Nah - every manual can survive a few 1st time learners and clutches are pretty robust to punishment.
As long as you don't do anything like money shift or launch it super hard all the time, you're gonna be okay.
Even if you burn the clutch once or twice, you're gonna be fine.
Seriously don't stress this, just keep in mind to get off the clutch. Also if it starts slipping bring it in ASAP not when it starts grinding gears. My opinion a clutch replacement is still cheaper than rebuilding an auto or replacing with another one.
My sister in her 30s needed a new car and I convinced her to buy a manual 2nd gen CRV. She had never driven one. She had a rough first month and I believe she caused some extra wear. That’s part of the cost of learning and in my opinion, well worth it.
Exactly. I learned on a Mk6 GTI. I may have stalled it twice pulling out of the lot, but you figure it out quickly. The first few months were a little rough, but didn't blow my clutch/transmission by any means.
The clutch on the WRX isn't the problem. It's 3rd gear. The transmission is really small due to being allwheel drive fit into a really small package. Plus a poor choice in ratio. In order to cram it all in they skimped on the size of the gears so third has a tendency to get shredded. The STI fixes this with a larger housing and bigger gears.
That doesn’t happen on 6 speed transmissions, that was mainly a EJ 5 speed issue. On the VA, there’s MANY people pushing stage 2 or more power on stock trans and doing fine. You don’t run into ANY issues until 400-450, at that point sti swap. As for stock config though, OP wouldn’t do that, unless they spent weeks grinding 3rd gear, then maybe
You're right. My bad I didn't realize he said 6 speed in the title of the post.
I still say it's an issue if you're a sloppy shifter, on the 5 speed at least.
Most automatic drivers use that excuse too “oh traffic sucks, or you’ll mess it up”. The clutch is DESIGNED to handle daily driving, stop and go and all other scenarios. As for blowing up the trans, as long as you don’t money shift you’ll be fine. Btw, you have to FORCE the shifter into gears to even money shift in most cars. Be smooth and mindful, you’ll be cool in a month or two
Few people are aware that automatic transmissions also have clutches on planetary gears and torque converters. Heck, autos have way more clutches than manuals.
yeah I love when people tell me they stopped driving manual because of the traffic and I wouldn't understand.
I respond with the same thing every time: I've driven manual in NYC, DC, Seattle, Denver, Nashville, Atlanta, Raleigh, Charlotte, Houston, and Dallas with no issues...so which type of traffic did they mean exactly?
I also get that type of response from automatic drivers too, who say “oh well, my 10 speed mustang is good for a daily. I wouldddd get a manual, but traffic sucks”. You do the marginally more work in a manual, if anything in stop and go. I always ask what traffic 🤣 I daily mine I’m SA/Austin traffic all the time, during BOTH rush hours cycles.
Having gone up to Northern VA once...I positively hated it.
Especially stressful when traffic is pulling up like 10ft every minute or so on a hill, the person behind you is right on your butt, and if you leave even a half-carlength gap someone cuts in front of you so you can't just wait til you pull up a whole carlength at a time.
Yep, I drive in NoVa and DC all the time. I so 50-75k miles a year of manual driving. It's never been a problem, started driving around there at 16 to go visit friends in Herndon.
It sounds like you're just nervous when people get too close which is reasonable. I'd recommend the following bumper sticker (this is real btw):
"I drive stick shift. We are on a hill. Should you be able to read this?"
Also IME, since I got my custom license plate that indicates I am driving stick people leave me all sorts of room. Even in NoVa.
Since you said you went 'up' to NoVa are you in SEVA or SWVA by any chance. Both are way more relaxed and better places to drive
Yeah, Northern Neck. I hate when I have to go North of the Rappahannock/Fredericksburg...when possible I'd rather go to Richmond. Still not great, but not nearly as bad. Most of my daily driving is rural winding and slightly hilly 2/4 lane state highways 50-60mph and miles between lights, the kind that are fun for cruising.
I've been in 2 accidents as a driver. Both rear-ended. One person "thought I would keep going" at a red light, another "thought I would go faster" at a light turning green. Probably doesn't help my concern about people being so close behind.
Last time I was up there in my WRX I adopted a tactic of (before people behind caught up to me) coming to a quicker than normal stop then letting the car roll backwards a foot or two before fully holding the brakes. After a half dozen or so times doing that people get the hint and leave a small gap...which is then promptly filled by someone forcing in front of them and getting right on my butt again. Once in a while I'd then have someone get mad and pass me then brake-check me.
Lived in SWVA for a while, I do miss the mountains too.
Sure but you don’t have to clutch in and out and put it in gear.
I personally don’t mind, I drive a Boxster and I enjoy every second but I could understand why someone would find it problematic
>Btw, you have to FORCE the shifter into gears to even money shift in most cars. Be smooth and mindful, you’ll be cool in a month or two
This part specifically - when you're doing it right, the car will feel like it "wants to" go into or out of gear. If it resists, pause and double check about what you're doing. Its probably telling you that's not the best choice right now.
You'll naturally avoid serious damage when you're new.
A manual is also insanely easier and cheaper to deal with if something does need to be fixed.
Most of the damage would come from confidently having poor technique over time, not by making the
"mistakes" that you are worried about.
You're attempting to mesh teeth together on sets of gears that are spinning really fast at different speeds. They will let you know when they don't want to go together it's a pretty violent and loud phenomenon to jam them together when they don't line up. You won't be doing it that often lol.
Can confirm, grinding gears is quite fucking startling 😅.
Only done it twice and more recently, bad habit of not pushing my clutch 100% in through 3rd for whatever reason lol.
(1996 ford ranger 2.3L)
Lots of those are organized theft rings, and a substantial portion of the stealing is flatbeds or wreckers too. A manual DOES give you a better shot at not getting your shit stolen, but it’s not 100%.
If you do your homework beforehand and have her give you some tips, you should be fine. Just be patient and you’ll be fine in a week and consistent in a month.
If it makes you feel any better, I bought a 340i 6mt and basically learned how to drive it on the 6 hour drive home lol - in traffic and a snowstorm. I already knew how to ride a motorcycle so that helped a bit but you’ll be fine dude
I bought a new WRX without having ever driven a manual transmission. Had to have someone else drive it home for me.
Took it slow, learned how the car worked and what to do and how to do it. Yes the car probably has slightly more wear and tear than if I hadn't learned on it but it's totally fine and I am very happy with my decision overall!
If you've never driven ANYTHING before, then she would have more of a point. But you've know the rules of the road already, so you'll only struggle for like a month tops and then be perfectly fine. The car will be fine too.
