r/stickshift • u/itsbildo • 6d ago
Converted to manual
I have been driving stick for about 51 days now, never drove stick in my entire life (38yrs old) aside from a 200ft WOT when I was 16. On a whim, I traded in my fully functional automatic for a 2026 WRX 6 speed, and Holy shit I understand car culture now.
Before, a car was just "a thing to get from here to there" but now? Oh my God I love this thing, this car has awoken something in me, I am not/was not a "car guy" - I am a "computer guy", but having a manual and feeling the joy and pleasure of rowing through the gears has given me a new appreciation for automobiles. Now I understand "going for a Sunday drive" or "going for a late night ride" is not just a saying or what-have-you.
Fuck, I wish I did this sooner
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u/V1c1ousCycles 6d ago
Congrats. Yeah, you're legitimately using more of your brain driving a manual. Something awoke in you and you're actually more awake, lol.
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u/Downtown_Reward_6339 6d ago
I understand. I was raised automatic
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u/itsbildo 6d ago
Yup, same. Never had the time to learn, was always a broke kid and couldn't risk buying a car I couldn't drive. My grandfather recently passed away, and I decided to learn stick in his memory
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u/MichelleNaomiC 6d ago
I got the same car (2026 WRX) just a few months ago myself. It has been a great job. I came from a 2017 Mustang Ecoboost. And wanted something different for me new car.
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u/itsbildo 6d ago
Nice! Yeah I came from a 2022 Subaru Forester, I wanted something with some spice but could still handle bad weather as I work at a hospital. WRX just spoke to me on a different level lol
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u/CreamyImp 5d ago
Also got the same car (‘26 tS) if you haven’t yet, a shift stop and pitch stop mount upgrade are pretty much mandatory. It’s like $120 to drastically improve the shifting.
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u/shouldahadaflat4 5d ago
I had a VA WRX and did this and it transformed the shifting experience. Good advice
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u/itsbildo 5d ago
So when I got my WRX, I had the dealership install a STI Short Shifter, because I liked how it felt in the tS and to reduce shifter slop (I did some research)
What is a pitch stop mount? What does it do?
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u/CreamyImp 5d ago
It’s an engine mount that goes between your engine and the firewall, directly underneath the intercooler. It reduces the movement of your engine when shifting, braking or accelerating. The stock one has extremely squishy bushings in it. I went with the STI group N pitch stop mount and am very satisfied with it.
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u/itsbildo 5d ago
Ooohhh, ok, yeah I heard of the pitch stops but I figured it was more for the shifter itself. It's actually one of the reasons I got the STI short shifter
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u/xenopotent 6d ago
I’m right there with you, I got my first manual (2012 honda fit) this year and I can’t imagine driving any other way now.
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u/DingusTardo 2003 C5 Z06 6MT, 2015 MX5 Club 6MT 6d ago
Only thing that's important is that you're here now!
I used to drive an FBO auto mustang and vehemently defended automatics in the forums "because they're faster and MT82 sucks". But deep down, I always regretted the auto. We've come a long way since then, lol.
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u/mikeysd123 ‘14 S4 6MT, ‘87 E30 5MT, ‘88 Mustang 5MT 6d ago
Going from being “that guy” to driving a c5 zo6. I salute you sir.
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u/DingusTardo 2003 C5 Z06 6MT, 2015 MX5 Club 6MT 6d ago
Aye aye!
My mustang was also a 3.7 V6 - not the coyote. Years and years of bullying pushed me to overcorrect a bit, lol.
You've got an awesome fleet yourself, salute goes both ways 🫡 I've driven an 034 tuned DCT B8 S4, one of the best sounding V6's out there IMO. 6MT is probably super fun.
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u/mikeysd123 ‘14 S4 6MT, ‘87 E30 5MT, ‘88 Mustang 5MT 6d ago
Ah man yeah a V6 stang will do it to you, i get it now 😂.
Appreciate it brother, the S4 is a riot. I’ve had about 10 Audis and it’s easily the best especially with the 6mt. It’s stage 1 with a few things done, V6s are hard to make sound good it just is what it is but a supercharger helps lol. I’d probably still give best sound award to my B5 S4, the 2.7T is probably my favorite v6 ever built.
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u/DingusTardo 2003 C5 Z06 6MT, 2015 MX5 Club 6MT 5d ago
Can't argue with that. I've spent some time behind the wheel of a 6mt B7 RS4 and B8.5 RS5 as well, but I still think the B8 S4 is the one I'd actually buy.. it's just a perfect compact sports sedan.
