwise there really isn't any valid argument to purchasing a stick shift. > Like the other poster said the difference in mileage is nil and in traffic > you aren't having to do a workout by pushing in the clutch pedal all the > time. It may sound trivial but if your in traffic with a stick for any > significant amount of time then you will feel it in your muscles. > > With an auto you don't have to worry about somebody stealing your car and > push starting it. You can also hook up a remote start/alarm safely with the > auto. One last thing.....you don't have to worry about not setting your > parking brake and coming out to find your car has rolled down the hill into > somebodys house, car or anything else. > > > "Rabid G" <a_rabid_g@nopam.hotmail.com> wrote in message > news:x_qRc.7507$nx2.1755@newsread2.news.atl.earthl ink.net... > >>Hi, I just found this newsgroup and I was hoping someone here could help > > me > >>on an age old question. >>Stickshift or Automatic? >> >>I'm going to buy a Honda Civic 04 soon and I would very much appreciate > > any > >>insight into this. One thing that keeps me from better being able to > > decide > >>my self is the plain fact that I don't know how to drive stickshift (yet). >>So I wouldn't know if it would annoy me by having to constantly shift > > gears > >>from block to block. Some other factors are that I live in Washington DC >>where there is virtually no open road, I'm a 20 year old college student, >>and in about a week I'm going to be moving out on my own (To Silver > > Spring, > >>Still commuting to DC and back.). Also, for those who don't know, DC can >>have pretty bad traffic during certain parts of the day (Rush Hour). >> >>I don't know if I'm actually going to want to do engine modifications. And >>if I ever do make egine mods it'll probably happen about 2 years down the >>road (So I guess by then I could sell the automatic anyway?). I guess my >>main question is, is the immediate fun really worth the trouble? >> >>Thanks in advance for your patience and help. >>-RG >> >> > > > Hi, Real drivers drive with stick. More control. Today's manual tranny is so GOOD. Tony |
Re: Hey, Help On One Question Please
CaptainKrunch wrote:
> The only way I would buy a manual trans nowdays is if I lived where there > wasn't much traffic, not many hills and it was a sports car. > > Otherwise there really isn't any valid argument to purchasing a stick shift. > Like the other poster said the difference in mileage is nil and in traffic > you aren't having to do a workout by pushing in the clutch pedal all the > time. It may sound trivial but if your in traffic with a stick for any > significant amount of time then you will feel it in your muscles. > > With an auto you don't have to worry about somebody stealing your car and > push starting it. You can also hook up a remote start/alarm safely with the > auto. One last thing.....you don't have to worry about not setting your > parking brake and coming out to find your car has rolled down the hill into > somebodys house, car or anything else. > > > "Rabid G" <a_rabid_g@nopam.hotmail.com> wrote in message > news:x_qRc.7507$nx2.1755@newsread2.news.atl.earthl ink.net... > >>Hi, I just found this newsgroup and I was hoping someone here could help > > me > >>on an age old question. >>Stickshift or Automatic? >> >>I'm going to buy a Honda Civic 04 soon and I would very much appreciate > > any > >>insight into this. One thing that keeps me from better being able to > > decide > >>my self is the plain fact that I don't know how to drive stickshift (yet). >>So I wouldn't know if it would annoy me by having to constantly shift > > gears > >>from block to block. Some other factors are that I live in Washington DC >>where there is virtually no open road, I'm a 20 year old college student, >>and in about a week I'm going to be moving out on my own (To Silver > > Spring, > >>Still commuting to DC and back.). Also, for those who don't know, DC can >>have pretty bad traffic during certain parts of the day (Rush Hour). >> >>I don't know if I'm actually going to want to do engine modifications. And >>if I ever do make egine mods it'll probably happen about 2 years down the >>road (So I guess by then I could sell the automatic anyway?). I guess my >>main question is, is the immediate fun really worth the trouble? >> >>Thanks in advance for your patience and help. >>-RG >> >> > > > Hi, Real drivers drive with stick. More control. Today's manual tranny is so GOOD. Tony |
Re: Hey, Help On One Question Please
Rabid G wrote:
> Hi, I just found this newsgroup and I was hoping someone here could help me > on an age old question. > Stickshift or Automatic? I've had manuals for 20 years now, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Your more one with the vehicle. Its a little bit of work in traffic, but I just let the cars get a little ahead of me, and go slow so I don't have to do the stop and go so much. I feel totally mindless when driving my wifes accord, automatic. Feel like I'm going to fall asleep. |
Re: Hey, Help On One Question Please
Rabid G wrote:
> Hi, I just found this newsgroup and I was hoping someone here could help me > on an age old question. > Stickshift or Automatic? I've had manuals for 20 years now, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Your more one with the vehicle. Its a little bit of work in traffic, but I just let the cars get a little ahead of me, and go slow so I don't have to do the stop and go so much. I feel totally mindless when driving my wifes accord, automatic. Feel like I'm going to fall asleep. |
