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Stick shift, long in decline, makes slight comeback

New York Daily News -- The stick shift is back. A little, anyway. And not forever.
20 years ago, one out of every four cars sold in the USA was equipped with a manual transmission, but by 2011, that figure had plunged to a miniscule 3%. But 7% of new cars sold this year have sticks, according to a new report released by Edmunds.com.
"A combination of factors - from the growing age of vehicle trade-ins bringing more manual drivers back to market, to a greater proportion of smaller cars on the road - is creating a small spike for stick shifts," says Edmunds.com Industry Analyst Ivan Drury.
Stick shift nuts who turn their noses up at automatics need not gloat, though. Drury says that even though a manual option is on the rise now, “They're on track to be virtually extinct in the next 15 to 20 years."

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Submitted Aug 03, 2012 By: BurntOrange

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jrsva Champion Author Virginia Posts:9,862 Points:1,614,200 Joined:Jan 2006	Message Posted: Aug 5, 2012 11:45:21 PM Ignore jrsva Report Abuse “Clutch replacements cost about $250 every 90k - 150k miles.” I drive only manual-trans vehicles. I’ve owned a dozen or more, most of which have gotten into that mileage range or more. I have never had to replace a clutch.
iagdboy Champion Author Albany Posts:1,201 Points:498,450 Joined:Jun 2011	Message Posted: Aug 4, 2012 1:58:20 PM Ignore iagdboy Report Abuse w4ft5gmomjunhygb
jrs4125 Champion Author Indiana Posts:2,763 Points:592,720 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: Aug 4, 2012 3:55:33 AM Ignore jrs4125 Report Abuse Just a phase.
PurplepassionNC All-Star Author North Carolina Posts:838 Points:157,310 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2012 2:31:12 PM Ignore PurplepassionNC Report Abuse Tried to learn how to drive the stick shift. Got tired of getting whiplash.
fuel2use Champion Author Seattle Posts:3,493 Points:734,300 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2012 12:42:06 PM Ignore fuel2use Report Abuse Row you own.
sciotosix Champion Author Dayton Posts:2,754 Points:667,100 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2012 10:57:13 AM Ignore sciotosix Report Abuse I would rather have a manual transmission, but they're too hard to find.
newman26 Veteran Author Milwaukee Posts:314 Points:1,453,055 Joined:Jun 2006	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2012 10:28:51 AM Ignore newman26 Report Abuse I miss my stick. They are harder to find and my wife refuses to learn, So after 32 years I finally got a car with an automatic.
Tehbob Champion Author California Posts:2,301 Points:458,580 Joined:Jan 2012	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2012 10:21:39 AM Ignore Tehbob Report Abuse something to do
FortVancouver01 Champion Author Washington Posts:1,170 Points:288,795 Joined:Jul 2012	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2012 9:00:53 AM Ignore FortVancouver01 Report Abuse The newer automatics are so efficient and well designed it almost makes the old sticks obsolete.
kristenh1013 Sophomore Author Tennessee Posts:146 Points:222,610 Joined:Aug 2012	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2012 8:30:03 AM Ignore kristenh1013 Report Abuse HaHa! Neither me, my sister, or my dad, know how to drive a stick. We never had a stick shift car in my immediate family. I hope we don't need to flee from something (ie. alien invasion, zombie apocalypse, or drive a getaway car, because we would be screwed!
shstew Veteran Author British Columbia Posts:286 Points:314,270 Joined:Nov 2011	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2012 7:46:00 AM Ignore shstew Report Abuse Last gasp?
blupupher Champion Author Houston Posts:3,555 Points:749,020 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2012 7:38:00 AM Ignore blupupher Report Abuse I miss my stick. Wife can't drive one (Have tried many times) so I don't get one :(
SUNOIL Champion Author Toledo Posts:5,250 Points:1,926,980 Joined:Jul 2007	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2012 6:13:13 AM Ignore SUNOIL Report Abuse If treated right they will outlast the automatic.
alterman156 Champion Author New York Posts:7,495 Points:1,558,725 Joined:Dec 2008	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2012 2:16:29 AM Ignore alterman156 Report Abuse Stick shift cars are practically dead.
djgunrunner Champion Author Salt Lake City Posts:10,109 Points:2,350,555 Joined:Apr 2005	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2012 1:57:40 AM Ignore djgunrunner Report Abuse I like a stick shift because the car is in the exact gear that I want it in. It is especially good when driving a truck with a load either a class 8 or a pickup.
Z51Corvette Champion Author Austin Posts:8,494 Points:1,673,100 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2012 1:15:44 AM Ignore Z51Corvette Report Abuse What kind of car is your 6speed auto Vulcan...
