Dream car as my first MT?

Fishey · 02-01-2013, 03:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigsix

No pride lost in driving an Automatic performance car, man.
Nissan makes great automatics, not to mention their CVTs

I generally think less of people who don't drive manual sports cars unless there is a very logical/specific reason they do. A Handicap or Castration*sarcasm* are two reasons I find acceptable. Honestly, though the best automatic/dual clutch/automated manual usually see an increase in performance but for me the simplicity of manual gearbox repair and the fun of driving it still make a manual gearbox even in the worst traffic worth it on a car like a 370z.

Nailzs · 02-01-2013, 05:23 AM

Go 7AT. You'll have auto shifting, manual on the floor shifting and paddle shifting. What could be better?

forza370z · 02-01-2013, 06:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nailzs

Go 7AT. You'll have auto shifting, manual on the floor shifting and paddle shifting. What could be better?

The third most left pedal next to the brake pedal in a manual transmission makes it all better.

OP, get a MT. Once you master it you will appreciate it. And you will certainly know better on how your car works too. Always get a manual on a sports car coz I don't want the car to drive me fast I want myself to learn how to drive the car fast. And that's the real fun factor in a manual transmission.

Augustus · 02-01-2013, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nailzs

Go 7AT. You'll have auto shifting, manual on the floor shifting and paddle shifting. What could be better?

I was having a conversation with a co-worker a few weeks ago. The topic of learning/driving a manual transmission came up. The conversation concluded when he actually said, "oh yeah, I can drive a manual. Easy. My car has the +/- thing on the transmission. I drive it manually all the time. I don't know what all the fuss is about, because driving a manual is pretty easy. You just move the shifter when the engine revs up. Yeah, maybe sometime I can take your Z for a ride around the block, see how she drives."

(He drives an automatic Chevy Cruze)

Hookah · 02-01-2013, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nailzs

Go 7AT. You'll have auto shifting, manual on the floor shifting and paddle shifting. What could be better?

MT could be better

Manual isn't a manual without a clutch. Just not the same experience.

Fishey · 02-01-2013, 03:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dastaco

From my experience of learning mt on the Z.... In the long run it is worth it and you will love the manual on this car. That said, the learning curve is horrible. I and many of my friends agree that this is one of the hardest cars to learn stick on, the low end torque isn't there on these cars so you really have to get a feel for the clutch.

This is my personal experience though, so take that for what its worth.

Honestly, it wasn't that bad just remember the magic words....

Chuck33079 · 02-01-2013, 07:39 AM

Buy the manual. You'll be frustrated for a week or so, and then you'll be happy you made the right choice. The transmission's not that bad to drive. It just gets a lot of bad press around here. I'm very biased though, I won't consider a traditional automatic with a torque converter. If I'm going to give up my third pedal, it better be for some slick dual clutch trans like the GTR. Even then it would be a hard sell for me.

shadoquad · 02-01-2013, 07:49 AM

I wouldn't let anything stop me from buying a manual in your situation.

The Automatic in this car is actually quite great, but personally, I like a manual in all of my vehicles. No shame in the game either way.

Dlm6568 · 02-01-2013, 08:06 AM

First my wife, never had a driver's license let alone did she know how to drive a MT. Her first car 2 weeks after she got her license she bought a 1990 Miata. Had to have a friend drive it home she didnt know how to drive it. She learned the hard way, burned out the clutch in the first month, somehow got the dealer to replace for free. (pouty eyes and a great smile will turn any guy to nush) Never looked back. She's alittle older now but that experience will never go away. BTW she drives a FX35 now.

Second me, I learned on a MT, took my driver's test in an MT drove an MT for like 15+ years before my first AT. Bought it because I had a 1.5hr commute back then. When I shopped for the Z I test drove the MT, didn't hate it and actually was leaning towards it. THEN I drove the 7AT and absolutely loved it. the 7AT can definitely shift way better than I could, extremely responsive and when I get stuck in traffic, my left doesn't feel sore at the end of the day. I am sure with practice the feeling would come back quickly.

If you do plan on buying new I found the Z clutch to be stiff, I'm sure it will loosen as it breaks in, but that takes time and practice.

That being said, get the MT practice, practice and just drive the hell out it. You definitely wont regret it, you are young and have plenty of time for the nanny trans.

Good Luck in whatever you get!

isayimandrew · 02-01-2013, 08:11 AM

you'll be fine getting a 6MT. Once you get used to driving stick, you wont even notice shifting between gears. having a 6MT in traffic isnt all that bad either. With you revving too high, you can change your shift light indicator to turn on at a lower rpm as a reminder to shift

Hookah · 02-01-2013, 08:31 AM

I highly disagree with people saying get an AT, not because I like MT or AT, but because you said this might be your last chance to get some experience with a MT sports car... The sports package will make it even easier to drive a MT because of the syncro rev match. My first manual car was my dream car as well, a 2003 Nissan 350z. Before that I had some experience with a manual Toyota Corolla

I wouldn't be worried about messing up your car. These cars can take a lot before something goes wrong. They are made to be driven hard, messing up here and there won't ruin your car.

