So, as the title suggests, I intend to spend about $500 - 1k to purchase myself a beater to practice manual transmission before I buy myself an actual car that I will baby.

I'm taking this route in the event I burn through the clutch after a good ol' week of practicing everyday.

Any suggestions? I thought about a reliable car like a Civic, but I heard the insurance for that car is kinda high for someone under 25.

I'll send it to the junk yard quickly, pretty much right after I get the hang of it (I'm guessing I'll give it a month? Is that realistic? I'm gonna perfect heal-toe as well).

yea a honda is a good learner car but if a german car is your goal then buy a vw coz german manual cars have different feel

Hmm...I'm actually thinking of going for a 2000-2001 Celica GTS. I'll be looking out for one of these babies over the next few months. I'll keep my fingers crossed for examples in good condition, no-sunroof.

get any old honda really

i sold a 94 Accord for my neighour just a while ago and I drove it....there's no way u can stall it....the clutch will stick even if u drop the clutch at 2000 rpm... lol or maybe it's just old clutch lol

Just spend a few bucks on the Ferrari 355 challenge simulator at the arcades.

I've never seen anyone suck so bad at learning that they burn out their clutch. It doesn't take too long to learn.

lol i learned it on my 240
took me like 2 days stalled like twice

within 2 weeks i was able to drive my car without any problem
downshift, upshift, heel-to-toe

so yeah...
get something that doesnt have a super hard clutch, it'll help

Yeah, save your money and just buy the car you want to drive the stick on.
Why? Cuz it will take you less than a week to learn to drive a manual.
And, each manual car drives a little different ... especially if it had any work done on it.
Usually the clutch is the thing you much get use to ... light easy clutch or heavy?
Shifting is always ... don't grind your gears ... down shift to get more power going up hill(hi rev).
Shift up as soon as possible to keep fuel comsumption optimum.
Also, learn hand brake on hills with slightly depressed clutch and ready on gas ... prevent roll back
and hitting the guy behind you.

That's it ... everything else you learn on your own.