Z51Corvette Champion Author Austin Posts:8,494 Points:1,673,100 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2012 1:11:46 AM Ignore Z51Corvette Report Abuse Dear Tigerpaw, The Richmond or Tremec 6 speed Manual Transmissions will get at least 20% better fuel economy over ANY automatic, driven by comparable drivers. The best Automatics in cars people can reasonably afford are only 5 SPEEDS. The Richmond and Tremec Manuals have another advantage over the Automatics... They have an additional gear and... internal gear options to maximize the horsepower and torque production to the weight of the vehicle. So, when you couple the weight, gear options and efficiency of the Manuals, I could manage a minimum of 20 - 30% better fuel economy over an Automatic Transmission. One last benefit... is REPAIR / Maintenance costs. Rebuilds of a high efficient Automatic is close to 1500 dollars, every 100 - 150k miles. I have driven manuals that got anywhere from a minimum of 250 - 370k miles without a rebuild. Clutch replacements cost about $250 every 90k - 150k miles. Automatics build heat that put additional stress on the cooling system. Manuals do not! Manuals you can start, if your battery is low... autos you can not. So... the only reason I could find for an automatic... is the perception that a manual is too difficult to master, or for AUTOCROSSING competition. I won't depend on a "sensor" to make sure the transmission shifts correctly.
jrsva Champion Author Virginia Posts:9,862 Points:1,614,200 Joined:Jan 2006	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2012 12:55:36 AM Ignore jrsva Report Abuse When we bought a new car two years ago the dealer had to make a dealer trade out of state, over 200 miles away, to find a stick shift in the model we wanted. Really amazing. I will never own an automatic; I’ve driven one (under duress) a couple of times and hated it.
vulcan96 Champion Author Ohio Posts:26,931 Points:3,105,625 Joined:Aug 2004	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2012 12:50:19 AM Ignore vulcan96 Report Abuse i like my 6 speed auto
jtfftj Champion Author New Hampshire Posts:2,181 Points:1,250,030 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2012 12:48:31 AM Ignore jtfftj Report Abuse I like them both.
Z51Corvette Champion Author Austin Posts:8,494 Points:1,673,100 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2012 12:47:34 AM Ignore Z51Corvette Report Abuse The writer of this article apparently has an aversion to Manual transmissions, based on the perceived cynism in the style of their writing. Automatics are for those "less engaged" in the driving experience. I grew up on an automatic, however once I started driving a manual, the "automatic" became passe'! Automatics waste fuel... and create greater demand for repairs than manuals... I have a '63 Impala Wagon, which I am restoring. I am removing the Powerglide Automatic and installing a 6 Speed Manual over a 5 speed automatic. While the initial expense of the install is greater by nearly 1k, the fuel savings and maintenance cost savings, will recoup that cost in less than 4 years.
TIGERPAW46 Champion Author Florida Posts:7,136 Points:1,357,630 Joined:Mar 2004	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2012 12:36:46 AM Ignore TIGERPAW46 Report Abuse Stick shift at one time was suppose to be more fuel efficient if used properly not racing etc. the manual trans. is lighter wt due to less components than an Automatic. The automatic was just more convenient. With time and engineering the newer automatics are so refined & with overdrive etc they can give better gas mileage than a manual trans despite carrying the extra weight. Only with a similar number of gears & an expert driver knowing exactly what rpm to shift for maximum fuel efficiency could a manual trans. benefit by it's lighter weight against todays automatic trans. for fuel efficiency.
AskMeLater Champion Author Amarillo Posts:1,998 Points:579,975 Joined:Jul 2005	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2012 12:29:01 AM Ignore AskMeLater Report Abuse Much rather have a stick. Have one in my old 1992 Ford pickup truck with 360,xxx miles, and have never had to do anything with the trans. How many transmissions would I have put in it if it had an auto?
jorod55 Champion Author California Posts:1,485 Points:432,925 Joined:Dec 2011	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2012 12:28:43 AM Ignore jorod55 Report Abuse Stick shift, button shift, paddle shift, auto shift. What ever shifts your gear.
2bigtanks All-Star Author Akron Posts:772 Points:371,610 Joined:Jun 2011	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2012 12:25:03 AM Ignore 2bigtanks Report Abuse Never wanted stick but never had a car that it looked good in. Had lot of bucket seats and console w/auto.
LuthierKS Champion Author Wichita Posts:3,752 Points:730,905 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2012 12:23:16 AM Ignore LuthierKS Report Abuse I was raised in the stick shift era (first driver's license in 1955). I've been driving a truck ever since. Modern automatic transmissions, that allow the driver to also select a particular gear when necessary, are so superior to stick shift transmissions I would never go back.
miser709 Champion Author Grand Rapids Posts:1,268 Points:1,071,675 Joined:Mar 2004	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2012 12:21:43 AM Ignore miser709 Report Abuse Stick the stick.
Prodaddy Champion Author Houston Posts:8,385 Points:1,897,035 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2012 12:21:22 AM Ignore Prodaddy Report Abuse I don't see this happening
SparkieMi Champion Author Kalamazoo Posts:3,271 Points:590,335 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2012 12:21:20 AM Ignore SparkieMi Report Abuse Good post by Dragnet......
grandamgt1 Champion Author Illinois Posts:2,351 Points:1,241,300 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2012 12:20:21 AM Ignore grandamgt1 Report Abuse Its all about the economy. As long as you don't go "race car driver", you'll save some money.
