Not fair!

[RishiS]

No offense to all you 'stick' drivers out there but I want to be able to get a Mazdaspeed 3 too but I can't because I don't drive 'stick', only automatic. I wish they would make Mazdaspeed 3 for all the automatic fellows out there. I really am thinking about taking up on how to drive 'stick' just so I can drive the Mazdaspeed 3, you guys got any tips?

Yes, I think the whole sports cars nee to be driven in 'stick' is very sketchy. Of course, I think it's bullshit.

Because I am close to getting a new Maza car for myself and I'm still in the deciding phases of which car I want, and you know I don't want to regret my purchase.

[kid_icarus]

No offense taken, but really I don't see what your complaint is?

Automatic will cost you at least another $1,000.

Most driving enthusiasts enjoy driving manual, and for a car that is considered "budget" pocket rocket, adding another $1,000 is out of the question, in addition to the fact that each year this car is made there is limited production runs. So they focus on manual transmission.

There's no reason to complain, if you're buying this car yourself, you don't need to answer to anyone. Learn to drive stick

I never drove stick before my Mazdaspeed, and I took a 1 hr lesson with my friend who drove a sentra. He taught me the basics in a Go train Parking lot.

I stalled a few times on my way home after picking up the car but that's no big deal.

No one says a sports car NEEDS to be driven stick. But lets face it, all driver enthusiasts enjoy a good challenge. Being able to drive manual gives you better control and flexibility. I like working on my timing and heel and toe whenever I get a chance and it makes driving a little more fun than pedal mashing.

If you want a good automatic vehicle that's sport pick up a VW Gti or something.

What is motivating you towards wanting a speed in the first place if you haven't driven one? Just what's on paper and the price point?
What are you currently driving?
You owe it to yourself to learn to drive stick, and take the car out for a test drive yourself.

Additionally,
Here's an analogy for you.
Manual Cars are like SLR Cameras.
Automatic Cars are like Point and Shoot Cameras

Both get the job done and both have the abilities to take great outstanding pictures.
In the end the SLR gives you a little more flexibility in the way you take the pictures. In the end you can get better results with a SLR if you learn to use it properly.

There will be a day in the future when technology will catch up though.

[MRT_MS3]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2ZuubLx8u0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txRTo5eAwrM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B59-pWSPoZU

[Manpreet]

No offense taken, but really I don't see what your complaint is?

Automatic will cost you at least another $1,000.

Most driving enthusiasts enjoy driving manual, and for a car that is considered "budget" pocket rocket, adding another $1,000 is out of the question, in addition to the fact that each year this car is made there is limited production runs. So they focus on manual transmission.

There's no reason to complain, if you're buying this car yourself, you don't need to answer to anyone. Learn to drive stick

I never drove stick before my Mazdaspeed, and I took a 1 hr lesson with my friend who drove a sentra. He taught me the basics in a Go train Parking lot.

I stalled a few times on my way home after picking up the car but that's no big deal.

No one says a sports car NEEDS to be driven stick. But lets face it, all driver enthusiasts enjoy a good challenge. Being able to drive manual gives you better control and flexibility. I like working on my timing and heel and toe whenever I get a chance and it makes driving a little more fun than pedal mashing.

If you want a good automatic vehicle that's sport pick up a VW Gti or something.

What is motivating you towards wanting a speed in the first place if you haven't driven one? Just what's on paper and the price point?
What are you currently driving?
You owe it to yourself to learn to drive stick, and take the car out for a test drive yourself.

Additionally,
Here's an analogy for you.
Manual Cars are like SLR Cameras.
Automatic Cars are like Point and Shoot Cameras

Both get the job done and both have the abilities to take great outstanding pictures.
In the end the SLR gives you a little more flexibility in the way you take the pictures. In the end you can get better results with a SLR if you learn to use it properly.

There will be a day in the future when technology will catch up though.

hes right

[Mazda3X2]

hes right

I don't know. The DSG's now will out shift just about anyone out there.

But learning stick and driving it well is very rewarding. It's not hard to become fairly proficient at and you should be able to drive it pretty well in no time.