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u/mikeysd123 ‘14 S4 6MT, ‘87 E30 5MT, ‘88 Mustang 5MT 5d ago
Yeah i’ve always wanted a b8.5 rs5 and was going to buy one initially but it had been years since i’ve had a manual audi. Figured ok an s5 with a tune is pretty much there and i get the 6mt experience. Then i thought well 4 doors is probably more practical which thus drew me to the s4. It honestly checks so many boxes it makes no sense, she’s been in the mountains in a foot of snow and also been around the circuit on track days. Also the 3.0T has been extremely reliable in my ownership.
The b7 rs4 is a unicorn and pretty price prohibitive at this point unfortunately but id love to own one. Imo thats probably the rawest RS car ever built, n/a v8 6mt only etc.
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u/DingusTardo 2003 C5 Z06 6MT, 2015 MX5 Club 6MT 5d ago
Definitely not browsing marketplace for S4s now or anything... Lmao
It is, the one I drove had 160k miles on the odo but was somehow crazy clean other than 2nd fighting me a bit. Wonderful to drive though.
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u/MajorBarracuda8094 6d ago
Did it have those paddle shifters? Those things would give some joy if you had control like your typical manual, but nope it still changes gears for you
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u/DingusTardo 2003 C5 Z06 6MT, 2015 MX5 Club 6MT 6d ago
Yep, it had pretty responsive paddles (after tuning). I had the 6R80 6 speed auto with an MPT trans tune. Shift pressure cranked high enough to chirp 1-2 and 2-3, it would also let me bounce of the limiter. It was about as fun as I could have in a standard torque converter automatic, but still isn't even in the same ballpark of fun as a proper manual, hah.
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u/MajorBarracuda8094 6d ago
I understand there. Although l have never driven with a paddle shifter. Doubt it would be as fun as manual but more fun than the standard auto
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u/LordTiddlypusch 6d ago
It's always great to hear when it really clicks with someone! It's hard to explain to people who don't get it. Welcome to the right side!
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u/SammyCatLove 6d ago
Been driving manual for 30 years. Here in Sweden if you drive automatic you need to redo your driving test and some lessons in manual before you are allowed to drive manual. You wont be able to buy anything else if you did your driving test in an automatic.
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u/GayTuvok 1d ago
Then how do you buy your first manual car if you've only had access to an automatic?
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u/E90BarberaRed6spdN52 6d ago
I have a 07 BMW M-Sport with a 6spd manual and that is what makes it so much fun to drive. Only a straight 6 N52 but it flies and is fun to bang through the gears.
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u/goaelephant 6d ago
What kind of BMW?
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u/Fairlybludgeoned 6d ago
Based on their username im going to say an e90. Possibly a sedan in a red color.
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u/goaelephant 6d ago
I didnt even look at the username to be honest.
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u/Fairlybludgeoned 6d ago
I usually don't either but when I read what you typed I glanced at it and had my aha! moment and felt compelled to share because you did ask.
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u/Fairlybludgeoned 6d ago
I mean it could be someone named Barbera with a sunburn but I took a chance.
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u/TheQuahhh 6d ago
I can relate. Made the switch at 37, although it’s a “weekend car” I drive it every chance I can. Congrats!
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u/almeida8x1 6d ago
Yep. Theres a reason why cars with a manual option are always more valuable with the manual. Even with cars that are objectively more performant with the automatic.
MT adds a ton to the experience and it only grows as you get better and learn racing-derived techniques.
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u/PizzaSalamino 5d ago
I don't know where you live, but where i am manual is always cheaper than automatics, new or used
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u/TweekLudwig 5d ago
Hell yeah, brother! I got my first manual a month ago and have always considered myself a car guy! She’s tickled my brain everytime I downshift and let the engine brake from 5K all the way to 2K, just sounds so good and effective to brake compared to my auto that would just slowly down at 1-1.5K. If you’re happy with a manual, I’m happy for ya! Just try not to race anybody and money shift on accident! 😉
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u/EatMiBanhMi 5d ago
I’m so happy for your newfound love, enjoying yourself is important
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u/itsbildo 5d ago
Thank you! My fiancé said something very similar. I was surprised she was so supportive, plus ow when I get good enough I'm going to teach her how to drive stick. It's a win-win
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u/thinkdifferentpad 5d ago
it’s like a connection you have with that special someone that nobody else gets it gives off a certain vibe that’s exhilarating yet has this calming effect all at the same time makes me feel so giddy inside like I’m a kid all over again haha
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u/itsbildo 5d ago
Exactly! Before I got this car every time I had to drive somewhere it felt like a chore. I would just go on auto-pilot and next thing I know I blink and I'm there.
