Can You Rent a Manual Transmission Car?

Introduction

Manual transmission cars are not as common as they used to be. In fact, according to a recent study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), only about 3% of new cars sold in the United States in 2020 had manual transmissions. This is down from 10% in 2010 and 25% in 2000.

So, what does this mean for you if you want to rent a manual transmission car? Well, it means that it may be a bit more difficult to find one. However, there are still some rental companies that offer manual transmission cars.

Rental Companies That Offer Manual Transmission Cars

Here are some rental companies that offer manual transmission cars:

• Enterprise Rent-A-Car
• Hertz
• Avis
• Budget
• Thrifty
• Dollar
• Alamo
• National

Not all locations of these companies will have manual transmission cars available, so it is important to call ahead and reserve one in advance.

How to Rent a Manual Transmission Car

If you have never driven a manual transmission car before, it is important to learn how to do so before you rent one. There are many resources available online and in libraries that can teach you the basics.

Once you are comfortable driving a manual transmission car, you can rent one by following these steps:

1. Call ahead and reserve a manual transmission car from one of the rental companies listed above.
2. When you pick up the car, be sure to inspect it for any damage and to make sure that the transmission is working properly.
3. Adjust the seat and mirrors so that you are comfortable driving.
4. Start the car and put it in first gear.
5. Slowly release the clutch pedal while gently pressing on the gas pedal.
6. Once the car starts to move, shift into second gear.
7. Continue shifting gears as needed until you reach your desired speed.

Tips for Driving a Manual Transmission Car

Here are some tips for driving a manual transmission car:

• Be patient and don’t get discouraged if you stall the car a few times.
• Use the clutch pedal to control the speed of the car, not the gas pedal.
• Shift gears smoothly and avoid grinding the gears.
• Don’t ride the clutch pedal.
• Be aware of the car’s speed and shift gears accordingly.

With a little practice, you’ll be driving a manual transmission car like a pro in no time.

Conclusion

So, can you rent a manual transmission car? Yes, you can, but it may be a bit more difficult to find one than an automatic transmission car. However, if you are willing to put in the effort to learn how to drive a manual transmission car, it can be a rewarding experience.