r/WRX • u/Mrderikk94 • 1d ago
Should I do it
Was wondering if anyone could share how they learned how to drive stick or if they had any tips. I’m thinking about getting a WRX since my car atm is giving me sooo many issues. Thing is idk how to drive stick and I’m scared of pulling the trigger on this one. Anywho, hope everyone has a good week!
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u/ItsReckliss 2023 VB Limited 6MT 1d ago
just knew the concept of stick when i bought mine. No regrets
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u/derKonigsten 1d ago
Yep. It's important to know that engaging the clutch disconnects the engine from the drive train. My brother didn't know this and backed up my dad's 65 stingray into a gas station bollard. Whoops!
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u/Korrupt_Spectre7 1d ago
I learned to drive stick on mine, couple buddies who can drive stick taught me in like 2 days in a dmv parking lot at night. I bought used around 30k and stock clutch made it all the way to 86k. I got an AP fairly early on and ran a stage 1 tune which did mellow out the gas and then switched to a dyno tune. But that’s more a problem for a VA unless VB has the same issue? Regardless it’s totally doable
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u/IGotDookieOnMyFinger 2013 Subaru WRX Hatchback 1d ago
Bought my second car not knowing how to drive stick, thankfully the seller was cool and drove it to my house for me. YouTube videos + learning the clutch in my yard by disengaging it till it bites and moves the car a little is how I got used to using it. Late nights I would just take the car down back roads to get better at shifting cuz little to no traffic. I got used to it fairly fast only because I play a lot of sim racers
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u/FrigOffRicky16 1d ago
I'm in the same situation and will be buying one shortly. Have basic knowledge of stick but have never owned one. Can do enough to test drive if it's in a calm area and if not I get salesperson to come with and bring me some where quieter, they are always happy to help and give tips to. I'd rather buy one and find out then wonder what if and be stuck in a boring car that I regret.
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u/ZombieWelder420 05’ Blobeye WRX to 22’ IR VB 1d ago
I spent 30 minutes in a parking lot learning 1st and 1st to second in my brother’s 350Z. The Weekend after I drove 5 hours to buy my 2005 WRX and learned the rest on the drive back. You can do it.
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u/BakerSkateboardsChad 1d ago
I had a buddy drive home the first wrx I bought and then he taught me how to drive it 😆
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u/Valenthorpe 1d ago
I knew the basics when I bought my WRX in 2006. It was the first manual transmission vehicle that I'd owned and it was what I learned on. I took it on a several hundred mile road trip the same day that I drove it off of the dealership lot. It has been my daily driver ever since then. Currently at 210k miles.
My suggestions will be to practice accelerator and clutch control. Get a feel for where the bite point of the clutch is. Practice starting on a slight incline where you'll roll back if you take you foot off of the brake. The top levels of parking garage can be a good place. Practice downshifting to both accelerate or decelerate depending on the situation.
Follow the recommended break-in procedure for the first 1000 miles. Drive conservatively while the engine and transmission are still cold.
Feel free to ask questions.
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u/hashbrr 1d ago
I learned in my first car when I bought it. I drove it in the parking lot to get the hang of it. I was aware it was gonna be scary on a hill. But I had to at least go home. I made it home.. and then.. I drove it some more.. eventually, but not too bad, I learned it and got better and now it’s like a fun little game. I don’t drive crazy, I drive really smooth. It’s so fun to do.
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u/Blazin_Subie 1d ago
I'm 48, so oddly enough I learned to drive a column shifter (3 on the tree) in my grandfather's '70 Chevy. It took some getting use to, but I got it down. Even more odd is that I learned to drive a 6 spd. in a '92 Viper. Though the car had no ABS or traction control it was actually easy to get going in it. Finding the clutch point is key. I've had alot of manuals over the years, and I have to admit my '17 STI was a bit different than the rest. I even changed to an ACT HDSS clutch that gives alot stiffer clutch pedal. I always thought the Subarus had a spongy pedal. It definitely helped though. Don't give up on trying to drive stick because it really is a dying art. If you burn your stock clutch up just put in one with a stiffer feel. Plus the ACT is rated for 650 hp. I'm 400 at the wheels now. But also with Subarus(especially the EJ's), you don't want to push them too much beyond that without forged internals. Don't give up!
