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Is It Wise To Buy A Manual Transmission As A First Car? - Car Talk (3) - Nairaland

Nairaland ForumNairaland GeneralCar TalkIs It Wise To Buy A Manual Transmission As A First Car? (5221 Views)

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Re: Is It Wise To Buy A Manual Transmission As A First Car? by helinues: 9:54am On May 12
CharleyBright:
Nope, I answered him accordingly in my initial post that he should go for Manual if it is his first car because of the advantages of manual.

However, I am replied you based on your response about Manual being cumbersome and giving drivers anxiety in traffic.
That is why I asked you if you know how to drive Manual? And you seem to be avoiding answering the question.
Obviously, you don't know how to drive a manual car. So you are not in the position to give advise on what you don't know.
Like I said earlier, if you only drive Automatic car, you only know how to "move a car" . Go and learn to drive a manual car so you can confidently tell anyone that you can "Drive a car".
Knowing how to move a car is different from knowing how to drive a car.
I started reversing and moving forward even before dad taught me how to drive. The place at which the car is parked is open to canal, learning with manual in such kind of place boost more than confident in driving

But in generally driving, you feel relax with automatic car than manual
Re: Is It Wise To Buy A Manual Transmission As A First Car? by helinues: 9:55am On May 12
Delat521:
Abeg to disagree with this assertion. It's better to start with manual driving first before automatic. You should have learn rigorous driving experience thru manual first.

I learnt thru that and I drive automatic later effortlessly without even training. So once you're perfect with manual you get get along with automatic not vice versa.
Automatic driving give more confort in driving compared to manual. Put reversing gear with auto and manual as example
Re: Is It Wise To Buy A Manual Transmission As A First Car? by CharleyBright(m): 10:03am On May 12
helinues:
I started reversing and moving forward even before dad taught me how to drive. The place at which the car is parked is open to canal, learning with manual in such kind of place boost more than confident in driving

But in generally driving, you feel relax with automatic car than manual
Different strokes for different folks.
Am more at home with Manual.
I enjoy the power and confidence everytime I change gears with Manual cars.
Re: Is It Wise To Buy A Manual Transmission As A First Car? by HenryStarlife(m): 10:08am On May 12
GideonG:
Thank you,
I have made my mind not to go for it. This is useful
You’re welcome, Glad to help a brother.☺️
Re: Is It Wise To Buy A Manual Transmission As A First Car? by helinues: 10:19am On May 12
CharleyBright:
Different strokes for different folks.
Am more at home with Manual.
I enjoy the power and confidence everytime I change gears with Manual cars.
There is more conformity in driving an automatic car compared to a manual car. This is not about different folks, it's something that should be logical

With automatic, you don't stress above gear movement, just control the pedals compared to manual you have to be adjusting the pedals with gear
Re: Is It Wise To Buy A Manual Transmission As A First Car? by MrJames007: 10:27am On May 12
kingjoe:
Are we still talking about manual cars in 2026.
My brother manual car is an outdated design,same way you have blender in our homes compared to previously owning manual grinder for our cooking.
Just learn it during driving school to know it .
Outdate what? Manual transmission rides are still in production.
Re: Is It Wise To Buy A Manual Transmission As A First Car? by yemre: 11:05am On May 12
If you know how to drive manual car before, it's better to buy a manual car as your first. It's less sensitive and rugged (usually).

But if you have not been driving manual car before now, pls simply go for automatic because the gear would give you issues and might end up burning your clutch many times before you get it right.

So, as a first timer, manual is better (only if you're proficient in driving manual before now).
Re: Is It Wise To Buy A Manual Transmission As A First Car? by CamelCase: 11:35am On May 12
GideonG:
Hello Nairalanders,

Please I need your honest advice.

I am considering buying a Toyota Corolla 2010 as my first car, but the one I am seeing is manual transmission. I know most people prefer automatic, especially in city traffic, but I also hear that manual cars can be cheaper to maintain, more fuel-efficient, and sometimes more durable if handled well.