Re: Hey, Help On One Question Please
In article <x_qRc.7507$nx2.1755@newsread2.news.atl.earthlink. net>, "Rabid
G" <a_rabid_g@nopam.hotmail.com> wrote: > Hi, I just found this newsgroup and I was hoping someone here could help me > on an age old question. > Stickshift or Automatic? > > I'm going to buy a Honda Civic 04 soon and I would very much appreciate any > insight into this. One thing that keeps me from better being able to decide > my self is the plain fact that I don't know how to drive stickshift (yet). > So I wouldn't know if it would annoy me by having to constantly shift gears > from block to block. Some other factors are that I live in Washington DC > where there is virtually no open road, I'm a 20 year old college student, > and in about a week I'm going to be moving out on my own (To Silver Spring, > Still commuting to DC and back.). Also, for those who don't know, DC can > have pretty bad traffic during certain parts of the day (Rush Hour). > > I don't know if I'm actually going to want to do engine modifications. And > if I ever do make egine mods it'll probably happen about 2 years down the > road (So I guess by then I could sell the automatic anyway?). I guess my > main question is, is the immediate fun really worth the trouble? > > Thanks in advance for your patience and help. > -RG You might consider renting a car that has a manual transmission on your next long trip or vacation. It will give you a chance to see whether you love shifting gears or hate shifting gears. I drove a dump truck one summer while I was in college. When I had a load of gravel, I had to shift gears so much that my arm hurt at the end of some days. I got so sick of changing gears that my last three cars have had automatic transmissions. I would only have a manual trans. if I decided to rent a hot two seater sports car. -- NEWSGROUP SUBSCRIBERS MOTTO We respect those subscribers that ask for advice or provide advice. We do NOT respect the subscribers that enjoy criticizing people. |
Re: Hey, Help On One Question Please
In article <x_qRc.7507$nx2.1755@newsread2.news.atl.earthlink. net>, "Rabid
G" <a_rabid_g@nopam.hotmail.com> wrote: > Hi, I just found this newsgroup and I was hoping someone here could help me > on an age old question. > Stickshift or Automatic? > > I'm going to buy a Honda Civic 04 soon and I would very much appreciate any > insight into this. One thing that keeps me from better being able to decide > my self is the plain fact that I don't know how to drive stickshift (yet). > So I wouldn't know if it would annoy me by having to constantly shift gears > from block to block. Some other factors are that I live in Washington DC > where there is virtually no open road, I'm a 20 year old college student, > and in about a week I'm going to be moving out on my own (To Silver Spring, > Still commuting to DC and back.). Also, for those who don't know, DC can > have pretty bad traffic during certain parts of the day (Rush Hour). > > I don't know if I'm actually going to want to do engine modifications. And > if I ever do make egine mods it'll probably happen about 2 years down the > road (So I guess by then I could sell the automatic anyway?). I guess my > main question is, is the immediate fun really worth the trouble? > > Thanks in advance for your patience and help. > -RG You might consider renting a car that has a manual transmission on your next long trip or vacation. It will give you a chance to see whether you love shifting gears or hate shifting gears. I drove a dump truck one summer while I was in college. When I had a load of gravel, I had to shift gears so much that my arm hurt at the end of some days. I got so sick of changing gears that my last three cars have had automatic transmissions. I would only have a manual trans. if I decided to rent a hot two seater sports car. -- NEWSGROUP SUBSCRIBERS MOTTO We respect those subscribers that ask for advice or provide advice. We do NOT respect the subscribers that enjoy criticizing people. |
Re: Hey, Help On One Question Please
Thanks to all of you that put in your two cents (Caroline, Artfulcodger,
Brian, CaptainKrunch, Tony, noway, and Jason). It was greatly appreciated. A friend from work is slated to show me how to drive a manual soon and hopefully, after combining all the info you guys put up with my own experience, I'll be able to come up with a decision that I won't regret later. Thanks again! -RG "Rabid G" <a_rabid_g@nopam.hotmail.com> wrote in message news:x_qRc.7507$nx2.1755@newsread2.news.atl.earthl ink.net... > Hi, I just found this newsgroup and I was hoping someone here could help me > on an age old question. > Stickshift or Automatic? > > I'm going to buy a Honda Civic 04 soon and I would very much appreciate any > insight into this. One thing that keeps me from better being able to decide > my self is the plain fact that I don't know how to drive stickshift (yet). > So I wouldn't know if it would annoy me by having to constantly shift gears > from block to block. Some other factors are that I live in Washington DC > where there is virtually no open road, I'm a 20 year old college student, > and in about a week I'm going to be moving out on my own (To Silver Spring, > Still commuting to DC and back.). Also, for those who don't know, DC can > have pretty bad traffic during certain parts of the day (Rush Hour). > > I don't know if I'm actually going to want to do engine modifications. And > if I ever do make egine mods it'll probably happen about 2 years down the > road (So I guess by then I could sell the automatic anyway?). I guess my > main question is, is the immediate fun really worth the trouble? > > Thanks in advance for your patience and help. > -RG > > |