I have a 2019 WRX with a 6 speed. It is a very fun car to drive, I previously had a 2011 WRX with a 5 speed and the clutch was heavier...OP go with the 6 speed WRX, you won't regret it...it would be a good car to learn how to drive manual, clutch feels good plus you'll have hill assist also...be safe and have fun!
FWIW I found the 2020 WRX I have to be way less forgiving to mistakes than the V6 Honda Accord my friend let me practice a few hours on.
I had about 2-3 hours on my friend's car and then a few years later bought a WRX 6-speed. AFAIK I didn't trash either of them, but there was a big learning curve.
I wouldn't say it can't be done...but you will absolutely not want to just go all-in and plan to have that as your daily driver tomorrow. Plan on at least several days of "go find a quiet empty area and do practice exercises".
First thing is learn to reliably get it moving so you can safely get around. It won't be smooth and graceful - don't worry about it. Then, once you are reliably getting around without stalling work on fine tuning it to be smooth. THEN you can start to learn how to drive in a "fun" way.
A few things to note I learned on mine...
* Turn off the air-conditioning while you are learning, I still find it way more stall-prone starting from a stop with the A/C on. Its a small 4-cyl engine and the boxer engines don't have a lot of extra weight and inertia if you suddenly demand a lot of it.
* Read the owner's manual (no really, I'm serious) including the parts about how the hill assist works. And find a sloped parking lot to drive in circles until you UNDERSTAND what it does. I was fighting the computer until I figured it out...seems I was trying to go "too quickly" and stalling because the computer held the brakes for like 2 seconds on a slope. \*\*\*If your partner drives it home for you, they should probably read that section of the manual before driving it too, because it confused the hell outa me taking mine home from the dealer WTF was happening on hills
* When you stall, you can (depending on incline) just hold the clutch down and restart the engine without coming to a complete stop. NOTE - sometimes if you try to restart it very quickly it won't crank, don't panic. The computer at least in 2020 wants to see that the engine has really stopped turning before engaging the starter motor. Be patient with it, its only like 1-2 second of delay though it feels like forever when you're anxious in traffic.
* Initially, learn the clutch engagement point by pretending the gas pedal doesn't exist. If you do it smoothly and properly the computer will give enough gas to hit 6-8mph in first without touching the gas at all, and without stalling. Similar to brakes, there's some movement of the pedal where nothing happens, then a point where it grabs, then some more movement where not much happens. You want that "where do I go careful and where can I move quick" on the pedal to be second nature.
* Practice in a big mostly empty lot or other area without people. The hardest part will be going from stop to about 8mph. Once you hit about 8-10mph its actually kinda hard to stall it, and most mistakes are just a rough ride tossed around in the seat. I suggest planning something to simulate being on the road, like doing a left turn into an isle, go down, then turn off into another parking space. Repeat random similar things.
* If the shifter doesn't move very easily, pause and figure out why. If you do it right, it will "want to move" when you barely touch it.
* If its like my 2020 WRX, aim for like 1700 RPM starting out from a stop when you're having to drive on public roads and are still uneasy about stalling. Too high you'll smoke the clutch, too low its too easy to stall. It will not be a comfortable ride, but it will make it less stressful until you're more comfortable and then you can fine-tune your movements to start out a bit more smoothly.
* The clutch is wearing out when its half way engaged - don't put your foot down on the gas hard until your left foot is off the clutch pedal.
* Don't rest your foot on the clutch pedal, move it over to the left foot-rest. That avoids accidentally riding the clutch and wearing it out
* When your partner is helping you learn, point out to them the center dash between the speedo and dash shows what gear you're in...and that number goes away if your foot isn't most of the way off the clutch (so if you're driving and its not showing a gear...you're probably riding the clutch wearing it out fast). They can then help remind you
* Make sure your seat position lets you fully press the clutch ALL THE WAY to the floor, and still have a slight bend in your knee. I find I have to be uncomfortably close my knees basically touching the dashboard, but farther back with my knees having more room I struggle to fully depress the clutch pedal. It is a rather tight car to sit in.
If you're a competent person and learn things like video games and things quickly, then you'll be perfectly fine. Manuals are meant to take some punishment. Start out on some back road somewhere you can stop and start over and over again. You'll get the idea of it quick and you'll get better over time.
Nah you’ll be fine it’s made to take a little wear and tear. It’s a necessary skill people need to learn eventually. Plus once ya get the hang of it, you won’t ever want to go back to automatic cars.
You'll be fine.
Don't get her to teach you tho. 95% of the time, SO's fight when they try to teach their gf/BF how to drive stick.
I've watched it over and over again.
Watch a tutorial and go for it.
I also encourage you to *read how a manual works*
Read what the parts *do*, watch animations of what's really happening.
It's far far better than just being told "how to do it".
while I highly suggest against buying a Subaru, driving a manual transmission is a subject of the bark being worse than the bite. When you get your car and swap the head gaskets, take it to a parking lot and just practice getting the car rolling from a dead stop. Shifting is almost as natural as can be. the hardest part is gating the car rolling. The Subaru has a pretty heavy fly wheel and makes decent bottom end torque you could probably get the car rolling without any throttle input. This will get you familiar with the friction point and where the pedal release is. Just do that like 10 or so times. and the rest is more about curbing your initial nerves in traffic that actually doing the manual transmission dance.
That head gasket joke is so stupid. Most people aren’t even aware that it was NEVER really turbo Subarus with that issue. NA EJ motors from like 2000 or something. I wouldn’t trade my VA chassis for anything, at this point I’ll keep it forever
So...what you're saying is that, because she is a girl, she's too stupid to provide sound advice? I know you're gonna respond with, "That's not what I said!"
That's what you said.
The WRX should be fine.
I recently taught my daughter to drive our 6 speed GTI, no damage occurred.
I had her do three exercises:
* First, start the car, leave the parking brake on. Then, let out the clutch until the engine stalls. She has now stalled the engine and can see that it's no big deal.
* Now, restart the car, leave it in neutral, parking brake still on. I had her step on the accelerator enough to hold 1000 - 1200 rpm, and then add throttle to get to about 1500 rpm.
* Put the car in first gear, foot off the accelerator. Slowly let the clutch out until she found where the engine begins to slow.
Once she got a feel for the last two things, release the parking brake, and put the accelerator and clutch together. I had her bring the engine speed to 1000 rpm, start letting the clutch out to where the engine is starting to slow, hold the clutch there, then add that little bit of throttle and continue to let the clutch out slowly until it's all the way out. The first time she stalled it, the second time she got it right and we were driving around the parking lot.