My concern is that this will be my first car, and I am still thinking about whether manual transmission is a good idea for a beginner, especially with Nigerian traffic and daily movement.

Please for those who have used manual cars before, especially Corolla manual:

Is it advisable for a first-time car owner?

Is the maintenance easier or cheaper than automatic?

Will it be stressful in traffic?

Does it affect resale value badly?

What should I check before buying a manual Corolla 2010?

I will appreciate your sincere advice before making payment.

Thank you.
Manual Transmission: Trade your comfort for durability

Automatic transmission: Trade your hard earned money for comfort..

Once your transmission starts giving issues, otilo, but manual transmission hardly gives issues
Re: Is It Wise To Buy A Manual Transmission As A First Car? by Bluffly: 1:21pm On May 12
IAM4BAT4plus4:
Who did you offend?





Abi your village people just dey vex for no reason at all?
That is your thinking. Queen of England drove stick until death did her past.




Even truck manufacturers are fast shifting to auto transmission
Re: Is It Wise To Buy A Manual Transmission As A First Car? by IAM4BAT4plus4: 2:29pm On May 12
[quote author=Bluffly post=139386030][/quote]Lol 😂...



Someone who was trying to remember old days?




Sincerely I look at those driving manual cars in this modern day as living 100 years behind!



Imagine manual vehicle, even when cars are driving and parking by themselves? Bro change o 😂 and move with the world
Re: Is It Wise To Buy A Manual Transmission As A First Car? by Delat521: 3:10pm On May 12
helinues:
Automatic driving give more confort in driving compared to manual. Put reversing gear with auto and manual as example
That's exactly what I am saying. There is popular saying that' automatic car are for the "grin" don't what to mention so that he wouldn't look like I am mocking anyone.

Infact changing gears along the way based on speed you're going back and forth and still maintain your focus and driving comfortably is not for kids. Staying in the hold up and transition smoothly without engine off or jacking are the real test. These are things you can never learn from automatic cars.

So a manual driver can drive automatic so easily but those with automatic can never drive manual luke that even if they an expert of so many years experience on automatic cars.
Re: Is It Wise To Buy A Manual Transmission As A First Car? by THMT: 5:20pm On May 12
The wise one, omini-knoweth all.
The date of production between manual and automatic wasn't mentioned so keep your information to yourself and stick to the main reason on ground.

The op was talking about manual transmission in Nigeria and as far as I'm concerned there isn't any reason apart from pleasure/antique collection that should make anyone buy a manual in Nigeira with such terrible road network and bad roads, not forgetting traffic if you're living in Lagos.


1Alex:
your post shows how naive your are about automobile. Do you think that automatic transmission is a new invention? For your information, automatic transmission is almost as old as manual.
Re: Is It Wise To Buy A Manual Transmission As A First Car? by soccerlite: 9:46pm On May 12
If you already know how to drive manual, then no need

But if not, then buy manual

It will help you be a competent rider
Re: Is It Wise To Buy A Manual Transmission As A First Car? by kpankpangolo: 12:24am On May 13
JAMB question.

dapadawee:
Wetin go happen if you travel to onisha or nasarwa with manual?
Re: Is It Wise To Buy A Manual Transmission As A First Car? by Whois(m): 5:23am On May 13
In 2026? Haba
Re: Is It Wise To Buy A Manual Transmission As A First Car? by ChristCee: 7:34am On May 13
odaniel1:
The thought of burning the clutch frequently as a first-time rider is their fear. He will overcome and adapt to clutch timing if that is the case, but as an experienced driver, I would prefer shifting gears 4 d thrill!
💯💯💯💯👍✔️ the way this country is, I could imagine a life or death situation maybe escaping from bandits and the only vehicle available is a truck or a manual.
Re: Is It Wise To Buy A Manual Transmission As A First Car? by GideonG(op): 10:12am On May 13
I want to appreciate everyone who lent their voice with their suggestions, they have been helpful.
Actually I went to driving school and learned both Manual and Automatic. Right now I will just buy what I can afford. I am yet to make final decision until at the point of purchase. Thank you
Re: Is It Wise To Buy A Manual Transmission As A First Car? by QueenVaji:
kingjoe:
Are we still talking about manual cars in 2026.
My brother manual car is an outdated design,same way you have blender in our homes compared to previously owning manual grinder for our cooking.
Just learn it during driving school to know it .
IAM4BAT4plus4:
Lol 😂...



