Manual transition on a VW golf but parents don't let me buy it?

Question

Ok I have been arguing with my parents about buying a VW golf with manual transmition but they want me to get a automatic because they say that is much essayer in USA to drive automatic. I am 18 years old and live in San Diego and I wont to convince my parents to buy me a manual car. I have a ? Is it that hard to learn to drive manual? is it true that manual cars get to stop slower then a automatic? will it be that hard to drive in san diego stick shift vw golf and for how long will I be able to drive with no problem manual transmition? And also can U tell me what I can tell my parents that I can make them buy me a stick shift car, somethink good about manual transmition cars? Thank You

Answer 1

Advantages of manual gearboxes:

Cheaper to run

Because they use less fuel. They tend to have more gears; my car has 6 forward gears, meaning I'm pretty much always in the optimum gear for fuel economy.

Safer.

In the event of brake failure or on long hills when the brakes can overheat, you can use the greabox to slow the car down. I've used this to drive a car that had no brakes (apart from the handbrake) to the scrap yard.

If you want to accelerate out of danger- you can use the gears to your advantage, without waiting for an automated system to decide that it should drop down a gear.

Similarly, starting from a standstill can be snappier, because you, the driver are in control.

Cheaper to buy.

At least in the UK. I'm not sure it would be the case in the USA; you're the only country I know of that uses so many automatics. Is it 'cos you have such cheap fuel?

Cheaper to maintain.

There's less to go wrong with a manual gearbox- the only thing that might need replacing is the clutch plate, & I've never heard of anyone I know having to replace one.

I'm don't think you can 'bump start' a manual (for a flat battery- put it in 2nd with clutch in, someone pushes you to walking speed, release the clutch so the engine starts), although I could be wrong.

Could you clarify why a manual car would take longer to stop than an automatic?

The brakes are the same, so I'm at a loss as to where this theory came from.

Manual cars aren't difficult to learn to drive (my mum manages!) and once you can drive a manual, it means you can drive just about every road vehicle on the planet.

Switching from manual to automatic isn't hard- For the first couple of miles, I stick my left foot under the seat, so I don't accidentally try to press the clutch! After that, it's easy.

Answer 2

Manual is for pros, its tight ****. Its also hard to learn.

Goodluck.

Answer 3

Here is the difference in cost to replace a VW transmission:

Automatic new:  between $4000 - $5000

Standard new:  about $1800 - $2500

Manuals are easy to learn how to drive.  I taught my daughter in 3 days.  I picked her up, had her hop in my stick Jetta, and told her to drive.  She did have a little experience in a parking lot, but nothing on the road.  She was nervous, but with my direction (and a lot of paitience), she picked it up and was ready by the 4th day to drive without any directions from me.  And this was in hilly,city driving.  

Do either of you parents know how to drive a stick?  They may be hesistant due to not knowing how to teach you.  

No, manuals don't stop slower than automatics.  

I feel manual transmissions keep you it touch with the car and road more than automatics.  And you get better mileage - I got 6 miles more per gallon than a friend with the same year Jetta.

Good luck!!!