I was just wondering, do people think most car thieves know how to drive stick? I'm suprised how many people don't know how to drive stick very well, present company included. So I figure probably quite a few car thieves don't know stick anymore. Most car thieves are young, and most cars are automatic, so it's possible many car thieves don't know stick well, thus it might discourage them from trying to steal a car if they see it's a stick drive. Just a thought to stir a discussion. In my unscientific, unjustified opinion, I think stick makes it more difficult for your car to be stolen. What do you think?

 

It really depends on the class of thief. If they are professional or steal cars a lot you can bet they do. The average smash and grab though may not so it is really subjective.

 

Makes no difference. I've had 2 cars stolen and both of them were sticks. Come live in the Jersey City, NYC general area

 

Does it really matter? I don't think it does. If they don't know how, they'll grind the poo out of the gears anyway, what do they care? They'll "learn" driving the stolen car away. I highly doubt any thief is going to say, "well, I was going to steal that car, but it's a stick, so I'm going to go look for an automatic"

 

Huh? Do you think someone becomes a car thief (ie not just a radio stealing dude or something), not knowing how to drive stick??? Another pointless poll.

 

I have very little time driving a stick but that isn't what's keeping me from stealing cars.

 

I guess I just feel there's two kinds of thieves, the casual ones and the serious ones. I think most are causal, and if they can either steal an automatic or a manual car, they'll go with automatic because it's an easier mark. I dont' think they look for a specific model and year to steal. I think they just go for whatever. The serious ones, you can't do much about what they want to do. It's like the club. If someone is a casual thief and they see the club, they will move on to another car, but if they're serious, they'll see it and won't be discouraged if they have the tools. I think if I were a thief and I didn't know how to drive stick well, I'd be worried about driving off in the car and stalling, etc...

 

I would think a manual is easier to steal than an automatic (but I have no experience in stealing either). To tow a stick car or load it onto a truck all you have to do is get in the car and take it out of gear. With an automatic, I don;t think you can take it out of gear without the key (turning the ignition).

Although, it doesn't really matter, if they want your car they will pull up and load it onto a flat-bed in about 20 seconds (or less if they are good).

 

I've actually wondered this myself, if a manual is a deterrant to car theft.

I would agree that "professional" car thiefs probably do, but I'm sure they're after a bigger ticket item than my Mustang.

But the "casual" one for the quick chop-shop/sell to Mexico ones...I'd be curious. Unless you really know a stick, you can't exactly have a dependable get away...

 

I do not know the average ratio of car thieves that can drive stick and can't drive stick so I won't vote on that matter. But what I can tell you is that it won't discourage them in the slightest. If they don't know how to drive manual I'm sure they would bring someone along if they really wanted your car.

The bottom line is that if they want your car they will take it no matter what kind of security device you have. The best precaution is to try to park in your garage at night. Keep away from high theft areas and if you have to park outside at night, try to park under a light. Also never leave anything of value visible to a passerby in your car.

 

Yes true a "casual joy rider thief" will look for the easiest target but it's hit or miss whether they also know how to drive a manual. A professional thief will take your car no matter what you do. A friend of mine had a Type R. He had a steering wheel/pedal lock club, full alarm AND he removed the plug wires every night before going inside. Well what did the thieves do? They freakin backed a tow truck up to it, hooked it up and dragged it out of his driveway. All car thieves should meet a horrific painful demise.

 

Dang, I didn't even think people would back up a truck and tow a vehicle to steal it. That's ballsy. I have a pedal lock club thinking that will be pretty secure (at least more than the wheel club. Man, that is crazy.