Mind you the MS3 isn't the smoothest car to drive stick either. I have been driving a manual for 20 years and still find my 1-2 shift can be wacky sometimes.:complain

[MRT_MS3]

Mind you the MS3 isn't the smoothest car to drive stick either. I have been driving a manual for 20 years and still find my 1-2 shift can be wacky sometimes.:complain

I totally agree...I was at point where I almost yanked out the damn shift knob... :flaming

[mazdathree]

No offense to all you 'stick' drivers out there but I want to be able to get a Mazdaspeed 3 too but I can't because I don't drive 'stick', only automatic. I wish they would make Mazdaspeed 3 for all the automatic fellows out there. I really am thinking about taking up on how to drive 'stick' just so I can drive the Mazdaspeed 3, you guys got any tips?

Yes, I think the whole sports cars nee to be driven in 'stick' is very sketchy. Of course, I think it's bullshit.

Because I am close to getting a new Maza car for myself and I'm still in the deciding phases of which car I want, and you know I don't want to regret my purchase.


Driving a stick shift is not difficult at all. Just take a few lessons and do some practice. In my opinion, I like the automatic as I dont want to change gears when I'm stuck in traffic. As for sports cars, there is no such thing as they should be only stick shift, Formula 1 cars are semi automatic yet they are very fast cars.

As for speed 3, I guess its just cost effective to have manual transmission as well as create fun driving for driving enthusiasts just like kid_icarus said.

[MAZDA Kitten]

Whats the big deal.. honestly? I learned to drive manual the night before I went to pick up my car on my brothers RSX in a mall parking lot. Didnt even know how until I got my 3

After a while you dont even think about it

[Manpreet]

Standard is easy to drive you just need practice, i was lucky before i didnt know how to drive standard until i got to beat up acura 1.6 el 5 speed and practice on it, now i just love i wish i had a standard car cuz my car is automatic

[Malcolm991]

Take the time to learn how to drive standard. It's worth the effort if your want to buy a car like that!

[aris]

I learned how to drive standard in my dads 96 dodge ram when i was 16..i never drove standard before and we were in toronto and he made me drive home taking highway two all the way to belleville this included hills..after that day i drove standard like a champ:winner

[Soyabean]

Driving stick is not hard. I was taught for 5 mins on my friends ralliart once and the next time, i bought my 3 and driving it home was my 2nd time driving stick. I stalled 3 times going home and was terrified of hills. But in about a week, i was good to go. Its not hard.

Driving stick is not only for sports cars. A lot of successful business people drive luxury manual cars because they like to be in control of their cars and control the car at every gear.

Dont let something like learning how to drive stick repel you from getting a speed3. Its really not hard at all.

[SKYMP3]

Your complaint is a BS. Just learn how to drive stick....
Is like people who wants to play ice hockey but don't know how to skate, but just keep staying at the bench and yelling unfair.....learn the stuff and go play!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Zoom Zoom Boy]

No offense to all you 'stick' drivers out there but I want to be able to get a Mazdaspeed 3 too but I can't because I don't drive 'stick', only automatic. I wish they would make Mazdaspeed 3 for all the automatic fellows out there. I really am thinking about taking up on how to drive 'stick' just so I can drive the Mazdaspeed 3, you guys got any tips?

Yes, I think the whole sports cars nee to be driven in 'stick' is very sketchy. Of course, I think it's bullshit.

Because I am close to getting a new Maza car for myself and I'm still in the deciding phases of which car I want, and you know I don't want to regret my purchase.

No offence taken guy, but seriously, WTF? :loco

How can you even have an opinion on driving manual let alone have an opinion that when someone says sports cars are meant to be driven manual that it is bullshit... If you knew the difference, than fair enough, but you don't, so frankly, anything you have to say on the matter just sounds silly...

Okay, as others have said, just go learn... rent a manual car for a day if that is what you need to do. It won't take you long and believe me, you'll be happy you did.

