Community Chat

[monicakm]

In my research for a new car, I have made a discovery that is new (to me).  Seems like the "normal" shifter is not so normal anymore.  The car I'm zeroing in on has "piano keys" as shifters.  I have learned that most cars don't have physical shifters anymore.  They're all electric switches that run a solenoid that shifts the transmission instead of being connected to it via a linkage.  It could be a lever, knob or buttons.  If you have a car with "piano keys" as shifters, how long did it take you to get used to it?  I'm pretty sure it will take me less than a day but for DH it might be a deal breaker.  

[Beammeupscotty]

DD's Kia has the circular dial.  It took her about a week to get used to it.  I don't think I ever could LOL.  

[Mom2Dogs]

No advice on the shifter of the car in question but my husband's shifter is circular, he likes it...I don't think I would like it.

When I bought my new car a few years ago, it took me a while to get used to the push button start...I still miss my key, but that's me...

[geezerette]

"Everything old is new again."

I think Chrysler had those push buttons for a while years ago.

[SilleeMee]

Pushing buttons or turning dials won't work for my messed up hands. My fingers are pretty much useless. It's hard enough grabbing the steering wheel...oh look out! yikes.

[stevieb]

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@geezerette wrote:

"Everything old is new again."

I think Chrysler had those push buttons for a while years ago.

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Yes, they did @geezerette. Here is an old Plymouth, which was made by Chyrsler, with push button transmission. Interesting to bring this back.

[pachutabelle]

My parents had a Mercury station wagon back in the early '60s just as I was beginning to drive that had push buttons.  Also thinking back I had a Corvair that had a small lever that went up and down as a shifter.  Engine in the back.

[conlt]

My 2019 Acura MDX has push buttons for the shifter but in a different configuration than you show. I am used to it, but I like a regular shifter better. The buttons are easily pushed. 

[hopi]

My son's Pilot has the" piano keys" (great name).  It made me very stressed to drive it.   That being said once you get used to it you should be fine.

[stevieb]

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@pachutabelle wrote:

My parents had a Mercury station wagon back in the early '60s just as I was beginning to drive that had push buttons.  Also thinking back I had a Corvair that had a small lever that went up and down as a shifter.  Engine in the back.

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Oh my gosh. I forgot about the Corvair and that funny little lever. My aunt had one and drove it forever then gave it to my cousin. That was actually a really good little car, it ran for years.