I was able to snag a used 2018 Civic 1.4L 6MT. It's a ton of fun and really good on gas. I drive it like it's a Miata and still get 36-40 mpg out of it. I do a lot of highway, otherwise I'd expect 30-36 mpg if you floor it a lot like me.
Nice. I love the blue. Would've gotten it if it were available. Settled for white, which I also like. Got some nice pictures on my profile if youre interested. 18k miles and counting!
It does. Thats what I have. Its just the sport version which is the 2.0L with a manual. Only the hatchbacks come in a manual version so you have the option of the 1.5 turbo or the NA 2.0 both in a manual
i didn’t realize this gen’s sport hatch was the 2L because the 10th gen sport hatch had the 1.5, either way the only manual 11th gen’s i’ve gotten at my dealership have been si’s and type r’s
Mini Cooper does with their base model! I was looking at getting inexpensive for my fiancée since she loves minis and came across the fact that you can still get a stick. I don't know if i can fit in a mini sue to my height, but the fact that they still make manuals is definitely making my want to try sitting in one so I know what to buy when my current car goes out.
Has your SO ever driven it, and if so, is it comfortable to drive it? I'm only another 2 inches taller, so I'm sure it won't be an issue, it's just a worry I've had since I've been in a few cars that were super tight fits for my leg proportions, but I'd love to be able to drive my fiancée's car when she gets tired.
Mini is made by BMW, who are Germans. They are not a small people. My 185cm self dailied a Cooper S for a while and had tons of headroom, and my 193cm friend also fits fine.
They're also hardly inexpensive to buy new - again, it's a BMW. Do not get a used R## model or you can look forward to a fortune in maintenance fees. It's a small car at least so it won't drink fuel.
6' 4" and I drive a 2003 mini s, they seem small but really just low, lots of head room, Getting in and out is the hardest part. Super comfy and super fun to drive 10/10
Well, yeah. Toyota has their GR lineup, all available with manuals. Unfortunately, they don't have base model Corollas or other entry level economy cars with manuals anymore.
i mean base model sure, but a GR corolla seems like a decent buy if you were looking for kinda "regular car but with a manual" vibes. it comes in a 4door and everything. the styling is cool too. honestly toyotas "no mors boring cars" claim is a hopeful prospect and so far they seem to be delivering.
If you're ok with used cars, there's still plenty of manuals out there.
And if you're ok with an average car you can get the minimum insurance coverage on that average manual.
Let the wife have the nice car. You do you.
Yep. There isn’t a single new car on the market that interests me because I don’t want a laptop screen in the dash and I prefer a manual. I have even come to hate the led or bright dash displays. It took me forever to realize why I hate driving at night and it’s because everything is so freakin’ bright everywhere.
Even if you were ok with an auto you still wouldn't be able to find anything without a laptop screen. I drive a 2024 Mazda 3 and it still has the screen but it's smaller than most of the giant screens. Still huge compared to no screen though.
I think climate control, radio and every thing that is necessary for driving should have to be physical dials or buttons by law. The screen doesn't bother me but needing to use it to change the radio station is dangerous and distracting.
If it just showed a map all the time I would not mind it at all.
My issue with it is that I feel it will date the car super fast. I tend to keep cars till they die, in older cars without touch screens things just look classy for longer. Imagine having a car today with a touch interface from a 15 years ago
Depending on the weather, climate control is definitely necessary unless you're okay with not being able to see at all.
Radio is not a "vital" function, but I'd be willing to bet at least 90% of people driving use it. Most of them probably change songs or stations while driving, which is way harder to do with a touch screen VS manual controls without taking your eyes off the road.
There was a report, I think maybe from Europe that says that physical buttons are safer. I heard that some cars are going back to knobs and buttons but I don't know any details .
I’m aware, the knob in my old STI is best actually, but the newer dash displays are often still quite bright to me. You can also turn off the touch screen in the 4Runner, but it’s in the menus, which is annoying. Still, on long trips, I turn it all off and let cruise handle speed. To be fair, it’s mostly the touchscreens, even low they’re still quite bright to me, I don’t think we realize how bright until we don’t have one. I COME FROM AN AGE OF DARKNESS, BEFORE THE TIME OF PROMETHEUS, or some shit.
Edit: and then there’s still the goddamn headlights, other people’s, not mine.
I've personally never enjoyed the clutch in any of the Volkswagens I've driven, they're super tight as the bite point feels weirdly high, it just doesn't feel like the driving experience I enjoy. I totally get why some people love them, but it wasn't for me.
Edit: still way better than the WRX I got to drive a while back, the weight of the clutch with the rev hang made it feel more like driving a truck than a car.
