It sounds normal to me. You should only put the car into first if you are at a dead stop, or almost at stop. The svt has enough power to pull away in second at close to 0 mph speeds. Personally I never switch into first if I am not at full stop. I've been driving shift since I was nine, I practice driving on an old fiat
Use the clutch just for switching gears. For example if you are accelerating in second, and you realize that you have to stop, do not start breaking and slam on the clutch. Leave the gear in and break, this will save your brake, and your clutch. The car stops alot faster while in gear
Good Luck,
and CONGRATULATION on your new car!!!