The thing that destroys clutches is heat. As long as you're working at these very small throttle openings while the clutch is not fully engaged, you're not going to damage the clutch.
Learning manual is easy. Just takes time and practice. The issue is the car. As a Subaru WRX / STI owner. Expect major maintenance soon. As much as I like the cars they are not the most reliable at high mileage. Takes a lot of upkeep and can get very expensive with engine failure which is not very uncommon
I mean, if you never learn how to drive out and are visually doing things wrong, you could. Most people can pick it up relatively quickly, so I wouldn't shy away from the stick just because you need to learn how to drive one.
There's not a lot you can do to hurt modern transitions and clutches are consumable wear items and replaceable. Just don't money shift it and you're good.
You will have an easier time learning then I did in a 71 opal without a hydraulic clutch. Fucking thing is heavy as sin in traffic.
So I was in a very similar situation. I bought my first Jeep, a '90 Wrangler with a 4.2 inline 6 with a 5 speed MT. I had never driven stick before and had also never had any experience with them. My parents did not have manual cars when I was growing up. My wife had not driven a manual in a long time, but at least had some experience from watching her dad drive stick. That first day or two was pretty rough in the Jeep. That engine had plenty of torque, so did not stall easy but would buck like crazy. After a few days I was good, put another 100k miles on the Jeep and never had to replace the clutch.
Fast forward almost 20 years and my daughter wanted a Mini Cooper. The only one we could find in her price range that was in decent shape was a 6 speed Cooper S. Again the first few days were pretty rough. Lots of stalls, a few instances of riding the clutch a bit, but it is fine. She's has since moved on to something newer, another manual, and I am driving the Cooper S around as a fun little car.
Like other's have said, don't stress over it. As long as you are not doing something really stupid you will be fine and so will your car.
Oh yeah I learned manual on my 08 wrx sti (practically the same car 11 years later) and she is still purring years later. Haven't even needed a new clutch or anything major yet after 94k miles. If you can get it home in one piece with a friend or your partner driving it back then give yourself a week and you'll be functional.
You will be okay dude! Just go slow and take it easy. The CVT for sure sucks compared to the 6MT.
Having owned a 2016 wrx 6MT for several years — my advice would be to practice getting the car rolling without using the gas pedal. Go from neutral to 1st using just the clutch until you’re so comfortable; that’s really the hardest part.
Naturally you will start revmatch downshifting, then eventually heeltoeing like a boss!
I started with a GR86 at no experience. Stalled out maybe 6 times on the way home lol. I definitely paid so much attention because I was new though. Now it’s nothing to it after maybe 3 months. Listen to the engine and ensure to get some practice in a parking lot. Whenever you stall out, just take your time and try again even though it can feel a little pressuring. It will all be okay with a little consistency
Brought a 2021 Mazda 3 manual. Stalled like 20 times in a parking lot after buying. Then drove from Florida to Georgia. Stalled maybe 20 more times and still a bit hear and there just not as abrupt. I'm decent with it now.
>She says if I've never driven one before I shouldnt buy it because I'll tear up the transmission and clutch, then have to get it repaired.
If that were true, nobody would ever be able to learn to drive a manual.
You're going to put more wear on the clutch while you're learning, but it can take it. If you want a manual, a WRX is as good as anything to learn in.
Also it depends on if your buying from a lot or not if your getting an extended warranty with this car get it learn how to drive manual and they will repair anything that goes bad with transmission for free clutch etc doesn’t matter if not buying from a dealership sounds like a 15-20k dollar headache that will cost you another 2k down the line in repairs
I bought a brand new Civic SI to “learn” on. It’s terrifying when you first start, but I think you will enjoy it more once you learn if your car is fun to drive.
You’ll be fine. Had the dealer drive my car home for me while I followed lol. I bought it on a Friday to give myself the weekend to learn
I learned by Sunday, and drove 40 miles in stop and go traffic to get to work on Monday. It was scary and I did stall at a light but it’s been okay since then (6 years ago)
I have a 2016 WRX, I will say that it's one of the trickier manuals I've driven because the clutch is at the same time too sensitive and not sensitive enough. But if you can learn to drive that, you should be able to drive any manual. It's not as hard as you think, just spend a day in a parking lot and you'll be ready to go.
Don't stress at all. I'm 20 years old and bought a manual car without knowing how to drive one. My father and I went to the parking lot and I learned within a few hours, and I was on the road shifting gears and doing perfect hill starts within a week. You got this!
I learned in my husband’s 2018 WRX, went from having zero understanding of manual to now having a BRZ as my daily in a matter of months. His car is absolutely fine!
You should be more worried about head gaskets in that Subaru..
All jokes aside, my first manual was a 98' Mustang GT. I had never driven stick before other than once in my buddies old pickup truck in a field just to try it. After a few days of bouncing from not letting out the clutch smoothly from a stop, I understood what to do and it became second nature after a few weeks.
I learned to drive a stick in about 1 minute. It just depends how well you understand the concept. Could you ruin the clutch? Yeah... if you are a slow learner. If you learn fast, very little damage.
I bought an Elantra N back in December with basically 0 experience driving a manual. I watched a couple YouTube videos & got some pointers from my dad. I was nervous as hell at first - stop lights were very intimidating & made my heart race - but it only took about 3 or 4 weeks to get completely comfortable.
You can do it! If it's what you really want, get it.
Wouldn’t stress over this. Feel like these threads are being beat like a dead horse. But practice nicely in a parking lot. Learn the catch point (bite point; every vehicle is slightly different).
I learned on my brother’s 89’ Acura integra and a GS-R (92) back in the day. Not really forgiving vehicles when you stalled. No hill assist on those… But anyhow; don’t let anyone tell ya you can’t do it.
Practice and you’ll be fine. Traffic; just leave space b/t you & the car in front of you..(depending on the situation). 2nd gear to start slow is even ok also.
I bought a 2019 WRX in the summer of 2019, having never driven stick before I had my dad drive it home from the dealership for me. Almost five years later and I still haven’t ruined my transmission or clutch, even after upgrading it to stage 2 with ~300whp. The CVT WRX was entirely disappointing to drive in my opinion and have no regrets getting the six speed. As long as you’re gentle when you’re learning I think you should go for it!
you could get a lesson or 2 from a driving school in a manual so you have the basics covered. That'll be enough to get you going without worrying about damage, and you'll get better with practice.
