Learning Manual Car in 2018 - Is There a Point?

Chael Sonnen on 26/04/2018 - 18:46
Last edited 28/04/2018 - 23:02 by 1 other user

Hi All,

Recently my sturdy Camry got written off after being rear-ended hard so now I'm in hunt for a car.

I've been driving for about 7 years now and have never driven a manual car in my life. I'm on a full licence and I'm in Victoria, and I believe I'm no longer restricted to just auto vehicles by default.

I was thinking of taking the opportunity to learn manual and just buy a manual car as practice.

My question is if it is even worth learning how to drive a manual car in 2018? Cars are starting to veer towards automatic and technology has made some auto cars more fuel efficient than manual (which I thought was one of the major benefits).

Keen to hear OzBargain's thoughts on whether learning manual is a good time/money investment.

TL;DR - Is it worth learning how to drive a manual car in 2018?

Update: Thanks everyone for the responses so far - appreciate all the great insights given by all. I've decided to take a manual driving lesson and see if I enjoy it first, then make my decision on which route to go down. Thanks again!

Poll Options

  • 444
    Yes
  • 132
    No
Automotive

Comments

    • megabytez on 27/04/2018 - 10:40

      Came here to say that. My mum hired a manual in the UK. It was her first time driving a manual in 20 years and she had a blast! She thought driving a manual through places like Cornwall was quite fun :)

    • BobLim on 01/05/2018 - 23:10

      Last time I checked the cheapest hire car by far was a 2wd Hilux manual - cheaper than a tiny auto hatchback like an i20…

  • Toph Beifong on 26/04/2018 - 19:27

    Yes because you will learn to be more patient towards manual drivers!

  • kerfuffle on 26/04/2018 - 19:50
    +8

    I can only drive auto, but I'm in the learn to drive a manual car camp. Plus, if your car ever gets broken into or carjacked, good chance they can't drive manual ;) http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2017-06-20/would-be-carjacker-…

  • Nugs on 26/04/2018 - 19:57
    +16

    manual cars do better burnouts

  • smuggler on 26/04/2018 - 20:16
    +2

    Drive with tiptronic

    • phocus on 27/04/2018 - 10:07
      +14

      its really not the same

      • shadow7412 on 27/04/2018 - 10:15
        +6

        I'd argue it's not even similar.
        You have a small amount of influence (I say small because they'll usually change gears themselves if you push hard enough) and you have no control over the clutch.

        If you're driving with a triptronic, you are driving an auto.

        • phocus on 27/04/2018 - 10:17

          Correct. I think its actually worse than just plan auto. Cause i have no feel for selecting gears, so i may as well be in full auto

        • shadow7412 on 27/04/2018 - 10:19

          @phocus: Shouldn't be worse - as all the ones I've seen have a full-auto position anyway. Just use that if you're not comfortable with selecting gears.

        • smuggler on 27/04/2018 - 18:38
          -1

          Manual is dumb. How can I play on my phone while I am driving in a manual?

        • gguu on 27/04/2018 - 21:48

          @smuggler:
          It's a simple skill. I used to shave on my way to the office in manual car but it was about 25 years ago :)

    • r0nmac on 27/04/2018 - 11:05

      Might as well play a video game.

      • Scrooge McDuck on 27/04/2018 - 16:48

        Don't forget to slam it in 1st at full throttle to get around those sharp turns.

  • Euphemistic on 26/04/2018 - 20:54
    +7

    Do you have to? No.
    Is it worth learning? Yes. Because: why not?

    • idonotknowwhy on 27/04/2018 - 12:05

      why not?

      Invest the time and energy into learning something more useful / profitable?

      • Illian on 27/04/2018 - 14:54

        It's two hours, if you can tell me something which takes two hours to learn and can help you in any variety of situations (including emergency ones) then let me know.

  • mysterytal on 26/04/2018 - 21:02
    -1

    Try to learn to drive a manual unless you find it difficult. Some people just can't get the hang of a manual and find an automatic much easier to learn to drive in and would pass in an automatic when they probably would fail the test in a manual.

    Once you've got your full licence then borrow a manual from someone and learn to drive it before buying one.

    • Presence on 26/04/2018 - 22:02
      +8

      Did you read the post at all?

    • ronnknee on 27/04/2018 - 10:49
      -2

      Some people just can't read.