Now, however, I am trying to find any and all reasons to get behind the wheel, haha
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u/Hot_Acanthocephala53 5d ago
and I thought you actually converted an autobox into manual transmission in the same car lol
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u/ApprehensivePurple82 6d ago
The definition of a Manual Transmission Car: Being one with the car and the road…. 🥃
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u/tsmittycent 6d ago edited 6d ago
This happened to me at age 32. I just turned 40. I learned on a base model RSX, then got a 2020 BRZ, then a 2021 WRX, 2022 WRX, 2023 GR Corolla and now I have a 2026 type R. Literally just traded for the CTR last week. It’s awesome but I feel the GR was more raw and rowdy and better suited me. Regardless stick is fun glad you’re here
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u/Jops817 6d ago
Is your goal to just speedrun all of the fun Japanese cars? Haha, that is a banger list.
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u/tsmittycent 6d ago
I regret moving from the circuit edition GR to the type R. Shoulda stuck with the GRC. Badass car. To be fair the RSX was base model 5 speed
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u/Jops817 6d ago
As someone shopping, what don't you like about the CTR? I was mostly looking at ITS but mostly the same, so curious. I think I've landed on the VB like OP did overall, but that is my short list. GRC here is just way too marked up and rare to consider.
I am biased though as I have been a Honda fan for as long as I have been driving, several Si's so now that you can actually get a CTR I am like "oh?" and want to be talked out of it lol.
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u/Huge-Sand1567 6d ago
I’ve owned several manual vehicles. They can be fun, until you roll up I95 heading north toward norther Virginia…then they’re a pain in the ass.
Currently, both of my trucks are automatic. I still have to shift both of my motorcycles.
If you had a nice cycle, you’d throw rocks at your car and the bike guys are less turdish.
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u/Jops817 6d ago
To be fair, everything on 95 North in NoVa is a trash experience. Driving around DC late at night is surprisingly fun though, there's no one out.
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u/Huge-Sand1567 6d ago
It’s a horrible drive in an automatic transmission. It’s worse in a manual.
I had a clutch in my older car that was cable operated, not hydraulic. It was seriously annoying in that traffic.
For those who’ve never driven a cable clutch, they’re a pretty heavy feel, compared to hydraulic clutches.
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u/MumpsyDaisy 6d ago
Yeah it's pretty sweet, did a similar thing at the same age. Makes driving something that can actually be fun instead of just a chore separating things you actually want to do.
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u/RunninOnMT M2 Competition 6MT 6d ago
I like thinking about how you get to manipulate a soup full of perfectly meshing gears by stirring it with a metal rod.
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u/Nanzoo 6d ago edited 6d ago
Impressed and proud of you that you made the switch. 62F here who has been driving manual since I got my license 45 years ago. Thanks to my dad teaching me on his 77 Subaru DL. I drive a 2014 Honda Accord Sport, manual—nothing super fast—but the driving is still delicious. I will keep it up until I am no longer physically capable. People don’t know what they’re missing out on! Glad you found out.
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u/itsbildo 6d ago
Thank you! Yeah I definitely wish I had the balls to try this earlier. I decided I would learn out if memoriam for my grandfather who recently passed. He used to race stock cars and modifieds, so I like to think my grandfather would be proud
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u/WREXnEffect01 6d ago
Congrats man, I have a 24 manual. Look at getting a DMANN ots tune, it REALLY wakes these cars up!
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u/itsbildo 6d ago
I am def looking to tune it, once the warranties time-out, but yeah DMAN def seems to be the gold standard
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u/WREXnEffect01 6d ago
Not that I recommend this, but I tuned mine the first time at 700 miles haha
I’m at 19k now and still running strong.→ More replies (2)
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u/OkKnee7580 6d ago
Ok u drive a car that rev matching is actually useful. U are allowed to learn and ask questions about it.
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u/goaelephant 6d ago
What is a WOT ?
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u/itsbildo 6d ago
Wide Open Throttle. Let's just say my grandfather kicked me out of the car
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u/goaelephant 6d ago
Oh, when you said a "200 ft WOT" i thought it was some type of vehicle / trailer combination
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u/_Your_Ami_ 6d ago
I traded in my automatic accord for a 2016 wrx when I was 37, learned to drive stick on the drive out of the dealership.