Re: Hey, Help On One Question Please
Thanks to all of you that put in your two cents (Caroline, Artfulcodger,
Brian, CaptainKrunch, Tony, noway, and Jason). It was greatly appreciated. A friend from work is slated to show me how to drive a manual soon and hopefully, after combining all the info you guys put up with my own experience, I'll be able to come up with a decision that I won't regret later. Thanks again! -RG "Rabid G" <a_rabid_g@nopam.hotmail.com> wrote in message news:x_qRc.7507$nx2.1755@newsread2.news.atl.earthl ink.net... > Hi, I just found this newsgroup and I was hoping someone here could help me > on an age old question. > Stickshift or Automatic? > > I'm going to buy a Honda Civic 04 soon and I would very much appreciate any > insight into this. One thing that keeps me from better being able to decide > my self is the plain fact that I don't know how to drive stickshift (yet). > So I wouldn't know if it would annoy me by having to constantly shift gears > from block to block. Some other factors are that I live in Washington DC > where there is virtually no open road, I'm a 20 year old college student, > and in about a week I'm going to be moving out on my own (To Silver Spring, > Still commuting to DC and back.). Also, for those who don't know, DC can > have pretty bad traffic during certain parts of the day (Rush Hour). > > I don't know if I'm actually going to want to do engine modifications. And > if I ever do make egine mods it'll probably happen about 2 years down the > road (So I guess by then I could sell the automatic anyway?). I guess my > main question is, is the immediate fun really worth the trouble? > > Thanks in advance for your patience and help. > -RG > > |
Re: Hey, Help On One Question Please
On Sun, 08 Aug 2004 17:54:30 GMT, Tony Hwang <dragon40@shaw.ca> wrote:
> Hi, > Real drivers drive with stick. More control. Completely agree. If you want to have real fun with your car, gotta have the control. Tired of waiting for the auto trans to respond when I want it to. Not to mention auto Civic's are governed to 106mph while manual's to go over 125mph. At least that was my experience with my 2000 and a friends 1995 Civic. -AGS -- Using Opera's revolutionary e-mail client: http://www.opera.com/m2/ |
Re: Hey, Help On One Question Please
On Sun, 08 Aug 2004 17:54:30 GMT, Tony Hwang <dragon40@shaw.ca> wrote:
> Hi, > Real drivers drive with stick. More control. Completely agree. If you want to have real fun with your car, gotta have the control. Tired of waiting for the auto trans to respond when I want it to. Not to mention auto Civic's are governed to 106mph while manual's to go over 125mph. At least that was my experience with my 2000 and a friends 1995 Civic. -AGS -- Using Opera's revolutionary e-mail client: http://www.opera.com/m2/ |
Re: Hey, Help On One Question Please
Rabid G wrote:
> > Thanks to all of you that put in your two cents (Caroline, > Artfulcodger, Brian, CaptainKrunch, Tony, noway, and Jason). It was > greatly appreciated. A friend from work is slated to show me how to > drive a manual soon and hopefully, after combining all the info you guys > put up with my own experience, I'll be able to come up with a decision > that I won't regret later. > Good luck. Keep in mind that learning to drive a manual transmission isn't terribly difficult, it just requires a bit of patience. It's my belief that many people's difficulty in learning to drive a clutch could be partly alleviated if they had a general understanding of the mechanics of the process. In general terms, there's a large heavy spinning disk known as the flywheel which always spins with the engine. Attached to that disk is the pressure plate. This plate, along with the flywheel, have smooth friction surfaces on them. There's a disk known as the clutch disk which is sandwiched between the two. The pressure plate also has springs in it which push the two friction surfaces together and keep the clutch disk from spinning during normal driving. The clutch disk has a splined hub which is connected to the transmission input shaft. When you need to shift, pressing down on clutch pedal releases the pressure plate's springs such that the clutch disk is no longer locked and the transmission is now disengaged from the engine. This first half of the process usually isn't a problem as long as you press the pedal all the way down. Most beginners experience problems when they attempt to engage the clutch as they let the pedal up. Keep in mind that you're releasing the springs of the pressure plate such that it can now push the clutch disk back into the heavy and rapidly spinning flywheel and thus re-engage the engine with the transmission. The smoother this is done the better the shift will be for you. This diagram may be helpful for visualizing the process that I've described above http://tinyurl.com/4x4hf. Items 