> > > > As long as you're not trying to eat at the same time. I was able to master the "shift with my free pinky" maneuver while holding a hamburger in that hand, though. The only way that I was able to change my clothes that one time was because of the consistent freeway speed. If I had to worry about shifting up and down, things would have even been more challenging.
> > > >
> > > > Tra "thank God for cruise control, else I wouldn't have been able to tie my shoes." nio
> > >
> > >
> > > Tranio, You scare me sometimes...have you ever heard of eating while in the restaurant? or changing clothes in the privacy of your own bedroom?
> > >
> > > Ti'nothing to say here'cia
> >
> > I used to be a courier and be in my car all day. Oftentimes, my choice was to eat in the car, or don't eat. After a while, it's no big deal. I even figured out how to safely dip jo-jo's (by safely that would also include spillage).
> > Although, I have changed my shirt or removed a jacket on numerous occasions, the full body change (pants, socks, shoes included) was only the one time.
> >
> > Tra "The most I do now is change a cd, or make a phone call" nio
>
> You live in New Jersey, don't you?
>
> -Faux "you wouldn't believe the drivers around here. I'm just glad I'm not in Boston." Pas

Let's look at the facts about transmissions:
Manual transmissions are cheaper, lighter, and less complex than automatics. They are more effecient and save you gas. There is also the fun factor.

Automatics are more expensive, heavier, hard to repair, less effecient and boring. However, in recent years they have been getting better. They are great if you are a cell-phone addict, or if you eat, shave, put on make up, smooch, or change outfits while driving. It's still dangerous to do these things, but the automatic improves your survival odds slightly.

Manuals are also getting better. You no longer have to double-clutch. Even first gear is sycronized and four, five and even six speeds are more common than the old three-speed-on-the-column gearshifts we had to live with a generation ago.

Upkeep is not much of a problem on automatics or manuals anymore and they often outlast the engine.
I have run five-speeds 135,000, 182,000, and 192,000 miles without any transmission upkeep and without replacing the clutch. I have heard similar claims from those who drive automatics, but they also tend to lie about gas mileage.

If you are learning to drive, try to learn on an automatic. You have enough to do contending with traffic, pavement markings, signs and electric signals. After you learn to drive, you may want to switch to a manual transmission so you can really enjoy driving. Anybody with the brains of a goldfish can learn to push in the clutch and change gears. Girls, if you want to impress boys, drive a stick shift. They are likely to be old-fashioned enough to think girls can't do that.
(My wife, a mid-60's grandmother, loves her 5-speed Toyota.)
Am I beginning to ramble?
Howard