I hope it is understood as just an opinion . . . Isn't it what the OP is asking?


There's learning how to, and there's knowing how to . . . I think it's a great idea to get a feel for it (though terrifying if something gets broken) but it can't replace length of time spent with it, wouldn't you agree?

Many times I've though of the idea of purchasing an extra very inexpensive used car on its last leg just to learn
I'd be scared to damage a brand new one just to learn...

 

Well... yes.... sorry... manual fanatics get me bent outta shape a bit... add to that a crappy day at work, and you've got the makings of a good ol' internet rant!

There is no replacement for time. For anything. The more you get to practice something, the better.

I taught someone how to drive manual in the brand new MR2 Spyder she bought... first one in our area. She bought it, didn't know it was going to be manual. Had to call me to drive her home from the dealership. Then I had to teach her the rest of the day. Ugh, that was a sad thing to do to that car. It had a really touchy clutch too... almost on/off... not much in between.

 

We all have those. That's what forums are for sometime . . . better than upsetting the wife

 

I vote Auto. Having driven dozens of both in my lifetime, sooner or later, if you live in the city, you will be in traffic. It gets annoying having to keep a clutch in, or just shifting back and forth for an hour. Besides, you do have the option of paddle shifting, or, shifting the shift lever in a Mini. Not exactly the same, but close enough for me. Now-a-days, the auto trans are so efficient you get better gas mileage with an auto too.

 

She knows to leave me alone if I start growling at my screen and muttering under my breath...

 

An automatic r53 is like having a stick in a town car.

 

I both agree and disagree with this. Manual is definitely "more fun" - for me. bishop_gideon is right though, in that you should get what you enjoy more, but keep in mind that until you get comfortable with a manual, it will be more work, and maybe not as much fun. You will have to think about what you're doing. However, I've always driven a manual and, for me, I don't even think about it anymore. It's become kind of, uh, automatic.

The best way to learn to drive a manual is for a friend to teach you, especially if that friend is good with a stick and has a decent car. Not only could they teach you, but they could show you what kind of control a manual gives you over the car and what you will be able to do when you get proficient.