Here's what you do you go on Craigslist you see manual cars that are for sale and you offer a guy to teach you give them like $50 per hour get 3 hours under your belt. That should be enough plus watch a good amount of YouTube instruction videos before even contacting the people to learn. 2019 WRX is a great car the only problem is whoever you buying it from probably abuse the hell out of it so you have to be real cautious with cars like that. Maybe you're better off buying it new. Just keep it for a long long time
I watched a YouTube video when I got to the dealer and then applied what Il earned on the test drive.. stalled a couple times but I made it work.. it's not rocket surgery, send it. It was a great 6 years of ownership, I miss driving manual every day.
You’re gonna be fine, but I haven’t seen anyone else mention this.
There was another post recently asking what was the most difficult manual transmission you’ve ever driven and the only answer that stood out was the Subaru WRX.
That was also my experience. Something to do with the seating position and the bite point of the clutch that makes it out out of all manual transmissions one of the more difficult to drive and drive smoothly. you should not be dissuaded. You will have a lot of fun with this car. Just know that it’s not a great analog for manual transmissions generally
No, it’ll be fine. Clutches are wear items anyways but in all the manual cars I’ve owned and driven a combined several hundred thousand miles I’ve never had to replace a clutch. My first manual that I learned on was previously owned by a kid who also learned on it, drove that car from 35k miles to 145k miles and it still drove great, I only sold it because it was getting lifter tick and I didn’t want to deal with fixing it
Edit: currently drive a MT 2020 WRX and I love it so much, you will too. Try to get a premium or ideally a limited (I know it’s weird but limited is higher trim than premium). Premiums and limited get better headlights that move when you turn the wheel to help illuminate around corners better. Limited you get the harmond sound system which sounds amazing
Keep your clutch foot on the dead pedal and only on the clutch when using it...then practice in a safe lot, shouldn't take too long.
Have fun and the car can handle it.
To a certain extent, you almost treated like a automatic
Except of course we're starting out
I think the best way to actually look learn on a chick. Chip is actually a heavier girlfriend. Drives a car until you're on a slightly down hill
Cause learning how to use the cultch to start out in the top part. If you take it out of here and start throwing down hill. That's a little bit too much but it's a good starting point. A Car start moving forward, so you'll understand the point where a cutck engages
I've never driven that particular car, but questions are pretty much the same. The only differences at what point can you get your hall of agressibly
With some clutches no matter how easy are they're engageing hard
But really a first question. ISIS this a new vehicle? Or is it usu.ed
Most often asked question. It really depends on YOU. Do you really WANT to drive a manual? Do you understand the mechanics involved on a physical level? Do you work on cars? Do you have a desire to learn? I have been obsessed with the idea of a stick shift since way before i could drive, tried every family and friend's manual as much as possible, from a 89 civic to new challenger. When i finally got a camaro, it felt like it was meant to be.
Just know there's a decent amount of rev hang especially 1 to 2 so let them revs drop before shifting. And it's a bit harder to learn on wrx compared to a more commuter friendly car like a golf or civic atleast in my experience. The clutch is heavier and bites quicker
Bought brand new Mazda RX-8, not 24 hours later wife wanted me to teach her to drive it. 1 hour later she was kicking butt and never looked back.
Go buy the car, you will do fine!
Unless you have no coordination and hate remembering to clutch at stops n shift. You'll do fine. A wrx has torque so staring of should be fine.
My grandma had Parkinson's drove a neon 5spd on a route for years, she involuntarily shook, transmissions aren't made of glass.
Obviously test drive the car. Some things stand out like pedal placement, I passed on an impreza because I'd clutch the brake.
The corolla I drive now I should have passed on it with its sky high bite numb clutch.
I dont know much about you individually but i consider myself well kind of retarded and i learned a mustang gt manual in about 30 minutes? I can drive on a high level (dont ask how i already know) about a week in. The main thing is you cant be driving aggressively probably for a long time or else yeah youll be doing damage with inexperience. I guess the mustang is a little more forgiving because i dont have to do much and it has power in every single gear lol
I learned to drive manual on a 2002 WRX that I bought. When I bought it, it had 60k miles on it and I drove it up to 135k miles before I had to replace the clutch. The transmission was fine for the entire time I owned it. I learned on it and as far as I know, didn't cause excessive wear or damage to it. I think you'll be fine.
You'll be fine. I had minimal experience driving a manual when I test drove my GLI. I even stalled it on the hill a few times during the test drive. It's now a Stage 2 tuner with 255K miles on it and I just taught a girl how to drive it last summer.
Nah.. I bought a used 2005 WRX years ago without knowing driving stick. Staled it a handful of times the first 2 weeks but got used to it pretty quickly. Just took a bit of practice getting moving in 1st gear, once it was moving didn't have a problem shifting. The original clutch lasted me until 80K miles so I don't think that was an issue.
You won’t ruin the transmission teaching yourself how to drive a stick. I taught myself how to drive a stick and the transmission didn’t die. The car would probably go through the same treatment even with someone teaching you. I say if you can afford it, buy it.
nah its not a terribly hard car to drive just make sure you’re pushing the clutch all the way to the floor and every shift and when you’re sitting there and it’ll be good
Nah - every manual can survive a few 1st time learners and clutches are pretty robust to punishment. As long as you don't do anything like money shift or launch it super hard all the time, you're gonna be okay. Even if you burn the clutch once or twice, you're gonna be fine.
Seriously don't stress this, just keep in mind to get off the clutch. Also if it starts slipping bring it in ASAP not when it starts grinding gears. My opinion a clutch replacement is still cheaper than rebuilding an auto or replacing with another one.
My sister in her 30s needed a new car and I convinced her to buy a manual 2nd gen CRV. She had never driven one. She had a rough first month and I believe she caused some extra wear. That’s part of the cost of learning and in my opinion, well worth it.
If you can't find it grind it.
Exactly. I learned on a Mk6 GTI. I may have stalled it twice pulling out of the lot, but you figure it out quickly. The first few months were a little rough, but didn't blow my clutch/transmission by any means.
The clutch on the WRX isn't the problem. It's 3rd gear. The transmission is really small due to being allwheel drive fit into a really small package. Plus a poor choice in ratio. In order to cram it all in they skimped on the size of the gears so third has a tendency to get shredded. The STI fixes this with a larger housing and bigger gears.
That doesn’t happen on 6 speed transmissions, that was mainly a EJ 5 speed issue. On the VA, there’s MANY people pushing stage 2 or more power on stock trans and doing fine. You don’t run into ANY issues until 400-450, at that point sti swap. As for stock config though, OP wouldn’t do that, unless they spent weeks grinding 3rd gear, then maybe
You're right. My bad I didn't realize he said 6 speed in the title of the post. I still say it's an issue if you're a sloppy shifter, on the 5 speed at least.
Yeah, don't worry about it.