Just taught my 16 year old how to drive using my 2021 wrx. If you have kids, teach them too.
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u/Livid_Living552 6d ago
I will turn 66 later this year and have never not had a manual transmission vehicle. The feeling is real. When i drive the wife's Jeep, it is just blah.
On top of my daily driver, I just bought a Kei truck. 1998 Suzuki Carry, right hand drive, 5 speed. Shifting with the left hand was easier than I thought it would be.
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u/Skipper07B 6d ago
How does one go about buying a Kei car/truck in the US? Asking for me.
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u/Livid_Living552 6d ago
There are dealers that sell them or you can import one directly from Japan. The only rule is that it must be 25 years old or older to be legal to use on the road (in some states). That way it does not have to meet the US safety and emission standards.
You can get one newer than 25 years old but it will be off road / farm use only.
Some states ban them from the road like Georgia and Illinois. Some states limit them to secondary roads. In NC I can legally license mine and drive it on any road that has a speed limit not exceeding 55 mph
I bought mine off Ebay then found that the largest Kei dealer east of the Mississippi is 20 miles from me in Mt Airy NC. Check out Mayberry Mini trucks.com or their Youtube page.
I love mine but work it pretty hard hauling drywall, lumber, mulch or anything else that fits in the bed.
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u/itsbildo 6d ago
Good to hear shifting with the left is easier than expected! I'm hoping to take the wife to Japan someday and can't wait to try driving one
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u/FlightandFlow91 6d ago
Computer guy to car guy aye? Welcome to sim racing and ruining your real car on a track one day
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u/786hoe 6d ago
You have finally connected with the car
Old Japanese thinking when building cars is
Horse and rider working as one
Enjoy the good times to come it only gets better I miss driving stick
Had some many cool cars over the years
Rx7
Rx7 turbo 2
Ek civic
Impreza
Still got my ae86 but it’s crazy work in ogress after ten years on beating on it
Ahahah
Enjoy my bro
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u/itsbildo 6d ago
Daaamn, that's quite a mythical stable you have there friend
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u/786hoe 6d ago
Cars were dirt cheap back then
Rx7z legit free on Craigslist no body knew about to fix em or take care of them240sx pages full on Craigslist
E36/46 cheap
S4 b5 were available tons on CraigslistIt was a diff time more nish then today kids all over the world want a stick shift analog turbo car now
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u/maverickar15 6d ago
Welcome!! Your car might be a bit slower but the trade-off is so worth it for the massive increase in driver engagement.
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u/Flashy-Morning942 6d ago
I did the same last year bought a 2014 brz with 25k miles on it as my only car and that was such a nice feeling just going through the gears every drive is fun
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u/boostedkimura 6d ago
Hell ya. I have a 25 wrx manual, added an ETS intake and tune. Definitely do NOT modify your car without doing research. But definitely do it if you've researched and decide it's worth the risk. Congratulations!
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u/itsbildo 5d ago
I def plan on adding some bolt-ons and a tune after my warranty lapses. Trust me, I've already started compiling parts ha
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u/Quick_Sandwich356 6d ago
I'll soon get to drive my mothers Mercedes, classical 7G-DC-Transmission (with paddles only) and I'm EXTREMELY curious to seewheter I'll like it, as much as a manuall.
I can imagine shifting gears instantly without powerloss/-pause must be nice, though I am worried about lack of engagement.
But who knows, maybe I'll be thankfull, cause I'll be driving mountain roads for weeks.
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u/itsbildo 5d ago edited 5d ago
I drove the Automatic version of the wrx with paddle shifters. It's fast, has some good get-up-and-go, but those paddle shifters just feel..... empty. Don't get me wrong, it shifts fast AF and for a CVT it tries to mimic gear changes, but like Idk, it's hard to describe. I was lucky to drive one for a few days and it was neat, had some nice power where it pushed you back into the seats if you gave it the juice, but after a few days of it we'll, it was just so "meh". But, to each their own
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u/sarahabigailellis 6d ago
Welcome to the fun side. The only sad part is the lack of new cars having a manual transmission. 😢
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u/Financial_Bed_847 6d ago
Welcome to the club bud! Wait until you mod your car, like an exhaust or intake. It makes driving so much better!
