I think these problems get blown way out of porportion. If you can drive a manual it shouldnt be hard to drive one even as light as 8 lbs. I had no problems even driving it home from the mechanics. I actually like it better going up a hill cause i have better throttle responce. Also in my car i noticed better passing ability in 5th. It immediatly starts to accelerate. Before i had to almost push the pedal to the floor and wait and wait. Anyways thats just been my experience. Take it for what its worth. The car doesn't like reversing up hills as much though it still manages but thats the only downside i can think of.