Inability to drive geared cars

[Cloo]

Hey Cloo,

If you're not restricted by mobility issues etc from learning in a manual, then do give it a go. Once you get the hang of it, it's fun - however practice is the key.

Restricting yourself to automatic will be an expensive PITA should you ever need to hire a car - or buy one.

Well, I sort of am restricted (weak left leg, clutch very tiring) and I have given it a go and it really didn't seem to be worth the extra effort. I know it's better to learn it for hiring cars and stuff, but it was so much better when I changed to learning on automatic in the past. And I doubt I've got any more capable since then!

 

[moomoo]

Cloo, you are obviously going to be much happier driving an auto so I can't really see the issue. I learnt first in an auto and then had to retake the test for various reasons in order to be able to drive a manual and I still prefer my old auto to anything else I've driven.

If you do hire a car, say on holiday, GSV will have to do the driving if it's a manual. Not a bad thing imo.

 

[Cloo]

Cloo, you are obviously going to be much happier driving an auto so I can't really see the issue.

The issue is that it's worse environmentally and gsv would rather, if possible, that I gave it another shot than we went for a less enivironmentally sound car straight off. I say 'Sod it' myself, but I'll probably have to humour him and give it another go.

Hybrids, multitronics etc not a possibility - we have about 2k to spend on a second-hand car and that's it.

 

[Sunray]

Well, try for a car with hydraulic clutch. The new Fiesta manual has a power assisted clutch which tends to suggest that its becoming a very common option.

You will notice that it takes no more pressure than the brake, if you own it then it can be adjusted to be less than the brake.

I've used one after using a cable driven clutch and practically put my foot through the floor.