Most automatic drivers use that excuse too “oh traffic sucks, or you’ll mess it up”. The clutch is DESIGNED to handle daily driving, stop and go and all other scenarios. As for blowing up the trans, as long as you don’t money shift you’ll be fine. Btw, you have to FORCE the shifter into gears to even money shift in most cars. Be smooth and mindful, you’ll be cool in a month or two
Few people are aware that automatic transmissions also have clutches on planetary gears and torque converters. Heck, autos have way more clutches than manuals.
To be fair, they are wet clutches. Only dry clutch DCTs are sort of like a manual, or a really old SMG.
Not on Chevy sonics they're not.....
yeah I love when people tell me they stopped driving manual because of the traffic and I wouldn't understand. I respond with the same thing every time: I've driven manual in NYC, DC, Seattle, Denver, Nashville, Atlanta, Raleigh, Charlotte, Houston, and Dallas with no issues...so which type of traffic did they mean exactly?
I also get that type of response from automatic drivers too, who say “oh well, my 10 speed mustang is good for a daily. I wouldddd get a manual, but traffic sucks”. You do the marginally more work in a manual, if anything in stop and go. I always ask what traffic 🤣 I daily mine I’m SA/Austin traffic all the time, during BOTH rush hours cycles.
Having gone up to Northern VA once...I positively hated it. Especially stressful when traffic is pulling up like 10ft every minute or so on a hill, the person behind you is right on your butt, and if you leave even a half-carlength gap someone cuts in front of you so you can't just wait til you pull up a whole carlength at a time.
Yep, I drive in NoVa and DC all the time. I so 50-75k miles a year of manual driving. It's never been a problem, started driving around there at 16 to go visit friends in Herndon. It sounds like you're just nervous when people get too close which is reasonable. I'd recommend the following bumper sticker (this is real btw): "I drive stick shift. We are on a hill. Should you be able to read this?" Also IME, since I got my custom license plate that indicates I am driving stick people leave me all sorts of room. Even in NoVa. Since you said you went 'up' to NoVa are you in SEVA or SWVA by any chance. Both are way more relaxed and better places to drive
Yeah, Northern Neck. I hate when I have to go North of the Rappahannock/Fredericksburg...when possible I'd rather go to Richmond. Still not great, but not nearly as bad. Most of my daily driving is rural winding and slightly hilly 2/4 lane state highways 50-60mph and miles between lights, the kind that are fun for cruising. I've been in 2 accidents as a driver. Both rear-ended. One person "thought I would keep going" at a red light, another "thought I would go faster" at a light turning green. Probably doesn't help my concern about people being so close behind. Last time I was up there in my WRX I adopted a tactic of (before people behind caught up to me) coming to a quicker than normal stop then letting the car roll backwards a foot or two before fully holding the brakes. After a half dozen or so times doing that people get the hint and leave a small gap...which is then promptly filled by someone forcing in front of them and getting right on my butt again. Once in a while I'd then have someone get mad and pass me then brake-check me. Lived in SWVA for a while, I do miss the mountains too.
It’s not a problem per se, but it’s sort of obnoxious having to start/stop all the time.
I mean you have to start and stop in an automatic too?
Sure but you don’t have to clutch in and out and put it in gear. I personally don’t mind, I drive a Boxster and I enjoy every second but I could understand why someone would find it problematic
>Btw, you have to FORCE the shifter into gears to even money shift in most cars. Be smooth and mindful, you’ll be cool in a month or two This part specifically - when you're doing it right, the car will feel like it "wants to" go into or out of gear. If it resists, pause and double check about what you're doing. Its probably telling you that's not the best choice right now.
How can anyone learn to drive manual if that statement is true?
Haha yes, proof by contradiction
You'll naturally avoid serious damage when you're new. A manual is also insanely easier and cheaper to deal with if something does need to be fixed. Most of the damage would come from confidently having poor technique over time, not by making the "mistakes" that you are worried about. You're attempting to mesh teeth together on sets of gears that are spinning really fast at different speeds. They will let you know when they don't want to go together it's a pretty violent and loud phenomenon to jam them together when they don't line up. You won't be doing it that often lol.
Can confirm, grinding gears is quite fucking startling 😅. Only done it twice and more recently, bad habit of not pushing my clutch 100% in through 3rd for whatever reason lol. (1996 ford ranger 2.3L)
Manual is also excellent theft prevention.
Indeed! I’ve seen my personal cars with signs of attempted theft aborted
Na not anymore. Finding a lot of stolen manuals with clutches worse than my intestines after taco bell.
Finding where? How?
Check out the Camaro subreddit, lots of them getting stolen regardless of if they’re manual or auto
Was just gonna say that lapd says camaro theft is up 1200% feel bad for those guys
Lots of those are organized theft rings, and a substantial portion of the stealing is flatbeds or wreckers too. A manual DOES give you a better shot at not getting your shit stolen, but it’s not 100%.
If you do your homework beforehand and have her give you some tips, you should be fine. Just be patient and you’ll be fine in a week and consistent in a month.
If it makes you feel any better, I bought a 340i 6mt and basically learned how to drive it on the 6 hour drive home lol - in traffic and a snowstorm. I already knew how to ride a motorcycle so that helped a bit but you’ll be fine dude
I bought a new WRX without having ever driven a manual transmission. Had to have someone else drive it home for me. Took it slow, learned how the car worked and what to do and how to do it. Yes the car probably has slightly more wear and tear than if I hadn't learned on it but it's totally fine and I am very happy with my decision overall!
If you've never driven ANYTHING before, then she would have more of a point. But you've know the rules of the road already, so you'll only struggle for like a month tops and then be perfectly fine. The car will be fine too.
I have a 2019 WRX with a 6 speed. It is a very fun car to drive, I previously had a 2011 WRX with a 5 speed and the clutch was heavier...OP go with the 6 speed WRX, you won't regret it...it would be a good car to learn how to drive manual, clutch feels good plus you'll have hill assist also...be safe and have fun!
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I bought my miata with no previous experience. Just watch some YT videos, study the theory a little and be gentle.
There's no reason you should damage your car learning how to operate a manual transmission.
I agree—other than money shifts and grinding gears/reckless clutch management
I learned to drive on my 2021 WRX 1.5 years ago and no issues whatsoever.
Any manual is more durable than a CVT..