    • WhyAmICommenting on 27/04/2018 - 15:32

      The irony of the above post

      • Scrooge McDuck on 27/04/2018 - 17:05
        +1

        Confusedus say: Know before you try whether you will find learning difficult, and if so, don't.

  • dcep on 26/04/2018 - 21:55
    +1

    you can do skidzz

  • SydStrand on 26/04/2018 - 22:35
    +2

    It's a useful life skill. I took to a tractor very quickly because the levers were just in different spots. If you ever want to ride a motorcycle, same principles apply. Also helped when I drove the company van when I worked retail. IMO, it's also funner and more engaging, and manual tranny cars are cheaper (but complicates resale value and who you can lend your car to).

    But if you see yourself driving A to B, then probably no point. More automakers are leaning into auto, with manual often only available with the poverty pack. Even sports cars like the 2019 Supra will be auto-only. Plus, modern DCTs can match or even best the mileage of manual without the learning curve.

  • Strahany on 26/04/2018 - 22:37
    +2

    Manuals are slowly being phased out of vehicles, with some exceptions.
    Commercial vehicles such as vans (and bigger) will almost always have a manual option, if not 'manual only' (particularly as the vehicle gets larger).
    Then you have off-road vehicles which benefit from having the full control that a manual gearbox provides with respect to navigating uneven, hilly, muddy surfaces.
    The last type is sports vehicles due to the fact that manuals used to be quicker than automatics since automatic gearboxes suffer a loss of power, but having said that, DCT's (which claim to be manual at their heart but are really just automatics in practicality) can shift much, much faster manuals so there's no need for cars to be sold with a manual gearbox apart from 'purist' desires.

    So, why is all that important? Well, because the only real argument for needing to know manual is either because you want/need to drive those vehicles, or because you want the ability to drive any car that you come across. So if the former does not apply to you, then the latter certainly does, right? Well, yes and no; as manuals become less and less popular, the chances of you being in a situation where you will unwittingly have a manual thrusted upon you are growing slimmer with each passing year. They're not gone just yet, but certainly far from a 'necessary' skill. It can't hurt to learn, but I doubt it will hurt you if you don't.

    • Shwayne on 27/04/2018 - 14:07
      +2

      Just like unskilled work is being phased out in favour of machines. :)

  • bobbified on 26/04/2018 - 23:13
    +6

    Nothing wrong with acquiring a new skill.

    But try and do some manual driving first, especially in heavy traffic, to see if you like it or not before committing to buying a manual car.

    You also need to realistically consider other people who may need to drive your car too. Wife, GF? Do they know how to drive manual? (Before anyone says anything, it's useful for the wife or GF to be able to drive your car after you've had a few drinks!!)

    • Scrooge McDuck on 27/04/2018 - 17:18
      +1

      Before anyone says anything, it's useful for the wife or GF to be able to drive your car after you've had a few drinks!!

      Not if she's had a few more drinks.

  • Cheeper on 26/04/2018 - 23:21
    +1

    May be handy to know the basics in case you ever end up in a situation where you need the skill.
    It is true.. "some" auto transmissions these days are economical and far more durable and reliable than those of older days.
    Some people find driving a manual car more enjoyable especially in small cars. I do, but not in city traffic.

  • Quantumcat on 26/04/2018 - 23:59
    +17

    Of course it is worth while, imagine you're getting chased by a T-Rex and the only car available is manual

    • idonotknowwhy on 27/04/2018 - 15:33
      -1

      Yeah, I'd have uber, taxify and olacabs to choose from. I think I'll be fine :)

      • Quantumcat on 27/04/2018 - 16:29
        +3

        Do you think the T Rex will wait politely for the little car icon to arrive at your location on the map?

        • idonotknowwhy on 27/04/2018 - 16:57
          -2

          Nope, but with surge pricing and in a built-up area, there's always an uber ready to pick me up by the time I've walked to the road. And I don't have to fumble around with keys, trying to start the car in a panic, etc.

        • Scrooge McDuck on 27/04/2018 - 17:29
          +1

          Do you think the T Rex will wait politely for the little car icon to arrive at your location on the map?

          It will so long as you remain quiet and don't move.