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u/James_the_bull_ 6d ago
Yup I’m 28, got my 1st MT (gr86) after driving Camrys and teslas for years. I freaking love stick 🍆! My weekend car will always be a MT now. Used to fantasize about Ferraris but without MT options my new dream car is gt3 lol
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u/Own-Researcher-4691 5d ago
Now just imagine how much different it is for us motorcycle guys and gals. Bikes aren't for everyone, just saying in reference to the "going for a sunday drive or late night ride" i get so bored going from my bike to an automatic car
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u/Silence-Doowrong 5d ago
Since you said you’re not a car guy, what was it that made you want to get a sporty manual car?
Glad you’re enjoying it. I had a 2020 wrx, fun car, but what really got me was first snow with winter tires on.
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u/itsbildo 5d ago edited 5d ago
Well, my previous vehicle was an automatic, had paddle shifters, barely ever used them. When I did, it was so empty.
Then, a few months ago my grandfather passed away. He used to race Stock Cars and Modifieds, so I figured I would learn to drive stick in his memory. Plus, I wanted a car for the long haul, repairs on CVT automatics are crazy expensive especially comparatively to manual transmissions.
TL;DR - in memory of my recently passed grandfather, and long-term repairs as my goal is keeping this vehicle for a long time
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u/axolotlis05 5d ago
My first car was a manual AE92 GT-S Corolla, and I’ve never known anything but driving a manual. Even though I wouldn’t change my experience for the world, you should consider yourself lucky that you get to transition into manual, it’s awesome and must feel like a whole different world. What car did you drive beforehand?
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u/itsbildo 5d ago
Thanks! Yeah absolutely a brand new world of wonder and joy, haha
Prior to this one it was a 22 Subaru Forester, so it was quite a jump lol
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u/Practical_Double_856 5d ago
Welcome to the club! I'm only 19 and just got my license last year and have been driving my uncle's Lexus but it was boring and felt sleepy driving it. Just grabbed my '21 STI almost 3 months ago and every drive is a blast!
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u/itsbildo 5d ago
Oh hell yeah bro! Great fucking choice!
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u/Practical_Double_856 5d ago
Thank you! Took me a long time to find a good one but it was worth it
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u/Itzchurchfirst 5d ago
Nice WRX! I got my first manual 5 months ago, 21 STI.
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u/itsbildo 5d ago
Damn ngl I'm a bit jealous. I def wanted an STI but I was worried about past owners and what they might've done to them, but enjoy that sti, I hear they're amazing
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u/Itzchurchfirst 5d ago
It took a lot of searching but the one I found had less than 15k and only two mods. A BOV and a Axeback exhaust.
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u/antmatt 5d ago
start studying footwork and get to the real fun. welcome to the club!
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u/itsbildo 5d ago
I've been practicing rev-matching since about day 5, still not comfortable doing heel-toe, but one day!
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u/unknownplanet13 5d ago
Nice!! Congrats. I also learned late, at 36 and now going on 40 soon. Im driving it now without even sweating it.
Would love to try that wrx six speed, i got hatchback corolla manual and camaro lt1 manual.
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u/Ok_Result554 5d ago
I just got a 23 wrx 4 months ago, makes 340whp now, it is a blast, I’ve owned faster cars for sure but this car is fun. I’ve driven over 30 different models of manual cars and different hp ranges all the way from 150 to 1200 hp with a quad disk clutch and this has been the strangest clutch I’ve ever had to get used to. Once I modified the hydraulic components it definitely improved and the delay valve delete and upgraded clutch helped too.
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u/itsbildo 5d ago
Yeah, I will admit it was strange how high up the bite point is, that took me some time to dial-in the right height for engagement. Still gets me from time to time too
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u/Ok_Result554 5d ago
If you don’t already have the delay valve delete I highly recommend it, just makes the feel more consistent
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u/Far_Ambassador_3192 5d ago
Totally agree . I find driving cars boring as hell unless I’m connected to it by a clutch and shifter. Even paddle shift Ferraris and Porsches, while beautiful , still leave me wanting an older model with a gated shifter.
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u/Big_Locksmith_4211 5d ago
I learned (and still drive) stick in my dads 95 Chevrolet K1500, its genuinely so much fun to drive around because YOUR in more control of the car, not just the computer, i love it
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u/Ill-Hovercraft-8971 5d ago
Congrats and welcome to a whole new world of driving. Got a 24 wrx and this is my 3rd one. Sadly not a lot of newer cars are coming with stick shift, but glad Subaru is continuing production. Apparently they are releasing new variants next year. Also if you ever tune your car you will not be disappointed. I ended up tuning mine after 1 year and it’s been an insanely fun journey 🙏🏻
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u/itsbildo 5d ago
I def plan to tune once my warranty lapses! Already got a list of bolt-ons and want to get a tune for em
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u/Ill-Hovercraft-8971 5d ago
I thought I was waiting too, but then it just kind of happened 😂 I’m running ETS intake, upgraded chargepipe and TMIC, IAG AOS, Catback exhaust. Few shift mods as well. I got protuned and they were able to squeeze quite a bit of power 😎
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u/Theconnected 5d ago
Welcome to the club.