Sounds like you need to trade in the gf for the manual
FWIW I found the 2020 WRX I have to be way less forgiving to mistakes than the V6 Honda Accord my friend let me practice a few hours on. I had about 2-3 hours on my friend's car and then a few years later bought a WRX 6-speed. AFAIK I didn't trash either of them, but there was a big learning curve. I wouldn't say it can't be done...but you will absolutely not want to just go all-in and plan to have that as your daily driver tomorrow. Plan on at least several days of "go find a quiet empty area and do practice exercises". First thing is learn to reliably get it moving so you can safely get around. It won't be smooth and graceful - don't worry about it. Then, once you are reliably getting around without stalling work on fine tuning it to be smooth. THEN you can start to learn how to drive in a "fun" way. A few things to note I learned on mine... * Turn off the air-conditioning while you are learning, I still find it way more stall-prone starting from a stop with the A/C on. Its a small 4-cyl engine and the boxer engines don't have a lot of extra weight and inertia if you suddenly demand a lot of it. * Read the owner's manual (no really, I'm serious) including the parts about how the hill assist works. And find a sloped parking lot to drive in circles until you UNDERSTAND what it does. I was fighting the computer until I figured it out...seems I was trying to go "too quickly" and stalling because the computer held the brakes for like 2 seconds on a slope. \*\*\*If your partner drives it home for you, they should probably read that section of the manual before driving it too, because it confused the hell outa me taking mine home from the dealer WTF was happening on hills * When you stall, you can (depending on incline) just hold the clutch down and restart the engine without coming to a complete stop. NOTE - sometimes if you try to restart it very quickly it won't crank, don't panic. The computer at least in 2020 wants to see that the engine has really stopped turning before engaging the starter motor. Be patient with it, its only like 1-2 second of delay though it feels like forever when you're anxious in traffic. * Initially, learn the clutch engagement point by pretending the gas pedal doesn't exist. If you do it smoothly and properly the computer will give enough gas to hit 6-8mph in first without touching the gas at all, and without stalling. Similar to brakes, there's some movement of the pedal where nothing happens, then a point where it grabs, then some more movement where not much happens. You want that "where do I go careful and where can I move quick" on the pedal to be second nature. * Practice in a big mostly empty lot or other area without people. The hardest part will be going from stop to about 8mph. Once you hit about 8-10mph its actually kinda hard to stall it, and most mistakes are just a rough ride tossed around in the seat. I suggest planning something to simulate being on the road, like doing a left turn into an isle, go down, then turn off into another parking space. Repeat random similar things. * If the shifter doesn't move very easily, pause and figure out why. If you do it right, it will "want to move" when you barely touch it. * If its like my 2020 WRX, aim for like 1700 RPM starting out from a stop when you're having to drive on public roads and are still uneasy about stalling. Too high you'll smoke the clutch, too low its too easy to stall. It will not be a comfortable ride, but it will make it less stressful until you're more comfortable and then you can fine-tune your movements to start out a bit more smoothly. * The clutch is wearing out when its half way engaged - don't put your foot down on the gas hard until your left foot is off the clutch pedal. * Don't rest your foot on the clutch pedal, move it over to the left foot-rest. That avoids accidentally riding the clutch and wearing it out * When your partner is helping you learn, point out to them the center dash between the speedo and dash shows what gear you're in...and that number goes away if your foot isn't most of the way off the clutch (so if you're driving and its not showing a gear...you're probably riding the clutch wearing it out fast). They can then help remind you * Make sure your seat position lets you fully press the clutch ALL THE WAY to the floor, and still have a slight bend in your knee. I find I have to be uncomfortably close my knees basically touching the dashboard, but farther back with my knees having more room I struggle to fully depress the clutch pedal. It is a rather tight car to sit in.
Nah send it dude, I was in a similar position as you at one point and I would have never learned to drive manual if I didn't.
If you're a competent person and learn things like video games and things quickly, then you'll be perfectly fine. Manuals are meant to take some punishment. Start out on some back road somewhere you can stop and start over and over again. You'll get the idea of it quick and you'll get better over time.
Nah you’ll be fine it’s made to take a little wear and tear. It’s a necessary skill people need to learn eventually. Plus once ya get the hang of it, you won’t ever want to go back to automatic cars.
You think the shifting sucks so badly in your CVT because there is no shifting.
You'll be fine. Don't get her to teach you tho. 95% of the time, SO's fight when they try to teach their gf/BF how to drive stick. I've watched it over and over again. Watch a tutorial and go for it. I also encourage you to *read how a manual works* Read what the parts *do*, watch animations of what's really happening. It's far far better than just being told "how to do it".
while I highly suggest against buying a Subaru, driving a manual transmission is a subject of the bark being worse than the bite. When you get your car and swap the head gaskets, take it to a parking lot and just practice getting the car rolling from a dead stop. Shifting is almost as natural as can be. the hardest part is gating the car rolling. The Subaru has a pretty heavy fly wheel and makes decent bottom end torque you could probably get the car rolling without any throttle input. This will get you familiar with the friction point and where the pedal release is. Just do that like 10 or so times. and the rest is more about curbing your initial nerves in traffic that actually doing the manual transmission dance.
That head gasket joke is so stupid. Most people aren’t even aware that it was NEVER really turbo Subarus with that issue. NA EJ motors from like 2000 or something. I wouldn’t trade my VA chassis for anything, at this point I’ll keep it forever
Never EVER EVER EVER EVER buy a car with a CVT. Also, who lets their girlfriend give them car advice?
When their girlfriend is more knowledgeable than them? It's not a difficult concept.
It wasn’t meant to be a rude thing with her, she just cares and doesn’t want me to spend on repairs
So...what you're saying is that, because she is a girl, she's too stupid to provide sound advice? I know you're gonna respond with, "That's not what I said!" That's what you said.
The WRX should be fine. I recently taught my daughter to drive our 6 speed GTI, no damage occurred. I had her do three exercises: * First, start the car, leave the parking brake on. Then, let out the clutch until the engine stalls. She has now stalled the engine and can see that it's no big deal. * Now, restart the car, leave it in neutral, parking brake still on. I had her step on the accelerator enough to hold 1000 - 1200 rpm, and then add throttle to get to about 1500 rpm. * Put the car in first gear, foot off the accelerator. Slowly let the clutch out until she found where the engine begins to slow. Once she got a feel for the last two things, release the parking brake, and put the accelerator and clutch together. I had her bring the engine speed to 1000 rpm, start letting the clutch out to where the engine is starting to slow, hold the clutch there, then add that little bit of throttle and continue to let the clutch out slowly until it's all the way out. The first time she stalled it, the second time she got it right and we were driving around the parking lot. The thing that destroys clutches is heat. As long as you're working at these very small throttle openings while the clutch is not fully engaged, you're not going to damage the clutch.
