I'm stuck with a stick shift car. What can I do?

Question

My parents have been hounding me about driving for over a year. Now, I am capable of driving well and am ready to get my license, but it seems like they got cold feet. They won't let me get it until after school, and I want the car to drive everywhere I have to go.

This is the worst part: the car I have to drive is a 1997 Saturn Stick Shift. My dad says the only car he'll get is a new car, and my mom refuses to let a new driver have a new car. I have to learn stick on a 11 year old car with a bad clutch a a "sticky" shift. I'm getting the hang of it, but I'm afraid of taking it out alone, and I'll have to very soon. How can I resolve this problem, or convince my parents to buy a cheap automatic?

Answer 1

I drive a 1995 car with a bad shifter, too...  Granted, I haven't driven it alone yet but what I recommend is you getting really used to it.  New driver's SHOULDN'T drive new cars.  Stick shift is more fun than an automatic, anyway.  The only fear I have in a stick shift is going back on a hill and hitting the car behind me at a stop light.  Stick is easy to get used to though.  You can do it, just get comfortable with it.  =)

Answer 2

Stick with the manual stick shifter. You'll get better gas mileage and have more control over car's performance and if you can drive a stick you can drive any car - anytime, anyplace! Take it easy on the clutch though and don't ride it (foot on it partially depressed while driving) because you'll burn it up - fast!  

Answer 3

Hang in there!! You'll get it. And your friends will be impressed that you can drive a stick. I learned on a stick, but then never drove one again. But if I had to, I'm sure I could figure it out again. It's a good skill to have.

Answer 4

Keep with the stick.

Like you said, you'll get the hang of it.

Pretty soon, you won't even think when you drive...it will come automatically. Clutch,shift...clutch,shift

The first car I drove was a stick. I would freak on small inclines because I would roll backward.

I assume you are a guy due to the screen name.

(As a bonus, girls like guys that can drive sticks.)

Soon enough, you may actually even PREFER sticks.

I go out of my way to buy stick shifts. They are just fun!!

Answer 5

Not trying to be rude, but since Mom and Dad control the car, it sound like you have three options.

You can get a job and purchase a car that fits your parameters and pay for the insurance, gas, maintenance, etc.  

or.....

quit whining and drive the the stick shift Saturn.....

or...

Walk.  

Your parents probably worked hard along the way to raise you and now you "expect" to drive a new car???   Show a little respect... after all... a car is just a mode of transportation from point "A" to point "B" and back.  If you want a stylish ride, you will need to purchase it yourself.  

Good luck and don't think I am being rude or blasting you... I'm not.  Nobody ever said life was fair, no matter what age you are.