Then, once you learn manual and have driven it for a while, you will soon understand why it isn't bullshit that driving an automatic sports car, or frankly, any car with an auto tranny for that matter, is simply a waste of a car...

P.S.- Friends don't let friends, 'Apex' early...and friends don't let friends, drive auto slush boxes.

[Ex-Rolla]

1st "stick" car is my 2010 speed 3. Buy it, then you'll have no choice but to learn it :)


ok, i lied... my sisters car is stick and on occasion i have driven it, but it's completely different than this car in terms of feel.

[fatsock]

If a porsche can be sold with an automatic, then so should the Mazdaspeed.

Cause let's be honest the mazaspeed is no porsche!

[Piru]

Here's an analogy for you.
Manual Cars are like SLR Cameras.
Automatic Cars are like Point and Shoot Cameras

Both get the job done and both have the abilities to take great outstanding pictures.
In the end the SLR gives you a little more flexibility in the way you take the pictures. In the end you can get better results with a SLR if you learn to use it properly.


I like that analogy.

I learned how to drive manual when i was 16 on my cousins Integra. The first few times I used to stall at stop signs and I was afraid of hills. But when I got my first very own car last year, i knew i wanted manual for sure and I love it now and can drive it without problems.

Just find someone you know that can teach you, take an hour or two and cover the basics in a parking lot then move onto small side streets when you feel comfortable. Then when you feel confident you can drive, test drive a speed3. And then just ask yourself which you like better...manual or automatic. I know a lot of people that love driving manual but get annoyed when the 401 turns into a parking lot during rush hour.

[SKYMP3]

If a porsche can be sold with an automatic, then so should the Mazdaspeed.

Cause let's be honest the mazaspeed is no porsche!

Then go buy a Porsche or something automatic, don't bother with a Mazdaspeed.

[kid_icarus]

Then go buy a Porsche or something automatic, don't bother with a Mazdaspeed.

+1
I don't see the point of making an analogy out of a Porsche which costs 90 grand and more.
Porsche is not a MASS production car builder like Mazda.

It has nothing to do with "can" or "cannot"

Clearly Porsche can get away making 1000 Automatics and 1000 Manuals since they are a niche market vehicle manufacturer charging high margins.

A Mazda 3 is produced in the 100,000's.
Mazda already changes their production lines to build 1500 speed 3's a year.
To change it even more to make 700 manuals and 800 automatics is not good business, especially when you're not making clearly the same amount of MARGIN as Porsche.

[MikeyGT]

No offence taken guy, but seriously, WTF? :loco

Okay, as others have said, just go learn... rent a manual car for a day if that is what you need to do. It won't take you long and believe me, you'll be happy you did.


Hey, i was wondering, can we even rent a manual car? If so, where? I'm in Markham btw.

[MistaChin]

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii148/Lombaszko/Internets/stop-whining.jpg

[ShortBus]

+1
I don't see the point of making an analogy out of a Porsche which costs 90 grand and more.
Porsche is not a MASS production car builder like Mazda.

It has nothing to do with "can" or "cannot"

Clearly Porsche can get away making 1000 Automatics and 1000 Manuals since they are a niche market vehicle manufacturer charging high margins.

A Mazda 3 is produced in the 100,000's.
Mazda already changes their production lines to build 1500 speed 3's a year.
To change it even more to make 700 manuals and 800 automatics is not good business, especially when you're not making clearly the same amount of MARGIN as Porsche.

subaru used to offer wrx's in auto and it's not like mazda doesn't offer automatics at all, it could be done.

but i'm glad they don't offer it so posers can't drive it.

[Mazda3X2]

i'm glad they don't offer it so posers can't drive it.

lmao

[bhrm]

I bought my Mazda 3 brand new to learn stick.

Took 3 hours.

