DRIVING MANUAL/STANDARD BECOMING EXTINCT IN T&T?

elsa!!

This is a topic that is always at the back of my mind ! i have noticed that youngsters going for their licence only go for the AUTOMATIC type, these last few years...

I drive manual [ i prefer it, cause it makes me enjoy the "art of driving" Cool

; most people [especially ladies] hate the idea of the "clutch" and "rolling down a steep hill when in traffic Confused

are there any women who drive manual ? or, have the licence to drive manual? some do, but prefer to buy automatic...

what about the men ? And i'm not talking about the shifttronic type, but the "original" standard transmission . Smile

[but i must admit that when i have tuh take my terrible K to d vet, is automatic ah borrowing all d way! he eh easy tuh deal with 'cause he cyah stay in one place in d car! Embarassed

always jumping like ah stuntman from one seat to d other...and shaming meh in traffic when other drivers watch "us" as if we are weird Embarassed

]

does anyone have dogs who behave well in d car when u r taking them to d vet ? [somehow ah feel ah goh b more Embarassed

when i hear d response ! Wink

Rory Phoulorie · Zorce Jedi Knight Joined: 26 Jan 2007 Posts: 1698

Generally, people in T&T find automatic transmission cars are more convenient to drive in our "busy" lifestyle.

They find it a pain to have to be depressing a clutch and shifting gears in traffic (which we are subjected to every hour of the day in almost every part of T&T). It also somewhat hinders their multi-tasking while driving. For example, eating, putting on makeup, and talking/texting on the cell phone (please note that I am not condoning doing these activities while driving).

You therefore get more buyers requesting cars with automatic transmissions from the dealers to satisfy these needs. The dealers then see no point in importing manual transmission cars and having to keep stock of spares for such cars (clutch plate, pressure plate, release bearing, etc.).

Commercial type vehicles (pickups and other light trucks) are even now being imported with automatic transmissions.

My personal preference is for the conventional manual transmission. I find it to be more fuel efficient for the amount of driving I do on a daily basis, as well the manual transmission itself is cheaper to maintain than an automatic transmission. My current car has an automatic transmission but when next I purchase a vehicle I will be looking for one with a manual tranmission (and 4WD and diesel).

In Europe, I believe that a greater number of cars on the road are sold with manual tranmissions than automatic transmissions.

Plex · Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2007 7:30 am Post subject:

Thats correct about euros, mostly are manual but they is a shift towards these hi- tech 5, 6, 7, speed automatic gearbox now..

Last time i drove a manual car was for my driving test..So i will be lost with that clutch now..Almost every car sold in this country is auto..

However those who are into performance will say " Give me my stick i want to control my gears" Most tuners i know say manual is the way for them..

Auto is good for comfort...Although some automatic do have some performance mode installed..Such as power & sports mode.

MG Man · Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2007 7:53 am Post subject:

the global trend is towards automatics.
Manual has been popular in Europe due to the fuel economy gains. However, as cars become more adn more fuel efficent, more commuters are moving towards autos. There are fewer and fewer people who buy a car for the joy of driving. It is a utility......and if we ever move to fully electric vehicles, a transmission may be irrelevant altogether
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Jahling · Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2007 2:01 pm Post subject:

I have never owned an automatic car. Even in my parent's garage there has not been an automatic vehicle there for over 15 years. It is funny but whenever I jump into someone's automatic car, I have to consciously remember not to mash clutch. It is instinct for me, especially when coming to a stop.

I can't comment on the improvement on fuel economy as any gains from the tranny are lost to my heavy right foot. All I can say is being able to kick start a manual has saved my arse many times.

wagonrunner · Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2007 3:08 pm Post subject:

LOL. after going to manual with the wagon.............this is a summary of my driving experirnces with the other vehicles.

323F fastback - damn, this should be manual
G/F's B14 - not my car, not my car Crying or Very sad

CK2 Lancer - need to remember, foot rest is not a clutch. and stop throwing selctor like a tiptronic when pops is in d car.
Tuscon - why i can't get in reverse? oho Embarassed

auto
Cherokee Sport - Thank god this is Auto. Left Hand Drive and Manual. meh right hand woulda be blatantly confused.
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MG Man · Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2007 3:31 pm Post subject:

I cannot tell how many times I switched off automatic cars in D and then end up trying to figure out why de damn car dont want to start Laughing

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Plex · Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2007 5:06 pm Post subject:

MG Man · Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2007 10:15 pm Post subject:

First time it happened, I asked someone to help me figure out why I was getting no ignition.............he prolly still laughin
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wagonrunner · Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2007 10:54 pm Post subject:

^^
been there, done that.. Embarassed

should we have a peer group, for manual drivers who stay in mode, while driving autos.

do you find yourself pulling the handbrake when on hills, then wondering why d red light, after you recall its an auto you're driving?
_________________
PROUD MEMBER OF D WAGON BOYZ @ DEX
I Refuse To Have A Battle Of Wits With Unarmed Persons

Any man who can hitch the length and breadth of the galaxy, rough it, slum it, struggle against terrible odds, win through, and still knows where his towel is, is clearly a man to be reckoned with.

elsa!! · Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2007 1:39 am Post subject:

Plex · Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2007 5:49 am Post subject:

So Kumar got scared? Laughing

MG Man · Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2007 7:03 am Post subject:

lol
I have a habit of slipping the shifter to neutral as well..............
_________________

I know it's so, for I told me so

elsa!! · Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2007 6:56 pm Post subject:

elsa!! · Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2007 7:02 pm Post subject: