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Driving a Manual - I put the cart before the horse, Please Help

Discussion in 'Florida' started by lewis, Apr 22, 2010.

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  1. lewis

    lewis Karting
    Silver Subscribed

    Feb 11, 2004
    124
    South Florida
    #1 lewis, Apr 22, 2010
    After 25 years of hoping, I think I am a few days away from owning a 1989 Black on Tan 328 gts (the ppi is today in Naples)

    My problem is I have not driven a manual transmission for 20 years. Does anyone know where i could rent a manual transmission car (I live in Miami)

    I have tried all the big rental agencies and they are all automatic.

    I can rent an exotic, but their insurance does not cover a busted clutch (so would rather not learn on a rented lambo or ferrari)

    Any help is appreciated

    Thanks
    Lewis
     
  2. definitelysomeday

    definitelysomeday Formula Junior

    Aug 7, 2009
    656
    Ft. Lauderdale
    Full Name:
    Tom Kavan
    #2 definitelysomeday, Apr 22, 2010
    Rent a truck. I have rented U-hauls that are manual. Or if you know someone with a Honda or Mazda, they are very forgiving clutches and you won't kill'em.

    Good luck with the purchase.
     
  3. Willybeen

    Willybeen Karting

    Aug 18, 2009
    238
    Vero/Palm Beach
    Full Name:
    William
    #3 Willybeen, Apr 22, 2010
    i wouldnt be worried about renting anything for the amount of time you're going to actually be behind the wheel, it's very unlikely you're going to break anything. Also, its like riding a bike, you will be fine ;)


    good luck with the purchase

    EDIT: NM reading comprehension > me.
     
  4. Highlow

    Highlow F1 Veteran
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    Dec 3, 2006
    5,532
    LA
    Full Name:
    Tyler
    #4 Highlow, Apr 22, 2010
    I called all the places in Orlando/Tampa a few months ago before I bought my first manual.

    NOBODY has them, they all know why people want them. So instead, I got to familiarize myself with the smell of clutch the first day.
     
  5. Fiorano1

    Fiorano1 Formula Junior

    Dec 7, 2004
    741
    Coral Springs, FL
    Full Name:
    Haywood Jabloemi
    #5 Fiorano1, Apr 22, 2010
    I need to contact my broker to see if there's a market for buying 328 clutch futures.....could produce some handsome returns! :D:
     
  6. lewis

    lewis Karting
    Silver Subscribed

    Feb 11, 2004
    124
    South Florida
    #6 lewis, Apr 22, 2010
    I am laughing my a** off - good stuff

    I figured as much; when I did a seach of the forum someone asked the same question a few years ago with simular answers - but these answers had much more whit; I particularly like the buying clutch futures - I am certain the price will go up

    I found a place in AZ that teaches a two day course on drving a manual, but for $2k, for that I can buy a new clutch

    I like the truck idea

    Thanks for the humor - i will be sure post pics if the PPI checks out

    Lewis
     
  7. BMW.SauberF1Team

    BMW.SauberF1Team F1 World Champ

    Dec 4, 2004
    14,440
    FL
    #7 BMW.SauberF1Team, Apr 22, 2010
    Post an ad on craigslist asking for a lesson in exchange for some $$$. Just don't tell them you are going to buy a Ferrari and want practice first. They will jack up the price to charge you once they hear Ferrari if not mug you, lol.
     
  8. 4re Nut

    4re Nut F1 World Champ

    Mar 27, 2004
    16,343
    N of NOLA
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    Steve
    #8 4re Nut, Apr 22, 2010
    Tried a driver's ed school?
     
  9. Tony K

    Tony K Formula 3

    Jun 7, 2006
    1,778
    USA
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    Tony K.
    #9 Tony K, Apr 22, 2010
    Maybe buy some $1000 beater from craigslist, practice until you are comfortable, and sell it?
     
  10. Craigy

    Craigy Formula 3

    Mar 19, 2006
    1,679
    Louisiana
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    Craigy
    #10 Craigy, Apr 22, 2010
    Go test drive a stick shift honda. Great, easy gearbox. Taught my girlfriend a stick in my old Civic and had no problems.
     
  11. BIGHORN

    BIGHORN In Memoriam

    Sep 18, 2006
    733
    FLORIDA/NEW MEXICO
    Full Name:
    JOHN F KELLY
    #11 BIGHORN, Apr 23, 2010
    As alluded to above dont slip the clutch. My 308 will start rolling with no gas pedal pressure just by slowly letting the clutch out. Once rolling ,on the shifts engage the clutch before applying throttle.

    This wont be real smooth but will allow you to get the hang of it untill you are confortable with adding throttle just before the clutch fully engages.
     
  12. definitelysomeday

    definitelysomeday Formula Junior

    Aug 7, 2009
    656
    Ft. Lauderdale
    Full Name:
    Tom Kavan
    #12 definitelysomeday, Apr 23, 2010
    Last edited: Apr 23, 2010
    If you can't find something to rent I will teach you to drive stick. It will take a couple of hours tops. I live in Ft. Lauderdale and have an Evo that can be abused for a little while.

    Your price will be to let me take my wife on a date in your new Ferrari. Don't worry, we will be home early because our baby sitter is my 78 year old Mother in law.
     
  13. Willybeen

    Willybeen Karting

    Aug 18, 2009
    238
    Vero/Palm Beach
    Full Name:
    William
    #13 Willybeen, Apr 23, 2010
    ^sounds like a good deal to me! :)
     
  14. blackbolt22

    blackbolt22 F1 Veteran
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    Sep 25, 2007
    5,808
    Boca Raton, FL
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    Mr. Anderson
    #14 blackbolt22, Apr 23, 2010
    You and the car will be fine. Buy, drive and don't worry about it. It will come back to you quickly.
     
  15. agup48

    agup48 Two Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 15, 2006
    28,633
    Phoenix
    Full Name:
    AG
    #15 agup48, Apr 24, 2010
    Go to a dealership, tell them you want to buy a car that is stick, but you haven't driven one in years, I'm sure they'll be happy the let you drive one. Go to Hyundai or Kia or something.
     

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