You have bigger nuggets than me Dustin. I was thinking this very same thing.

As for cell phones and manuals. I'm not sure what the problem is.
I can have a sandwich in one hand and the phone in the other talking to customers without a problem. Sometimes cornering and shifting at the same time can be challenging, but I manage. Girly boys are the ones who pull over to the side of the road to talk on the phone.

I also rarely drive with my hands on the wheel going down the interstate.
Just a habit I picked up in my youth. I steer with my knees. I lane change back and forth without touching the wheel. I can do a lot of stuff with my hands free. Go ahead and flame. Never been in an accident or cut anyone off, so I know I'm doing soemthing right. I am very aware of my surroundings. I signal every lane change, and let the fast guys go by. I have a 5 car length minimum rule for road debris, idiots and just plain old piece of mind.

 

My dad actually prefered and drove sticks until a hit-n-run took his leg.

 

Have you ever had a blow-out at highway speeds? Especially a front? As soon as that happens to you once, you may change your tune about holding onto the wheel. I used to be the same, drive with one (or no) hands doing other stuff till I cut a front right tire. Luckily at the time I had one hand on the wheel, but it *could* have been very ugly.

 

I've read every reason someone can think of to get a manual. Basically I wanted one because I felt like a Mustang IMO should be a manual. I find it much more fun than a bother even in city traffic.

 

No Offense,

But commuting I've seen it all.
Eating, Shaving, Reading!?!, Talking on Cells in traffic....and that scares the heck outta me.
STAY AWAY ...

Anyone that does that.... you are NOT in control, I don't care what you 'think'

 

:worship:

BTW... I got hit Sunday night by a girl who was 'perfectly in control of her car while talking on her cell' If she was in control when she 180'd, then she must be a stunt driver... and no, she wasn't. :notnice:

 

yea i have to agree, that is just dangerous and stupid, just put down the phone they have voicemail for a reason and it doesn't make you a wuss if you are smart enough to pull over so you don't risk the safety of yourself and all the other drivers on the road, you may "have control" but one day you won't be and the consequences will be a lot worse than just taking the time to pull over

 

This is my first automatic and it's been nice because of the stop-and-go traffic. If you don't travel during rush hour or have a short commute, go ahead and get the stick shift...it will be fun. But if you have a long commute at rush hour, your dad may be right!

 

Other than my transmission having a hitch in it (that Ford refuses to acknowledge), I love it. All of my vehicles (where I had a choice) have been standard. I live in Houston and encounter plenty of lights/traffic. I wouldn't trade it (except for one without a hitch).

The only time I have ever regretted my manual was during the Rita evacuation...but honestly, who didn't regret getting in their car at that point!

 

Get the manual, this is my first manual and I wouldn't have it any other way. And talking on the phone and stuff should not be used to decide what type of transmission to get. You shouldn't be on the phone while driving.

 

I used to do that all of the time when I would drive my hubby's car trying to back out of the driveway or even starting the car... :shock:
Jennifer

 

I agree, if you have a LOT of stop and go traffic it can be a real pain. If it's just a cruize mobile, stick is the only way to go. To me, that's what the sport is in the sport car. I want to be driving the thing and with a stick, you get into the full act. If it was a crummy little dodge neon or something then an automatic would be fine but were talking AMERICAN MUSCLE....Stick---the only choice...