ManOfLeisureII Champion Author Philadelphia Posts:1,884 Points:455,800 Joined:Jan 2012	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2012 12:19:59 AM Ignore ManOfLeisureII Report Abuse Never owned a vehicle without stick shift. More fun to drive and better in snow.
gasandgoAL Champion Author Alabama Posts:7,156 Points:1,590,640 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2012 12:19:36 AM Ignore gasandgoAL Report Abuse hope stick shifts don't fade out
pachukdog1 Champion Author Pensacola Posts:1,752 Points:378,475 Joined:Jan 2012	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2012 12:19:23 AM Ignore pachukdog1 Report Abuse ha, stick
Dragnet Champion Author Arizona Posts:15,411 Points:2,909,735 Joined:Jul 2004	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2012 12:18:41 AM Ignore Dragnet Report Abuse Stick is the best way to have a vehicle. Better gas mileage
Saunch2012 Veteran Author Pennsylvania Posts:451 Points:111,105 Joined:May 2012	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2012 12:18:17 AM Ignore Saunch2012 Report Abuse ok
FuelishGuy All-Star Author Edmonton Posts:798 Points:927,225 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2012 12:16:47 AM Ignore FuelishGuy Report Abuse ...younger drivers probably prefer to text and fiddle with their electronic gizmos than shift gears these days. Small wonder why they've declined.
kkimes Champion Author Illinois Posts:1,605 Points:1,507,210 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2012 12:13:47 AM Ignore kkimes Report Abuse "Never had a problem with a stick shift except while teaching a new driver." I'll never forget the times I tried to teach my wife to drive my '67 Mustang GT 4speed with a heavy duty clutch. We would go to the forest preserve to practice. The cars would clear out fast! Did I mention that she was 7 months pregnant at the time? We looked more like a bunny rabbit than we did a car going across the parking lot.
w4kh Champion Author Tennessee Posts:11,675 Points:2,229,965 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2012 12:13:27 AM Ignore w4kh Report Abuse Given a choice I would so prefer a stick
jferrara41 All-Star Author Pennsylvania Posts:598 Points:110,665 Joined:Apr 2012	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2012 12:12:44 AM Ignore jferrara41 Report Abuse Always wanted to learn
Dodge_Me Champion Author Atlanta Posts:2,214 Points:556,980 Joined:Mar 2006	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2012 12:11:52 AM Ignore Dodge_Me Report Abuse The stick has its place but hope it doesn't go away
Sody33 Champion Author Las Vegas Posts:15,946 Points:1,870,860 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2012 12:10:42 AM Ignore Sody33 Report Abuse I learned on an automatic back when the automatic was a rare treat only on Packards I believe. I also learned the stick shift in the Army during Korean War and I like it, still do and have one but they are rarer.
comprof Champion Author Houston Posts:6,870 Points:1,358,700 Joined:Jul 2009	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2012 12:09:19 AM Ignore comprof Report Abuse I liked the stick shifts. Makes driving less boring.
BobD2009 Champion Author Long Island Posts:6,999 Points:1,241,735 Joined:Apr 2009	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2012 12:08:26 AM Ignore BobD2009 Report Abuse You can't beat a stick shift in the snow.
jrsva Champion Author Virginia Posts:9,862 Points:1,614,200 Joined:Jan 2006	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2012 12:06:32 AM Ignore jrsva Report Abuse Only 3%? That’s amazing. I’ve driven an automatic only a couple of times and found it truly awful. You never know when the damn thing is going to shift when you don’t want it to. A manual tranny gives better efficiency and is more fun to drive. What’s not to like? My F150 is rated for only half the towing capacity of the same model with automatic. What’s that all about? My tilt trailer empty exceeds the rated capacity but I’ve towed over 4x the rating and never had a problem.
TxMtb Champion Author Ohio Posts:1,540 Points:344,930 Joined:Feb 2012	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2012 12:06:15 AM Ignore TxMtb Report Abuse Have always preferred a manual, just more reliable it seems.
bginsj Champion Author San Jose Posts:1,878 Points:1,236,585 Joined:May 2009	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2012 12:05:49 AM Ignore bginsj Report Abuse dad wouldnt let me drive till I learned how and I am glad he taught me
CDMAuto Champion Author Connecticut Posts:3,798 Points:755,640 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2012 12:05:48 AM Ignore CDMAuto Report Abuse GOOD
chuckwthompson Champion Author Charlotte Posts:3,765 Points:579,135 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2012 12:03:25 AM Ignore chuckwthompson Report Abuse No surprise.
Ron77095 Champion Author Houston Posts:3,070 Points:604,625 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2012 12:02:49 AM Ignore Ron77095 Report Abuse ok.
WalkingWV Champion Author West Virginia Posts:3,701 Points:779,595 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2012 12:01:44 AM Ignore WalkingWV Report Abuse I like 18 speeds, clutch only for stopping and take-offs, and the Peterbilt can get 12mpg pulling 80,000 lbs.