[zsm97]

Ok so it has been quite a while since I've been on DA, I believe months, but I have returned my brothers and sisters lol. I still have my MSM sedan and just been keeping up with the maintenance.

So now the issue, well not really the issue, but I just need some advice from really anyone that wants to pitch in. My '16 EXl recently got paid off, so we don't owe anything on it, but I was really interested in getting a manual beater on the side, to practice stick shift and get a better feel at it. I mentioned to my dad that we should get one, since he grew up in the 70's with a "manual" beetle and even a Camaro in the early 90's, and plus back home until recently manual is what everyone drove. I was on the look for cheap "project cars" that were no more than $5,000, but then I figured why not trade in my car.

I got two thumbs up on trading my EXL for a 6-6, but I would have to wait until my dad returns home, and honestly I want to finish school before we make any trade in, that way if the trade in happens, I have from May to September to get the basics down.

So this where you guys can chime in, after that short backstory.
1. What are your thoughts on the whole process, trading in a '16 exl cvt for a '16 6-6. Is it smart, is it stupid, would you do it?

I love my car don't get me wrong, she's been great to me for almost 2 years, but I've always wanted more, and I figured if I could trade her in for 6-6, Ill still keep that honda reliability, but with more power, slightly lower MPG, and two less doors. I have close to 22k miles on my exl, so the trade in would likely have to be for a 6-6 with similar or slightly more miles, to get the best deal. I've done some research and the prices for the 6-6 range from $18k to $27k. I could modify my CVT with an exhaust and intake, but imo it doesn't suite the car or even necessary, wheels and suspension are doable though. I know financially we would take a loss, there's no way around that, but I'm looking beyond money and just want to enjoy life.

2. Is the 6-6 a good beginner car to learn on?

I've driven manual on few short occasions, and by surprise, when a friend told me to hop in the driver seat. Getting off is a bit rough at times, but stalling rarely happens. My cousin works as a salesperson, and he brought a 6-6 home, but when I drove it at night, wow it was something. My other cousin has a 2013 V6 coupe AT, and it's a fun car, so I could look into that, but the whole idea was to look for a manual. I've got the basics down, but they just need to be improved and given more time/attention.

3. Having a manual as a daily driver bad?

I've talked to friends, family, read forums online, and people have mixed opinions, some say it becomes second nature others say they hate it. My dad told me that eventually I would get used to it. I guess it all depends on a person's commute, and since I'm a full time student and would be for the next two years, my commute possibly would be around 30-40min. It all depends on the time my classes are, but looking back now, with my CVT the traffic was manageable, meaning bumper to bumper only lasted 5-10 minutes.

I'm sorry if the post was too long, I know trading in a car isn't something that can be done overnight, it needs a lot of time and consideration. If I were to trade in my car for the 6-6, the ideal year would be 2016, because the 2017 are usually certified and have way less miles than mine.

Honda discontinued the Coupe and the V6, which sucks, so that kind of pushes me to make the trade in. The 2018's are ok, not really my cup of tea, but I wouldn't want a 2.0 turbo, I'd rather have a NA. In the end it all depends on my parents and if we are able to find a decent 6-6, but I just wanted some insight from you guys. Of course if the trade in doesn't happen, I wont push my parents into making it happen, it simply wasn't meant to be. Either way if I keep my I4 cvt or get a 6-6, I would keep both cars until they die and can no longer run.

 

[200366HFP]

1. Stupid
2. Any manual is a good manual to learn on.
3. No

 

[KW2004Accord]

Keep your car ! Keep your eye on the ball, your education ! If you really must have a manual then look for a beater car say 2006/07. Tell your parents it will be for everyone to use.

 

[ghawkins]

Ok so it has been quite a while since I've been on DA, I believe months, but I have returned my brothers and sisters lol. So heres a small update on the MSM grocery getter. My car is pretty much stock, aside from the Led's everywhere, I recently got a floor jack and some jackstands and started changing my own oil (Mobil 1 Advanced fuel economy, with oem oil filter). I've changed the in-cabin air filter and the engine air filter, the one for the intake. So pretty much I've been keeping up with simple maintenance.

So now the issue, well not really the issue, but I just need some advice from really anyone that wants to pitch in. My '16 EXl recently got paid off, so we don't owe anything on it, but I was really interested in getting a manual beater on the side, to practice stick shift and get a better feel at it. I mentioned to my dad that we should get one, since he grew up in the 70's with a "manual" beetle and even a Camaro in the early 90's, and plus back home until recently manual is what everyone drove. I was on the look for cheap "project cars" that were no more than $5,000, but then I figured why not trade in my car.

