Why ask us? Go test drive one! You can't go wrong with either.
CVT or 6-Speed?: Questions from a Prospective Owner
So, after narrowing down my next new car purchase to a half dozen finalists, I am all but certain I will be getting a CR-Z within the next 6 months (lets hope the 2013 improvements make it to the U.S.).
Just a bit of back story on me: I've exclusively owned cars with automatic transmissions since I got my license nearly 20 years ago. Only recently have I begun driving my boyfriend's car which has a stick. Much to my surprise, I found the experience to be rather enjoyable once I got over my fear and nervousness. I still have a lot to learn, and every once in a great while I will stall the car in 1st gear, but overall I'm fairly comfortable behind the wheel of a manual transmission equipped car, which is not something I could rightfully claim even a month ago.
With that said, I am concerned about buying a new car w/ a manual and "abusing" it due to my relative inexperience with manuals. I had initially considered the CVT, but all the reviews seem to be in agreement in stating that it really saps all the fun out of the CR-Z. Is the CR-Z's manual very "forgiving" (e.g. easy to operate) for novice stick drivers like myself? Would you say the 6-speed CR-Z is appreciably quicker/more exciting to drive than it's CVT counterpart, or are most reviewers making a mountain out of a molehill?
Thanks in advance for any feedback and helping the "new guy" make a tough decision.
Just a bit of back story on me: I've exclusively owned cars with automatic transmissions since I got my license nearly 20 years ago. Only recently have I begun driving my boyfriend's car which has a stick. Much to my surprise, I found the experience to be rather enjoyable once I got over my fear and nervousness. I still have a lot to learn, and every once in a great while I will stall the car in 1st gear, but overall I'm fairly comfortable behind the wheel of a manual transmission equipped car, which is not something I could rightfully claim even a month ago.
With that said, I am concerned about buying a new car w/ a manual and "abusing" it due to my relative inexperience with manuals. I had initially considered the CVT, but all the reviews seem to be in agreement in stating that it really saps all the fun out of the CR-Z. Is the CR-Z's manual very "forgiving" (e.g. easy to operate) for novice stick drivers like myself? Would you say the 6-speed CR-Z is appreciably quicker/more exciting to drive than it's CVT counterpart, or are most reviewers making a mountain out of a molehill?
Thanks in advance for any feedback and helping the "new guy" make a tough decision.
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There's lots to consider when choosing your vehicle's transmission. You just have to weigh the pro's and con's like anything else. Like most people's suggestion, take the test drives and it will help you decide.
Like anything else, you will learn how to drive stick and eventually and maybe sooner, it will be second nature.
I opted for the 6MT because I used to have a 240sx 5speed MT and loved it. After that car, I just got automatics and it didn't feel the same. So I told myself, my next car will be manual. Once I got my CRZ it only took me a minute to get used to driving stick again.
My reasons for getting stick:
1. Cheaper
2. I have more control with my driving
3. It's fun!
4. The likelyhood of others borrowing my car will be less. Although everybody in my family knows how to drive stick, but some of my friends don't.
5. I can make fun of people who does not know how to drive stick.P:
Hopefully you find some answers here and wish you the best!
Good luck!
Like anything else, you will learn how to drive stick and eventually and maybe sooner, it will be second nature.
I opted for the 6MT because I used to have a 240sx 5speed MT and loved it. After that car, I just got automatics and it didn't feel the same. So I told myself, my next car will be manual. Once I got my CRZ it only took me a minute to get used to driving stick again.
My reasons for getting stick:
1. Cheaper
2. I have more control with my driving
3. It's fun!
4. The likelyhood of others borrowing my car will be less. Although everybody in my family knows how to drive stick, but some of my friends don't.
5. I can make fun of people who does not know how to drive stick.
P:Hopefully you find some answers here and wish you the best!
Good luck!
Funny, these are more or less my reasons for wanting a manual. This will also be my first 2 seater, so no more giving rides to everyone. :thumbup:My reasons for getting stick:
1. Cheaper
2. I have more control with my driving
3. It's fun!
4. The likelyhood of others borrowing my car will be less. Although everybody in my family knows how to drive stick, but some of my friends don't.
5. I can make fun of people who does not know how to drive stick.
Hopefully you find some answers here and wish you the best!
Good luck!
BTW, I see we both live in Reno. I don't think I've seen your CR-Z around. They're pretty rare around here...I only recall seeing a grey one and a blue one. I'll have to keep my eye out for your ride. I've wanted to see one in black in person for a while now. Nice choice.
Everyone should drive and own a MT or two and know how to drive one. My vote in this case is to go for the MT.. I remember buying my Son's Civic SI and having to drive it home for him back in 1996 or so.. Immediately took him for a couple of rides, a bit of instruction and he was off and running in a week or so. No big deal. Starting out and if in a hilly area, the parking break is your friend until you get the hang of it.
6mt !!!! I learned to drive stick in my z and first time I took off fine learned perfectly on a day and normal an Econ are super forgiving sport not so much as it revs faster and higher I feel also the car tells you when to shift its like a personal driving teacher after a while tho u get the feel for it and shifting becomes like breathing ^_^ I would test drive both if you can don't worry about stallin or w/e a good guideline for 1st is don't go past 2rpm that helped me and ever since I don't stall in first again I love my 6mt even tho I have crappy arthritis knees I wouldn't trade lol
learned perfectly on a day and normal an Econ are super forgiving sport not so much as it revs faster and higher I feel also the car tells you when to shift its like a personal driving teacher after a while tho u get the feel for it and shifting becomes like breathing ^_^ I would test drive both if you can don't worry about stallin or w/e a good guideline for 1st is don't go past 2rpm that helped me and ever since I don't stall in first again I love my 6mt even tho I have crappy arthritis knees I wouldn't trade lol
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