    • Scrooge McDuck on 27/04/2018 - 17:32
      +1

      Of course it is worth while, imagine you're getting chased by a T-Rex and the only car available is manual

      /thread

    • WhyAmICommenting on 27/04/2018 - 22:08
      +2

      Imagine you are a T-Rex trying to out-drive a meteorite and you can't reach the gear stick even if you can drive a manual

      • Quantumcat on 27/04/2018 - 23:30
        +1

        I have a t-shirt with a t-rex on it that says "If you're happy and you know it, clap your…… Oh."
        So many joke possibilities with those short arms.

  • [Deactivated] on 27/04/2018 - 00:59
    -3

    I hope you want a high performance car or otherwise just get an auto.

  • Some Human on 27/04/2018 - 01:14
    +9

    You should learn manual so people know you're a real man.

    • rodinthink on 28/04/2018 - 10:42

      Real men drive Off-Road Tank-Wheel Truck with 10-gear shift in Jammed 45% incline road which ran on sweat, tear & blood as a fuel and will explode if it front-ended the car behind him as it only contain Highly-Sensitive Easily-Trigerred-PC fireworks which will be used for New Year's Eve

  • HardQuiz on 27/04/2018 - 04:51
    -6

    Driving manual maybe fun at first, but trust me gets boooooooooooring.

    Enjoy auto, I do, and will NEVER buy manual ever!

  • ShannonN on 27/04/2018 - 05:49
    +1

    try clutch starting an auto if the battery is flat LOL

    Everybody should know how to drive a manual as others have said, just because one day there could be an emergency and the only vehicle available is a manual

    • Euphemistic on 27/04/2018 - 06:00

      If that is the case, can anyone give us an example of where in an emergency they needed to drive a manual?

      • THICKnSLOW on 27/04/2018 - 14:08
        +4

        zombie apocalypse

        • idonotknowwhy on 27/04/2018 - 15:34

          Yeah right, I can outrun walking zombies. And if it's running zombies, well I'd be dead before I got to the car.

        • Scrooge McDuck on 27/04/2018 - 17:36
          +4

          @idonotknowwhy:

          I was thankful that I had learnt to drive a horse last time I encountered running zombies.

        • ozzpete on 27/04/2018 - 22:39

          Free rides from Uber-Eats during the period of zombie apocalypse. When I find out specific date, I will post as an upcoming 'deal' . Only one catch, you're the 'pick-up'

    • Yotta00 on 27/04/2018 - 10:54

      Got a portable jump starter in the back. What's next?

      • picklewizard on 27/04/2018 - 13:48
        +3

        A busted starter solenoid. Now what? :)

    • bobbified on 27/04/2018 - 17:38

      try clutch starting an auto if the battery is flat LOL

      Flat battery? Nothing a few Xiaomi powerbanks can't fix! :p

  • voiletmay on 27/04/2018 - 07:32

    Nah no actual need… I have a manual licence, haven't driven a manual since I got the licence. Really would have no idea how to drive one now.

    Maybe have a driving lesson in a manual car before you make a decision though.

    • Shwayne on 27/04/2018 - 14:06
      +1

      All licenses are manual licenses, the restriction for auto only exists on your P1 license if you do the driving test in an auto.

      • melay0326 on 29/04/2018 - 20:43

        Not when you live in WA!

        • Shwayne on 30/04/2018 - 11:23

          Oh boy, I'm so state-fully naive. :(

  • r2160 on 27/04/2018 - 07:55
    +3

    If you can drive a manual, you can drive anything

  • orbitalpaul on 27/04/2018 - 08:02
    +5

    In going to chirp in here and say that driving a manual makes you a better driver simply because you have to actually think about driving the car and not just point where you want to go. You learn about the real essence of driving. Having said that… I now drive an auto :)

  • TheOtherLeft on 27/04/2018 - 08:05
    +1

    I was on my MIL's farm recently, who has two manual utes. We had to do a run to the tip and also get firewood. SIL #1 can't drive manual so it was left up to me (SIL #2). Guess who looked the fool. He did come along for the ride though…

    • Scrooge McDuck on 27/04/2018 - 17:39
      +4

      And did you bang his wife afterwards?

      • Daabido on 27/04/2018 - 19:16

        I haven't laughed so hard in ages. OzBargain should allow a once a week or once a month maxi vote worth +5.