I got two thumbs up on trading my EXL for a 6-6, but I would have to wait until my dad returns home, and honestly I want to finish school before we make any trade in, that way if the trade in happens, I have from May to September to get the basics down.

So this where you guys can chime in, after that short backstory.
1. What are your thoughts on the whole process, trading in a '16 exl cvt for a '16 6-6. Is it smart, is it stupid, would you do it?

I love my car don't get me wrong, she's been great to me for almost 2 years, but I've always wanted more, and I figured if I could trade her in for 6-6, Ill still keep that honda reliability, but with more power, slightly lower MPG, and two less doors. I have close to 22k miles on my exl, so the trade in would likely have to be for a 6-6 with similar or slightly more miles, to get the best deal. I've done some research and the prices for the 6-6 range from $18k to $27k. I could modify my CVT with an exhaust and intake, but imo it doesn't suite the car or even necessary, wheels and suspension are doable though. I know financially we would take a loss, there's no way around that, but I'm looking beyond money and just want to enjoy life.

2. Is the 6-6 a good beginner car to learn on?

I've driven manual on few short occasions, and by surprise, when a friend told me to hop in the driver seat. Getting off is a bit rough at times, but stalling rarely happens. My cousin works as a salesperson, and he brought a 6-6 home, but when I drove it at night, wow it was something. My other cousin has a 2013 V6 coupe AT, and it's a fun car, so I could look into that, but the whole idea was to look for a manual. I've got the basics down, but they just need to be improved and given more time/attention.

3. Having a manual as a daily driver bad?

I've talked to friends, family, read forums online, and people have mixed opinions, some say it becomes second nature others say they hate it. My dad told me that eventually I would get used to it. I guess it all depends on a person's commute, and since I'm a full time student and would be for the next two years, my commute possibly would be around 30-40min. It all depends on the time my classes are, but looking back now, with my CVT the traffic was manageable, meaning bumper to bumper only lasted 5-10 minutes.

I'm sorry if the post was too long, I know trading in a car isn't something that can be done overnight, it needs a lot of time and consideration. I'm blessed and thankful for what I have in my life, and by no means wish to brag or act superior than anyone else. I keep to myself and I stay humble most of the times. I am sponsored by my parents, they got me the '16 Exl straight out of high school as my first car, so of course the trade in would require them and possibly my brother, since he always likes to pitch in. If I were to trade in my car for the 6-6, the ideal year would be 2016, because the 2017 are usually certified and have way less miles than mine.

Honda discontinued the Coupe and the V6, which sucks, so that kind of pushes me to make the trade in. The 2018's are ok, not really my cup of tea, but I wouldn't want a 2.0 turbo, I'd rather have a NA. In the end it all depends on my parents and if we are able to find a decent 6-6, but I just wanted some insight from you guys. Of course if the trade in doesn't happen, I wont push my parents into making it happen, it simply wasn't meant to be. Either way if I keep my I4 cvt or get a 6-6, I would keep both cars until they die and can no longer run.

One last thing, I know I could have done research to see what others have said in the past, and not even make this post. But it's good to hear from what others have to say, especially in the present, and it's also easy to make a post then go searching for one lol.

What is a 6-6?

 

[BenzAccord]

It would be one helluva expensive lesson if it turned out that in the end, you prefer letting the car shift itself. I'm an owner of a '15 V6 sedan. I was leasing it. I also would love a 6/6, but the coupe is not practical for me. The 6/6's available were comparable in price to the lease buyout price for my sedan. I went with the sedan which is AT. I'm not answering your questions other than I'd want to be sure that I could live with a manual before making that transaction. I have 2 sons that are 19 and 21. 1 has been driving stick since he got his license and loves it and is great at it. The other I taught, but he never really got it fully. Besides the other aspects of the transaction in question, I would find a way to drive a manual daily for a month before even considering it.

.

 

[14v6]

Keep what you have. Since you already drove a 6/6 and are even asking for opinions, you probably don't have to have one. Time is on your side so there will be plenty of options for you when the time is right.

.

 

[zsm97]

Keep your car ! Keep your eye on the ball, your education ! If you really must have a manual then look for a beater car say 2006/07. Tell your parents it will be for everyone to use.

Thanks for your advice. Yea of course education is key. I could mention the beater cause that way I could keep my car since its paid off. I do love the mpg and how smooth it rides.

Keep what you have. Since you already drove a 6/6 and are even asking for opinions, you probably don't have to have one. Time is on your side so there will be plenty of options for you when the time is right.