3, 4, and 5 are the flywheel, clutch disk, and pressure plate respectively. For another view, also see http://www.honda.co.uk/owner/CivicManual/pdf/12-3.pdf. I originally learned to drive in a car with a manual transmission. All of the cars that I've owned since have had manual transmissions and I wouldn't want it any other way. However, automatics are good for large vehicles such as trucks and moving vans (I once got stuck with a 20 foot rental moving van which had a manual transmission making it very annoying to drive). They're also good in vehicles used for towing which can put a lot of extra wear and tear on a clutch. Either way, whether you buy a car with an automatic or manual, it's still a good idea to know how to drive a clutch. There may come a day when the only vehicle available in an emergency situation is one with a manual transmission. I've also heard of cases in which not too bright thieves attempt to steal a car for their getaway only to discover that it has a manual transmission and they can't drive it. Eric |
Re: Hey, Help On One Question Please
Rabid G wrote:
> > Thanks to all of you that put in your two cents (Caroline, > Artfulcodger, Brian, CaptainKrunch, Tony, noway, and Jason). It was > greatly appreciated. A friend from work is slated to show me how to > drive a manual soon and hopefully, after combining all the info you guys > put up with my own experience, I'll be able to come up with a decision > that I won't regret later. > Good luck. Keep in mind that learning to drive a manual transmission isn't terribly difficult, it just requires a bit of patience. It's my belief that many people's difficulty in learning to drive a clutch could be partly alleviated if they had a general understanding of the mechanics of the process. In general terms, there's a large heavy spinning disk known as the flywheel which always spins with the engine. Attached to that disk is the pressure plate. This plate, along with the flywheel, have smooth friction surfaces on them. There's a disk known as the clutch disk which is sandwiched between the two. The pressure plate also has springs in it which push the two friction surfaces together and keep the clutch disk from spinning during normal driving. The clutch disk has a splined hub which is connected to the transmission input shaft. When you need to shift, pressing down on clutch pedal releases the pressure plate's springs such that the clutch disk is no longer locked and the transmission is now disengaged from the engine. This first half of the process usually isn't a problem as long as you press the pedal all the way down. Most beginners experience problems when they attempt to engage the clutch as they let the pedal up. Keep in mind that you're releasing the springs of the pressure plate such that it can now push the clutch disk back into the heavy and rapidly spinning flywheel and thus re-engage the engine with the transmission. The smoother this is done the better the shift will be for you. This diagram may be helpful for visualizing the process that I've described above http://tinyurl.com/4x4hf. Items 3, 4, and 5 are the flywheel, clutch disk, and pressure plate respectively. For another view, also see http://www.honda.co.uk/owner/CivicManual/pdf/12-3.pdf. I originally learned to drive in a car with a manual transmission. All of the cars that I've owned since have had manual transmissions and I wouldn't want it any other way. However, automatics are good for large vehicles such as trucks and moving vans (I once got stuck with a 20 foot rental moving van which had a manual transmission making it very annoying to drive). They're also good in vehicles used for towing which can put a lot of extra wear and tear on a clutch. Either way, whether you buy a car with an automatic or manual, it's still a good idea to know how to drive a clutch. There may come a day when the only vehicle available in an emergency situation is one with a manual transmission. I've also heard of cases in which not too bright thieves attempt to steal a car for their getaway only to discover that it has a manual transmission and they can't drive it. Eric |
Re: Hey, Help On One Question Please
"Tony Hwang" <dragon40@shaw.ca> wrote in message news:qNtRc.51396$M95.5859@pd7tw1no... > > Hi, > Real drivers drive with stick. More control. > Today's manual tranny is so GOOD. What a load of crap! ;^) Real drivers use turn signals and stop at traffic lights, drive no faster than the posted maximum speed limit. and operate their vehicles with safety (both theirs and yours) as their first consideration. How many of those are in this group, besides myself? Brian Professional driver with over a million miles, with no accidents or moving violations. |
Re: Hey, Help On One Question Please
"Tony Hwang" <dragon40@shaw.ca> wrote in message news:qNtRc.51396$M95.5859@pd7tw1no... > > Hi, > Real drivers drive with stick. More control. > Today's manual tranny is so GOOD. What a load of crap! ;^) Real drivers use turn signals and stop at traffic lights, drive no faster than the posted maximum speed limit. and operate their vehicles with safety (both theirs and yours) as their first consideration. How many of those are in this group, besides myself? Brian Professional driver with over a million miles, with no accidents or moving violations. |
Re: Hey, Help On One Question Please
Thanks Eric!
