Hey, this is my first post and I need some help!!

Last summer I bought used 2004 Z (AT) and It's been 1 year.. and I'm really regretting my decision on choosing automatic!! I don't know how to drive stick but tried several times in my friend's car. And I'm looking forward to change to MT, would it be worth it?? I know it will definately but considering the cost and all that! and when would be the best time to purchase used car?? mine currently has 39000 miles(bought it with about 36000miles) on it. any input is thankful!!

oh, and do you guys recommend Z as my first 6spd manual car?? or should I consider other cars?? But I really love Z!! Thanks

and what would be the reasonable price for 05 touring that has about 25k miles on it. I heard 05 is among the most reliable compared to other years (except 07 or 08). I might be wrong so just correct me!

 

just a fair warning be prepared for the hell you are about to recieve from other members here on this board. The whole MT vs. AT has been beatin to death, and tends to send the thread in a downward spiral.

But i will give you my honest opinion. NO it is not worth it. I'm assuming you still owe on your current Z? If it is paid for then sure sell your 04 and purchase your 6MT.

Others have stated here that as a begginner the Z is very unforgiving when it comes to 6MT. I would practice more before going after a 6spd or you'll just ruin the clutch before your first oil change.

BTW. you might wanna re-write your post, i find it very hard to understand what you are asking, and it just gives other members here more fuel for the flaming to come!

oh and welcome to my350z!

 

Here's some recent discussions on the AT vs MT front...

https://my350z.com/forum/2003-2009-nissan-350z/369337-2003-auto-350z.html
https://my350z.com/forum/2003-2009-nissan-350z/360563-tiptronic-vs-manual-gearbox.html
https://my350z.com/forum/new-owners/356912-stick-or-auto.html
https://my350z.com/forum/showthread.php?t=359291
https://my350z.com/forum/2003-2009-nissan-350z/358111-damage-going-from-auto-to-manual.html
https://my350z.com/forum/2003-2009-nissan-350z/348026-automatic-z.html
https://my350z.com/forum/2003-2009-nissan-350z/340920-the-good-the-bad-the-ugly.html
https://my350z.com/forum/2003-2009-nissan-350z/337910-those-with-auto-trannys.html
https://my350z.com/forum/2003-2009-nissan-350z/312699-automatic-vs-standard.html


as you can see, it's a popular subject but prepared to get flamed. Maybe I ought to just close the thread now and save us all a lot of trouble.

 

There is nothing wrong with a Z being your first MT car. I taught my son to drive MT with no damage to his psyche or the Z. I would try to find a used car from a friend/relative to get the basics if you can. If not at least have a friend used to MT's to go with you to get your Z.

Yes, 05 would be a good choice; fewer issues.

 

heres my opinion for you sessllh, and welcome to the forum btw...

if a 6mt is what you really want, then by all means do it. but i think you ought to opt for an 08 if thats what your gonna do. at least that way, you would actually be getting somethin different rather than trading a red apple for a green one. ive had an 06, and now an 08, and i thinks its a whole different experience, driving wise. to me, the 08 is a much better vehicle. but then again, everyone will have their opinions for you.

imo, i dont think the newer Z's would be that hard to learn an MT on. they drive pretty smoothly and are somewhat forgiving as long as your not just terrible. of course i have a lot of experience, so it may just seem that way to me. why dont you just go down to your local nissan dealership and take one for a cruise? see how it feels. and dont worry about the whole MT vs AT thing. everyone is different, and they both do their jobs well. its a matter of what you like.

but, like stated above, be ready for the fire my friend, because it can get pretty rough on this forum!!

 

350Z manual for a first time manual driver? Sure why not. It has a clutch just like any other manual transmission.

 

I learned how to drive stick shift on a 00 Celica GT-S 6 Speed. Drove that car for a year here in SF and hated it. Crap torque in the low range was hell. Decided that stick shift around my area is not for me. It's good coming off the line and all of that action driving but there are too many hills for me to play footwork. Call me lazy but I am fine driving this AT Z.

In the end, it is really up to you. No one can really talk you out of NOT trading it in for a 6 speed. You will either trade it in and regret the trade because you figured out that driving stick shift is not for you or you will trade it in and figure out that 6 speed is what you have been looking for.

Also, take into consideration how much money you really have to blow for personal gratification. If you have the money then why not? If you don't have the money and this trade/change will cost you more then what you can afford, then logic will tell you to not do it.

On another note, you can always purchase some $2000 dollar Integra or Civic to joy ride in.

 

Thanks for the reply! I didn't mean to say which one is better (MT vs. AT)
I have few friends who let me drive few times. I really enjoyed it even though I sucked.. I have to consider many factors before I trade it. I live in Chicago, pretty busy area. Also I have to see how much money I'm losing because of the trade-in....

 

Yeps, in the end it really depends on the driver.

But those factors you have mentioned are very important.
Consider the pros and cons of both and see which one is best for you.

 

Not worth it. Just trade the AT in on a MT if you really want one.

 

How did the manual transmission work out?

 

u da real man!

 

Apparently not too good sorry.

 

i learnt how to drive a stick shift on my 08 Grand Touring . it was not all that bad. now i've been drive the Z for about 1000 miles or so . i still suck, but at least i can take my Z out for a spin without much problem. sometimes i do stalk the car, but it's when i take my attention off the car to something else...if i pay full attention to my Z when i am driving, i don't stalk...lol . and i am still learning...


i was so scared of every single steep hill in the city cus i know i will stall the on that the hill and everyone will laugh at me when the light turns to Green. but after a couple of weeks, it all worked out. no more stalls on hill. i guess practice makes perfect

 

Another davidv back from the grave. Closed.