Yea that's true. All I really wanted to do with my car was just get some nice wheels and maybe coilovers. I of course dont have to have a 6-6 but just had an idea about what if. Of course theres always time and theres always something out there. Maybe not now but when the time is right. But I'm just tryna get some advice.

What is a 6-6?

Its short for v6 6-speed

It would be one helluva expensive lesson if it turned out that in the end, you prefer letting the car shift itself. I'm an owner of a '15 V6 sedan. I was leasing it. I also would love a 6/6, but the coupe is not practical for me. The 6/6's available were comparable in price to the lease buyout price for my sedan. I went with the sedan which is AT. I'm not answering your questions other than I'd want to be sure that I could live with a manual before making that transaction. I have 2 sons that are 19 and 21. 1 has been driving stick since he got his license and loves it and is great at it. The other I taught, but he never really got it fully. Besides the other aspects of the transaction in question, I would find a way to drive a manual daily for a month before even considering it.

Yea I know it would suck if it wasnt worth all the trouble. But idk I generally like manual and wanted one from high school. I Just didnt think it was practical or the right time since I had no idea which school I was going to. I do have a good friend that's willing to let me driving his 5 speed acura rsx, he said he'll give some advice and pointers too. So maybe I can look into that.

1. Stupid
2. Any manual is a good manual to learn on.
3. No

Yea I guess any manual is good but idk I've heard hondas or I guess civics are generally the easiest.

 

[17wop6mtcr2]

1. I’d say go for it if it gives you the drive to excel in school or other aspects of life. I remember when I had my previous Honda (Civic Si). It kept me motivated to prioritize my studies and improved my time management skills since I had the pressure of paying a monthly car note and nearly 700/mo. insurance (seriously, my 6 month premium was just north of 4 grand). This was all while having to maintain above a 3.8 otherwise I’d lose my scholarships and then I really wouldn’t be able to afford to keep the Civic.

I’m actually contemplating selling my 6MT Sport for a 9.5 6-6 if not a 2.0T 6MT this summer since I will be graduating. Either that or I might wait until winter and buy a STi or Golf R, which has been the goal. Not having an LSD or more aftermarket support for the K24W is getting old...still love this car though. It’s just that the longer I wait to upgrade to something I really want, the more money I’m going to end up putting into my Accord Sport lol. If you do decide to upgrade, you will definitely miss not having a car note payment to make. Another way to look at it is that there will always be something better and newer so it’s best to just be happy with what you have if you can make it work out.

2. There are many people out there who have driven 250k miles or more on original clutches. The clutch is a part that’s made to wear down over time/use but its life can be extended with some rudimentary tips. A precious coworker of mine had a sweeeeet JCW Mini with a 6MT and taught both his girlfriend and younger brother how to drive stick in it. That thing really took an abuse. Anddddd of course, Honda clutches in general tend to be very forgiving when compared to the rest. Your 6-6 will be no different in this regard but since you are planning to purchase a used one with around 20k miles, it’s a wise idea to take into consideration the abuse that clutch might have taken during those 20k.

3. Depends on whether or not you like to drive. I DD my manual Accord 3-4k miles a month and although it’s no 6-6, it’s still an easy car to drive even in heavy traffic. You can get a feel for this by intentionally scheduling a test drive during rush hour.

Good luck!

 

[Kamdog]

On anywhere in the Balt-DC corridor, no, not if that is where your commute is. That stretch is too hard a drive for a novice, and young people have a lot of accidents: experience matters.

Otherwise? I say, yeah. Go for it. A 15-16 6,6 should remain trouble free for many years, and they ain't coming back.

 

[zsm97]

On anywhere in the Balt-DC corridor, no, not if that is where your commute is. That stretch is too hard a drive for a novice, and young people have a lot of accidents: experience matters.

Otherwise? I say, yeah. Go for it. A 15-16 6,6 should remain trouble free for many years, and they ain't coming back.

O no I would hate that commute. My commute is within maryland. For instance city to city. Like silver spring to gaithersburg. The max it's taken me was 40min. Other than that I can get to gaithersburg in 20-30min depending on traffic and what time it is.

 

[KW2004Accord]

O no I would hate that commute. My commute is within maryland. For instance city to city. Like silver spring to gaithersburg. The max it's taken me was 40min. Other than that I can get to gaithersburg in 20-30min depending on traffic and what time it is.

"DEPENDING on traffic & what time it is"- in Montgomery County.

 

[slimm1469]

1. No, bad idea.
A. I don't know your financial condition but having ample experience as a student, I say wait.
B. Never trade, always sell privately. That way you eliminate a massive opportunity to get screwed.
2. Yes but get a beater for that purpose.
3. Depends on where you live. I love manual trans but in stop and go traffic it will wear you down.