-RG "Eric" <say.no@spam.now> wrote in message news:4117432D.97EBB2F@spam.now... > Rabid G wrote: > > > > Thanks to all of you that put in your two cents (Caroline, > > Artfulcodger, Brian, CaptainKrunch, Tony, noway, and Jason). It was > > greatly appreciated. A friend from work is slated to show me how to > > drive a manual soon and hopefully, after combining all the info you guys > > put up with my own experience, I'll be able to come up with a decision > > that I won't regret later. > > > > Good luck. Keep in mind that learning to drive a manual transmission isn't > terribly difficult, it just requires a bit of patience. It's my belief that > many people's difficulty in learning to drive a clutch could be partly > alleviated if they had a general understanding of the mechanics of the > process. In general terms, there's a large heavy spinning disk known as the > flywheel which always spins with the engine. Attached to that disk is the > pressure plate. This plate, along with the flywheel, have smooth friction > surfaces on them. There's a disk known as the clutch disk which is > sandwiched between the two. The pressure plate also has springs in it which > push the two friction surfaces together and keep the clutch disk from > spinning during normal driving. The clutch disk has a splined hub which is > connected to the transmission input shaft. When you need to shift, pressing > down on clutch pedal releases the pressure plate's springs such that the > clutch disk is no longer locked and the transmission is now disengaged from > the engine. This first half of the process usually isn't a problem as long > as you press the pedal all the way down. Most beginners experience problems > when they attempt to engage the clutch as they let the pedal up. Keep in > mind that you're releasing the springs of the pressure plate such that it > can now push the clutch disk back into the heavy and rapidly spinning > flywheel and thus re-engage the engine with the transmission. The smoother > this is done the better the shift will be for you. This diagram may be > helpful for visualizing the process that I've described above > http://tinyurl.com/4x4hf. Items 3, 4, and 5 are the flywheel, clutch disk, > and pressure plate respectively. For another view, also see > http://www.honda.co.uk/owner/CivicManual/pdf/12-3.pdf. > > I originally learned to drive in a car with a manual transmission. All of > the cars that I've owned since have had manual transmissions and I wouldn't > want it any other way. However, automatics are good for large vehicles such > as trucks and moving vans (I once got stuck with a 20 foot rental moving van > which had a manual transmission making it very annoying to drive). They're > also good in vehicles used for towing which can put a lot of extra wear and > tear on a clutch. > > Either way, whether you buy a car with an automatic or manual, it's still a > good idea to know how to drive a clutch. There may come a day when the only > vehicle available in an emergency situation is one with a manual > transmission. I've also heard of cases in which not too bright thieves > attempt to steal a car for their getaway only to discover that it has a > manual transmission and they can't drive it. > > Eric |
Re: Hey, Help On One Question Please
Thanks Eric!
