Completely new driver. Need advice

[jarviz]

Originally Posted by PoRco

You're right. I keep looking for people to tell me to get a manual instead. It's clear what I really want. I just have to face the music and go through the learning curve. Can't wait to become fluid with the shifting though . It's gonna be so much fun

Just gotta decide between the Argento or FireStorm now :P

If those are the only two than get the firestorm. I saw it in person and it completely blew me away. Nothing like the videos or pictures. I didn't get the firestorm because it's too showy and grabs the attention of the cops. That's just me though.

[PoRco]

Originally Posted by jarviz

If those are the only two than get the firestorm. I saw it in person and it completely blew me away. Nothing like the videos or pictures. I didn't get the firestorm because it's too showy and grabs the attention of the cops. That's just me though.

I've only seen the Asphalt in person and that didn't quite do it for me.

The Argento seems to show off the lines of the car a lot more (At least in the pictures)

The Firestorm doesnt seem to show the lines in the picture at least.

Cons against Argento : Way too many silver cars on the street.
Pros : Looks elegant, classy. Shows definition of the car.

Cons against firestorm : Too "showy" as you mentioned. The lines aren't as well defined (seems like it at least). Will stand out to cops
Pros : It's sooo sporty. Matches the interior. Will stand out.(lol)

Can't decide.

Are there any maintenance issues with Red over Silver? (I hear Black is a bitch to maintain)

[ichitaka05]

Originally Posted by PoRco

I've only seen the Asphalt in person and that didn't quite do it for me.

The Argento seems to show off the lines of the car a lot more (At least in the pictures)

The Firestorm doesnt seem to show the lines in the picture at least.

Cons against Argento : Way too many silver cars on the street.
Pros : Looks elegant, classy. Shows definition of the car.

Cons against firestorm : Too "showy" as you mentioned. The lines aren't as well defined (seems like it at least). Will stand out to cops
Pros : It's sooo sporty. Matches the interior. Will stand out.(lol)

Can't decide.

Are there any maintenance issues with Red over Silver? (I hear Black is a bitch to maintain)

Here's a side by side photo


Recently, I'm liking HotLava too... specially messy one
This was after we went to track (skid pad, autox, & track)

[SEC]

My opinion is you’re over thinking the MT issue. With practice, you should be fine. Unless you just can’t develop the skill, the car will survive your learning curve. The best car to learn stick on is always someone elses. Since that's not an option, just be smart in going about this.

I would be more concerned about the handling characteristics of a car like this. The car is designed to respond to driver inputs in a way most cars don’t. It can reward those who know what their doing and punish those who don't. That's what I think has the potential of getting you in trouble. I see you’re in Canada. Do you plan on driving the car in the winter? Even with snow tires, it will be a fickle beast. I would suggest taking a performance driving school so you can better understand the dynamics of a car like this.

[PoRco]

Originally Posted by ichitaka05

Here's a side by side photo


Recently, I'm liking HotLava too... specially messy one
This was after we went to track (skid pad, autox, & track)

I gotta say, the silver looks WAYYY too bland in that picture.

Would you say that the picture is a good reflection of what the car really looks like?

Here is what I thought the Argento would look like in person:
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/attac...1&d=1337377987
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/attac...1&d=1337377987

[ichitaka05]

Originally Posted by PoRco

I gotta say, the silver looks WAYYY too bland in that picture.

Would you say that the picture is a good reflection of what the car really looks like?

Give or take, yes. TBH, out of all the color choices, that silver/argento is last on my list. It's pretty bland... but that's just me

[PoRco]

Originally Posted by SEC

My opinion is you’re over thinking the MT issue. With practice, you should be fine. Unless you just can’t develop the skill, the car will survive your learning curve. The best car to learn stick on is always someone elses. Since that's not an option, just be smart in going about this.

I would be more concerned about the handling characteristics of a car like this. The car is designed to respond to driver inputs in a way most cars don’t. It can reward those who know what their doing and punish those who don't. That's what I think has the potential of getting you in trouble. I see you’re in Canada. Do you plan on driving the car in the winter? Even with snow tires, it will be a fickle beast. I would suggest taking a performance driving school so you can better understand the dynamics of a car like this.

Yes this car is going to be my daily driver. And yeah, I've already looked up Winter Driving school and performance school in Ottawa.

Every search leads me to this site : http://www.mco.org/cms/

Not sure if it's good or not. Seems to be good from the looks of it Looks like it's my only option.

[#87]

I always see posts in threads like this saying to go rent a manual car for a week or two to learn. Really? Please show us who rents manuals because I've never seen a rental company that does and it really doesn't make sense for them to do that unless they charged a significant amount more.

link?

[DeeezNuuuts83]

Originally Posted by #87

I always see posts in threads like this saying to go rent a manual car for a week or two to learn. Really? Please show us who rents manuals because I've never seen a rental company that does and it really doesn't make sense for them to do that unless they charged a significant amount more.

That's a good point that I didn't even think of, as there are so few manuals sold for models that have both transmissions available and aren't more enthusiast-minded vehicles, and likely even fewer available at car rental establishments.

For the amount that you'd spend on renting a car, assuming that a manual transmission vehicle was available (and wasn't something like a Lotus Elise or Dodge Viper), you'd be better off just finding a friend with a beater car that has a manual transmission and just give them $50 or something to practice on their car a few hours a day for a week or so.

[elenien]

Originally Posted by #87

I always see posts in threads like this saying to go rent a manual car for a week or two to learn. Really? Please show us who rents manuals because I've never seen a rental company that does and it really doesn't make sense for them to do that unless they charged a significant amount more.

link?

I know they rent manuals in the UK... that might be a little far to go though

[sevenmgte]

Originally Posted by elenien

I know they rent manuals in the UK... that might be a little far to go though

And pretty much everywhere else in the world outside of North America.

[Xenocide117]

Find a beater on Craigslist for a few hundred bucks and learn on that.

[TheRipler]

Originally Posted by #87

I always see posts in threads like this saying to go rent a manual car for a week or two to learn. Really? Please show us who rents manuals because I've never seen a rental company that does and it really doesn't make sense for them to do that unless they charged a significant amount more.

link?

Hertz used to rent the Mustang V6 w/MT, but I could see them dropping that option when the newer 6 came out. Been a while since I've heard of anyone renting one.

[FRS_Ken]

Originally Posted by PoRco

Yes this car is going to be my daily driver. And yeah, I've already looked up Winter Driving school and performance school in Ottawa.

Every search leads me to this site : http://www.mco.org/cms/

Not sure if it's good or not. Seems to be good from the looks of it Looks like it's my only option.

My friend at work is part of the MCO and he actually gives the winter training classes and teaches people on the track too.

The Solo II stuff on the Corel center parking lot might be something to consider - not much to hit and might give you better feeling for the car. I plan on trying it in the spring next year - maybe even a track day at Calabogie Track.

Reading this whole thread has me see-sawing on the MT vs AT decision... am I too old and set in my ways to go for MT for the first time? hmmm