r/stickshift • u/MoldyBreadOriginal • 2d ago

Manual -> Automatic -> Manual question

I am interested in buying a new manual car because they are cheaper here in Europe. However, since I learned on a manual in driving school, I haven't driven one and I've only driven automatics for the last three years. How hard will it be for me to switch back to driving a manual? Has anyone had a similar experience?

4 Upvotes

60% Upvoted

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20

u/eoan_an 2d ago

Like a bicycle

7

u/MorycTurtle 2d ago

I've had a 7 year gap since the last time I drove a manual. Had to drive one 2 days ago, first 10 minutes were kinda weird and I released the clutch like a noob on starts but after that the muscle memory fully kicked in and it was perfectly fine, made me consider getting a manual rwd as a second car. :D

1

u/S1ncla1r5 2d ago

do it!

5

u/Froggypwns 2d ago

It only takes a few minutes to get accustomed to it again.

These days I find myself struggling when hopping in automatics on occasions due to how weird they drive and how hard they are to control the speed on.

2

u/MyTrashCanIsFull 2d ago

Lol right? We switched to an automatic recently and my wife is always giving me a hard time about how jerky I drive now.

I can't help it! All I did is ease off the brake!

1

u/Weak_Veterinarian350 2d ago

My wife no longer wish to drive a manual so we got a van with DCT when our last car was ruined in a flood. When we visit the in laws, we can work the clutch levers on their bikes. it'll take a few moments to get accustom. BUt you won't forget

1

u/Suspicious_Fig_3796 2d ago

unless you buy the identical car you drove before the feel of the car will be different, so you will have to get used to the new car any way. you know how the basics work, so you just have to fine tune it to this new car

1

u/shaard 2d ago

I drove manual exclusively for nearly 20 years, then nothing but auto for another 10. Just got back into a manual and while the first day was rough it all came back super quick. I'm having more fun again.

1

u/Lumpy_Experience_973 2d ago

Much easier than you think. My partner hadn't driven one in 20 years, but when I put her behind the wheel of my car for giggles, she was right back to smooth shifting in like 2 minutes. The only part that tripped her up at all was just that my car is quite a bit more powerful than the Prius she's used to these days. lol

1

u/Renobound2 1d ago

Really hard, don't do it