What would you do?

[Branden]

I would say the average speed is 45-55. But, there are a couple areas where I get up to 65+. There are probably 6-8 stoplights and about a half mile section that gets pretty congested. Other than that, it's not too bad. There's even a small stretch of freeway where I can stretch the cars legs if I need to blow off some stuck in traffic steam

If this was my commute I'd be in a manual alllll day long. :cheers:

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[PamAndJim]

If this was my commute I'd be in a manual alllll day long. :cheers:

Like you would just sit in the parking lot, and never go in? Not sure the boss would approve... . Sorry, couldn't resist.

 

[MELLOWYELLOW06]

 

[Hack]

I'd trade and buy the automatic. If you are worried that a manual will be annoying in the daily commute I think it would be less risky to buy an auto. If you have tons of money to spare you could buy the manual, but I'd say it's not worth the risk.

The other option would be to sell the Malibu and buy an older manual transmission Mustang. Try it and see if you like it. If you decide you hate it you won't be out so much money selling right away.

 

[Charles147]

Go with #2. You are too close to paying off the Malibu. Why lose a car on a break even trade that is almost paid off? Maybe taxes will help pay off even sooner or you can sell a few things?

Holding out a year will enable you to get a 16 or a 15 used and save some cash. Who knows the 16 might have a different color that you like more.

Now for the tranny...You want a manual, get a manual. The Malibu will be your "go-to" when you want the auto-start and say your body is sore and you don't feel like shifting.

Eventually when you are tired of the Malibu or confident you don't need it, sell it for some cash and use the extra cheese ($$$$) for mods.

Thank You...Now please swipe your card for the $29.95 consultation fee. Have a great day!

 

[PamAndJim]

Maybe it's different now with "Creep Mode" but I still think it would be too much in daily traffic.

I just now caught this. What is "creep mode"?

 

[ktp1598]

Being able to let out on the clutch in 1st and not having to give it any gas without stalling. Can you rent or borrow a manual car of any type to try for a week or so?

 

[PamAndJim]

Can you rent or borrow a manual car of any type to try for a week or so?

I've had several manual cars/trucks in the past. My last car was a 2005 Focus ST which was a 5 speed. The way I remember it, I loved driving stick. But, my wife swears that I used to complain about it all the time.

 

[justindo]

Two cars, while not needed would be "nice" In addition to the aforementioned reasoning, there are a few factors. First, we get a good amount of hail here in DFW and I've had to have significant repairs ($1,600 - $3,000) in 2 of the last 4 years. I'd much rather let my Malibu take the pounding than a brand new Mustang. But, I do realize that things like this are the reason that I have insurance. [...]Also, we don't get much snow down here, but do occasionally get ice storms (before you guys from the north give me crap, I am from Chicago and spent many winters driving there. Driving through snow is much different than driving on an inch and a half thick sheet of ice). This is a huge deal because it doesn't happen too often and I usually wind up staying home with my daughter because the schools close. Obviously the idea of being able to keep the Stang clean and not have to drive it during inclement weather is cool too. All of these things would be "nice" and while none are deal breakers, they certainly factor in the decision.

This information should have been given in the initial post. Given it, this should not even be a question. Keep the Malibu! The car is not worth much in terms of $, but it should be worth a lot to you and your family considering your circumstances. Repairs are never as good as original and your insurance company is going to get tired of you filing claims.

 

[BoomBoy]

I would go with #2 if you're patient enough. If not, go with #1. I wouldn't go with #3. You will regret it.

 

[JimmyTwoTimes]

Being able to let out on the clutch in 1st and not having to give it any gas without stalling. Can you rent or borrow a manual car of any type to try for a week or so?

This was my problem the first time I tried to drive a stick (about twenty years ago, when I was a teenager just learning to drive). I sat in that car for two hours, trying to get the car moving... stalled probably about 200 straight times without being able to get the car in first gear.

And it's impossible in the U.S. to rent a manual car -- I've tried, none of the rental car companies have manuals. And you can't borrow a manual car if you don't know anybody who drives a manual (nobody I know owns a manual; I only know two people who've ever driven one, and neither of them has driven one in the last twenty years).

EDITED TO ADD: There are driving schools where they try to teach you to drive stick. I went to one last fall in September or October; again, I paid a couple hundred bucks for the lesson and sat in the car for an hour trying to get it into first gear, stalled every time.

 

[Hack]

This was my problem the first time I tried to drive a stick (about twenty years ago, when I was a teenager just learning to drive). I sat in that car for two hours, trying to get the car moving... stalled probably about 200 straight times without being able to get the car in first gear.

And it's impossible in the U.S. to rent a manual car -- I've tried, none of the rental car companies have manuals. And you can't borrow a manual car if you don't know anybody who drives a manual (nobody I know owns a manual; I only know two people who've ever driven one, and neither of them has driven one in the last twenty years).

EDITED TO ADD: There are driving schools where they try to teach you to drive stick. I went to one last fall in September or October; again, I paid a couple hundred bucks for the lesson and sat in the car for an hour trying to get it into first gear, stalled every time.

Motorcycle could be an option for some. It's not exactly the same but it will give you the idea.

 

[slythetove]

Motorcycle could be an option for some. It's not exactly the same but it will give you the idea.

The guy can't figure out how to start off in a stick shift car after "hours" and you think putting him on a MOTORCYCLE will help?!

This Jimmy guy can't be real.

 

[Blake]

The guy can't figure out how to start off in a stick shift car after "hours" and you think putting him on a MOTORCYCLE will help?!

This Jimmy guy can't be real.

Maybe he has the balance of Tony Hawk and the hands of an angel?

 

[70monte]

I would do #2 because I like to have more than one vehicle in case one needs repairs or something.

As far as manual vs auto, only you can decide that. I don't particularly like driving manuals plus I have a bad left knee that doesn't tolerate very much clutch action before it starts hurting so a manual tranny is not even an option for me.

Wayne

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