Hi! I am the new owner of a 2008 Honda Fit! This is my first ever vehicle with a manual transmission. I am excited, but nervous. I have been told it is very easy to drive. Does anyone have any tips, advice or suggestions to help me learn how to drive it? Thank you in advance! I am very excited to be a part of the fit family!

 

Personally, stick is more fun to drive than auto. You'll love it for sure!

 

With the car off, depress the clutch and practice moving the stick through the gearshift pattern to become familiar with the way it goes. If you can't do it, get someone to drive you to a flat parking lot (WATCH what they do). Practice releasing the clutch until you feel it engage for a smooth pull off. Concentrate on pressing the accelerator at the same time to move off smoothly. Practice shifting up through the gears slowly. Find a place w/ gentle inclines and practice moving uphill from a dead stop. This will help you learn to overcome the "dreaded" rollback AND will also help you to smooth your technique. The only way to REALLY learn is to drive it. Best of luck to you and much enjoyment of your Fit!!

 

I was taught to move the car with the clutch only without touching the gas pedal. Once I got a feel for how and when the clutch engaged I added the gas pedal. I thought it worked well. Congrats on the purchase, it's a fun little car!!

 

I'm having trouble with an MT fit as well. Mainly because the ENG is just too darn quiet! I've tried it with paddle shifting on my own GE but I just can't hear the eng (I used to do manual with scavenger exhaust car, it's pretty easy to shift by listening).

 

I learned the same way as GolNat and its worked for me very well. Just take it easy and relax. You'll get the hang of it in no time.