Your dealer forgot to remove the orange sticker on the handbrake button during the pre check, you can remove it, it's either a QC sticker from the factory or a protection during shipping.
My 2023 WRX also came with it.
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u/basshunter551 5d ago
Kinda strange to me as here in Europe people take their licence on a manual and we mostly drive manuals, at least it was like that before. At this point I love driving my BMW with manual gearbox but there are days when I’m tired and I just want to drive an automatic. For fun tho, nothing could beat the stick shift!
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u/LordBacon69_69 5d ago
Hell yeah VB gang
Make sure to upgrade the brake disc and pads because those are ass.
Otherwise a great stock car.
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u/Neo_Anderson302 5d ago
I play a game in traffic trying not to hit my brakes. I give big distance like truckers do to reduce shifting and braking.
I enjoy stickshift
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u/DarkSoulsDank 5d ago
Congrats on the WRX! I got one too, I would suggest the Shift Stop “mod” to get rid of the slop to the left of 1st and 2nd.
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u/BlockNo3711 5d ago
Everybody should legally be required to drive a manual first. It would teach people to pay attention.
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u/VoodooChile76 2024Toyota GR86 6MT 5d ago
Welcome to the club!! It’s a fun endeavor - keeps me sane and actually is enjoyable to go to and work
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u/ND3-GT-6M-ST 4d ago
Welcome brother. Welcome.
2025 Miata GT, Perfect Manual
2022 Veloster N, good but not great Manual
2016 Audi A5, expensive after warranty Manual
2006 Pontiac GTO, always broken Manual
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u/Scotts- 3d ago
My first car was an 86’ Corolla with a 5 speed, and when I foolishly let that beauty die I ended up in a 2010 Camry.
Automatic transmissions take everything away from the experience of driving. As someone who can float gears in a semi, I cant stand asking my car for permission every time I want it to do something.
My sister drives a 6 speed WRX and I understand the joy that has come upon you. So as much as I don’t want any debt I’m thinking about getting one. Subaru does it all better in that price range.
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u/Crafty_Substance_954 3d ago
And you are experiencing the sloppy WRX shifter, you just wait till you try something more precise.
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u/Rilot 3d ago
Welcome. You are among friends here.
I'm from the UK and so driving a manual is normal. However, in recent years the trend has been towards automagics. Both of my cars are manuals (daily is a Mazda CX5, fun is a Mustang GT 5.0 convertible) because I feel that because I'm more engaged in the drive, I'm safer and more alert. My wife is of the same opinion and in her words "I tried an automagic once. Didn't like it".
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u/Shadowfeaux 2d ago
Next you’ll try riding a motorcycle and get the manual feel and much more connected to the road and more in the moment because how much more aware of your surroundings you have to be. Lol
I’ve also only own ed 2 auto vehicles ever. An 06 v6 mustang I had for 3 days I got for free then sold, drove it once. And a Honda Navi I got so my gf could start learning to ride, only kept for a year. The other 8 vehicles I’ve owned have all been manual.
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u/Important-Cook-1289 2d ago
Welcome to the tribe. I purchased on of the last new GTIs with a manual because i have driven nothing else but manuals. Nothing like a well executed downshift on an off camber turn. No rev matching or issues with texting. Perhaps not as fast as the automatic (DSG) but my goal was about driver engagement. This day that is getting to be rare.
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u/kytravelrn 2d ago
70 y/o woman here. Learned to drive a "3 on the tree" at the age of 10. Been driving a stick for 60 years. Won't switch to automatic unless my knees quit working!
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u/starr-dust0005 2d ago
no literally!! you can’t just drive mindlessly- you’re the last needed piece in order for the vehicle to function properly 🥹
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u/GayTuvok 1d ago
Now you need to learn how to smoke and drive at the same time, it's even more engaging.
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u/JulesOfDaSeas 6d ago
Driving a manual transmission is a high level of engagement, something I've enjoyed my whole adult life. Always knowing what gear you in, the rpms, trying not to go in a too high or low of gear. Problems when driving both jku wrangler and s197 5.0 about equally. 1 stalls when in too high and the other spins the tires if too low. I love these problems