Originally Posted by Musclefan21
first gear is there for a reason. 2nd gear is a bit hard on the clutch. I will always use the first gear to take off unless the roads are icy or i am facing down on a hill.
I agree 1st is there for a reason, exactly as I stated, when I am on a hill or trying to really take off. As Chris stated, there is no additional strain on the clutch, as usually I do not even apply gas to the car to get it rolling and I NEVER have an issue starting, never a funny smell, and never a jerky start. I fail to see why there is anythign wrong with this logic.
Unless there is a transmission tech or someone else out there with serious expertise with THIS car that tells me otherwise, I will continue my practice. (with other cars, I have never tried this, just found it to be most convenient and less stressful on the X than 1st starts)