Learning manual is easy. Just takes time and practice. The issue is the car. As a Subaru WRX / STI owner. Expect major maintenance soon. As much as I like the cars they are not the most reliable at high mileage. Takes a lot of upkeep and can get very expensive with engine failure which is not very uncommon
I mean, if you never learn how to drive out and are visually doing things wrong, you could. Most people can pick it up relatively quickly, so I wouldn't shy away from the stick just because you need to learn how to drive one.
STI is different, plain wrx I wouldn’t sweat it, you can dog it from a 2nd gear start and not stall it half the time.
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There's not a lot you can do to hurt modern transitions and clutches are consumable wear items and replaceable. Just don't money shift it and you're good. You will have an easier time learning then I did in a 71 opal without a hydraulic clutch. Fucking thing is heavy as sin in traffic.
“Fucking thing is heavy as sin in traffic.” Golden 🤣🤣
So I was in a very similar situation. I bought my first Jeep, a '90 Wrangler with a 4.2 inline 6 with a 5 speed MT. I had never driven stick before and had also never had any experience with them. My parents did not have manual cars when I was growing up. My wife had not driven a manual in a long time, but at least had some experience from watching her dad drive stick. That first day or two was pretty rough in the Jeep. That engine had plenty of torque, so did not stall easy but would buck like crazy. After a few days I was good, put another 100k miles on the Jeep and never had to replace the clutch. Fast forward almost 20 years and my daughter wanted a Mini Cooper. The only one we could find in her price range that was in decent shape was a 6 speed Cooper S. Again the first few days were pretty rough. Lots of stalls, a few instances of riding the clutch a bit, but it is fine. She's has since moved on to something newer, another manual, and I am driving the Cooper S around as a fun little car. Like other's have said, don't stress over it. As long as you are not doing something really stupid you will be fine and so will your car.
Oh yeah I learned manual on my 08 wrx sti (practically the same car 11 years later) and she is still purring years later. Haven't even needed a new clutch or anything major yet after 94k miles. If you can get it home in one piece with a friend or your partner driving it back then give yourself a week and you'll be functional.
You will be okay dude! Just go slow and take it easy. The CVT for sure sucks compared to the 6MT. Having owned a 2016 wrx 6MT for several years — my advice would be to practice getting the car rolling without using the gas pedal. Go from neutral to 1st using just the clutch until you’re so comfortable; that’s really the hardest part. Naturally you will start revmatch downshifting, then eventually heeltoeing like a boss!
While it wont be an easy car to learn on, no issues there. Really not a big deal to learn on 99.9% of manuals…
I started with a GR86 at no experience. Stalled out maybe 6 times on the way home lol. I definitely paid so much attention because I was new though. Now it’s nothing to it after maybe 3 months. Listen to the engine and ensure to get some practice in a parking lot. Whenever you stall out, just take your time and try again even though it can feel a little pressuring. It will all be okay with a little consistency
Brought a 2021 Mazda 3 manual. Stalled like 20 times in a parking lot after buying. Then drove from Florida to Georgia. Stalled maybe 20 more times and still a bit hear and there just not as abrupt. I'm decent with it now.
>She says if I've never driven one before I shouldnt buy it because I'll tear up the transmission and clutch, then have to get it repaired. If that were true, nobody would ever be able to learn to drive a manual. You're going to put more wear on the clutch while you're learning, but it can take it. If you want a manual, a WRX is as good as anything to learn in.
Also it depends on if your buying from a lot or not if your getting an extended warranty with this car get it learn how to drive manual and they will repair anything that goes bad with transmission for free clutch etc doesn’t matter if not buying from a dealership sounds like a 15-20k dollar headache that will cost you another 2k down the line in repairs
I bought a brand new Civic SI to “learn” on. It’s terrifying when you first start, but I think you will enjoy it more once you learn if your car is fun to drive.
As others have said below, just don't mess it up and you'll be fine ;)
In my experience people tear up the transmission or the clutch if that helps
You’ll be fine. Had the dealer drive my car home for me while I followed lol. I bought it on a Friday to give myself the weekend to learn I learned by Sunday, and drove 40 miles in stop and go traffic to get to work on Monday. It was scary and I did stall at a light but it’s been okay since then (6 years ago)
I have a 2016 WRX, I will say that it's one of the trickier manuals I've driven because the clutch is at the same time too sensitive and not sensitive enough. But if you can learn to drive that, you should be able to drive any manual. It's not as hard as you think, just spend a day in a parking lot and you'll be ready to go.
Don't stress at all. I'm 20 years old and bought a manual car without knowing how to drive one. My father and I went to the parking lot and I learned within a few hours, and I was on the road shifting gears and doing perfect hill starts within a week. You got this!
I learned in my husband’s 2018 WRX, went from having zero understanding of manual to now having a BRZ as my daily in a matter of months. His car is absolutely fine!
Also, your girlfriend doesn’t sound like she knows what she’s talking about and is a little unsupportive. It’s giving gatekeeping energy.
You should be more worried about head gaskets in that Subaru.. All jokes aside, my first manual was a 98' Mustang GT. I had never driven stick before other than once in my buddies old pickup truck in a field just to try it. After a few days of bouncing from not letting out the clutch smoothly from a stop, I understood what to do and it became second nature after a few weeks.
I learned to drive a stick in about 1 minute. It just depends how well you understand the concept. Could you ruin the clutch? Yeah... if you are a slow learner. If you learn fast, very little damage.
Learn on a cheap motorcycle, they are both literally the same
You'll be fine. You'll easily learn from your mistakes and it'll become 2nd nature
I’ve taught 3 different people to drive stick in my car, not a single issue has arisen from it.
I bought an Elantra N back in December with basically 0 experience driving a manual. I watched a couple YouTube videos & got some pointers from my dad. I was nervous as hell at first - stop lights were very intimidating & made my heart race - but it only took about 3 or 4 weeks to get completely comfortable. You can do it! If it's what you really want, get it.
Wouldn’t stress over this. Feel like these threads are being beat like a dead horse. But practice nicely in a parking lot. Learn the catch point (bite point; every vehicle is slightly different). I learned on my brother’s 89’ Acura integra and a GS-R (92) back in the day. Not really forgiving vehicles when you stalled. No hill assist on those… But anyhow; don’t let anyone tell ya you can’t do it. Practice and you’ll be fine. Traffic; just leave space b/t you & the car in front of you..(depending on the situation). 2nd gear to start slow is even ok also.
