Re: Manual (stick shift)or Automatic transmission
No contest - definitely manual for me. I've driven all sorts of cars and vans be it manual or automatic but only ever owned a manual. If I had to resort to automatic, that'd be the death knell for me - I think I'd give up.
There's something about using those gears and controlling the car around the roads and bends that goes with all the sense of anticipation and alertness for whatever lies ahead. That feeling of being at one with the car. Being in control. I don't feel that in an automatic. For me automatics are just a chunk of metal that you sit in and it drives you, not you drive it. It's just a drive - not an experience if anyone understands what I mean.
I loved driving with a passion. Passed my test in '67, became a driving instructor in '73 and passed the advanced motorist then too. Loved that job, really, really, really loved that job. Friends/family say that's the happiest they ever saw me work wise. Dad taught me well, he was in the police. The few lessons I had with an instructor before taking the test was with an ex police instructor.
I've never forgotten him asking me to walk to his car, which was parked away from his house. He told me later it was his way to gauge if a pupil was going to be a good driver (or not). He saw me as a good drive by the way I walked (go figure that
).
I drive a manual 'tootler' city type now, 999cc. I tootle. No passion for it, but it's friendly enough. Reliable and serves it's purpose by getting me where I want to be full stop. No gizmos or bells and whistles like reversing cameras or whatever cars do these days - gawd I'd hate all that. The only gizmo is the electric windows (front only)
My only regret driving wise is that I never took lessons or test in an HGV.
Sorry for the ramblings .... driving is just something I (used) to love