-RG "Eric" <say.no@spam.now> wrote in message news:4117432D.97EBB2F@spam.now... > Rabid G wrote: > > > > Thanks to all of you that put in your two cents (Caroline, > > Artfulcodger, Brian, CaptainKrunch, Tony, noway, and Jason). It was > > greatly appreciated. A friend from work is slated to show me how to > > drive a manual soon and hopefully, after combining all the info you guys > > put up with my own experience, I'll be able to come up with a decision > > that I won't regret later. > > > > Good luck. Keep in mind that learning to drive a manual transmission isn't > terribly difficult, it just requires a bit of patience. It's my belief that > many people's difficulty in learning to drive a clutch could be partly > alleviated if they had a general understanding of the mechanics of the > process. In general terms, there's a large heavy spinning disk known as the > flywheel which always spins with the engine. Attached to that disk is the > pressure plate. This plate, along with the flywheel, have smooth friction > surfaces on them. There's a disk known as the clutch disk which is > sandwiched between the two. The pressure plate also has springs in it which > push the two friction surfaces together and keep the clutch disk from > spinning during normal driving. The clutch disk has a splined hub which is > connected to the transmission input shaft. When you need to shift, pressing > down on clutch pedal releases the pressure plate's springs such that the > clutch disk is no longer locked and the transmission is now disengaged from > the engine. This first half of the process usually isn't a problem as long > as you press the pedal all the way down. Most beginners experience problems > when they attempt to engage the clutch as they let the pedal up. Keep in > mind that you're releasing the springs of the pressure plate such that it > can now push the clutch disk back into the heavy and rapidly spinning > flywheel and thus re-engage the engine with the transmission. The smoother > this is done the better the shift will be for you. This diagram may be > helpful for visualizing the process that I've described above > http://tinyurl.com/4x4hf. Items 3, 4, and 5 are the flywheel, clutch disk, > and pressure plate respectively. For another view, also see > http://www.honda.co.uk/owner/CivicManual/pdf/12-3.pdf. > > I originally learned to drive in a car with a manual transmission. All of > the cars that I've owned since have had manual transmissions and I wouldn't > want it any other way. However, automatics are good for large vehicles such > as trucks and moving vans (I once got stuck with a 20 foot rental moving van > which had a manual transmission making it very annoying to drive). They're > also good in vehicles used for towing which can put a lot of extra wear and > tear on a clutch. > > Either way, whether you buy a car with an automatic or manual, it's still a > good idea to know how to drive a clutch. There may come a day when the only > vehicle available in an emergency situation is one with a manual > transmission. I've also heard of cases in which not too bright thieves > attempt to steal a car for their getaway only to discover that it has a > manual transmission and they can't drive it. > > Eric |
Re: Hey, Help On One Question Please
In article <x_qRc.7507$nx2.1755@newsread2.news.atl.earthlink. net>,
"Rabid G" <a_rabid_g@nopam.hotmail.com> wrote: > Hi, I just found this newsgroup and I was hoping someone here could > help me on an age old question. Stickshift or Automatic? > > I'm going to buy a Honda Civic 04 soon and I would very much > appreciate any insight into this. One thing that keeps me from better > being able to decide my self is the plain fact that I don't know how > to drive stickshift (yet). So I wouldn't know if it would annoy me by > having to constantly shift gears from block to block. Some other > factors are that I live in Washington DC where there is virtually no > open road, I'm a 20 year old college student, and in about a week I'm > going to be moving out on my own (To Silver Spring, Still commuting > to DC and back.). Also, for those who don't know, DC can have pretty > bad traffic during certain parts of the day (Rush Hour). > > I don't know if I'm actually going to want to do engine > modifications. And if I ever do make egine mods it'll probably happen > about 2 years down the road (So I guess by then I could sell the > automatic anyway?). I guess my main question is, is the immediate fun > really worth the trouble? > > Thanks in advance for your patience and help. -RG Stick. Learn how to drive it. Then you'll be able to drive either manual or auto. Son was given his dad's stick shift and had a crash course (so to speak) just before driving it from MN to AZ. He had a lot of time to perfect his timing on the trip. :-) My 50 cents worth. -- -Barb, <www.jamlady.eboard.com> An update on 7/22/04. |
Re: Hey, Help On One Question Please
In article <x_qRc.7507$nx2.1755@newsread2.news.atl.earthlink. net>,
"Rabid G" <a_rabid_g@nopam.hotmail.com> wrote: > Hi, I just found this newsgroup and I was hoping someone here could > help me on an age old question. Stickshift or Automatic? > > I'm going to buy a Honda Civic 04 soon and I would very much > appreciate any insight into this. One thing that keeps me from better > being able to decide my self is the plain fact that I don't know how > to drive stickshift (yet). So I wouldn't know if it would annoy me by > having to constantly shift gears from block to block. Some other > factors are that I live in Washington DC where there is virtually no > open road, I'm a 20 year old college student, and in about a week I'm > going to be moving out on my own (To Silver Spring, Still commuting > to DC and back.). Also, for those who don't know, DC can have pretty > bad traffic during certain parts of the day (Rush Hour). > > I don't know if I'm actually going to want to do engine > modifications. And if I ever do make egine mods it'll probably happen > about 2 years down the road (So I guess by then I could sell the > automatic anyway?). I guess my main question is, is the immediate fun > really worth the trouble? > > Thanks in advance for your patience and help. -RG Stick. Learn how to drive it. Then you'll be able to drive either manual or auto. Son was given his dad's stick shift and had a crash course (so to speak) just before driving it from MN to AZ. He had a lot of time to perfect his timing on the trip. :-) My 50 cents worth. -- -Barb, <www.jamlady.eboard.com> An update on 7/22/04. |
Re: Hey, Help On One Question Please
Damn straight !
