kayd

It all comes back, but only after you stall the car as you exit the rental lot! At least that's what happens to me, but I love driving a manual once I get over that first little hurdle.

J62

A little birdie reminded me that the first time you turn the key (in the parking lot, backed up to a nice sturdy concrete & steel post), make sure the car is in neutral or you depress the clutch!!!

Otherwise the car will move and you might not like the result.

Trisha1

Make certain you check out clutch transmission on manual rental car on drive around prior to delivery. We lost one day of trip because previous drivers had ground the clutch and transmission to death.

Now we only rent automatic in spite of the cost.

Jayne11159

Oh dear, my (manual capability) self esteem is starting to waver--but thanks for all the tips. I'll definitely make a check list to go over when I pickup the car!

pja1

Hi,

I rarely drive a manual car. Actually, I only drive one on our trips. Everyone's different of course, but it always comes right back to me. What I need to get used to is the lights, radio and controls (wipers, rear wipers, turn signals, etc.) in an unfamiliar car. We'll sit in the car before leaving until I know where everything is. Usually about 15 minutes. Then I'll take a slow ride around the lot (some are multi level at the airports) getting used to the shifting again. That's all it takes for me.

Paul

palette

Could you find a friend at home (or do a daily rental) who would be willing to let you test drive his/her manual BEFORE you got to Spain just so you would feel a bit more comfortable. I never drive anything but a stick shift so I've never had to contemplate this particular problem. My alternative problem is renting an automatic in the US, driving for a week or so, then coming home and stalling my own car at the first light I come upon because I am still in auto mode.

Jayne11159

I thought of that palette but for some reason my best friend's husband won't let me practice on his corvette!!!!

LSky

It will come back to you.
And look at the bright side, the "retraining" will be on someone else's car.

flygirl

Why not find a friend who drives a stick and ask them if they'd let you drive it for a little while - even a controlled environment like a parking lot or something?

bdjtbenson

I prefer the stick. You get better performance and better mileage out of the small euro cars.

I would echo the comments about making sure you know how to put it in reverse and make sure you know how to put gas in.

I leased a Renault in Europe and had the darndest time locking the car. Rather than a key it had a card. I would walk away from the car, push the lock button, then walk back to check and it was unlocked. Turned out the card had a proximity device that automatically unlocked the car when I got close. LOL.

iris1745

Hi Jayne11159; It's a simple decision. If you do not feel comfortable driving a 'stick shift', get the automatic. Consider, you could fing yourself in 'stop' and 'go' traffic and it will not be fun. ENJOY Iris

MareW

We had a similar experience to jake1 while in the Dordogne 18 months ago. DH had never driven a stick on a frequent basis, but he did know how. His last experience had been 12+ years earlier.

It didn't ruin the trip, but it made us uneasy a lot of the time. We're planning on renting automatics in Europe from now on.

rogerbruton

Another tip ..... you will probably get a diesel. Watch what you are doing at gas stations!!! ALWAYS put the nozzle into the car and CHECK the label on the fuel cap BEFORE you squeeze the trigger!!!

And another ...... if your radio aerial is removable, take it off when you park!!

Roger
http://www.fermedecandeloup.fr

GerryBonj

We usually get a manual car just because it is cheaper, but on the last (2008, July) we requested an automatic from Kemwel and it was just a couple hundred more. Normally, we rent from Auto Europe. Unfortunately, we had to cancel our trip, so not sure if there would have been any additional costs. Check them out.

mommamac

Having driven all over both France and Italy, I highly recommend an automatic. It might cost a little more but is worth it on the narrow, hilly streets.

cferrb

Getting in and out of parking lots in Spain can be really difficult under any circumstances, and if you get stuck on an incline waiting to get out with a stick shift and you are not comfortable with a stick shift you might really regret it.

I vote for automatic very, very strongly, having made the mistake of saving the few hundred dollars and getting the stick shift, and regretting it several times.

lauralamb

Is it easier to drive an automatic? I have to rent a car in Jamaica in January and can only find automatics and I've never driven one. How is the transition from manual transmission to automatic?

flygirl

Laura - it's easier except when you forget you are driving an automatic and mash in the brake. ar ar ar

scdreamer

Just returned from Spain a few weeks ago, and we had a manual shift rental car. I, like you, hadn't driven a stick-shift in eons, but found that it is a skill that comes back easily. I had absolutely no issues with driving the car.

As an aside, I have often said to friends and family who have never learned to drive a manual shift car, that they are courting trouble. I think being able to manually shift gears in a car should be considered a "life skill," One never knows when in an emergency situation, that may be the only means of transportation available.

Mimar

Yes, Lauralamb, an automatic is easy. Just remember to use only your right foot. Tell your left foot it's having a vacation. Otherwise you may have some very sudden stops.