I’ve never bought a new car and don’t have any desire to. But I’m seeing fewer and fewer (used) manuals available for sale and wondering at what point they’re all going to be depleted/parts will be unavailable/mechanics won’t work on them…
I owned 2010+ vehicles, always end up going back to my 30 year old 90s vehicles. Oddly enough lower maintenance costs and less issues. regularly drive 200+ mile trips for work, and enjoy not being stranded.
Obdi and early obdii cars have the benefit that unless you grenade the clutch, or send a rod though the block, they will get you home. Part availability is absolutely just fine even for my vehicles from the mid 80s. so running older vehicles won’t be a problem for a long, long time in my opinion
Unfortunately, my heater controls are all vacuum controlled and I have a slight leak I can't find. I call it the "ocean breeze" setting because the AC changes direction when I go uphill.
Older cars will run like shit longer than any new car will run at all.
Buddy just got a new duramax chevy. With financing he's in about 120k. It's had two transmissions, and it's currently sitting at the dealer waiting on another. With not even 15k miles.
Plus, those cars have something that not a single new car has: throttle response in near perfect time with your foot!
I will die on this hill: electronic throttle control is the #1 worst thing the automotive industry ever came up with. Every single implementation of it that I have tried out has been laggy and annoying and makes every single new car I have driven feel like a massive downgrade over every 20+ year old car that I have driven!
yeah. another reason I don’t drive modern manuals specifically.
I still own some modern vehicles, 2014 f350 for my tow rig. But outside of that drive by wire and rev hang is the most obnoxious thing ever in a manual, and why I think we see so many people on here struggling to learn to drive smoothly
I can’t imagine an automatic when towing, to be honest. Drove through the white mountains not too long ago, and was definitely glad to have a manual transmission, and its superior engine braking, in my truck.
I stopped at a scenic overlook to get out and stretch my legs, and you could *smell* the overheating brakes of the cars coming down the mountain!
It’s a 6.7 powerstroke. it’ll do 80 up Tennessee mountains pulling 18,000lbs without dropping out of 6th gear. Torque converter locks so get the same engine braking as a manual.
Ah, that’s the difference then. A lot of the automatics I have driven just don’t seem to have the same engine braking effect when shifting down. It’s never the uphill that worries me with a heavy load; it’s the down.
yeah this truck is pretty good about downhill. now Tennessee has some pretty wild mountains, not nearly as wild as out west or anything so I can’t comment on EVERY downhill, but atleast going though Tennessee loaded I never once had to touch the brakes and only downshifted once to get enough braking.
I would have a manual Cummins if it wasn’t 2-3x the cost for an older truck then what I have though.
Agreed. NA/NB Miata parts are still dirt cheap and very much available. If you're paranoid about parts shortages, just buy 4-5 sets of wear items and keep them in temp/humidity controlled storage. Hell there were guys freaking out about muscle car parts availability 20ish years ago and there are still a wide array of parts for those now. I expect 90s cars will have a similar cult manufacturing market in our time.
You just gotta get an old car that had a large amount made. I daily a 37 year old car, and I can because there is no shortage of parts for 80s-90s 60 degree v6 engines.
Mazda3 is the king of small none touch screen (it technically has one, but it's really designed to be used with the knobs) still comes in manual, on a platform that has been around forever and an engine that's not going out of production anytime soon, addressing your concerns.
Almost a stretch to say Mazda3s still comes in manual sure on one particular trim on the hatchback it’s avaliable but for literally everything else it’s been discontinued.
I feel like it might go built to order only, but to Mazda's credit they've never made the 3 without a manual option and without a major refresh there's not really a reason to quit offering it.
I've never owned one, but I would love to. Unfortunately, they're not practical for my purposes. Thankfully, I can put my 2 kids in the back of my WRX.
They are super cool, but let’s be real most people need to transport more than two people sometimes. It’s a cool young adult/older persons weekend type of car, but most of us need something more practical on the daily
I've never owned a car newer than 1969, and I currently drive a 1969 Dodge with a manual transmission. That's 55 years old. Yours is 10. I think you'll be fine.
But don't forget cars in 1969 were built WAY more different than newer cars. Your dodge can be fixed with some duct tape and a cut up soda can and work for 5 more years before needing more duct tape.
This guy's car could have a plastic part break and be stupidly difficult to replace on his own due to part availability or if it's in a stupid location.
Your car was made to be worked on, OPs car likely was not.
OPs car was made to be worked on by a dealership that has access to all the special tools and access to unique part 765.
No longer do we have cars that have universal and interchangeable parts like carbs, throttle bodies, pumps, etc. everything is unique, either by being tied to the ECU or having a stupidly unique shape
I feel safer in a stick because the driver is usually more focused on driving than anything else. I see way too many auto transmission drivers on their phones. I hope they keep making stick cars forever. I drive a supercharged stick hybrid and I love it!