 

[zsm97]

1. I’d say go for it if it gives you the drive to excel in school or other aspects of life. I remember when I had my previous Honda (Civic Si). It kept me motivated to prioritize my studies and improved my time management skills since I had the pressure of paying a monthly car note and nearly 700/mo. insurance (seriously, my 6 month premium was just north of 4 grand). This was all while having to maintain above a 3.8 otherwise I’d lose my scholarships and then I really wouldn’t be able to afford to keep the Civic.

I’m actually contemplating selling my 6MT Sport for a 9.5 6-6 if not a 2.0T 6MT this summer since I will be graduating. Either that or I might wait until winter and buy a STi or Golf R, which has been the goal. Not having an LSD or more aftermarket support for the K24W is getting old...still love this car though. It’s just that the longer I wait to upgrade to something I really want, the more money I’m going to end up putting into my Accord Sport lol. If you do decide to upgrade, you will definitely miss not having a car note payment to make. Another way to look at it is that there will always be something better and newer so it’s best to just be happy with what you have if you can make it work out.

2. There are many people out there who have driven 250k miles or more on original clutches. The clutch is a part that’s made to wear down over time/use but its life can be extended with some rudimentary tips. A precious coworker of mine had a sweeeeet JCW Mini with a 6MT and taught both his girlfriend and younger brother how to drive stick in it. That thing really took an abuse. Anddddd of course, Honda clutches in general tend to be very forgiving when compared to the rest. Your 6-6 will be no different in this regard but since you are planning to purchase a used one with around 20k miles, it’s a wise idea to take into consideration the abuse that clutch might have taken during those 20k.

3. Depends on whether or not you like to drive. I DD my manual Accord 3-4k miles a month and although it’s no 6-6, it’s still an easy car to drive even in heavy traffic. You can get a feel for this by intentionally scheduling a test drive during rush hour.

Good luck!

Thanks. Yea Idk. I mean I enjoy driving and ever since I was young I was crazy about cars. I just think if I want to get something else I should do it soon that way I can get the most from my car. I'm still weighing my options but nothing can happen until my parents get back. I might end up getting a project car instead. Who knows. But. Good luck to you too on whatever car you choose.

O no I would hate that commute. My commute is within maryland. For instance city to city. Like silver spring to gaithersburg. The max it's taken me was 40min. Other than that I can get to gaithersburg in 20-30min depending on traffic and what time it is.

"DEPENDING on traffic & what time it is"- in Montgomery County.

I'm lost. Did I make a mistake?

1. No, bad idea.
A. I don't know your financial condition but having ample experience as a student, I say wait.
B. Never trade, always sell privately. That way you eliminate a massive opportunity to get screwed.
2. Yes but get a beater for that purpose.
3. Depends on where you live. I love manual trans but in stop and go traffic it will wear you down.

Yea I might just get a beater on the side that way I can keep my sedan that's already paid off.

 

[MikeNC]

IMO you can learn to drive a manual well on anything with a clutch and a stick. I learned when I was 14 in a Ford truck with a 3-speed (3 on the tree) and an ancient Worthington dump tractor. The basic skills will translate to any manual car make or model (well, other than learning on a synchro’d transmission and then trying to drive something without. Double clutch shifting takes some additional getting used to).

But driving regularly in heavy urban traffic does become more than merely annoying with a manual car. That and health issues that affect my legs made me shift to an automatic transmission with my last two cars.

I think when you’re a student, it’s always wise to pinch pennies and avoid as much debt as possible. Wait to upgrade the car once you’ve moved on with your profession. You have a good reliable vehicle now.

 

[zsm97]

IMO you can learn to drive a manual well on anything with a clutch and a stick. I learned when I was 14 in a Ford truck with a 3-speed (3 on the tree) and an ancient Worthington dump tractor. The basic skills will translate to any manual car make or model (well, other than learning on a synchro’d transmission and then trying to drive something without. Double clutch shifting takes some additional getting used to).

But driving regularly in heavy urban traffic does become more than merely annoying with a manual car. That and health issues that affect my legs made me shift to an automatic transmission with my last two cars.

I think when you’re a student, it’s always wise to pinch pennies and avoid as much debt as possible. Wait to upgrade the car once you’ve moved on with your profession. You have a good reliable vehicle now.

O man that sucks to hear. I mean as much as I would like a manual. I'm starting to realize my life would be way less stressful if I stuck with my cvt. The original plan was to keep the 2016 sedan as a good reliable daily until it dies so I think that just seems more practical for me at least. I'll prolly still look for a cheap beater that I could practice on, cause I dont wanna "ruin" a 6-6 by not having any experience or at least decent knowledge. And of course I dont want too much debt or any at all, so why start now.



