Manual Tranmission for a Teens first Car?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,506
Likes: 66
From: Sidney, BC
2009 SLK55 AMG. & 2022 GLA250 4Matic
Old fart input.
Manual and I like the Miata idea or equivalent.
My first drive was my Dad's bettle and also my first car.
One of the beauties was how you could hang the *** end out, learn to down shift, drift it on wet roads etc. Winters fun. I put it in a snow bank now and again but bouncing by the bumper over guards and it was out.
Give him enough to have fun, learn to shift and figure out braking etc. Put a noisy exhaust in because most women I know thing loud means fast so the chicks will still get....well you know.
Manual and I like the Miata idea or equivalent.
My first drive was my Dad's bettle and also my first car.
One of the beauties was how you could hang the *** end out, learn to down shift, drift it on wet roads etc. Winters fun. I put it in a snow bank now and again but bouncing by the bumper over guards and it was out.
Give him enough to have fun, learn to shift and figure out braking etc. Put a noisy exhaust in because most women I know thing loud means fast so the chicks will still get....well you know.
Member
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 78
Likes: 20
From: California
2012 C63 AMG
Being 21 here my first car doesn't seem that long ago. Bought an 06 A4 2.0T manual, and was probably the best decision I made until I realized what Audi reliability meant. Yet driving a manual everyday I think helped me become a more aware, and cautious driver because of the extra work it takes to operate a manual compared to an auto on the road. The Mazda is a good idea I think, but nothing could compare if you got him a little 3 series in stick to drive around (Given there's a warranty or something). If he's not into cars like I was when I first got my license, a little German sedan can change all of that. However, if he starts to become a typical BMW driver, just take the keys and get him a Volvo at least he'll be safe in that. All said and done the car you drive in high school should be fun, and plus high school girls like German cars anyways.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,818
Likes: 395
2012 E550 Cabrio
A stick is a great idea, if for no other reason than maybe one day he can explain to his kids what a manual transmission was, and a fax machine, and a file cabinet.
Let him fall in love with driving. And to do that requires bonding with your car. Nothing is better for that than a stick.
Let him fall in love with driving. And to do that requires bonding with your car. Nothing is better for that than a stick.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 919
Likes: 116
2009 c63
So I decided this was too much for a first car last night.
Then I woke up... paused... watch a few "first time driving stick" videos on YouTube and remembered what a great memory this is to have and really would love to go through that with my son.
Ugh... still on the fence.
This "teach my girl friend stick" one is cute...
Then I woke up... paused... watch a few "first time driving stick" videos on YouTube and remembered what a great memory this is to have and really would love to go through that with my son.
Ugh... still on the fence.
This "teach my girl friend stick" one is cute...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,768
Likes: 419
'10 C63
Yeah. I think it's too fast for most teens. Maybe a fiesta ST. Quick, practical and fun with potential for mods once he gets used to the power. Great car to turn a wrench on without breaking the bank
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,372
Likes: 412
2010 C63 AMG
Just do it, it isn't rocket science
and it being to fast? Realistically a **** box Miata is too fast if you are driving it hard
I was fine and my first car was a bugatti veydon manual.... and that's a 1000 hp back in the mid 90s when 1 hp = 1.44 in today's hp
(please no fact checking here it's really not needed) 😎
and it being to fast? Realistically a **** box Miata is too fast if you are driving it hard
I was fine and my first car was a bugatti veydon manual.... and that's a 1000 hp back in the mid 90s when 1 hp = 1.44 in today's hp
(please no fact checking here it's really not needed) 😎
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 919
Likes: 116
2009 c63
Well he just got back from a school trip... showed little passion for this option and I think my wife got to him first and talked it down. I'm not taking an expensive gamble that he'll like it.
I think it's back to an automatic...
Thanks for all the feedback... I received this same mix of opinions from car and non-car people surprisingly.
I think it's back to an automatic...
Thanks for all the feedback... I received this same mix of opinions from car and non-car people surprisingly.
Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 195
Likes: 7
From: Houston
C63 507
I realize this will be tainted asking a car enthusiast community but...
Buying a Manual Transmission for a Male Teen? Considering a Mazda Speed3 Hot Hatch...
A. Great Idea - good to learn, may make him an enthusiast, will keep his hand off a phone, make sure he's not distracted, Stolen Less because 5% of thieves know stick, etc.
B. Pass - It's hard enough to drive as a teen
All constructive comments welcome as always...
Buying a Manual Transmission for a Male Teen? Considering a Mazda Speed3 Hot Hatch...
A. Great Idea - good to learn, may make him an enthusiast, will keep his hand off a phone, make sure he's not distracted, Stolen Less because 5% of thieves know stick, etc.
B. Pass - It's hard enough to drive as a teen
All constructive comments welcome as always...
Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 195
Likes: 7
From: Houston
C63 507
Well he just got back from a school trip... showed little passion for this option and I think my wife got to him first and talked it down. I'm not taking an expensive gamble that he'll like it.