      • Donaldhump on 28/04/2018 - 07:39

        So while he chilled in the passenger seat ozbargainIng, you had to drive…. he isn’t the fool, he probrably has his manual license as well.

      • BartholemewH on 28/04/2018 - 10:17

        Manual man can drive any box.

  • Slippage on 27/04/2018 - 08:32
    +1

    I depends the type of person you are, I prefer manuals and could think of nothing worse than driving an auto at the track.

    This post reminded me of this:
    https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/jalopnik.com/car-thief-cant-…

  • Moeoz on 27/04/2018 - 08:53
    +1

    Yes, there’s a point! You can do mad skids in a manual car, vroom vroom!

  • [Deactivated] on 27/04/2018 - 08:53
    +3

    The point is when the apocalypse comes, and all the computers stop working, you're gonna need to know how to drive a manual car in if you want to outrun the hoards.

  • shadow7412 on 27/04/2018 - 09:04
    +2

    Even if you have no interest in actually driving a manual on the road - I would still highly recommend learning how.
    I think knowing the mechanics of how your transmission works can make you a better driver in general.

  • jonnochen on 27/04/2018 - 10:11
    +1

    Personal taste. I love being able to drive anything, it's more interesting than driving an auto, I'm less likely to fall asleep, definitely more economical (despite all the advertising) and currently still cheaper to repair than auto transmission (although this will likely change, as has been seen with new prices; manuals used to be cheaper by a couple of K but are trending the other way now, in many cases).

    If you have the time and will, learn a new life skill. Makes life worth living.

    Good luck whatever you decide.

    • macrocephalic on 27/04/2018 - 11:34
      +1

      That's one factor. I think manuals will always be cheaper to maintain and repair because of the simplicity of them compared to an auto. Autos are pretty reliable now, but if anything goes wrong then they're still thousands just to tear down and fix. Manuals OTOH, are pretty much bullet proof. You might wear out the clutch in the life of the car, but my cars have all done over 200k on their original clutches. I actually changed a clutch for the first time ever the other day - on a motorcycle that I bought with a burnt out clutch. Changing a car clutch is still easier than any repair on an auto transmission.

      • 01robbie on 29/04/2018 - 21:13

        The only mechanical problem I can think of with a manual is damaging the 5th gear from heavy towing in 5th.

  • 2023 on 27/04/2018 - 10:51
    -2

    Manuals are only better on fuel if you know how to drive to save fuel.
    Like you said, auto is more technologicaly advanced these days with cvts etc, so unless you drive and that perfect rpm range and not get lazy and leave it in 2nd/3rd around town everywhere, auto can be just as economical.

  • simmos on 27/04/2018 - 10:53

    In the future, manuals willl disappear particularly because of EVs being THE future for certain.

    In the meantime, one consideration is for instance if you go to Europe’s and rent a car, manuals dominate the fleets (in UK particularly). You could be stuck if all they have is a manual and you need to
    Get from A to B and no other choices. You won’t be able to rent unlesss you have been passed on a manual gearbox.

  • taylorhayis on 27/04/2018 - 11:01
    +2

    100% yes for learning manual. Choosing not to learn manual is intentionally limiting yourself, you might not drive it forever, but as someone who only drives manual vehicles - it’s no harder than auto, just different.
    Sure there is a learning curve, but even balls deep in Melbourne traffic I’ve never wished for an auto. Easier maintenance, less to go wrong as the vehicle ages, and opens up a whole new subset of vehicles that are available to you to own. Never ever had an issue with someone else not being able to drive manual (in my circles at least) when loaning it out.
    I sat down in a manual the first time alone with no instruction, stalled it a few times, and was on my way to the shops - no need for lessons or anything, just watch a YouTube video and get a mate to show you the basics, the rest you will pick up in the first 15 mins of driving. People really overthink manual vs auto.

    • macrocephalic on 27/04/2018 - 11:29

      Agreed that, if you already know how to drive a car, then learning to use a clutch and change gears should only take a few hours to learn. Borrow a manual beater, take it to somewhere with a million slow corners, speed bumps, etc and just drive around for ages.

  • ChaLuo on 27/04/2018 - 11:17

    Cars are starting to veer towards automatic and technology has made some auto cars more fuel efficient than manual (which I thought was one of the major benefits).

    Absolutely true. You get the idea.

    I went thru my driving test in manual car 19 years ago. My first car was a manual but id never ever go back to driving one.

