Switched from an automatic transmission to a manual in my personal truck and I'm having second thoughts

I've driven manuals my whole career in big rigs (obviously), but my personal F-150 has always been an automatic. Last month I traded it for a 2019 Ford Ranger with a stick shift because I thought it'd be more fun. Thing is, after 600 miles of stop-and-go traffic around Nashville, my left knee is killing me and I keep stalling at lights like a rookie. Has anyone else made this switch and actually stuck with it, or did you quietly trade it back in?

2 comments

2 Comments

willow40715d ago

I get what you're saying about the fixer upper comparison, but I respectfully see it different. The knee pain and stalling are just your body and brain learning a new pattern, not a sign it's the wrong choice. I made the same switch a few years ago and those first couple months were rough, but once the muscle memory kicked in the manual became way more connected and engaging for me. Give yourself another 600 miles before you decide if it's a deal breaker.

caleb_thomas9315d ago

Manuals are great in theory but pretty rough when you're stuck in Nashville gridlock every day. It's funny how we romanticize stuff until reality hits, kind of like how everyone thinks they want a fixer-upper house until they're living without a kitchen for six months.