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Does the Saturn SL1 have manual transmission?

My uncle owns a salvage yard and fixed up an old 1997 Saturn SL1 for me so I can start learning how to drive. I’m stoked to be getting a free car, but I know a lot of older vehicles have a stick shift and it’s making me kind of nervous. Is the Saturn SL1 manual?

avatar
Amber Reed · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
The
Saturn SL1
does have a manual transmission. This vehicle was only available with a five-speed manual transmission, so unless the car’s been modified by one of its previous owners, you’ll need to use a stick shift and a clutch to drive it. Learning to drive a manual car can be a little scary, but don’t worry—it’s not as hard as it looks.
Here are some tips to help you prepare:
  • Find a friend or family member that knows how to drive stick and see if they’re willing to teach you the basics. Another option is to enroll in a driving school that offers stick shift lessons.
  • Look for a parking lot, low-traffic side street, and other safe areas where you can practice.
  • Use Google or YouTube to search for videos on how to drive a manual transmission car.
  • Learn some basics like where the parking brake is, and the difference between your three foot pedals—the accelerator is on the right, the brake is in the middle, and the clutch is on the left.
Another great way to make sure you’re ready to get behind the wheel is by downloading the
Jerry
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car insurance
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