Get the MT, start out nice and slow and I have no doubt at all you will be fine.

UNKNOWN_370 · 02-01-2013, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sorrovv

I have been shopping around for a while and I am definitely considering buying my first Z. I've wanted one since I was a teenager (the 300z), and now may be the last time in my life that I can afford one. I’ll be grabbing a manual transmission. I want to feel that connection with the car that so many people describe to me - in the 370z.

That being said, I’ve never driven a MT with consistency. I have some experience from about a decade ago with a truck, but it’s much different from a sports car. It’s hard to practice on a MT if you don’t have a buddy who has one, since you can’t rent one. I have taken a recent course in a Chevy Cruze and did well, but I go through a ton of stop and go traffic on a daily basis and I’m worried that I still may not have the experience.

Yet I’ve also heard that driving a MT car with higher torque makes it easier. Is this true? I am pretty decent with the clutch but my problem is I often do not know how much gas to use. I over accelerate (10+ mph) from a stop into turns at intersections in first gear and find myself with high RPM and the engine roaring. Perhaps I also need to learn to shift into second during a turn – or is that too pro?

I’m not necessarily worried about stalling out, or being slow. That much is bound to happen. I am mostly concerned with damaging the car in some way, or hitting a car in front of me if I over accelerate, since it has much higher horsepower and torque than what most people choose to drive daily. Replacing a clutch may not be so bad, but are there other issues as well?

Also it seems to me that extreme situations of stop and go traffic can be hazardous for learners. For a neophyte of the MT, keeping track of when to shift, clutch and brake as well as learning to feel the speed/rpm of the car and downshift appropriately in hills or slowdowns can be quite a challenge.

What do you think? Is it foolish to buy my dream car as my first MT?

I know there are many question marks in this post, but any input on any of the above is greatly appreciated. There are obviously a lot of knowledgeable people on this forum, and I’m looking to soak some of the excess knowledge up!

I would get a used miata/rx8 or e92 3 series just to fvck around with first.

You can rent manual cars at hertz but its expensive due to the class of car. Mustang GT/GT500 and Corvette/Z06.

Not foolish, but the recommended are cars, will give the manual standards you should learn from. Nissan manuals are not the greatest. And if you're going to fvck up a car? get a cheap, used Great manual shifting car. Not a expensive great car with an extremely average or sometimes a below average shifting experience.
Then come to the big boy 370 or Z35...

kidkotic2001 · 02-01-2013, 10:37 AM

I had a 05 350z MT it was nice I really liked it so when I got my 2012 370Z they had a sport 6MT and a sport 7AT I test drove both and I have to agree that the 7AT feels a bit faster for some reason. My heart told me to go with the MT but my head told me to go with the AT. I ended up going with the AT and I love it. This is my second automatic my first one was an old Sentra that broke down fast. You should really think about it especially if this is your first MT car.

m4a1mustang · 02-01-2013, 10:50 AM

You should start learning on the Z. Like Hookah said, if you are patient and learn how the manual transmission works, you WILL NOT f*ck it up unless you do something really stupid.

Gauge · 02-01-2013, 10:51 AM

If I'm being unbiased (from my perspective). I got the MT for a few reasons. Nismo doesn't come with anything else, and it's a sports car, so I just automatically assumed to get it. I've driven plenty of manuals so I wasn't expecting anything out of left field.

This MT isn't very good IMO. It's not "bad", but I wouldn't say it's good either. The AT is way, WAY, better for street driving.

Having driven a few MT Nissan's from many different years, and plenty of other MT from other car companies, I think Nissan just sucks at making MT's. Especially second gear... every single MT Nissan I've ever driven has an issue with second. I don't see this in other cars.

Like I said, it's not bad, and once you get used to it, you won't even notice the flaws. But honestly, unless you plan to track it, I would get the AT. Having said that, if I did it all over again, I will still get the Nimso edition and get the MT. So... I don't know what that means :/ guess it makes me a hypocrite.

02-01-2013, 07:39 AM	#7 (permalink)
Chuck33079 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Houston Posts: 12,265 Drives: 2011 370ztt Rep Power: 29539	Buy the manual. You'll be frustrated for a week or so, and then you'll be happy you made the right choice. The transmission's not that bad to drive. It just gets a lot of bad press around here. I'm very biased though, I won't consider a traditional automatic with a torque converter. If I'm going to give up my third pedal, it better be for some slick dual clutch trans like the GTR. Even then it would be a hard sell for me. __________________ 2011 MB Touring-Sport-6sp-Nav/GTM TT/FI TT TDX/JTran/Kosmic/Eibach/Hotchkis/SPC/CSF/RPS/SoThatsWhereAllMyMoneyWent

