Manual shift in local traffic? A soon-to-be FRS owner
 

Hey guys,

Is driving a manual shift annoying in local traffic? I've never driven a manual before, but I'm going to get the stick shift FR-S. Therefore, I'm just wondering what your experience is in handling local traffic emotionally and physically.

Thanks a bunch

If you really like driving manual, it won't bother you at all. I can safely say that I'm more likely to drive no matter how much traffic there is because I have a manual.

Ask people in the Philippines section :lol:

...Majority of cars in the Philippines are manual, and in heavily populated places like Manila, people get used to driving stick in traffic.

Had mine for 4 days now, 25 miles in SF Bay Area traffic one way.

If I didn't have a manual transmission I would despise my commute, as it is I tolerate it and I am much more patient in a stick.
Your mileage may vary.

I have been driving manual transmissions for almost 15 years now. It has become second nature it is not something I think about. I think after a few weeks you will feel the same way.

I don't think I have an emotional or physical response in regards to driving a manual in traffic. I just have emotional responses to the local traffic's terrible driving.

If you're stuck in prolonged stop&go traffic on a highway then yes it can become annoying otherwise its fine. I would recommend having someone give you a couple of lessons before driving your FR-S off the lot. Also, its best to practice in a low traffic area like an industrial park in the evening or on the weekends.

It's not that bad and I personally don't mind it. I also leave some space ahead of me and try to keep the car rolling in second gear during rush hour.

Unless you're in traffic 24/7 then it ain't so bad. This is my first manual too and now a little traffic doesn't bother me. Of course I'm in GA and its not so bad where I am. Depends on you're location. I will say the good of driving stick out ways its bad in traffic though. Just my personal opinion. So man up lol! :P

My FR-S is my first manual too...and I love it. I still get a little nervous when I come across any kind of an incline, but I guess that doesn't really depend on traffic and gets better with more experience. I really, REALLY enjoy driving my car :) much more engaging and fun...and it also helps me stay awake in traffic--I used to doze while driving pretty often...

This is my first MT as well. I'm still pretty scared of any incline... mostly because people like to get as close as possible to the rear bumper. :mad0259:

SERIOUSly. But I realized that I've just been used to driving longer cars and that people aren't as close to me as I thought. Most times they're still too close for my comfort, though. :thumbdown:

I've lived downtown in a big city with ridiculous traffic for the last 5 years, my previous car was a manual and my FR-S is a manual. I never found it to be a problem. It's obviously not as brainless as an autotragic but it's not hard or annoying in the least.

I have friends who bought automatics because they're scared of traffic or something. They think it will be too hard or too much hassle. It's not, and they bought the wrong car.

Anyone who has ever told you a manual in the city is too much work has never actually driven one, anyone who drives a manual will tell you it's cake.

Just leave it in second gear, you'll be fine. Autos are weaksauce.