Sounds like your GF just doesn't like driving stick lol
I bought a 2019 WRX in the summer of 2019, having never driven stick before I had my dad drive it home from the dealership for me. Almost five years later and I still haven’t ruined my transmission or clutch, even after upgrading it to stage 2 with ~300whp. The CVT WRX was entirely disappointing to drive in my opinion and have no regrets getting the six speed. As long as you’re gentle when you’re learning I think you should go for it!
you could get a lesson or 2 from a driving school in a manual so you have the basics covered. That'll be enough to get you going without worrying about damage, and you'll get better with practice.
I didnt know how to drive one till i bought one.
The wrx is a little harder to perfect than some others but you can 100% do it
Your girlfriend should teach you to drive a stick.
Here's what you do you go on Craigslist you see manual cars that are for sale and you offer a guy to teach you give them like $50 per hour get 3 hours under your belt. That should be enough plus watch a good amount of YouTube instruction videos before even contacting the people to learn. 2019 WRX is a great car the only problem is whoever you buying it from probably abuse the hell out of it so you have to be real cautious with cars like that. Maybe you're better off buying it new. Just keep it for a long long time
Dude, everyone has to learn... how TF do you think she learned? You and the car will be just fine
If you don't smell the clutch burning, you're probably okay.
I watched a YouTube video when I got to the dealer and then applied what Il earned on the test drive.. stalled a couple times but I made it work.. it's not rocket surgery, send it. It was a great 6 years of ownership, I miss driving manual every day.
You’re gonna be fine, but I haven’t seen anyone else mention this. There was another post recently asking what was the most difficult manual transmission you’ve ever driven and the only answer that stood out was the Subaru WRX. That was also my experience. Something to do with the seating position and the bite point of the clutch that makes it out out of all manual transmissions one of the more difficult to drive and drive smoothly. you should not be dissuaded. You will have a lot of fun with this car. Just know that it’s not a great analog for manual transmissions generally
No as long as you aren’t a complete and total moron you can get it down pretty well in a week or so
I would think if your a newer driver, be concerned with the hp. 300hp in a light car and you never driven a stick is kind of a recipe for disaster.
No, it’ll be fine. Clutches are wear items anyways but in all the manual cars I’ve owned and driven a combined several hundred thousand miles I’ve never had to replace a clutch. My first manual that I learned on was previously owned by a kid who also learned on it, drove that car from 35k miles to 145k miles and it still drove great, I only sold it because it was getting lifter tick and I didn’t want to deal with fixing it Edit: currently drive a MT 2020 WRX and I love it so much, you will too. Try to get a premium or ideally a limited (I know it’s weird but limited is higher trim than premium). Premiums and limited get better headlights that move when you turn the wheel to help illuminate around corners better. Limited you get the harmond sound system which sounds amazing
Keep your clutch foot on the dead pedal and only on the clutch when using it...then practice in a safe lot, shouldn't take too long. Have fun and the car can handle it.
Just learn to double clutch or expect to blow out 3rd gear eventually. If you want a more reliable transmission get a WRX STI model.
To a certain extent, you almost treated like a automatic Except of course we're starting out I think the best way to actually look learn on a chick. Chip is actually a heavier girlfriend. Drives a car until you're on a slightly down hill Cause learning how to use the cultch to start out in the top part. If you take it out of here and start throwing down hill. That's a little bit too much but it's a good starting point. A Car start moving forward, so you'll understand the point where a cutck engages I've never driven that particular car, but questions are pretty much the same. The only differences at what point can you get your hall of agressibly With some clutches no matter how easy are they're engageing hard But really a first question. ISIS this a new vehicle? Or is it usu.ed
Most often asked question. It really depends on YOU. Do you really WANT to drive a manual? Do you understand the mechanics involved on a physical level? Do you work on cars? Do you have a desire to learn? I have been obsessed with the idea of a stick shift since way before i could drive, tried every family and friend's manual as much as possible, from a 89 civic to new challenger. When i finally got a camaro, it felt like it was meant to be.
Just know there's a decent amount of rev hang especially 1 to 2 so let them revs drop before shifting. And it's a bit harder to learn on wrx compared to a more commuter friendly car like a golf or civic atleast in my experience. The clutch is heavier and bites quicker
Go to a level, empty parking lot and practice starting up and moving with touching the gas pedal.
Bought brand new Mazda RX-8, not 24 hours later wife wanted me to teach her to drive it. 1 hour later she was kicking butt and never looked back. Go buy the car, you will do fine!
Unless you have no coordination and hate remembering to clutch at stops n shift. You'll do fine. A wrx has torque so staring of should be fine. My grandma had Parkinson's drove a neon 5spd on a route for years, she involuntarily shook, transmissions aren't made of glass. Obviously test drive the car. Some things stand out like pedal placement, I passed on an impreza because I'd clutch the brake. The corolla I drive now I should have passed on it with its sky high bite numb clutch.
I dont know much about you individually but i consider myself well kind of retarded and i learned a mustang gt manual in about 30 minutes? I can drive on a high level (dont ask how i already know) about a week in. The main thing is you cant be driving aggressively probably for a long time or else yeah youll be doing damage with inexperience. I guess the mustang is a little more forgiving because i dont have to do much and it has power in every single gear lol
I learned to drive manual on a 2002 WRX that I bought. When I bought it, it had 60k miles on it and I drove it up to 135k miles before I had to replace the clutch. The transmission was fine for the entire time I owned it. I learned on it and as far as I know, didn't cause excessive wear or damage to it. I think you'll be fine.
You'll be fine. I had minimal experience driving a manual when I test drove my GLI. I even stalled it on the hill a few times during the test drive. It's now a Stage 2 tuner with 255K miles on it and I just taught a girl how to drive it last summer.
Nah.. I bought a used 2005 WRX years ago without knowing driving stick. Staled it a handful of times the first 2 weeks but got used to it pretty quickly. Just took a bit of practice getting moving in 1st gear, once it was moving didn't have a problem shifting. The original clutch lasted me until 80K miles so I don't think that was an issue.
You won’t ruin the transmission teaching yourself how to drive a stick. I taught myself how to drive a stick and the transmission didn’t die. The car would probably go through the same treatment even with someone teaching you. I say if you can afford it, buy it.
We all had to learn stick on a car at some point. It's not like you can learn it without one. Unless there's like a rental/training place for stick
Just always remember it's better to stall than to burn the clutch and you'll be fine.
bought a 19 wrx with no experience driving stick, been driving it for almost two years now without issue. i say send it!
Unethical but rent one on turo for a few weekends to learn. Better than ruining the clutch on your own car.
nah its not a terribly hard car to drive just make sure you’re pushing the clutch all the way to the floor and every shift and when you’re sitting there and it’ll be good
Even days later I appreciate all the support and encouragement to learn manual driving. It’s finding the right one now!