First car... manual? automatic?

[Gabe212]

Hey, im 16 and im getting my first car soon. I've been deciding between a subaru wrx or lancer ralliart. and i decided on the ralliart.

and now im trying to decide if i should get manual or automatic. I've never driven a manual. but i know the main concept of how to drive one. I just wanted on some opinions on if i should get manual or not. Is it hard to get the hang of?and since its my first car should i just get an automatic. anyways i just want some opinions. thank you

[Agent 0]

Manual's the way to go mate, the benefits greatly outweight those of an auto. Manuals are cheaper to fix, you have more control over the car, you stay more focused on the road meaning you're less likely to crash, if your battery dies you can push start a manual and especially with the ralliart, it'll be much more fun driving it hard.
It's not too hard to get the hang of, if you understand how to drive a manual then it's just a matter of practice... after a few lessons you'll have it down.
Unless you're going for your license almost immediately after getting your car, I'd go manual all the way.

[eclipser2001]

My first car was an auto (the Eclipse in the avatar). I loved it...untill I learned how to drive a stick. Then I've been craving a stick ever since. I've had my car for 3 years. So imagine having to drive a auto. for 3 years when your best friend drives a 95 GSR-T and your driving a riced out auto.. Well, I guess what I'm trying to say is, get a manual. You'll regret getting an automatic.

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For a first car I would say manual. it will keep your hands busy so you wont be texting and talking while driving. Distractions are the leading case of kid crashes. Stay focused. Always yeild to the crazy bas%%$d. Good luck

[Tiger1987]

If i were you i would go manual, they can be so much more fun to drive, once you learn how to shift up efficiently and quickly. then you can learn how to slow down with gears which is also fun. It is true, it does give you more control of the car. It makes overtaking alot easy as long as you are in the right gear, you can zip past before they know what is happening. Once you learn how to slow down using the gears, you will be able to cruise in 5th, when you want to over take, knock it back to 4th, then just as you start to begin to overtake, knock it back to third and stomp it. by the time you hit 130kmh you are past. I love overtaking and cruising on tight winding rodes. the lancer handles so well. i own a 2001 lancer gli 4dr sedan. just some basic mods, nothing to enhance performance yet. Good luck with it.