[TheMAN]

Then go buy a Porsche or something automatic, don't bother with a Mazdaspeed.
porsche doesn't really make automatics anymore, most come in DSG... which are completely different than automatics

DSG drives like an automatic, but WORKS like a manual
it has REAL gears and a REAL clutch, and NO torque converter that robs power and control away

any car with a DSG option will perform better than the manual version... and both will perform better than an automatic

the reason is simple... car enthusiasts don't like automatics because it robs power, inconsistent shift speeds, and you have little control over which gear it will use which means you're not in the optimum powerband.... all of which takes the fun of driving away

DSG is the best of both worlds.... you have consistent shift speeds and no power loss... while the computer still can keep you from shifting to a certain gear, it usually doesn't do so, which means how you drive is basically unrestricted... you get to wring out the most out of your car which makes it fun

[secondgear]

here's my 2 cents dude..
If you waited long enough, save enough, and ready to buy the greatest car of all time.. then you shouldn't let anything stop you

[jonjon72]

No offense to all you 'stick' drivers out there but I want to be able to get a Mazdaspeed 3 too but I can't because I don't drive 'stick', only automatic. I wish they would make Mazdaspeed 3 for all the automatic fellows out there. I really am thinking about taking up on how to drive 'stick' just so I can drive the Mazdaspeed 3, you guys got any tips?

Yes, I think the whole sports cars nee to be driven in 'stick' is very sketchy. Of course, I think it's bullshit.

Because I am close to getting a new Maza car for myself and I'm still in the deciding phases of which car I want, and you know I don't want to regret my purchase.


um, Mazda is not the only one that does this. Honda with the Civic Si, Nissan with Sentra Spec V, etc.

Like anything is life, if you want to do something new, sometimes it takes practice and the ability to learn.

[notoriousb]

Or get a Lancer Ralliart and enjoy dual clutch automatic manuals that shift faster than any manual driver could. Lancer Ralliart > Mazdaspeed 3

[SKYMP3]

Or get a Lancer Ralliart and enjoy dual clutch automatic manuals that shift faster than any manual driver could. Lancer Ralliart > Mazdaspeed 3

Mazdaspeed3 is still faster than the Ralliart even it shifts faster :chuckle

[fatsock]

+1
I don't see the point of making an analogy out of a Porsche which costs 90 grand and more.
Porsche is not a MASS production car builder like Mazda.

It has nothing to do with "can" or "cannot"

Clearly Porsche can get away making 1000 Automatics and 1000 Manuals since they are a niche market vehicle manufacturer charging high margins.

A Mazda 3 is produced in the 100,000's.
Mazda already changes their production lines to build 1500 speed 3's a year.
To change it even more to make 700 manuals and 800 automatics is not good business, especially when you're not making clearly the same amount of MARGIN as Porsche.

TOUCHE.

I only mentioned the Porsche as it is hands down one of the greatest sports cars around. My buddies Porsche has the ability to be both auto and standard. That's what I meant. I wasn't suggestign it was in the same league with a Mazdaspeed.

But if you read the first post, you must agree that it must be frustrating if you want to buy a mazdaspeed and you can only drive auto.

[Unoriginalusername]

the ms3 has enough torque anyone could drive it. short of a diesel vw there aren't many 4 cycl cars that are easier to get going. my first stick was a hyundai accent with under 100hp and tq. and the second was a matrix with under 120lbs of tq. nearly 300lbs is a piece of cake

[SKYMP3]

Actually, I feel happy that mazdaspeed3 only makes manual, make it for exclusive. Stick or nothing. Learn and play.

[Speedy2008]

I don't know. The DSG's now will out shift just about anyone out there.

But learning stick and driving it well is very rewarding. It's not hard to become fairly proficient at and you should be able to drive it pretty well in no time.

Mind you the MS3 isn't the smoothest car to drive stick either. I have been driving a manual for 20 years and still find my 1-2 shift can be wacky sometimes.:complain

I know all about those wacky 1-2 shifts. I usually just say "whoops!"

[mazdaskit]

I bought my Mazda 3 brand new to learn stick.

Took 3 hours.

I learned to drive stick in a 1993 jeep lol what a rough drive but i had it learned in hour.. clutch shift not much to it

[Mazda3X2]

But if you read the first post, you must agree that it must be frustrating if you want to buy a mazdaspeed and you can only drive auto.