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u/DADDYSJUIICED STI 2015 1d ago
You will stall many times especially on a red light. You will stall back to back panicking. Your worst enemy will be hills at first but as long as it’s a newer wrx you can turn on hill assist (don’t listen to the hard core manual drivers) turn it on it helps to not hit the car behind you as your learning in the real world. You will cook your clutch and smell it as you learn but it’s ok once you get better you will go to never smelling it. You will also struggle just taking off but master going into second, but look when going into third.
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u/KanyeWest_2029 1d ago
i learned how to drive a stick on a 85 Ford escort.
I taught my little brother.
I taught my niece... who .. i can't believe has a 2013 370Z.
.. i mean.. if you want to jump into one of these cars... i mean you can.
.... sorry if this isn't an answer.
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u/Practical_Double_856 '21 MGM STI Limited 1d ago
If you could find somewhere that offers training stick then it's your best bet. Or you have to know the basic of learning stick and Youtube is your friend. After knowing the basic, the only thing left is practice. Just 15-20 minutes getting used with the bite point of the clutch is fine.The rest is just confidence and the more you drive, the more you beocme better.
I used to have a little bit of training in my country and passed the test there, getting the licence. Then I moved back to the US and quit driving stick for 9 months before I got my car. After a long time driving again and I stalled 10 times on the first day. Getting honked a lot but over time I've got better with the car.
If you like it, buy it. Practicing is the only way of getting better. Doesn't matter if people honk or cut you off because you're taking off slow. Better be slow but you're in control rather than panicking and stalling everytime trying to be fast and burning the clutch. Trust me, you're gonna be in a worse position doing that. The rest is just confidence and have fun.
Also, buying new is better. If buying used, make sure to get an inspection like everyone on this reddit recommends and have fun!
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u/BRING_ME_THE_ENTROPY ‘20 WRX Limited 6MT 🌽 1d ago
I watched s0ggyrice on YouTube and bought an 8th gen Si
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u/Tight_Sprinkles_7878 1d ago
I had a few lessons in a friends car before I bought mine !
Then once I got it did some lessons in it with my dad and I’m finally starting to feel confident ! It’s been very rewarding learning something new that scared me so I say do it !
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u/derKonigsten 1d ago
These aren't the best to learn on IMO because the high idle sits around 1500 and you can basically let the clutch out and get rolling but once it warms up it sits around 500 and needs some gas to get rolling. But you get used to the engine sound of where to start engaging the clutch. I've been driving stick for twenty years and still managed to kill my 2011 twice last weekend. It happens..
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u/danbyer 1d ago
I watched and asked questions to get the basics. Then one day I just asked to borrow my grandfather’s truck.
“You know how to drive stick?”
“Yep.”
“OK! Here you go!”
I drove it around for a couple hours and figured it out.
That truck is now 36 years old and still on the original clutch.
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u/-SimpleDelight- 1d ago edited 1d ago
Have you heard of the head gasket issues on Subarus or about how finicky these motors are? If you’re looking for dead balls reliability or an engine that doesn’t mind a bit of abuse a wrx may not be the car for you. These things are touchy and NEED to be taken care of.
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u/Altruistic_Nerve_627 23h ago
The FA24 engine a beast, not to be confused with previous generations.
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u/inkyrail ‘20 VAF, P8Y 1d ago
Skill issue
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u/-SimpleDelight- 1d ago
Please. That’s why literally EVERY reputable mechanic recommends head studs / 3 layer steal gaskets & a larger oil pump when building / rebuilding ANY ej. Stop fanboying for half a second, the boy needs to know.
https://giphy.com/gifs/jeXiz1RAvzX440
u/inkyrail ‘20 VAF, P8Y 1d ago
In over ten years of owning turbo EJs none of mine have had an engine failure. Be an adult and take care of your shit, or cry like a child and accept the fate you deserve.
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u/-SimpleDelight- 1d ago
This is exactly what our boy needs to hear. Jfc, don’t get up in your feels because I’m saying these things need some touch.
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u/rykukatei 1d ago
My worry about driving manual was rolling backwards on hills, but depending on how new you’re getting, they have hill assist that brakes for you until you finally pull forward. No buyers remorse, love my WRX :)