there are a bunch of kids driving in the street all over the world in manuals, few countries outside the US have anything close to the amount of autos that we do. I grew up in chile and 90% of cars there are manual, so nearly everyone I know there can drive one, that doesn't make them bad drivers, the fact that they're bad, distracted, stupid, reckless or talentless drivers makes them bad drivers. Oh yeah and the accident rate is no higher if not lower than here in the US.

 

yes but this is the US we are talking about here where your phone is more important than your life and it seems 90% of kids have ADD switching gears will just add 1 more thing to take their attention off of the road.

im only 24 so im not really bashing on young people. some are more mature and responsible than others and im not saying that barbie isnt but it would be safer for her to get an AT as well as everyone around her until she gets some experience behind the wheel and dealing with everyday bad california drivers.

 

and Orange County has the worst drivers in my experience so far. much worse than Los Angeles

 

Hey! this is my first post on this forum ive guest'd it for a few months now and interestingly enough i was also asking the question of this thread. I have my permit and I am learning how to drive on an 03 tl 3.2 auto FWD. My plan is to buy a used manual rx8 and learn how to drive manual on my brothers 05 jetta (hes going to college and giving the car to my parents). I feel confident as not to be an ******* and be reckless (i know your already doubting me). So i was wondering do you think what i am planning to do is a good idea? Money isnt a problem.

 

keep in mind that this car takes a lot more care than a typical cylinder engine. Most girls (no offense to anyone) don't know that cars need more than gas to run. With the rx8 you have to check the oil. You have to add oil. You can't turn the engine off cold.
It's up to you. But I don't think an rx8 is a good car for a brand new driver.
I can already see it in the ditch or wrapped around a tree.

 

money isn't a problem?? wish i could say that when it came to buying cars.

 

go for it, moneybags

 

hmm maybe it would be a better first car because then they will learn to pay attention to detail but definately not MT lol

 

wow, the defination of "hand-me-downs" has changed a hair since i got my license in 98. Must be nice bein born into financial freedom

Just as others have said, as far as maintence goes, this car isn't the greatest for kids just looking for a nice ride. You'll be at the dealership in no time. And if you do still decide to get an 8 for your first car, do yourself a favor and follow one of 2 paths...either get an auto, or learn to drive a stick BEFORE getting a manual. While forgiving, the higher required RPM's for even significant torque can make figuring a clutch out (for the first time ever) a rather daunting task.

Just more $0.02...or would it be $0.04 now that i've replied twice?

 

oook... where did you come from?

 

Sorry to pick on the stupid details, but as far as I know Lancers aren't exactly safe. "Worst 10", I think.

 

well it doesnt matter what the age is.. as long theyre responsible. but i agree. more than 2/3 of the teen these days are dumb spoiled idiots that likes to show off and risk things.

 

I'm just scared for the car that's about to be used and abused like a five dollar hooker.

 

My college bound daughter is getting my 8 this fall - she doesn't consider it a "guy" car. In fact as a design (art) student, she loves the comprehensive (inside and out) effort Mazda made to make this car beautiful. As for driving a fast car - the costs of insurance and other matters would be my concern for a 16 year old. But no different that the many "sweet 16" bimmer 3 series, or mustangs with young lady drivers I've seen.

 

I see you've heard of my girlfriend.

 

abraham lincoln?

 

Abraham Lincoln was not a dirty *****. His wife, Mary Todd, on the other hand...

 

 

Im from new york (response to previous post). Ye have little faith in my generation lol.

 

lol im from the same generation and yes i have little faith in it

 

yeh i have no faith in my peers for a car like this

 

i have no faith for any RWD car as a first car for teens 16-18. unless it weighs 2 tons and has less than 180hp. 90% of them are too irresponsible.

 

My first car was a 1965 Rambler Ambassador boy are you lucky. Lol

 

those cars are F'ing sweet. YOU'RE the lucky one.

 

You really want your first car to be something that you tell stories about. You want people to marvel at how inconceivable it is that you made it out of your early driving years alive. Stories of wheels falling off or having to open doors with screw drivers really build character. If you get an RX-8 your stories will be to the effect of "my first car felt very secure at high speeds and in sharp turns". BORING!