There really isn't such thing as "only being able to drive auto." Unless you have tried to learn and failed to do so. I don't know of anyone that couldn't "pick it up" within a short amount of time. My wife drives my Speed, she doesn't like to, but she can and does.

No way should something like this stand in your way of buying a car you really want.

Get over your hang-ups and get trying. Let us know if you can't accomplish it. Saying you don't drive stick is different than saying you can't.

[Dave_The_BMXER]

As everyone else said learn to drive stick...

You never know when you might NEED to drive stick in some sort of an emergency (ie friend breaks arm and he was driving and you need to drive him the the hospital).

[blankets3]

qq

[SKYMP3]

You can buy a speed3 and learn it after. I taught a friend to drive stick when he bought a manual Rabbit, he couldn't even drive the car out from dealership and keep on stalling. I helped him to drive it out and pratice in a quiet area for 1-2 hrs...then he drive home by himself after.

[-cj-]

the ms3 has enough torque anyone could drive it. short of a diesel vw there aren't many 4 cycl cars that are easier to get going. my first stick was a hyundai accent with under 100hp and tq. and the second was a matrix with under 120lbs of tq. nearly 300lbs is a piece of cake


Yes and no... The problem is the aggressive clutch on the MS3 kinda negates this. Plus the 300 lbs of torque isn't available at 700 rpm. =) The MS3 is hard to stall, yes (Unless you throw it into 3rd instead of 1st accidently when you're still learning...), but I found that driving my 120 hp Civic much easier. (But no where near as fun)

My wife took a few manual driving lessons (in someone elses car :chuckle) and hated driving my Probe, didn't mind the Civic and hasn't stalled the MS3 yet.. But she's never gotten it out of 1st year ;) (She's only had to move it from the drive way to the street when I block her car).

Anyways, quit complaining and go learn how to drive stick. Take some lessons if you need to. If you're worried about any hills, drive like the Europeans do and use your hand brake to hold you on inclines. It really isn't that hard. I stopped stalling within the first 2 days and only got better and better over time.

[Krazy]

Additionally,
Here's an analogy for you.
Manual Cars are like SLR Cameras.
Automatic Cars are like Point and Shoot Cameras


I like this analogy.. but u have to add...

DSLR is Tiptronic =)

[RishiS]

Hey guys, sorry for the late reply.

First of all, I'm not in here to debate manual vs automatic. If I wanted to, I would have made another thread.

I just thought that Mazda should open up to customers that drive only automatic that want to drive the speed3 as well.

It's funny because all manual drivers always come off to me as "manuals elitism/elitist". No offense.

Anyways, thanks to everyone that gave me some hints in this thread. I will be driving my first manual car in a couple of hours.

Wish me luck, will be back to report.

Yeah, I'd really like a Mazdaspeed3 but if I don't get it, oh well. Next time, when I get better in driving manual and have a better source of income. I'll just cry in a corner till then and drive a sexy Mazda 3 sport, when I get it that is.

[kid_icarus]

Well a lot of the people who come off as elitist also drove automatics when they got their first car.

Really everyone here is just trying to tell you that once you've driven manual after driving automatic, you will either love it or hate it.

You can't slam everyone for being a "manual enthusiast", because we are.
You can't call us "elitist" because it's not like any of us have never driven automatic before. I drove automatic from the age of 16 till I was 25 and able to buy my OWN manual vehicle.

Additionally the underlying principle for why Mazda is unable to make an automatic car for you is based simply on business practice and production efficiency. You realize that every year there is RARELY a surplus of Speed 3's at the end of the model year. This shows that Mazda has ZERO problems selling out all their Mazdaspeed 3's.

Why would they make an automatic in that scenario?

Good luck with the test drive or manual learning =)

[jaimie08mazda3]

I learned on my 3. I bought my car before i even knew how to drive it... I couldn;t even drive it and said i want an automatic.. do i think about that anymore hell no... i will never buy an automatic car.i love my 5 spd wayyyyyyyy too much! Its hard to get used to and the mazda3's stick shift does get sticky sometimes but i love it and learned how to do it... i laugh at autermatic tranny driving people.. just ask Phil (phil05gx) ;)

[gabbygenier]

my gf is sitting beside me reading this thread and laughing, she says learn to drive stick, she had to learn in 2 days and now she dont want to get an auto.

