I'm 29 and have been driving a manual transmission from the beginning. I have driven everything from sports cars (4-spd, 5-spd & 6-spd), trucks (4-spd, U-haulmanuals& 3-on-the-column) and done drag racing to rock crawling. Here are a few pointers:

(1) The clutch is the key, not the gas. Many people think that giving a car more gas will make it go forward, but in reality unless the clutch in engaged you're not going anywhere.

(2) Practice in a parking lotby letting out the clutch without touching the gas and try to get it rolling. Some cars are much easier than others, the MS3 is very easy. Tip: A truck with low range makes things really simple because you can't hardly kill the engine.

(3) Find anincline and get used to letting the clutch out enough for the car to hold without rolling back, or stalling,and then apply gas and required to get rolling. I can get just about any manual transmission going on a steep hill with very little rolling backwards, no need for an e-brake.

(4) After some practive the tach should look just like it would in an automatic. In general, there is no need to rev then engine.

(5) Don't shift too soon and lug the engine. I figure that whatever rpm the cars cruises at on the highway in top gears is a fairly good place to start for all driving.

REMEMBER THAT THE GAS COMPLIMENTS THE CLUTCH, NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND.

 

when i was learning (on my first car, a 92 honda civic Si) the most i ever did was stall, and jerk the car a bit (but that happens when you stall).... but i've stalled my mazda a bunch of times, and nothing happens, it just turns off....

but you just need to make sure you dont ride the clutch that somebody said.... and by this, i mean dont keep your foot slightly on the clutc when driving.... but you'll know if your doing this cuz you'll smell it after about 3 seconds....

 

....How does warrenty not cover clutch? They should and if not thats bs as long as its not upgraded your fine and they are telling you otherwiseagain thats bs

 

The clutch is considered a wear item (just like brakes), they typically aren't covered under warranty. (Any manufacturers) Personal driving habits contribute significantly to how fast a clutch wears.

Is this MazdaSpeed3 your first car? I always wonder what parents are thinking when they put their kidsbehind the wheel of a performance car.....I'd recommend less of a rocketship to learn how to drive.

 

Sometimes if a clutch goes out this soon it can be covered. The clutch in my Camaro went out at 35k and the local dealer said they would have covered it, but sadly I was out of state and the stealership there wouldn't. I am easy on clutches, even in the Camaro, and I knew people that were much harder on them that didn't have problems. I think it can be covered if the dealers wants to play.

I would agree that an MS3 is a poor choice for a parent to purchase for their child.It is a good way for you to end up hurt or dead because you don't have the experience to handle a car with this much power. While the torque steer is manageable, it could cause you to get into trouble.

 

manditory premium fuelright, cuase of the turbo????, also, wats the milage for you guys like, and im talkin about everyday milage, no long distance trips or anything?

 

high grade yes due to the compression ratio. As for mileage I just filled up and got 19 MPG. Usually get like 22MPG

 

well its not my first car per se, ive been driving my parents' for about 2 yearsbut thats an automatic, but i guess that makes me a newbie behind the wheel of a manual, but im a pretty good driver, its not like im a complete novice to the rules of the road.

 

ps, ive had my liscense for two years or so...i know how to drive, its the manual transmission thats the main issue here

 

Please do not take offence at this but two year driving is nothing. I have been driving for 30 years and I still am looking for more tips on how to drive better. I don't think you are ever experienced enough. I agree with the comment that the speed is probably not the best car to start with. look at the regular 3. Its still quick enough for running around and unless you are planning an racing or driving real fast the speed is over kill for you. Its like the kids who have never ridden a motorcycle and go buy a crotch rocket then everyone wonders why they lost control at 125. I would not put my son in a speed as a first purchased car. Hell, I went with the 3sGT because I figured it would bring me less tickets.

Just trying to save you a lot of problems.