SAN DIEGO -- Police searched on Tuesday for a carjacker who politely changed his mind when he saw that the car he was about to steal in Clairemont had a stick shift.

The attempted carjacking in the 6100 block of Charing Street was reported at 8:22 p.m. on Monday, said San Diego police Sgt. Bob Dare.

A man with a gun approached a couple who had just parked their vehicle and demanded they hand over the keys, a purse, cell phone and other valuables, Dare said.

But when he saw that the car had a manual transmission, he said, "Sorry, have a nice day" and took off, Dare said. He did keep the phone and the other valuables, however.

The man is described as black, in his 20s, around 6 feet 2, of thin build, and was last seen wearing a long pea coat.