[silvermist99]

It's funny because all manual drivers always come off to me as "manuals elitism/elitist". No offense.


obviously we prefer MT otherwise we'd be driving AT...

if thats the case then should all manual driver feel automatic driver as lazy bums?

how many of us would have skipped the mazdaspeed3 if it only came in AT? I know I'm one of them.

[RishiS]

Jesus, some of the above posts is exactly what I mean by manual elitist. ****, some of you guys are pricks. Not Kid_Icarus though, he's awesome.

By the way, dude. I went for the manual test drive, it was so different, I'm not used to using both my hands and both my legs, lol. It was a fun experience even though a frustrating one because I only had 2 hours with it. I wasn't used to the whole clutch and shift, it was like you had to be really precise. How the **** do you guys survive manual in traffic, do you guys keep shifting every few seconds then stop again and repeat? Because from my experience with it today, that's how I see it. That's ****ing frustrating. My friend told me, he would usually leave it in 1st gear (very rarely) and just rev. the car so it moves slowly.

Anyways, it didn't go as smoothly as I expected, but I got the handle of it, what little of it that was.


i laugh at autermatic tranny driving people

Yeah, laugh at people that drive automatic. Because it's impossible for me to think automatic is more convenient? Jesus.

[notoriousb]

Mazdaspeed3 is still faster than the Ralliart even it shifts faster :chuckle

Meh, less than a second faster 0-60 --- Yawn, Ralliart's still a better car - because they look way sexier and can be mistaken for an EVO-- and no one doesn't wanna f uck an evo lol (driver) lol

[bhrm]

Jesus, some of the above posts is exactly what I mean by manual elitist. ****, some of you guys are pricks. Not Kid_Icarus though, he's awesome.

By the way, dude. I went for the manual test drive, it was so different, I'm not used to using both my hands and both my legs, lol. It was a fun experience even though a frustrating one because I only had 2 hours with it. I wasn't used to the whole clutch and shift, it was like you had to be really precise. How the **** do you guys survive manual in traffic, do you guys keep shifting every few seconds then stop again and repeat? Because from my experience with it today, that's how I see it. That's ****ing frustrating. My friend told me, he would usually leave it in 1st gear (very rarely) and just rev. the car so it moves slowly.

Anyways, it didn't go as smoothly as I expected, but I got the handle of it, what little of it that was.



Yeah, laugh at people that drive automatic. Because it's impossible for me to think automatic is more convenient? Jesus.

You can't rev match an automatic, which is awesome fun.

Heel toe for turns.

Traffic I don't mind too much. The Mazda clutch is nice and light. I used to drive from Markham to Oakville to Markham everyday and didn't mind. Its tiring yes but on good traffic and good roads, driving and shifting is so much more enjoyable.

A microwave is convenient but do master chefs use a microwave to cook?

Driving manual is forming a mechanical and spiritual bond with your car.

[SKYMP3]

Meh, less than a second faster 0-60 --- Yawn, Ralliart's still a better car - because they look way sexier and can be mistaken for an EVO-- and no one doesn't wanna f uck an evo lol (driver) lol

I can tell the difference of an Evo or Ralliart quickly and I don't mind to fk with a Ralliart.

You are posting Ralliart > Mazdaspeed3 in a Mazdaspeed3 forums, expect some fights :flaming, lol jk

[kid_icarus]

By the way, dude. I went for the manual test drive, it was so different, I'm not used to using both my hands and both my legs, lol. It was a fun experience even though a frustrating one because I only had 2 hours with it. I wasn't used to the whole clutch and shift, it was like you had to be really precise. How the **** do you guys survive manual in traffic, do you guys keep shifting every few seconds then stop again and repeat? Because from my experience with it today, that's how I see it. That's ****ing frustrating. My friend told me, he would usually leave it in 1st gear (very rarely) and just rev. the car so it moves slowly.