I think I'm just gonna keep my 2016 exl sedan. Its paid off. Its great on gas. I'm able to do regular maintenance on it. I have nice factory accessories for it and plus it's a one owner car. I want to be debt free as possible so I'm just better off with the good old cvt. I do have a soft spot for manuals but I dont think as a daily that'll be the right choice.

I wanna thank you guys for all your opinions and viewpoints. Sure my car doesn't have the power of a V6 but I can't complain, shes good enough for me. I'll still be on the look out for a manual beater and I have a couple cars in mind, a Mazda miata lol, acura integra, honda civic, I'm sure theres way more out there under $5k, I just need to look.

 

[MikeNC]

I think I'm just gonna keep my 2016 exl sedan. Its paid off. Its great on gas. I'm able to do regular maintenance on it. I have nice factory accessories for it and plus it's a one owner car. I want to be debt free as possible so I'm just better off with the good old cvt.

For the time being, that sounds like a very good plan. As long as you don’t completely hate the car, enjoy it, and look to the future. No car stays with you forever. You just need to be thoughtful and strategic about making such big financial decisions. You’ll get what you want in time, and shortly after you get it, you’ll want something different anyway. :devil. It’s the way the world turns.

Btw - learning to drive on a manual trans or automatic doesn’t make you a good, or bad driver. There are crappy drivers who’ve learned on either. Being a good driver has nothing to do with the type of transmission your car has. Some of the best drivers on the planet are professional first responders, almost all of whom drive automatics. Then there are the professional commercial drivers, many of whom drive manuals. The transmission is not what makes either good drivers.

 

[zsm97]

I think I'm just gonna keep my 2016 exl sedan. Its paid off. Its great on gas. I'm able to do regular maintenance on it. I have nice factory accessories for it and plus it's a one owner car. I want to be debt free as possible so I'm just better off with the good old cvt.

For the time being, that sounds like a very good plan. As long as you don’t completely hate the car, enjoy it, and look to the future. No car stays with you forever. You just need to be thoughtful and strategic about making such big financial decisions. You’ll get what you want in time, and shortly after you get it, you’ll want something different anyway. /forums/images/DriveAccord_vbtoucan/smilies/tango_face_devil.png. It’s the way the world turns.

Btw - learning to drive on a manual trans or automatic doesn’t make you a good, or bad driver. There are crappy drivers who’ve learned on either. Being a good driver has nothing to do with the type of transmission your car has. Some of the best drivers on the planet are professional first responders, almost all of whom drive automatics. Then there are the professional commercial drivers, many of whom drive manuals. The transmission is not what makes either good drivers.

O no I love my car, shes my baby lol. Yea I thought about the trade in but honestly it's not worth it, after putting everything into consideration. If anything I could get some nice wheels and maybe coilovers for my sedan just to change the look. Idk about a cold air intake or exhaust, it seems odd on a cvt lol. But. Yea I look forward to future, whatever it holds but I'm still gonna live in the present and give it my all.

O yea the transmission doesn't define the driver. I've seen some horrible drivers with manuals and automatics. But I still would love to learn manual, of course whenever that time comes, cause I'm in no rush.

 

[Baldeagle]

I think I'm just gonna keep my 2016 exl sedan.

Good choice. As a devout MT fan, I’d like to say that it takes many months of driving a MT to determine if the benefits of greater driver involvement offset the extra work required to drive in B2B or even slow city traffic. The cost to learn that could be substantial. You’d lose several thousand dollars when selling your current 2016 to buy any late model MT car. If you decided that a MT car did not suit your driving preference, you’d lose several thousand more dollars when trading out of the MT car and back into an AT car. My suggestion is to find a friend with a MT and drive that as much as possible before you commit to buying a MT of your own.

 

[zsm97]

I think I'm just gonna keep my 2016 exl sedan.

Good choice. As a devout MT fan, I’d like to say that it takes many months of driving a MT to determine if the benefits of greater driver involvement offset the extra work required to drive in B2B or even slow city traffic. The cost to learn that could be substantial. You’d lose several thousand dollars when selling your current 2016 to buy any late model MT car. If you decided that a MT car did not suit your driving preference, you’d lose several thousand more dollars when trading out of the MT car and back into an AT car. My suggestion is to find a friend with a MT and drive that as much as possible before you commit to buying a MT of your own.

O yea definitely it would suck. The good thing is that I have a few friends that are willing to let me try out their car. That way if it's something I see my self driving I could look for a cheap beater. But for now the cvt sedan is good enough for me.