Learning stick drive in a WRX

dustyturkey · 01-23-2013, 12:23 AM

Hi,

I'm almost decided on picking up a WRX. The problem is that the car is a right hand drive so I will have to get used to it first.

I can drive manual (although not too well), but I probably will stall a couple times or just shift wrong, etc. first time with a right hand drive.

My concern is that when I stall and stuff, I might really mess up the turbo or something.

Is WRX not an ideal car to practice on?

I will have to get used to the right hand drive eventually to drive it so I am kind of in a dilemma here...

What are some thoughts on this?

pzr2874 · 01-23-2013, 05:39 AM

No, the turbo is the least of your worries.

What year WRX?

the RIOT act · 01-23-2013, 05:49 AM

With the shifting subject I'd refer you to NASIOC.com as there's a member by the name "Unabomber" that writes very detailed FAQ's on certain subjects...this being one of them. Hope this helped. And it's certainly possible to cause damage to engine and turbo components during the break in period if going new and accidentally hitting high RPM in a brand new car. If going used its not so crucial to stay in low RPM as all components are already broken in. Either way you're going to cause wear to your clutch/flywheel as you'll be learning the particulars, but most likely nothing to worry about. Just read his FAQ and have confidence in yourself most importantly. Go get a rental for a weekend and wear down their tranny components lol...just a thought.

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RINGY91 · 01-23-2013, 07:03 AM

hey I got my WRX in April was my second car i ever owned and I drove stick only once before so i basically learn how to do it again. My car works fine and im really good at it now so im sure you'll be fine.

WrxCruising · 01-23-2013, 07:19 AM

I learned how to drive stick in my 11 WRX, just be gently with the throttle and think about what your doing before you do it!

sleepr · 01-23-2013, 07:39 AM

For drivers that have not had experience on many different cars, it is important to remember that the clutch is not an "on/off" switch. Find the engagement point and adjust your seat position so you can engage/disengage the clutch without having to squirm in your seat. If you think you're going to stall, disengage the clutch and begin the engagement process again (making the appropriate adjustments in your technique...slower left foot, SLIGHTLY more right foot, or both). Also, place more reliance on what you feel through your left foot than what you hear with your ears. I'm sure you will pick it up quickly!

I envy you. Driving a right hand drive stick is something I have always wanted to do!

Bryce'sWRX · 01-23-2013, 09:28 AM

If I was you i'd keep looking around for a car you'd like more than a right hand drive! As long as your not here in Iowa it seems like theres plenty of these to go around and learning on these cars are a little tough but once you get it its second nature! I couldn't drive my car for 5 months when my motor went out, and I drove it perfect the first time out! Go for it! There great cars and you'll be happy you bought it!

dustyturkey · 01-23-2013, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pzr2874

No, the turbo is the least of your worries.

What year WRX?

It's a 97 WRX from Japan. My favourite model is the 04 but its out of my price range. I love the 97 next to the 04.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bryce'sWRX

If I was you i'd keep looking around for a car you'd like more than a right hand drive! As long as your not here in Iowa it seems like theres plenty of these to go around and learning on these cars are a little tough but once you get it its second nature! I couldn't drive my car for 5 months when my motor went out, and I drove it perfect the first time out! Go for it! There great cars and you'll be happy you bought it!

I would like to get a left hand drive but I couldnt find a 97 one that was left hand drive. This was the only one I found in months that I really like so I think Im going to take it.

Thanks all for replying.

Bryce'sWRX · 01-24-2013, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dustyturkey

It's a 97 WRX from Japan. My favourite model is the 04 but its out of my price range. I love the 97 next to the 04.

I would like to get a left hand drive but I couldnt find a 97 one that was left hand drive. This was the only one I found in months that I really like so I think Im going to take it.

Thanks all for replying.

No problem! I hope you love your new Suby and hope to hear from you on here! Keep us posted with some pics!