Anyways, it didn't go as smoothly as I expected, but I got the handle of it, what little of it that was.



Yeah, laugh at people that drive automatic. Because it's impossible for me to think automatic is more convenient? Jesus.

everyone including me will tell you traffic is the worst part of driving manual
there's nothing like revving and getting your car into the high rpm's only to have to stop 100m away once you're in the groove. lol

anyways keep at it.
I stalled 4-5 times on my way home from the dealership... u get honked at a lot...

Once i got really nervous like a month after i picked up the car and kept slipping and stalling backwards on a hill and it was not fun....
the cars behind me kept honking and reversing cuz they were scared i'd front end them lol

but it's all motivation to get you to keep learning and getting better
fortunately i have an only beater that is an automatic that i can drive around when
1. i know i'll be in traffic
2. i'll be in stop and go situations
3. when i just don't feel that coordinated aka after sports/hockey or something where i know i'll be tired

i think after driving manual though
you will feel like you are more "one" with your car
but like i said.. you'll either grow to love it or hate it....

[Piru]

you will feel like you are more "one" with your car


to add to that, once you've been driving manual for a while, it will become like second nature to you and you just sort of do it without thinking. for example, when i had a rental 2010 mazda 3 in auto, i kept pressing my left foot down over and over again thinking i had to clutch at stops lol.

anyhow, like everyone here is saying, don't just hate manual cars because you can't drive them. learn to drive them instead. and once you've given it a fair chance, then allow yourself to make a decision. no one is saying you HAVE to like manual over automatic. and everyone stalls when they're learning. by stalling you are learning the limits of the car so the next time around you will be better prepared to avoid such situations.

[Dave_The_BMXER]

The traffic thing can get annoying when you are new to driving standard but eventually you don't really notice it because you are used to it.

Auto is more convenient for sure but I find in stop and go traffic in an auto car I am borderline sleeping due to the lack of things I need to do.

[SKYMP3]

Starting driving in small local street with the stop signs. you will get honked like crazy if you stall on busy street and miss the green lights, lol

You can't learn under stress, so go to a quiet local roads and pratice.....that's how I learn it. I picked up the first manual car without knowing how to drive it properly neither. lol

[jaimie08mazda3]

Jesus, some of the above posts is exactly what I mean by manual elitist. ****, some of you guys are pricks. Not Kid_Icarus though, he's awesome.

By the way, dude. I went for the manual test drive, it was so different, I'm not used to using both my hands and both my legs, lol. It was a fun experience even though a frustrating one because I only had 2 hours with it. I wasn't used to the whole clutch and shift, it was like you had to be really precise. How the **** do you guys survive manual in traffic, do you guys keep shifting every few seconds then stop again and repeat? Because from my experience with it today, that's how I see it. That's ****ing frustrating. My friend told me, he would usually leave it in 1st gear (very rarely) and just rev. the car so it moves slowly.

Anyways, it didn't go as smoothly as I expected, but I got the handle of it, what little of it that was.



Yeah, laugh at people that drive automatic. Because it's impossible for me to think automatic is more convenient? Jesus.


Sorry thats not what i meant man... what i mean to say is that me driving a standard is a way of life (and i understand where your coming from when you have an automatic its alot easier especially in traffic... ugh thats what i hate about standard 1st neutral 1st neutral clutch clutch clutch) however i wasnt trying to be offensive and i apologize if you thought i meant it all like that. My dad drives an automatic Acura MDX annnd yea sometimes i laugh at him but he is in traffic alot for work so driving a 5spd or my mom's 09 TSX which is 6spd isnt really a good idea for him. But after driving a 5 spd for the last two years I really cant drive an automatic... last time I did i was driving my grandma's car picking her up at pearson. It went well all the way there then turning off the 401 to Highway 25 milton I put both feet on the brakes. Its just what you are used to... and if its alot of high traffic driving then yea auto is the way to go but for me living out in well the boondocks 5 spd is alot better i dunno. It also costs more for an automatic *like 1000$ area?* and the mazdaspeed3 is already at like 37k with taxes new... if you add an automatic its going to be more costly that you may as well upgrade to a higher end car with an automatic. Just my thoughts. And as Dave said I get bored driving an automatic... with 5 spd its just you are always doing something.

