Top 4 reasons why drivers prefer stick shift vehicles

 

For the past seventy years, manual transmission cars have been steadily losing their popularity in the US. However, in recent years, the sales of manual transmission cars are increasing in the US.

So what are the reasons why driver have always preferred stick shift vehicles in the US?

The primary reasons are as follows.

#1 Stick Shift Increases Driver Engagement

Stick shift drivers are more engaged with their car. They have to operate the clutch, change the gears and keep an eye on the RPM of the engine. Hence, they do not have the time to send a text or check their emails. Since they are not distracted, the chances of them crashing their car go down.

On the other hand, automatic car owners don’t have to do anything except brake and steer. Everything is done by the car on its own. This lets automatic car owners to use their phone and be distracted – which leads to fatal accidents.

Moral of the story – drive a manual car like a Nissan Skyline GT - R34 and stay relatively safe on the roads.

#2 Automakers Entice Enthusiasts with Stick Shifts

There have been several instances when a new car had poor sales in the US. At the same time, several cars often face periods of poor sales during its life cycle. To combat such situations, car brands often add certain features to entice enthusiasts.

Let’s take an example.

When the latest generation of the popular car Toyota Supra was introduced in the US, enthusiasts were not so excited. The reason was simple. The latest generation of Toyota Supra does not come with the legendary 2JZ engine. Instead the engine is sourced from BMW – which was initially a turn off.

Secondly, the car was offered without a manual transmission. When Toyota finally understood that if they do not offer this car with a manual transmission, sales will suffer, the brand chose to listen to the enthusiasts.

The outcome, the new Toyota Supra is available with stick shift.

#3 Stick Shifts Command Strong Resale Value

The used car market of the US is one of the strongest in the world. It means that the prices of specific used cars shoot up with time. Additionally, since only a few models are available with manual transmission in the US, the demand for these vehicles is very high in the used car market.

Cars like the Mazda Miata, the Nissan GTR - R-34, etc. retain their value for decades given they are equipped with manual transmission. Hence, if you own a popular stick shift car, you will get impressive deals when you want to sell it.

#4 Stick shift vehicles are hard to steal

A small number of vehicles sold in the US are available with manual transmissions.

Why?

Well, a small percentage of Americans know how to drive a stick shift vehicle. Hence offering manual transmission cars is not a feasible decision for car brands operating in the US.

What does the above information have to do with stick shift vehicles and thieves?

Well, since few Americans know how to drive a stick shift car, it means that thieves would also find it difficult to steal your manual transmission car. Even if your car has been broken in, you’d find it sitting where you left it.

However, to ensure that your car do not get damaged by would-be thieves, get the vehicle retrofitted with a car tracking device.

Drive what you want

Seriously, drive what you want. Whether you prefer automatic or stick shift vehicles, it doesn’t matter. What matters is that you enjoy driving your vehicle and it serves your needs. However, make sure that you maintain your vehicle and keep tabs on its health, for the best results.