Why do people let a week or two of learning scare them from getting a manual? Contrary to what other people post, I always get asked why I didn't get an auto. Auto is too easy hehe. Congrats on the new G, that's my favorite color

 

all I can say is the G35 is a horrible car to learn on cause it's got a pretty **** clutch as far as manuals go

 

^^^
This is exactly how to do it. Once you get it down, you will be set, then once you have the basics down you will want to try out some hills and then on inclement roads (e.g. dirt, ice, wet) then combine hills with the inclement roads. You will have it down in no time, just take your time and you will be set. I learned in an '81 Ford pickup on an icy parking lot... It took about an hour and I had it down pat. SInce then I just love MT's... GOT TO GET THE PRELUDE BACK INTO COMMISION!!!

 

The '05 with the redesigned clutch is much easier to drive. Test drove the 04, and ordered my 05 without ever having the chance to drive one.

The 04 took a bit more to get used to, still a bit jerky at slow speeds after a couple of test drives. Had the 05 down before I left the dealership. Now, its an easy manual to drive.

 

what's an armor glove?

 

I learned to drive manual on my o4 coupe. the key is to first fully understand what is happening mechanicaly under the hood when you work the clutch. once you understand that, be patient and take it slow!!! i must admit the first week i had this car i wanted to shoot myself, but i have been in heaven since!!!

 

I've learned to drive a clutch after growing up around, and riding, dirt bikes. Same concept.

My first car was a manual and I drove it home with no problems; and have driven many other manuals since.

Having said that, the G's clutch system is somewhat challenging at first, but you'll get use to it. Every clutch is different and will take some getting use to.

The suggestions of letting the clutch out without giving gas is the best technique I tell my wife (who is still learning). She is still timid of driving the G, but I think some of it is due to being scared of wrecking such a fine car! Again, I do agree that the G has a difficult for a beginner to learn from...(and an expensive one too!).

 

yeah, once you get used to the 1st gear & clutching, then you're set. Get through that hurdle first in a parking lot. and as always, when you're on a upward hill, and if you're afraid you're going to stall or roll back, pull up the emergency brake, release your clutch slowly while in first, and when you hear the car engaged, then release the emergency brake. works like a charm!
some of the easy cars to practise on are mitsubishi eclipe and honda accords. the hard cars are integra's and wrx. i know that coz' i owned a couple of those. the G35 is not that easy, but you'll get the hang of it after awhile.

 

Congrats on the upgrade to an 2005.
I traded in my leased 2003 sedan w/navi for a 2004 cpe 6mt (my first stick).

Even after a year, I'm still learning to drive the car. I agree at low speed the clutch has a high release point and I still stall the car every now and then.

Given the conditions where I live (San Francisco - notorius for hills) - i still practice using the "E-BRAKE" when I'm stuck in traffic. I rolled back a few times, luckily no cars behind me and finally I think I'm confident enough to where I'm used to it.
California Street where the cable cars run...what a BIATCH!

Everything takes time and practice and now I can even "burnout" when I feel like it...but <caution> tires expensive to replace and you can't rotate our wheels DOH..!

Post pics of your new ride!

BoBs -

 

I too, sold my auto '03 sedan for a new '05 6MT coupe. It's been 3 weeks now, I had fun learning.