Where can you rent a non-automatic car?

[RichieZ]

So I've been learning on random friends cars, and I'm not bad can get around in traffic without stalling. But I want to practice more and develop the muscle memory and really decide if my next car should be stick

It seems likes its almost impossible to rent a non-automatic car these days, I'm looking for a place in the bay area, CA that will rent me one.

 

[ajayjuneja]

no where I know of. I bought a cheap car to practice stick on before buying the car I really wanted as a stick.

 

[ajayjuneja]

..and then I picked up manual again in 2 days, so that ended up being a waste!

 

[shortylickens]

I think the reason nobody answered you is they dont want to help a guy who refers to cars as "non-automatic". (Or they think you are beyond help.)

Anyway, there is no particular place to rent cars with manual transmissions.
It depends on the company. Last time I rented from Enterprise they only had automatics. Havent used Hertz or Avis in a long time. You may have to check out their websites and see if its possible to pick particular cars. It may also mean a long trip if you do find a lot with a manual.

Also, I would not recommend practicing anything with a vehicle you dont own. Or, just go ahead and get complete insurance coverage through the dealership.


EDIT: FUDGE! No replies for half an hour and then I get beat to the punch.

 

[RichieZ]

Originally posted by: shortylickens
I think the reason nobody answered you is they dont want to help a guy who refers to cars as "non-automatic". (Or they think you are beyond help.)

Anyway, there is no particular place to rent cars with manual transmissions.
It depends on the company. Last time I rented from Enterprise they only had automatics. Havent used Hertz or Avis in a long time. You may have to check out their websites and see if its possible to pick particular cars. It may also mean a long trip if you do find a lot with a manual.

Also, I would not recommend practicing anything with a vehicle you dont own. Or, just go ahead and get complete insurance coverage through the dealership.


EDIT: FUDGE! No replies for half an hour and then I get beat to the punch.

great thanks for the reply, but I don't see what the big deal is. I've already learned how to drive on several cars: Z4, integra and a maxima so its not like I'm going to be destroying the rental, I just want to get better at it as I will be most likely be buying a BMW and doing European Delivery. Anyway I'm not worried about insurance, my companies negociated rate with all the large car rental companies includes LDW (loss damage waiver). I'd probalby have a friend go with me and drive it back to my house, where I can practice with it for week.

Any type of harm I do to the car, pales in comparison to the type of purposeful neglect I've seen people do: ie: neutral drops, donoughts etc. I travel a lot for work and I've seen people do some terrible things with their rental cars.

 

[mugs]

Most places only rent automatics, because everyone can drive an automatic. Many drivers don't know how to drive a manual these days. I think you'll have a really hard time finding one from anyplace other than an exotic car rental place.

If you can get around alright in your friends' cars you'll be fine if you buy a manual of your own. I don't think you need to rent a car and practice more - you already know you can handle it. It just takes a little time to get really smooth (and every car model is different, so if you learn on one car and then buy a different car, you're going to have to adjust anyway).

The only thing that should really stop you from buying a manual is if you commute in heavy traffic. Having a manual sucks in stop and go traffic.