I think it's back to an automatic...
Thanks for all the feedback... I received this same mix of opinions from car and non-car people surprisingly.
I think it's back to an automatic...
Thanks for all the feedback... I received this same mix of opinions from car and non-car people surprisingly.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 704
Likes: 81
From: Destin FL
2018 E63 AMG S
So I decided this was too much for a first car last night.
Then I woke up... paused... watch a few "first time driving stick" videos on YouTube and remembered what a great memory this is to have and really would love to go through that with my son.
Ugh... still on the fence.
This "teach my girl friend stick" one is cute...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubH-d0KJUJE
Then I woke up... paused... watch a few "first time driving stick" videos on YouTube and remembered what a great memory this is to have and really would love to go through that with my son.
Ugh... still on the fence.
This "teach my girl friend stick" one is cute...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubH-d0KJUJE
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 919
Likes: 116
2009 c63
I'm slowly climbing back up the fence...
They have to do body work the next few days... I'll leave the deposit on until then.
This may sound strange but the attention thing really is a big plus for me... not just the phone but the teenage kid is often sleepy in the morning when he'd drive to school... hard to doze of with a manual.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 4,761
Likes: 566
From: Milwaukee, WI
2010 C300 4MATIC........ 2011 C63 AMG.............. 2015 CLS400 4MATIC.....
LOL @ THE PRIUS PIC
Also, having a manual transmission doesn't make it faster. Lol.
Obviously you know that but it seems like speed is a worry more than the transmission.
Once again maybe insurance could put a secret speed limiter...he'll only find out if he gets that far :3
Also, having a manual transmission doesn't make it faster. Lol.
Obviously you know that but it seems like speed is a worry more than the transmission.
Once again maybe insurance could put a secret speed limiter...he'll only find out if he gets that far :3
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 478
Likes: 119
2013 C63 AMG
I'm 31, and the first automatic I've owned is my C63. I took my driver's exam on an auto, but my first car was a manual. It was a steeper learning curve, since I also had to drive in stop and go morning traffic while developing a stronger left leg, but I think it was worth it.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 975
Likes: 52
From: Metro Detroit
2014 C63 AMG 507 sedan
I vote for a manual too. First car I drove was a manual and fell in love with driving.
Driving a stick forces you to pay attention and drive the car. An automatic gives you an opportunity to "zone out" since the driving is done for you, and all you have to do is turn and stop.
Driving a stick forces you to pay attention and drive the car. An automatic gives you an opportunity to "zone out" since the driving is done for you, and all you have to do is turn and stop.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 338
Likes: 64
From: Aurora IL
2014 C63 Edition 507
Yes to the manual...
Bought my son a manual 2000 Toyota Solara Coupe with 55K back in '09 for $7000. Been a great car, got him through HS, College and now his young adulthood. Definitely helped to deter the distractions. He picked it up quickly too - one weekend of instruction, was about it.
He has mentioned lately that the shifting has become a pain in the Chicago rush hour commute, so he'll probably be selling/trading it in with in a year or so for an automatic. Still a nice ride with only 110k - and I make him wax it 4 times a year.
He has mentioned lately that the shifting has become a pain in the Chicago rush hour commute, so he'll probably be selling/trading it in with in a year or so for an automatic. Still a nice ride with only 110k - and I make him wax it 4 times a year.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 919
Likes: 116
2009 c63
Here's an interesting twist... found that these can be easily tuned/governed...
"You can create a fully custom "teen" tune. The Valet tune would be a good starting point. It has speed, rpm, and power limiters."
So remind me why I'd buy this just to detune it?
... or is this a great... let's make this a project together and you earn power as you earn skills and knowledge thing...?
"You can create a fully custom "teen" tune. The Valet tune would be a good starting point. It has speed, rpm, and power limiters."
So remind me why I'd buy this just to detune it?
... or is this a great... let's make this a project together and you earn power as you earn skills and knowledge thing...?
Last edited by Dogtag114; Nov 22, 2016 at 12:15 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,768
Likes: 419
'10 C63
Here's an interesting twist... found that these can be adult tuned/governed...
"You can create a fully custom "teen" tune. The Valet tune would be a good starting point. It has speed, rpm, and power limiters."
So remind me why I'd buy this just to detune it?
... or is this a great... let's make this a project together and you earn power as you earn skills and knowledge thing...?
"You can create a fully custom "teen" tune. The Valet tune would be a good starting point. It has speed, rpm, and power limiters."
So remind me why I'd buy this just to detune it?
... or is this a great... let's make this a project together and you earn power as you earn skills and knowledge thing...?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 919
Likes: 116
2009 c63
Thanks all for the feedback.
My rational mind kicked in and I bought him a 3 sport version... not the 3Speed...
Enough for a new driver... without being dangerously slow.
Wish it was a manual but went with the automatic...
My rational mind kicked in and I bought him a 3 sport version... not the 3Speed...
Enough for a new driver... without being dangerously slow.
Wish it was a manual but went with the automatic...
