New to manual; need car recommendations

NasGhost · 04-22-2010, 08:31 AM

So, Im looking to buy a car with a manual transmission. Im sort of new to it, but I want to learn how to do it, and do it well. As for what Im looking for, Im looking for something on the sports side for under $10000. I dont need to be the fastest kid on the block, but it would be nice to be second fastest. For ideas on what Im looking for, these are the cars Ive been eyeing for a moment.

2002 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
2004 Pontiac GTO
2005 Ford Mustang

Im open to any and all suggestions with reason, though I believe my budget will likely push me towards an American car as seem to be a bit cheaper to own. Thank you in advance.

Nine Ball · 04-22-2010, 08:35 AM

1998-2002 LS1 V8 Camaro and Trans Am would be my pick from those. Avoid the Mustangs unless you get an 03-04 Cobra. The 98-02 would easily be the best bang for the buck, probably for the next few decades. The amount of modifications and potential with them is huge.

Tony

Rogue Leader · 04-22-2010, 08:55 AM

My first Manual transmission car was a 99 trans Am... Although I had learned on a few other vehicles. The pedal position makes it impossible to heel/toe but other than that it was a good first car to learn on.

Admittedly a 4 cylinder POS like a Honda or VW would probably be better, helps you learn that you need to be quick to keep the momentum going, when you have no torque, long shifts make you drag ass.

SSmoked · 04-22-2010, 10:10 AM

my first manual car is my current cobalt ss/tc. its been a fun learning experence. the short throw shift the aggressive cluch, and notchy gear changes are all easy to get used to. its now hard for me to drive another manual car becuase there all soo different.

TaylorRyanSS · 04-22-2010, 06:02 PM

Good luck finding a 2005 Mustang GT for under 10k, that is if you are wanting the GT not the V6. I just sold my 2005 V6 mustang for $11,500.

kevin2323 · 04-22-2010, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TaylorRyan74

Good luck finding a 2005 Mustang GT for under 10k, that is if you are wanting the GT not the V6. I just sold my 2005 V6 mustang for $11,500.

someone got robbed and it wasnt you lol.....jk

NasGhost · 04-22-2010, 10:08 PM

Yea the 98-02 Camaro is looking good. A good aftermarket is always nice, and I definitely plan on upgrading/modding whatever I get. Is there anything else even worth looking at? Or are the Camaro and Trans Am the cream of the crop?

Btw I was talking about the V6 'Stang

04-22-2010, 08:31 AM	#1
NasGhost Drives: none Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Behind you Posts: 7	New to manual; need car recommendations So, Im looking to buy a car with a manual transmission. Im sort of new to it, but I want to learn how to do it, and do it well. As for what Im looking for, Im looking for something on the sports side for under $10000. I dont need to be the fastest kid on the block, but it would be nice to be second fastest. For ideas on what Im looking for, these are the cars Ive been eyeing for a moment. 2002 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 2004 Pontiac GTO 2005 Ford Mustang Im open to any and all suggestions with reason, though I believe my budget will likely push me towards an American car as seem to be a bit cheaper to own. Thank you in advance.

04-22-2010, 08:35 AM	#2
Nine Ball Drives: 1969 & 2016 Camaro SS Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 3,849	1998-2002 LS1 V8 Camaro and Trans Am would be my pick from those. Avoid the Mustangs unless you get an 03-04 Cobra. The 98-02 would easily be the best bang for the buck, probably for the next few decades. The amount of modifications and potential with them is huge. Tony __________________ Fquick.com/NineBall

04-22-2010, 08:55 AM	#3
Rogue Leader Iatefiberglassinsulation Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS M6 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Long Island Posts: 3,601 View My Garage	My first Manual transmission car was a 99 trans Am... Although I had learned on a few other vehicles. The pedal position makes it impossible to heel/toe but other than that it was a good first car to learn on. Admittedly a 4 cylinder POS like a Honda or VW would probably be better, helps you learn that you need to be quick to keep the momentum going, when you have no torque, long shifts make you drag ass. __________________ 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS - was daily driver, now toy 2020 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio - Daily Driver 2017 Mercedes Benz GLE 350 - Wifes Car 2008 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD LT 6.0 - Tow Vehicle 1991 Alfa Romeo 164S - Project Car 1994 Volkswagen Golf - Race Car "Like" my race team on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/farfrumwinnin

04-22-2010, 10:10 AM	#4
SSmoked Drives: '12 Camaro ZL1 #1255 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: O' Canada Posts: 1,279	my first manual car is my current cobalt ss/tc. its been a fun learning experence. the short throw shift the aggressive cluch, and notchy gear changes are all easy to get used to. its now hard for me to drive another manual car becuase there all soo different. __________________

04-22-2010, 06:02 PM	#5
TaylorRyanSS COTW: 12/13/10 Drives: 1969 Camaro Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 7,880	Good luck finding a 2005 Mustang GT for under 10k, that is if you are wanting the GT not the V6. I just sold my 2005 V6 mustang for $11,500. __________________ "Are you one of those boys who prefer cars to women? - I'm one of those boys that appreciates a fine body, regardless of the make." 1969 CAMARO JOURNAL: http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=341239 \| FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/taylor.ryan.apt \| GRAPHIC DESIGN: www.aptdesigns.net

04-22-2010, 10:08 PM	#7
NasGhost Drives: none Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Behind you Posts: 7	Yea the 98-02 Camaro is looking good. A good aftermarket is always nice, and I definitely plan on upgrading/modding whatever I get. Is there anything else even worth looking at? Or are the Camaro and Trans Am the cream of the crop? Btw I was talking about the V6 'Stang

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