Manual in DMV?

[kanundrum]

Get a manual because we said so. I have only seen 1 auto in this area and he just traded it for a manual (also wiped the floor with us at autocrossing) @UncleFester

[Plat]

Get a manual, it is really not that bad, once you use to it, it is fine. Plus, it keeps you awake

[shirker]

Originally Posted by Sekal

How come Annandale did not make it? We have so many Asians who live here that it will soon become a natural habitat.

Probably because the 'worst driver' data comes from accidents/claims, and anywhere the driving tends to be more congested the more likely things can go wrong. Arlington, Alexandria (old town in particular), and DC have lots of smaller roads and more roads in a given area, plus packed traffic. Annandale roads themselves aren't so bad.

[UncleFester]

Originally Posted by DatDudeLoso

How would you rate driving a Manual in the DMV area. I already hate driving manual in my local area and I already know DC is gonna be 3x worse. Just looking for your opinions.

I love manuals and I originally purchased an auto because I too hate driving in traffic with a manual. My 35 minute commute without traffic, usually took 2 hours with traffic. Thats around four hours a day in 1st-2nd gear. I learned this while driving a 6spd Miata in the same traffic. It was much nicer having the steering wheel in one hand and my cell phone in the other (yea, I'm that guy.)

Earlier this year my work situation changed and I no longer commute. So I switched to a manual.

Bottom line if I still commuted that length of time to work every day, I'd still have the auto.

[Jaylyons1]

MT > anything else. Just my 2 cents.

[v1ru5]

A manual transmission will make hair grow on your knuckles. An auto will make you go blind.

[DatDudeLoso]

Originally Posted by GMU-BRZ

Well given you said you already hate driving it there, guessing you'll be pretty miserable here. Heading for Andrews?

Im heading to Ft. Meade.

[DatDudeLoso]

Originally Posted by Plat

Get a manual, it is really not that bad, once you use to it, it is fine. Plus, it keeps you awake

I have a manual, I was just curious on how bad it was out there because everyone i know is telling me I'm gonna hate life in my MT there. I kinda over exaggerated when i said i HATED driving here, im just from a place where traffic isn't an issue.

[DatDudeLoso]

Thanks for the input guys. Hopefully it's not as bad as everyone makes it and i can live with my MT while I am stationed there. I would hate to have to trade in. Any idea on MPG out there with your MT???

[BoostinIX]

Having lived in the Meade area, it sucks, but it's just part of life. Least the BRZ is a light clutch. Always fun getting stuck in traffic in the race car.

[DatDudeLoso]

Being stuck in traffic on a daily basis in a MT is something I am not looking forward to. Im just gonna get there and see how bad it is, if i cant take it, im just gonna trade for a DSG Audi A4.

[Vyk]

I grew up and learned to drive around here in Fairfax County.
I absolutely abhor the traffic and drivers around here.
It sucks when I'm out driving; it especially sucks when I'm out riding my motorcycles.
BRZ is my first manual car (had it since February).

That being said, riding motorcycles and learning/driving a manual car hasn't sucked additionally. If anything, for me, it has made it a bit more bearable. It's just more fun. More to do besides fuming about traffic.