[Big Dad]

Meh, less than a second faster 0-60 --- Yawn, Ralliart's still a better car - because they look way sexier and can be mistaken for an EVO-- and no one doesn't wanna f uck an evo lol (driver) lol

I mess with evos. No problem, bring it.

[JSI]

They should make a DSG Speed3.

I've driven stick for........................since I was 16 so 15 years now. It is a pain 99% of the time. I don't care when people say it's more fun. Sure it is, for 1% of the time you spend driving and having fun. If it was a weekend fun and track car then yes I would want stick but any car that will see regular Toronto driving I want nothing but automagic.

Jeremy

[-cj-]

They should make a DSG Speed3.

I've driven stick for........................since I was 16 so 15 years now. It is a pain 99% of the time. I don't care when people say it's more fun. Sure it is, for 1% of the time you spend driving and having fun. If it was a weekend fun and track car then yes I would want stick but any car that will see regular Toronto driving I want nothing but automagic.

Jeremy

I completely disagree. If you are only having fun 1% of the time, then there are other issues here. Either you hate where you're driving or you hate your car or something. Driving a standard is a blast. Sure, sometimes in stop and go traffic it sucks ass, but you live with it. I don't ever curse the fact I'm driving mtx because of traffic.

Your last sentence about driving mtx in Toronto ignores the fact that with a MTX you get unbeatable traction control in the winter. And I don't care about DSC or anything like that... You can feather the clutch if you get stuck or are on icy roads. Try doing that in an auto... Sure, you've got 2nd gear starts (Which if you're a good driver you should be taking advantage of! -- Closest way to mimic a MTX in these conditions), but I've *NEVER* gotten stuck in a MTX.

MTX isn't just for fun and games, it's also superior in the winter.

[Fuman]

I completely disagree. If you are only having fun 1% of the time, then there are other issues here. Either you hate where you're driving or you hate your car or something. Driving a standard is a blast. Sure, sometimes in stop and go traffic it sucks ass, but you live with it. I don't ever curse the fact I'm driving mtx because of traffic.

Your last sentence about driving mtx in Toronto ignores the fact that with a MTX you get unbeatable traction control in the winter. And I don't care about DSC or anything like that... You can feather the clutch if you get stuck or are on icy roads. Try doing that in an auto... Sure, you've got 2nd gear starts (Which if you're a good driver you should be taking advantage of! -- Closest way to mimic a MTX in these conditions), but I've *NEVER* gotten stuck in a MTX.

MTX isn't just for fun and games, it's also superior in the winter.
Did it in an auto in first. Just need to have a sensitive right foot + good ears, nothing fancy.

[cosic]

I'm not the 16 year old kid anymore where it was ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY to own a stick car, but cmon! Manual is so easy to learn, and unless you're in stop and go traffic for a living, it's a lot of fun.

Oh and dave the bmxer, your car is hotttt!

[blackspeed3]

No offense to all you 'stick' drivers out there but I want to be able to get a Mazdaspeed 3 too but I can't because I don't drive 'stick', only automatic. I wish they would make Mazdaspeed 3 for all the automatic fellows out there. I really am thinking about taking up on how to drive 'stick' just so I can drive the Mazdaspeed 3, you guys got any tips?

Yes, I think the whole sports cars nee to be driven in 'stick' is very sketchy. Of course, I think it's bullshit.

Because I am close to getting a new Maza car for myself and I'm still in the deciding phases of which car I want, and you know I don't want to regret my purchase.


be man and learn to drive a manual transmission.

[Dave_The_BMXER]

I'm not the 16 year old kid anymore where it was ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY to own a stick car, but cmon! Manual is so easy to learn, and unless you're in stop and go traffic for a living, it's a lot of fun.

Oh and dave the bmxer, your car is hotttt!

:blush