Under 20K, Car to learn how to drive stick really fast...

[gmbh6]

What kind of cars should I be looking into to learn how to master manual shifting?

I'm looking for a small car that I can whip around town .. like a mazdaspeed3, or a GTI, or s2000 .....

At the auditrack day I had no problem with the R8 and the paddle shifters but the RS4 and the stick was giving me problems. Couldn't concentrate on my driving cause I was thinking about shifting too much.

[crespo]

learn on a beater car, not a new car. and taking a lesson or two will do WONDERS. Seriously.

[goodduck]

anyone can learn on any car it just takes practice. you can have it down in no time. there is no need to have a "practice car" get the car you want... youll learn.

[AndyBG]

Go for used GTI...

[ott]

I would consider BMW 3 series, RWD is much more fun.

[BroddvonBronto]

rental cars ftw!

[JavierNuvolari]

rental cars ftw!

lol, best answer so far.
+1

[RS6Driver]

Heh, is it not mandatory to learn how to drive stick shift when you are getting your license?

[nene]

Here is a plan that worked for me:
1. Take a 2 week trip to Europe... some country you will enjoy;
2. Rent a decent car like the VW Polo or an Opel Astra.
3. Enjoy your vacation.

I'm sure that you will find that 2 weeks on the rental will be sufficient as learning manual is really not that difficult. I'm sure you still will have plenty of cash left.

Now start with a small engine car, as this seems to be easier to learn on. A powerful car is a bit trickier to be the first place to tackle, but once you master on small car, you will find it easier to handle the additional power.
Get a gasoline car too if at all possible. Only because with a gasoline car you will see that you turn the key and car starts, where the Diesel car is a slight different approach.

That worked for me...albeit a long time ago.

[The RS6]

Heh, is it not mandatory to learn how to drive stick shift when you are getting your license?

Not in America...

[BroddvonBronto]

Real men drive stick shift.. FTW!

[rs-6]

Honestly, I would take a 80's audi to play around with, genre coupé GT/ quattro

[Benman]

Honestly, I would take a 80's audi to play around with, genre coupé GT/ quattro

I agree, because if you can shift well in that slop fest, you can shift in ANYTHING!

Ben

[Z07]

I would consider BMW 3 series, RWD is much more fun.

Especially if you do an abrupt downchange whilst rushing into a bend in the wet without blipping the throttle.

[PeterJohn]

Mazda MX5 (Miata). Fun car to hone your skills without getting into too much trouble. The old generation is actually more of a drivers car.