Someone who was trying to remember old days?




Sincerely I look at those driving manual cars in this modern day as living 100 years behind!



Imagine manual vehicle, even when cars are driving and parking by themselves? Bro change o 😂 and move with the world
Jesus...so this is how this people always give rubbish advice on this forum....manual cars that are outdated

Is just like going to buy hunch back tv while your mates are buying smart oled television..

Go and buy blackberry na because they have buttons

Learning how to drive manual gear and buying one isn't the same..you can always go and learn it but using your hard earn money to buy a manual gear car...nawa for these people here o and they are even plenty.. when some countries now have cars that drive on there own...you want dey drag gear up and down..

Why do you think they are cheaper..nobody wants that stress...now i understand the kind of people here
Re: Is It Wise To Buy A Manual Transmission As A First Car? by IAM4BAT4plus4: 7:45pm On Jun 05
QueenVaji:
Jesus...so this is how this people always give rubbish advice on this forum....manual cars that are outdated

Is just like going to buy hunch back tv while your mates are buying smart oled television..

Go and buy blackberry na because they have buttons

Learning how to drive manual gear and buying one isn't the same..you can always go and learn it but using your hard earn money to buy a manual gear car...nawa for these people here o and they are even plenty.. when some countries now have cars that drive on there own...you want dey drag gear up and down..

Why do you think they are cheaper..nobody wants that stress...now i understand the kind of people here
Aswear I me sef taya o 😂




Imagine hustling to get 7milla and carry am go dey look for manual corolla or camry 🤔
Re: Is It Wise To Buy A Manual Transmission As A First Car? by IAM4BAT4plus4: 7:49pm On Jun 05
Delat521:
That's exactly what I am saying. There is popular saying that' automatic car are for the "grin" don't what to mention so that he wouldn't look like I am mocking anyone.

Infact changing gears along the way based on speed you're going back and forth and still maintain your focus and driving comfortably is not for kids. Staying in the hold up and transition smoothly without engine off or jacking are the real test. These are things you can never learn from automatic cars.

So a manual driver can drive automatic so easily but those with automatic can never drive manual luke that even if they an expert of so many years experience on automatic cars.
Do you believe or think that we that drive auto ever wanted to be backward like manual mentality guys?



Dey play.


Even trucks are now coming from factory as auto..

Mr old driver 😂....
Re: Is It Wise To Buy A Manual Transmission As A First Car? by Delat521: 1:21am On Jun 06
IAM4BAT4plus4:
Do you believe or think that we that drive auto ever wanted to be backward like manual mentality guys?



Dey play.


Even trucks are now coming from factory as auto..

Mr old driver 😂....
Stop saying thrash Mr. New driver, who knows nothing about driving.
Re: Is It Wise To Buy A Manual Transmission As A First Car? by IAM4BAT4plus4: 11:45am On Jun 06
Delat521:
Stop saying thrash Mr. New driver, who knows nothing about driving.
Lol 😂 😂 😂





Manual crusader...




U for kuku go buy Ijapa or danfo naw... Mr expert manual driver
Re: Is It Wise To Buy A Manual Transmission As A First Car? by oylam(m): 7:10am On Jun 09
My first car was a manual. As a result, most automatics are stupidly easy for me to drive. In addition to that, manual cars are more fuel efficient.

However, it’s a pain to drive in Lagos traffic and interstate travels.

Go for manual if you don’t mind getting the car at a cheaper price. But if you’ve got the funds, just opt for an automatic.

Manual cars are priced like duds in the market too.
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