Good Idea?

[dx316gol]

Hey guys, I am about to get my Celica and I was wondering if I dont know how to drive a stick, but am getting a Celica GTS, do you think it is a good idea to get a stick?

[NoCones]

Yes.

[Chris25NJ]

definitely, you'll learn in no time.

[SilverCelicaGTS]

Well shifting on the Celica was harder for me to learn because the gears are much closer together then the car I owned before that (Honda). But Im so glad that I got a stick. So much funner than an auto. :)

[Maelfyn]

Hm. No. You'll probably misshift.

[munckee]

Yeah, he'll probably mis-shift...but if he's not redlining at every shift he'll also probably be able to catch it before any damage is done.

For the poster: GO FOR IT. Just drive it carefully for a while until you know you've gotten the hang of it. I'm in almost the same boat: I learned to drive stick and have done it on a bunch of cars including an S2000 and an E46 M3, but the celi will be my first stick that I actually own. A lot of people on these forums seem to think that the car will blow up as soon as I turn the ignition because of the fact that it costs more than $20K (which mine doesn't). I beg to differ. Take it easy for a little while and learn at your own pace. If you stall in an intersection, stay calm and get yourself out. Don't get frustrated by a car behind you or something.

P.S. I've never stalled in an interesection or anything, it was just an example.
P.P.S. I get my car today!!!!!

[TragicallyHip]

Totally agree... stick all the way!!!! You would kick yourself forever if u got an automatic (until u sold it of course). An auto's for people who don't like to drive....no fun at all. The learning curve really isn't that steep and it'll be second nature in no time at all. I would easily pay EXTRA to drive a stick any day. Why they would make an automatic sports car is beyond me. It's an oxymoron!

[LordZelica]

I'm trying to kick myself now...

[dx316gol]

Well, guys I am seriously considering it. It is just that one I dont know how to drive one. Two it might be alot of extra work. three I got noone to teach me, how am I gonna learn. If you guys can give me pointers on how and what to do on certain situations I would REALLY APPRIEATE. example: you go to a stop sigh, downshift, etc that is the stuff I need. Note I do know how to upshift and downshift I just need to know what to do on certain situations.

[bLaH1031]

lol.. hey LordZelica how bout we both kick each others a$$'s.. i have an auto too.. lol

yeah.. if i could do it over id get a stick.. so get a stick..

[munckee]

Originally posted by dx316gol
Well, guys I am seriously considering it. It is just that one I dont know how to drive one. Two it might be alot of extra work. three I got noone to teach me, how am I gonna learn. If you guys can give me pointers on how and what to do on certain situations I would REALLY APPRIEATE. example: you go to a stop sigh, downshift, etc that is the stuff I need. Note I do know how to upshift and downshift I just need to know what to do on certain situations.

It will come through experience. A friend of mine bought his first truck as a stick. He had his parents drop him off in a big open parking lot and told them he'd be home when he could get his car there.

[dx316gol]

LOL. I understand and I defintely don't want you guys to tell me everything, but some basic tips would be nice.

[00 LSM GTS]

hmm, no one to teach you, not anybody? well i suggest you at least TRY to find somebody [just to be there, if not anything else] if you really want a 6spd. Learning stick isn't too bad once you get the hang of it, of course you will need time and patience to be better.

When i was learning stick.. i wish someone would have told me to not the the clutch out too early. i mean there were like 4 friends i had that let me drive their car, and not one of 'em told me the reason i stalled too much, ha.

since i was a beginner [not too long ago] i suggest you just try not to staul -that could really get you discouraged as i was, i thought i was never goin to be able to drive stick the first day someone tried lettin me drive. oops i get sidetracked, ok, to not staul depress the clutch all the way and hold the revs at around 1.5-2k rpm for a while, while your learning and slowly release the clutch until the car starts moving forward. then as youre releasing the clutch more, push the gas, until the clutch is out fully. hmm i dunno if that sounded right...... it's the same with the other gears but much easier. first is prolly the only thing you need to know to get confident you can do it.

i dunno if this helped you any but i tried :D

[pfmicks]

Just read this...

http://www.learn2.com/06/0689/0689.asp

[dx316gol]

just answer this one question, if i am coming to a stop sign in 4th, and i start to brake, while I am braking do I downshift? also say I am stopped at the stop sign, cause i am waiting for car to pass so i can go, do i put it netural while I wait?

[OhYEAHCELIgrl]

The dealer might be able to help you how to drive stick. Some dealer offered to take me out in a brand new car to learn how to drive stick. So ask your dealer if he'll help you out. Or mabe he only offered cuz i'm 17 and thought i was cute lol j/k

[silversurfer00]

go rent a car with a stick and take it to a huge empty parking lot and just make circles slowly until u get your coordination and then speed up slowly and the rest will come with time..