How hard is it to observe some basic rules of the road ? I always signal, lane changes and turns. Otherwise, those lights on the corners of my car are just an ugly decoration. Posted speed limit ? Oh, Please. Those are just suggested speed limits anyway. Mind you, 40km/h is a different story. I always observe that one. "Brian Smith" <Halifax@NovaScotia.Canada> wrote in message news:E4KRc.47329$vO1.231861@nnrp1.uunet.ca... > > "Tony Hwang" <dragon40@shaw.ca> wrote in message > news:qNtRc.51396$M95.5859@pd7tw1no... > > > > Hi, > > Real drivers drive with stick. More control. > > Today's manual tranny is so GOOD. > > What a load of crap! ;^) > > Real drivers use turn signals and stop at traffic lights, drive no faster > than the posted maximum speed limit. and operate their vehicles with safety > (both theirs and yours) as their first consideration. > > How many of those are in this group, besides myself? > > Brian > > Professional driver with over a million miles, with no accidents or moving > violations. > > |
Re: Hey, Help On One Question Please
Damn straight !
How hard is it to observe some basic rules of the road ? I always signal, lane changes and turns. Otherwise, those lights on the corners of my car are just an ugly decoration. Posted speed limit ? Oh, Please. Those are just suggested speed limits anyway. Mind you, 40km/h is a different story. I always observe that one. "Brian Smith" <Halifax@NovaScotia.Canada> wrote in message news:E4KRc.47329$vO1.231861@nnrp1.uunet.ca... > > "Tony Hwang" <dragon40@shaw.ca> wrote in message > news:qNtRc.51396$M95.5859@pd7tw1no... > > > > Hi, > > Real drivers drive with stick. More control. > > Today's manual tranny is so GOOD. > > What a load of crap! ;^) > > Real drivers use turn signals and stop at traffic lights, drive no faster > than the posted maximum speed limit. and operate their vehicles with safety > (both theirs and yours) as their first consideration. > > How many of those are in this group, besides myself? > > Brian > > Professional driver with over a million miles, with no accidents or moving > violations. > > |
Re: Hey, Help On One Question Please
"Mike" <idont@think.so> wrote in message news:JVaSc.13978$a65.541267@news20.bellglobal.com. .. > Damn straight ! > How hard is it to observe some basic rules of the road ? > > I always signal, lane changes and turns. > Otherwise, those lights on the corners of my car are just an ugly > decoration. > > Posted speed limit ? Oh, Please. Those are just suggested speed limits > anyway. > Mind you, 40km/h is a different story. I always observe that one. I don't understand, why so many people say the same thing about the posted Maximum speed limit. They are not suggested, they are the law. -- Brian Junk is something you've kept for years and throw away three weeks before you need it. |
Re: Hey, Help On One Question Please
"Mike" <idont@think.so> wrote in message news:JVaSc.13978$a65.541267@news20.bellglobal.com. .. > Damn straight ! > How hard is it to observe some basic rules of the road ? > > I always signal, lane changes and turns. > Otherwise, those lights on the corners of my car are just an ugly > decoration. > > Posted speed limit ? Oh, Please. Those are just suggested speed limits > anyway. > Mind you, 40km/h is a different story. I always observe that one. I don't understand, why so many people say the same thing about the posted Maximum speed limit. They are not suggested, they are the law. -- Brian Junk is something you've kept for years and throw away three weeks before you need it. |
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