sometimes when im slowing down, like hardly moving, and i go to put the car in first to drive again the car wont let me put it into first gear, it just wont go. Then a few seconds later it will? any ideas?

 

yes that's normal.. I usually never put it in 1st or Reverse unless I'm fully stopped. My GTIs used to even grind if I tired 1st or Reverse while moving forward even at 2mph.

I don't have a mechanical explanation for it but to say the least, you're not supposed to put it in 1st or Reverse while moving anyway..

 

aight im glad to here that. This is my first manual(besides motorcycle) so im still a little new to it

 

Synchos in the tranny have to match transmission and engine speeds. since 1st is so short, it has to spin up fast inorder to let you shift into first. so when you're rolling and can't easily slide it in first, try double clutching (move shifter to neutral, let out clutch, rev engine, push in clutch, then try to slide shifter into first again). you should be able to get it into gear.

fyi motorcycles don't have synchros. that's why they click into gear so quickly and solidly, and also why you can shift without a clutch a lot easier. it's a sequential transmission, ie you have to go through 1-5 to get to 6th, whereas in a car you can shift from 1st to 6th in one action.