a woman buying a 5 speed

[frances]

Hello,
I've been reading many posts on this forum, seeing how I'm new in towne...
It appears that the posts are from men, do women like to talk about their PT's? Are more men buying this car?
My husband bought me this car for a mid life crisis gift. It's one of the best gifts he ever selected for me...
I told the salesmen I was interested in a 5 speed. To which, he sheepishly grinned "90% of my sales are for automatics, but I aim to please." He watched me back into the space after a test drive and I noticed his jaw was on the floor!
"I guess you do know how to drive a 5 speed." to which I answered, "do you think I'd ask for something I couldn't drive?"

[Sci-Fi]

Welcome to the forum!!! There are a lot of women PT owners here and at PTE, that enjoy sharing their experiences with their cars. And many of them own or drive 5-speeds and work on their own cars. While the statement the car salesman made is true for the most part (90+% of all cars sold are automatics), they should be helping you find what YOU WANT not what they want to sell you.
[8)][^]

[CREWZIN]

Welcome to the forum Frances. Yes, there's other women on the forum but most stay in the background. Sakigt is our most vocal resident. You probably are in the minority being female and owning a 5 speed, but there's nothing wrong with that..more power to ya. Stop by anytime for a chat. We all have the same thing in common..out love for the PT.

[fritz_t_coyote]

quote:Originally posted by frances

"I guess you do know how to drive a 5 speed." to which I answered, "do you think I'd ask for something I couldn't drive?"

Welcome to the PTC. Not just a car, an obsession.

And welcome to the least pleasant part of PTC ownership: The dealers.

You will also be pleased to know that the 5 speed gives you better gas mileage, better acceleration, and longer-lasting brakes.

It also reduces the chance of theft: It's a sad state of affairs when even car thieves can’t drive a manual.
--

[KingKole02]

Frances, welcome to the forum.
Mid life crisis? I guess your in your 30-40's. Thats a wonderful gift for a situation like that.
Did you get a turbo or N/A?

I hope you show more often in the future. There are many women on here, just all more men.

[frances]

I learned to drive a 5 speed in high school. My dad insisted on it.
If you're not driving a stick shift, you're not really driving...
**I'm noticing that the models before 2004 have black rubber bumpers - why the change? My car has a bumper the same color as the car -
I'm driving a 2004 Limited - cool vanilla, sun roof, not a turbo.
It's the first car I ever selected on my own - I've lead a sheltered life...this car replaces our 14 yr old Nissan - which we don't think will ever die. My 16 year old will drive that when she's completed her driving hours.
BTW, we bought our car from another dealer who researched and found the car at another dealership. It was an internet listing and we feel that we got a good price and excellent rebate. So, in womens' terms: the salesman made the extra effort and the price was agreeable (it was on SALE)

[calicranberry]

welcome to the forum! wish my wife drove a 5 speed, had to settle for auto....

quote:**I'm noticing that the models before 2004 have black rubber bumpers - why the change? My car has a bumper the same color as the car -

the bumper change is an easy and cheap way to give the car a midlife update, and many black bumpers, mine included, have faded tape marks. fortunately, i have a good dealer that is fixing it!
enjoy the car and the forum!

[Sci-Fi]

quote:Originally posted by frances


**I'm noticing that the models before 2004 have black rubber bumpers - why the change? My car has a bumper the same color as the car -

Actually in 2003 anything above a base model came with painted bumpers, 2001 and 2002's all came with black bumpers regardless of the model or trim. While 2003's on up got painted bumpers, you no longer have/got folding side mirrors, rear anti-sway bar, cargo net, and a few other features I can't remember at the moment. International or export PT's on the other hand still get all the goodies for the most part, with some even having motorized folding mirrors (not talking about the side mirror adjustments, but the mirror housing folding to the body) and headlight adjusting motors controlled or set by the driver.

[Sheilaann2001]

Frances, I too am a woman. I have wanted my Cruiser since it was a concept car.....then there was a year waiting list.....needed a car, couldn't wait. Then I finally get the car I've always wanted and I get the call that they want it back and are replacing it.....just my luck!
Sheila

[Jimbo]

Welcome to this forum frances. Like your choise of colors.
Wife has a steel blue Cruiser and she loves it.Around here
there are mostly women that drive pt's.Hard to find a 5 speed.
Dealer says he can't sell them.If I get another one it will be a 5 speed GT.Happy Cruisen