I need a manual transmission car - help

[Shaner]

I need to teach the GF how to drive a manual transmission car, and I'm not about to teach her on the new car I plan on buying soon. I want her to be an expert before she ever touches my car.
How can I accomplish this? I don't know anyone with a manual transmission car and even if I did, they won't want their car being used in that manner.

I've thought of taking one for a test drive, then switching seats with her somewhere down the road and switching back before we take the car back, but that's only about 5-10 minutes of practice. She will need longer before she's touching my car.

I looked into renting a car for the day, but I can't find any rentals with manual transmission.

Any ideas/suggestions? I want her to have at least a few hours practice, especially on hills.

EDIT:

I think the closest place that offers manual transmission courses is either Toronto or Ottawa. That's over 2 hours of driving, plus the cost is over $100 I believe.
I'm looking for something local and preferably cheaper than $100.

[warpdrive]

My friend bought a used beater car, drove it for a few months and sold it for the same price as he bought it for.

[Sylvestre]

if you teach her properly, and patiently, she will learn quickly and not incur much damage to your car.

[ichpen]

I need to teach the GF how to drive a manual transmission car, and I'm not about to teach her on the new car I plan on buying soon. I want her to be an expert before she ever touches my car.
How can I accomplish this? I don't know anyone with a manual transmission car and even if I did, they won't want their car being used in that manner.

I've thought of taking one for a test drive, then switching seats with her somewhere down the road and switching back before we take the car back, but that's only about 5-10 minutes of practice. She will need longer before she's touching my car.

I looked into renting a car for the day, but I can't find any rentals with manual transmission.

Any ideas/suggestions? I want her to have at least a few hours practice, especially on hills.

EDIT:

I think the closest place that offers manual transmission courses is either Toronto or Ottawa. That's over 2 hours of driving, plus the cost is over $100 I believe.
I'm looking for something local and preferably cheaper than $100.

What he said above.

Take it gently and teach her on your car as an added bonus she will get used to the manual car she'll be driving as opposed to another (and yes, clutches do vary). Sure she'll stall a few times but as long as you're there to stop her from jamming it into 1st without depressing the clutch it should be ok.

I know Hertz used to rent manuals (mostly minis), but those you cannot pre-book. Basically need to turn up at a large Hertz location and ask for it specifically. Try Union station Hertz, I've seen a few floating around. Cost will be over $100.

[sshe11]

stalling the car while you are learning it wont harm it .. but jamming it into gear, riding the clutch will cause wear/tear ... I dont think you'll harm your car if she stalls it a few times ... its all about getting the car rolling in first gear, then it gets easy ...

[superdsi]

Clutches are pretty much indestructible.
315,000km on my old car (girlfriend's daughter has it now) and it still has the original clutch.

[Xiggy]

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=213541

[jaigandhi5]

stalling the car while you are learning it wont harm it .. but jamming it into gear, riding the clutch will cause wear/tear ... I dont think you'll harm your car if she stalls it a few times ... its all about getting the car rolling in first gear, then it gets easy ...
i did that twice and now i cant skid in to 2nd gear like i used to before :(

[stevethewheel]

We've had 4 learners on my standard. 2 of them decided they really want to stick with automatic though.

Anyway, no harm done to the transmission. None of them rode the clutch, gears were ground maybe once each. A couple of times they popped the clutch hard and stalled the car but really it would be far far worse for you to think your driver was 'qualified' but they develop the bad habit of riding the clutch over the long haul.

[sshe11]

i did that twice and now i cant skid in to 2nd gear like i used to before :(

yeah jamming into gears isnt a good thing to do ...

[ichpen]

Clutches are pretty much indestructible.
315,000km on my old car (girlfriend's daughter has it now) and it still has the original clutch.

In my experience clutches are quite the opposite. Depends entirely on your driving style and how much torque your car puts out.

Expect to change the clutch at least once during the lifetime of a car.

[jaigandhi5]

yeah jamming into gears isnt a good thing to do ...
grrr i let my dad drive today and he did it ONCE TODAY TOO!!!!!!!!!!!

**** **** **** thats a total of 3 times..on a NEW CLuTCH, grr:(


there sure are hell cons to manual tranny :(!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[cluless]

stalling the car while you are learning it wont harm it .. but jamming it into gear, riding the clutch will cause wear/tear ... I dont think you'll harm your car if she stalls it a few times ... its all about getting the car rolling in first gear, then it gets easy ...

Stalling the car is normal when you first learn to drive. You have to have a bit of faith in her. :) I first learned manual on my bf's car at the time (husband now) and stalled the car a few times before I actually got the hang of it.

Riding the clutch is also normal when you're beginning but once she gets the hang of it, it shouldn't be a problem anymore.

I've taught my sister on my car and she's pretty good. She got the hang of feathering pretty quickly I'll say.