Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Anyone else planning to teach the kid with a manual transmission? We prefer it, and that's what we have on hand.

I would not bother- kids have enough to think about when first driving, and now stick shifts are becoming very rare in new cars.

I disagree. I think it forces the driver to pay attention: to the speed limit, to the road, to their speed, etc.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Anyone else planning to teach the kid with a manual transmission? We prefer it, and that's what we have on hand.

Yup. Just FYI for those who may be interested: I Drive Smart has lessons on a standard. Other driving schools may, as well.

This is good to know! Thanks, PP. Both DH and I learned to drive on a manual and drove them for several years, but now we only have automatic transmission cars. I want my kids to learn how to drive manual, but was wondering how to accomplish that. It is a good skill to have. Once you learn it's like riding a bike - you might be rusty at first, but it will come back quickly.

Prius - they run forever, fit a lot of stuff, are eco-shic, and will be cheap for your kid to drive.

Anonymous wrote:Anyone else planning to teach the kid with a manual transmission? We prefer it, and that's what we have on hand.

I would not bother- kids have enough to think about when first driving, and now stick shifts are becoming very rare in new cars.

Anonymous wrote:Anyone else planning to teach the kid with a manual transmission? We prefer it, and that's what we have on hand.

Yup. Just FYI for those who may be interested: I Drive Smart has lessons on a standard. Other driving schools may, as well.

Anonymous wrote:Anyone else planning to teach the kid with a manual transmission? We prefer it, and that's what we have on hand.

DH's car has a manual transmission and we expect to teach our kids on that. I prefer to drive automatic but my dad insisted that I learn manual and it is good to know how to drive it.

We got our DD a bare bones new VW Beetle and it's been a perfect car for her, but not something my DH would want to drive. A friend bought her DD a used, nicer VW Passat sedan that I could see an adult enjoying to drive also. It was in good shape and was a great deal. VW's are definitely reliable.

As the PP suggested we considered having her get my Honda Odyssey and I would get a new car, but realized that would allow her to carry 7 additional passengers. We felt that as a new driver she did not need the distractions of too many people in the car. Even they don't try to distract that many teenagers in a car could be a recipe for disaster.

If VW's don't work for you I would look into the Hondas because they are very reliable also and hold their value.