Since the Z is a 6 speed, I'm trying to get some input on whether it would be appropriate for someone who's never driven a stick shift before. I've driven manuals before-not recently-and I thought it was a little difficult to get used to when I test drove it. My daughter's thinking about getting a Z manual but she's always driven automatic. Any thoughts?

 

they come in automatic. how old is your daughter, and how good of a driver is she? unless she really wants a manual, i think it's better for her to get an automatic.

 

I have driven MTs all my life and still found that the Z took a while to get used to (I was used to stock Hondas). But I hear that the more recent 350Z year-models are softer and easier to drive.
However, I would recommend that your daughter get MT (if she's up to it). You'd appreciate and experience the car more (I'd fall asleep at the wheel in an auto car). Maybe find a beater to practice on and slowly work up to the Z? Also, consider if you can get warranty to cover the parts that will be "worn" over the course of your daughter's "driving".

 

if shes used to driving lesser hp cars...imo starting off in a z and learning stick is difficult, one learning stick on the z is hard if youve never driven stick before, and two trying to get used to a lot more hp while essentially relearning how to drive is not easy

 

yah youd fall asleep in an auto car cuz your used to manual cars....but i have to admit auto is boring...i have a friend who recently got a highly modified tt300zx pushing about 450+ hp and it was auto....i was expecting great things...but when i drove/rode in it....i was like wtf

 

Well, I thought about doing that(buying a beater for her to learn on) but I am concerned about the extra wear and tear due to an inexperienced stick shift driver. I don't know much about the Z as far as life expectancy for parts.

 

youre concerned with the extra wear and tear on the beater or the z?

bu yah +1 to gteting a beater...better to mess that up than a new car

 

If you live near a big city or have any sort of high-density traffic to cope with, get an automatic. Sticks are fun but the fun wears off real quick if you're in constant stop-and-go situations. If your daughter is young and has never driven stick before, she really doesn't need the additional stress.

And once you get moving on the highway you're going to be in the highest gear all the time anyway.

AND - even with the AT you can do the "shift it yourself" thing if you want. I play with it from time to time, but mostly just leave it in AT.

 

I'm worried about the wear and tear on the Z, obviously.

 

i enjoy my tiptronic auto

 

+1 from here

My drive to/from work involves a single lane winding road with significant hills for half of the trip and high speed highway driving for the other half. I've played with the manual shift option a bit and it is a bit of fun on the single lane portion of the trip but the auto does it's job so damm well it's a hard thing to argue with. I miss the shfting but don't...if that makes sense.

Ed

 

The 350Z clutch-transmission combination is forgiving of mistakes. If you are going to learn to drive a manual, why not a 350Z?

BTW if your daughter is interested in buying a 350Z, would it be better if she asks about her concerns?

 

I learned on my 350Z, although it was tricky at first compared to other stick cars,

 

I taught myself on my 350z 6mt. I dont think she will have a problem. I also know many others who have taught their wifes and children on their z

hope this helps