[xray]

I don't know how to drive a manual but I'm going to take the plunge on a manual Camaro SS when I get one. I'm just ready for as engaging of a driving experience as I can have. The current car I drive is pretty much the opposite so I ready for a change. Has anyone else bought a manual Camaro without knowing how to drive it when they bought it?

[Casalino]

Your not going to try and learn the basics on another car? Ask a friend, coworker or family to help you learn. You will be driving it back from the dealer right? You don't want any problems. You might get stuck on a hill or driveway. If you don't care that's your problem. But I think it would be a good/smart idea to ask someone to teach you some basics. All it would take is 30 minutes. Save you possibly an accident, damage to your car, and embarrassment

[xray]

Originally Posted by Casalino

Your not going to try and learn the basics on another car? Ask a friend, coworker or family to help you learn. You will be driving it back from the dealer right? You don't want any problems. You might get stuck on a hill or driveway. If you don't care that's your problem. But I think it would be a good/smart idea to ask someone to teach you some basics. All it would take is 30 minutes. Save you possibly an accident, damage to your car, and embarrassment

I don't know anyone with a manual car or else I would have someone teach me beforehand. My dad is going to teach me and will probably drive it to a parking lot for me from the dealer lot, where he can teach me off the bat. Thanks for the concern though!

[2016SS]

I didn't but I did buy my first manual with out knowing how to drive it it came natural to me and I left the dealership right onto the 401 with out a issue. My brother pointed out a month later I was riding the clutch to much worked on that and shifting smoothly with in a year I was at the local track putting down good times better then the car advertised.

Practice makes perfect!

Take off will be harder then switching gears find the sweet spot of gas and let the clutch of with ease not aggressive.

1st to 2nd seemed trickier to me then 3rd to 4th to 5th (car had a 5 speed)

Camaro is easy to drive in my opinion try a 350z now that's a messed up clutch to get used to head jerker until mastered.

Master normal driving conditions before driving fast manual is not something to rush

If can avoid heavy traffic find some country roads and a parking lot to practice taking off and shifting.

Good luck I love manual really makes it more exciting in my opinion.

[Michigan1LTRS]

Don't sweat it. It's not rocket science. You'll have it down in no time. Enjoy!!!

[ctrlz]

Search around here. There are other threads. I distinctly recall several people for whom this was their first manual car. Good luck, and don't be intimidated. Necessity is a great teacher. My first manual was a '69 road runner with a 4-speed that would not go into 2nd gear. I managed to get it home from the sale only stalling it once.

[sub_ETCS_ret]

Like 2016SS said you'll be fine. I bought a manual car once without knowing how to drive it. I had 20 miles to figure it out how to drive it home. You'll be fine. You'll stall it a few times and grind it a few times but it will be a memorable experience.

[BrianL]

My first car was a '61 Triumph TR3 sports car back in high school days, & I had never driven a stick. But I have had plenty of dirt bikes & the clutch/shifting is mentality the same (to me at least), so getting into the car & driving off was easy.

As others have said, a little practice taking off from a stop will get you going. Stopping on a hill & starting back up is easy (compared to days of old) with the hill assist. Clutch action on this one & the Tremec transmission in my opinion are the best combo I have ever owned. Pretty much all my personal cars have been manuals.

[jdasnt3]

Ask the dealer to show you how and make a point of it being the deciding factor on the purchase. I'm sure they'll have a ton of patience and give you the opportunity on their lot and the test drive. Go for it! You won't be disappointed.

Not a hijack, but I drove manual cars for most of my life starting in the early 80's. I just recently gave up on them and went for the A8 Camaro. I personally won't go back to manual after driving this beast.

[FNxR3DNECK]

I bought my 2017 1LE with having less than probably 3 hours seat time driving manual and that was an old Tacoma about 6 years ago haha (crazy right) but I was determined to get a manual this time around! It took me about a week (probably 100-150) miles to feel truly comfortable and not constantly scared of stalling. Starting in 1st is the only tricky thing in these cars if you are just learning, my best advice would be to avoid hill starts for the first few days, after that you will have it down no problem, if you have the will power you will get it down in no time! It's just a mind game after all.

[detltu]

As others have pointed out:
1. Getting the car started is the only real concern. -My advice is don't be afraid to ride the clutch at first. It's not good long term, but after you drive for a while you will get a feel for how to let the clutch out faster. The good news is the Camaro has enough power that you don't need to give it any/much gas to get it going. Let the clutch out slow until you feel it start to pull forward.
2. Traffic and hills are your enemy at first. I think the new ones have hill assist, but i have not used that. Get somewhere that you can practice like a parking lot and work on getting started. Practice getting the car moving. Changing gears is easy.

One last thing. When you first get in the car- with the car in neutral- practice pushing the clutch in and slowly letting it out. Your right leg is used to controlling throttle and brake with precision, but your left leg is probably not as coordinated. You might find it hard to be smooth with the clutch at first, but you will quickly adapt.

[Infamous DK]

I bought my '17 SS with about 30min tops prior of manual experience. Drove it right home myself and even got stuck in bumper to bumper traffic on the way home.

The clutch and shifter are so smooth and easy to use in this car. It also helps having all that torque to get ya going. The first 2 months were a bit nerve wracking and frustrating at times, trying to learn the car itself and how to drive a manual in general. It did come pretty natural to me tho I must admit. Mind you I was driving an '03 4 cyl. automatic Honda Accord prior to this car lol.

What helped me the most was driving later in the day when not many people were on the road, and keeping my music down so I could listen to the engine as best as I can. Practice, practice, PRACTICE! Take your time and take it slow. Like everyone else usually says, once you have 1st gear down it's all easy after that.

I'm 6 months and almost 4000 miles into ownership now and driving this car is a total breeze. I can hop in and go without a thought and I absolutely love it! I actually prefer to drive a manual now. I cannot stand having to drive my old Honda or borrowing my moms car from time to time.

I would absolutely do it again if given the chance, and my next car will be a manual for sure. I don't regret a single thing

[goshawk823]

I learned on my first manual in the back lot of the dealership where I bought the car.
You'll catch on quickly.

[WILWAXU]

Good choice! In my opinion, a car with torque is the easiest way to learn how to drive a manual.