02-01-2013, 08:06 AM	#9 (permalink)
Dlm6568 Base Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: New Jersey Posts: 96 Drives: 2012 GM 7AT Tour Rep Power: 13	2 M/T stories here First my wife, never had a driver's license let alone did she know how to drive a MT. Her first car 2 weeks after she got her license she bought a 1990 Miata. Had to have a friend drive it home she didnt know how to drive it. She learned the hard way, burned out the clutch in the first month, somehow got the dealer to replace for free. (pouty eyes and a great smile will turn any guy to nush) Never looked back. She's alittle older now but that experience will never go away. BTW she drives a FX35 now. Second me, I learned on a MT, took my driver's test in an MT drove an MT for like 15+ years before my first AT. Bought it because I had a 1.5hr commute back then. When I shopped for the Z I test drove the MT, didn't hate it and actually was leaning towards it. THEN I drove the 7AT and absolutely loved it. the 7AT can definitely shift way better than I could, extremely responsive and when I get stuck in traffic, my left doesn't feel sore at the end of the day. I am sure with practice the feeling would come back quickly. If you do plan on buying new I found the Z clutch to be stiff, I'm sure it will loosen as it breaks in, but that takes time and practice. That being said, get the MT practice, practice and just drive the hell out it. You definitely wont regret it, you are young and have plenty of time for the nanny trans. Good Luck in whatever you get!

02-01-2013, 08:31 AM	#11 (permalink)
Hookah Base Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Reston, VA Posts: 34 Drives: 03 350z LS 6MT Rep Power: 13	I highly disagree with people saying get an AT, not because I like MT or AT, but because you said this might be your last chance to get some experience with a MT sports car... The sports package will make it even easier to drive a MT because of the syncro rev match. My first manual car was my dream car as well, a 2003 Nissan 350z. Before that I had some experience with a manual Toyota Corolla I wouldn't be worried about messing up your car. These cars can take a lot before something goes wrong. They are made to be driven hard, messing up here and there won't ruin your car. Get the MT, start out nice and slow and I have no doubt at all you will be fine. m4a1mustang and Dlm6568 like this.

02-01-2013, 10:37 AM	#13 (permalink)
kidkotic2001 Track Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: El Paso, TX Posts: 541 Drives: Like Crazy Rep Power: 16	I had a 05 350z MT it was nice I really liked it so when I got my 2012 370Z they had a sport 6MT and a sport 7AT I test drove both and I have to agree that the 7AT feels a bit faster for some reason. My heart told me to go with the MT but my head told me to go with the AT. I ended up going with the AT and I love it. This is my second automatic my first one was an old Sentra that broke down fast. You should really think about it especially if this is your first MT car. __________________ ThAt WaS a CrAzY nIgHt

02-01-2013, 10:50 AM	#14 (permalink)
m4a1mustang A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern VA Posts: 55,385 Drives: on two wheels Rep Power: 6963	You should start learning on the Z. Like Hookah said, if you are patient and learn how the manual transmission works, you WILL NOT fck it up unless you do something really stupid. Hookah likes this. __________________ - Steve* Zs & Coffee - Saturdays at 10AM in Fairfax, VA and Columbia, MD (Click the banner!) LIKE us on Facebook!

02-01-2013, 05:23 AM	#2 (permalink)
Nailzs Enthusiast Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Florida Posts: 395 Drives: 13 370Z 7at Sp Tour Rep Power: 13	Go 7AT. You'll have auto shifting, manual on the floor shifting and paddle shifting. What could be better?

02-01-2013, 07:49 AM	#8 (permalink)
shadoquad A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: . Posts: 42,608 Drives: . Rep Power: 3886	I wouldn't let anything stop me from buying a manual in your situation. The Automatic in this car is actually quite great, but personally, I like a manual in all of my vehicles. No shame in the game either way.

02-01-2013, 08:11 AM	#10 (permalink)
isayimandrew Enthusiast Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 321 Drives: 13 370Z Nismo MR M6 Rep Power: 13	you'll be fine getting a 6MT. Once you get used to driving stick, you wont even notice shifting between gears. having a 6MT in traffic isnt all that bad either. With you revving too high, you can change your shift light indicator to turn on at a lower rpm as a reminder to shift

02-01-2013, 10:51 AM	#15 (permalink)
Gauge Track Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Madison WI Posts: 867 Drives: 2012 370Z Nismo PW Rep Power: 15	If I'm being unbiased (from my perspective). I got the MT for a few reasons. Nismo doesn't come with anything else, and it's a sports car, so I just automatically assumed to get it. I've driven plenty of manuals so I wasn't expecting anything out of left field. This MT isn't very good IMO. It's not "bad", but I wouldn't say it's good either. The AT is way, WAY, better for street driving. Having driven a few MT Nissan's from many different years, and plenty of other MT from other car companies, I think Nissan just sucks at making MT's. Especially second gear... every single MT Nissan I've ever driven has an issue with second. I don't see this in other cars. Like I said, it's not bad, and once you get used to it, you won't even notice the flaws. But honestly, unless you plan to track it, I would get the AT. Having said that, if I did it all over again, I will still get the Nimso edition and get the MT. So... I don't know what that means :/ guess it makes me a hypocrite. __________________ I am a demon bolt slayer.

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