Hello,

I just got a 2004 with manual transmission and would like some opinions.

I have a 2001 Mercedes 320SLK with an automatic trans I've had for a few months. I love that car but had I manual trans withdrawals so I bought a 2004, 35,000 miles with a 6-speed. I didn't test drive it since I have the Benz and like it a lot--no need to test drive but I should have.

When I got in it to drive it home, I was surprised 1st gear was really low, too low. I can imagine drivers behind me tailgating until hitting 3rd gear.

Does anyone out there start out in 2nd gear instead of first? I'll use first if no one is behind me but it seems you barely getting moving and have to hit 2nd. Drivers have become so impatient since I started driving 54 years ago.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

 

Hi and welcome to the forum!
I have a 2006 with a 6 speed. I don't have a problem with tailgaters. It will take a little while to learn the way this car shifts. I wouldn't recommend starting off in second, but shifting out of first quickly at a higher speed.
Once you get used to it, you'll find that this car can be quick off the line.
.

 

Thanks for the reply.
I figure it will be really quick off the line.
They could have put taller gears in the rear end.

 

Usually I'll go into 1st if I'm going from a dead stop. If rolling slightly, like a right turn at a stop sign or red light (also known as the Detroit Slide) I'll be in second.

Welcome to the forum. All things Crossfire are right here.

 

I have had my 6 speed Roadster for 8 years and driven it 53,000 miles since I got it
I only use 1rst gear when starting from a stop going uphill
I never use 1rst gear on level ground and always start out easily and comfortably in 2nd gear
1rst gear will only go to about 20mph and it just not needed IMO unless starting uphill

Welcome to the Crossfire Forum - All the info one needs is here somewhere I assure you

 

Thanks.

 

Thanks, and with 53k miles you have a lot of experience.
I was thinking of the clutch wearing too fast but looks like that isn't true.
I seem to have a special power to attract all the tailgaters or have a sign on my car that says, "please tailgate me".

 

You sit so low they look closer.

 

I have had a ownership of the Crossfire for 18 years now and have been on this forum daily since 2007.
What I can say for sure is that clutch issues are rarely discussed here so I'm under the impression that the clutch in these manual transmissions are good and have a long life with reliability.
My Roadster now has 104,000 miles and has had only 2 previous owners (one who is a friend) I bought it from in 2018 and I know it has never had a clutch problem of any kind and it still has the original clutch.

 

That is good to hear.
Do you use 1st gear or second?
I only started from probably only 3 stops since I bought it but it sure winds up fast.
I really don't think I would have bought the car if I test drove it first, but it sure looks and drives like a new car aand I had to have a manual.

 

As I posted here in post #5
I only use 1rst gear when starting from a stop going uphill
I never use 1rst gear on level ground and always start out easily and comfortably in 2nd gear

 

I shift out of first at around 3500 RPM.