Quote:
Originally Posted by David70
can you explain to the average car buyer that is only looking to get point to point (by far the majority) why he should get a manual? The "sales pitch" is that it is fun and more difficult but it's only fun if you enjoy doing it? Without "fun" the pitch is that it is more difficult and therefor you should buy it?
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Just to comment on this in my perspective.
First of all, it's never going to be about the "average car buyer".
The average car buyer will buy an automatic car in a heartbeat because they are average. And the sales numbers prove that.
No, to WANT TO drive a manual daily means you're not average, you're a connoisseur. You like the art of driving and consider it a pleasurable experience.
For a daily, having a manual isn't about the best performance, convenience, or comfort. It's about engagement.
To me, if I want to driving a car, any car, I want the maximum connection between human and machine.
And only a 3 pedal proper stick in the middle transmission can provide that.
On a commute, when getting to a standing green at an intersection, heel toe down shift into second, gradual lift off brakes, maintenance throttle around the corner and then throttle out back into third. With the shift from 2nd to 3rd providing a momentary jolt.
Stopping at a red light on a slight incline, lift off brakes, the car rolls back. Release clutch slightly with a little throttle, getting the car back to where it was. Inching forward with just controlling the throttle and clutch. The feeling of physically engaging and disengaging the engine and the wheels.
The car only does the things you want it to do and every single thing only works when done right.
Messing up heel toe, or letting out the clutch too fast/slow? the car shakes or stalls in anger.
The delicacy and imperfection of a manual and the skill it takes to perfect it, makes it lovable and engaging.
In a way, a manual gives a car soul, makes it human.
Driving any auto (DCT PDK etc.) while much faster and smoother, will never provide the engagement when driving a manual.
Only a very small number of drivers think this way and that's why autos are taking over.
So no, I will not try to convince the average car buyer to buy a manual daily, because you either get it or you don't.