7 Reasons Everyone Should Learn To Drive A Manual Transmission Car

*Disclosure: The 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata (Manual Transmission Car) was provided to me for testing purposes and editorial consideration. All opinions are 100% my own*

Hey guys,​​​​​

Manual transmission cars have been disappearing for some time now. Each year, fewer and fewer of everyday cars are being offered in a stick shift option.

I remember when growing up, knowing how to drive a stick was second nature to ALL genders. For example, most of the women in my life actually owned manual transmission vehicles, and most were taught by their fathers or husbands.

In my opinion, knowing how to drive a stick is not only important it is a necessity. So much so, that I have been spreading the “EVERYONE needs to know how to drive a stick” word to ANYONE who will listen, especially close friends, colleagues and family. This is why I was so happy when my homegirl Lillie (Jerseyfashionista) agreed to learn/review the manual Mazda Miata.

Keep reading to checkout 7 reasons why I feel that everyone should learn to drive a manual transmission car…

1. You’re Definitely a Total Bad A##

I know this is a bit superficial, but y’all have to admit that knowing how to handle a manual transmission car makes you a total #bada##! Point, blank, period!

It’s funny, because whenever I drive a sports car, the first question people ask me is, “is that a manual or automatic?”, and I always see the disappointment on their faces if I tell them, “it’s an automatic”. On the other hand, if it’s a manual, the admiration is instant.

2. No Vehicle is Off Limits​​​​​​​

If you can drive a manual transmission car you can definitely drive an automatic. However, the reverse is not true.

Yes, driving a stick is fun and cool, but it is also a crucial life-skill. Before I learned, my aunt would randomly ask me what I would do if I were in a life or death situation, and the only vehicle available for me to get away was a manual? Needless to say, that was definitely one of those questions that make you go hmmmmm!!!!!!

Before then, I never valued the importance of knowing how to drive both.

3. More Options when Traveling Abroad

I know a lot of us don’t worry about driving when traveling abroad. However, having that option is SO cool. I remember when I visited Zaragoza, Spain with a friend and her husband. He had mastered driving a manual years ago, so instead of staying in Zaragoza the entire time, we took an impromptu road trip to Barcelona. Talk about epic!

Note: The rental company we used offered both manual and automatic options. However, none of the automatics were available at the moment. This is just another example of why mastering driving a stick is so very important.

Girls Drive Manuals Too

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Girls Drive Manuals Too! #SassyAutoChicks #befearlesslyyou #adventress #girlsandcars (VOLUME UP) . . #2020Mazda #MiataGrandTouringRF #Mazdausa #Mazda #DriveMazda #MX5 #MiataGrandTouring #Sassydrives #SassyAutoChicks #ManualMiata #StickShift #GirlsDriveToo #shedrives #drivelikeagirl #stickshiftlife #miatalife #miatanation #miatamx5 #2seater #roadsters #droptoplife

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4. Cheaper to Buy, Maintain and Repair ​​​​​​​

Manual cars are usually cheaper to buy, maintain and repair, which makes owning one even more appealing.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​5. ​​​​​​​Avoid Distracted Driving

​​​​​​Driving a manual transmission car is very interactive. So much so that you won’t have a lot of time for texting and/or other activities that may distract you while on the road.

The process of shifting gears, pressing/releasing the gas, brake, clutch and navigating the wheel definitely keeps the driver occupied and entertained.

6. Absolute Control​​​​​​​

It allows you to have absolute control over how much power is going from the engine to the wheels. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​This will come in handy:

• during bad weather (rainy and snowy conditions)
• when off-roading

​​​​​​​7. More Fun​​​​​​​

It’s no secret that sticks are more fun! ​​​​​​​Just about every person I’ve spoken to who has driven both a manual and automatic, said they enjoyed driving a stick shift more.

There is not only a feeling of total badassery, you earn major bragging rights. Also, as soon as you get the hang of it, you instantly become one of the coolest people you know. LOL! ​​​​​​​

In addition to becoming a cool kid, you will also notice that:

• driving is more interactive and engaging
• there is faster & spirited acceleration
• gentler braking
• there is a connection between driver and machine

SPECS

The 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring RF comes equipped with:

• Starting MSRP price: of $34,425.00, price tested: $35,645.00 
• 26/34/29 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)
• SKYACTIV^–G 2.0L DOHC, 4-cylinder Engine, 181-hp, 151 Torque
• SKYACTIV-MT 6-speed manual transmission 
• RWD (Rear Wheel Drive)
• 2 Passenger Seating
• Bose AM/FM 9 Speaker Audio System
• Mazda Navigation System
• Rear View Camera

Check out the video of me learning to drive a manual transmission car below! #DriveMazda