    Benefits of a manual car today? Hmm.. Hard to name one.. for curiosity sake, perhaps get a used manual Civic. Honda manual gearbox is nicer to shift.

    • BobLim on 01/05/2018 - 23:23

      Benefits of a manual car today?

      Having driven a couple of 4-speed autos (even new ones), having an extra gear on the manual and being able to choose the gear helps get around the issue of the auto never wanting to hold 3rd, making for very poor performance. See: i20

  • LFO on 27/04/2018 - 11:20

    As above. Learn and master manual.
    Get in touch with the mechanics of your car.

    And manual (once you know how to use it) gives a lower fuel consumption.

    The future in cars is electric cars. Who knows, may be someone will offer a better electric car with a manual gearbox. Don't know. But some electric cars have an auto gear box so… why not manual?

    • macrocephalic on 27/04/2018 - 11:22

      I can't see anyone offering a mainstream electric manual car. I also think that we're probably only about a decade away from large scale introduction of self driving cars. That said, I would still suggest learning to drive a manual if the OP has any interest in learning what's going on with the car.

    • Shwayne on 27/04/2018 - 14:04
      +1

      In theory it gives better fuel economy, in practice we just have too much fun for that.

    • Scrooge McDuck on 27/04/2018 - 17:48
      +1

      But some electric cars have an auto gear box so… why not manual?

      Because electric motors don't have the narrow power bands of reciprocating engines which necessitated multi-speed transmissions in the first place.

  • macrocephalic on 27/04/2018 - 11:20

    Do you want to understand how the car works, or do you just want to do the bare minimum to make it move? If it's the later then you'll probably be fine only ever driving autos. You will sometimes be limited for choice, but less as time goes on.

    • LFO on 27/04/2018 - 11:23

      If the disconnection with the mechanics and inner workings is such (position that I don't share but respect) then use Über or taxis … or public transport.

    • ozzpete on 27/04/2018 - 22:27

      I think this is a great point. As others have suggested also, manual feels more like you are putting an effort into driving. Some just want to get from A to B, with the minimum of effort. Personally, I would rather just get from A to B with minimum of effort, most of the time . Occasionally it seems I am in the mood, and derive some pleasure from changing gears manually (I have an auto car, and manual campervan). I do feel like I'm maybe wrecking my van somehow though tbh when I start enjoying the manual, because I think I am kind of thrashing my 2litre 4 cylinder engine, of ford econovan, a bit more than its probably designed for (but is sure is fun, when Im in the mood) . Lol.

  • Pootie Tang on 27/04/2018 - 12:03
    +1

    Go find a Daytona machine or Sega Rally and it will be cheaper than lessons. How I learnt anyway.

    • ozzpete on 27/04/2018 - 22:21

      Do these have a clutch pedal ? Do they have that feel/feedback to the clutch where you can feel if its engaged or not ?
      I think I played sega rally, but chose auto in the options.

  • snajper on 27/04/2018 - 12:28
    +4

    Depends where you live mate… In Sydney and Melbourne commuting to work on daily basis will drive you crazy.. I bought a brand new manual car and decided to sell it 18 months later as it was driving me insane… $13K lesson and even then it was hard to sell… never again… If I worked close by or lived in rural place then maybe….

    • ChaLuo on 27/04/2018 - 14:00
      +1

      on the bright side; your left leg and arm muscles might have toned up nicely

      • Donaldhump on 28/04/2018 - 07:42
        +1

        Just gotta even it out with a right arm workout at night …

        Sucks for me I’m a lefty, I do everything with it

    • Windows7forever on 28/04/2018 - 06:16

      You lost 13k?

      • snajper on 28/04/2018 - 10:17

        Yep… and it was Honda Accord Euro that usually retains value quite well….

        • [Deactivated] on 28/04/2018 - 11:59

          Sidenote, what kind of fuel economy did you use to get on the Accord Euro?
          Thinking of getting a CU2 Manual

        • snajper on 28/04/2018 - 19:33

          @shadank:

          Manual did 9L auto apparently does 13L in heavy traffic.. open road 6.5L

        • [Deactivated] on 01/05/2018 - 11:29

          @snajper: Any other thoughts on the car?

        • snajper on 03/05/2018 - 20:12

          @shadank:

          Bulletproof but now outdated

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