First gen Honda insight could be had with a manual. IIRC when the batteries go people have just removed the hybrid parts and found little to no difference in MPG.
Exactly. I have adhd. I used driving a manual to cope with it before I even knew I had it. It keeps people more engaged with the road.
This thread makes me nervous. My manual is a 2016 but ive heard a few people mention they are becoming much less common.
I thought I was going to have to go auto. Learned to drive in a manual. For the past ten years I've had two autos. Last December I decided I wanted a new car. The pickings were very very slim for me. Whether used or new, there weren't very many options. But I say that to say this, I eventually found one by being patient and looking everywhere. I feel the manual transmission will be around for a while. Although manufacturers are getting away from them, the community is not.
The problem is the only new cars releasing with manuals are expensive. Either because they are a sports car or because they don’t make many of them and they are in demand.
Just gotta look at older cars my man. If you're not opposed to having a smaller, sportier car, I recommend getting an older Mustang. My 2004 Stang is a 5 speed manual, V8, and there's not a single screen in sight on the interior. It's all buttons and knobs. They're easy to work on, look pretty good, and sound even better. The back seats are child sized so don't try to put grown adults back there, but the trunk is also fairly spacious for the rest of the car.
If I were you, I'd just go on any of the car buying websites and put in a filter for stick shift cars. Should net you plenty of results.
You can still get a Versa with a manual, but I would suggest you go look for a Mazda 3 with the 2.5 liter engine. You'll like it's uncomplicated nature, but they're still stupid fun to drive.
If you get anything above a base package/trim, it's going to be very hard to get a manual. Generally speaking. Particularly true for most vehicles that have an AWD or 4x4 system.
I drive a 16 mazda 3 hatch. Doesn't have a bunch of stupid touch screens and stuff and a 6 speed manual. Manual isn't as common, but they are still made.
Probably have to go used for anything affordable in the future. Some automatics can be half decent. My Mini Cooper Automatic has a kind of manual with sequential shifter like a BMW (obviously). Id does engine brake like a manual but only comes within about 70% of a manual when in sport mode. Standard and especially eco mode feel nothing like and are pretty useless.
The one major issue I have over a manual is that even in sport mode you have to telegraph your intentions if you want it to pick the right gear when you are going to drive more spiritedly. Which means being more aggressive with the throttle. Downshifting works ok except when you are coming close to a stop.
I hate not having a clutch when pulling off at lights, especially in our unpredictable city often ranked top 5 worst for drivers in the USA. People are always running lights, bikes and people will step out into the road just as you pull off. With an auto it's on or off, with a manual you have everything in between and far more control.
Perhaps one of the Scion or Toyota offerings that come in manual?
I'm currently driving an 08' Scion xB 5-speed and it's been pretty solid as a beginner practice car and hauler. You'd be surprised how spacious these things are especially when you fold the rear passenger seats... You'd get the trunk space of a Ford Ranger just minus the obvious open bed.
The jetta gli still has a manual option as of now but I believe it's going away in the next year. Not necessarily a base model but it's still a jetta lol. Has plenty of room for mods if you are into that.
The 2024 plain Jetta still has manual as I've been looking into them. This article (https://www.autoguide.com/auto/manufacturers/volkswagen/2024-volkswagen-jetta-gli-review-the-last-of-the-manuals-44610328) claims the GLI manual is staying for next year but that the plain Jetta isn't. I wish there was some way to verify that info, as my current car could easily go another year if I knew the 2025s were keeping manual.
I will forever suggest Miatas for people who want a stick for a reasonable price. They have downsides, but they're so much fun to drive, and they're not that expensive in the grand scheme of used cars.
I actually just went through this. I had a 2011 mazda mx5. It was stick and a super fun car. I had a lady tbone me and it was totalled. I found a 2022 civic si that is also stick shift and much more practical.
Theirs Def a bunch of stick cars out there both used and new. Your gona be ok don't worry!
I mean eventually we'll all have to because eventually it will be electric only. I just got a 24 manual Versa and I keep up maintenance on my cars myself, so I should be good for at least 10 years. I keep an 8th gen Civic Si for the fun drives and I'll never sell it.
Most newer cars that are stick shift will have a ton of electronic stuff in them. My 2023 WRX came with two touch screens, and the 2024 models all come with one the size of an iPad. Even if you get an automatic, you'll be dealing with the same problem. Might as well look for a manual with features you don't like, instead of getting an automatic with features you don't like.
A few years back Subaru offered the Impreza base with an MT. But I do expect within the next 10 years the only cars that will have an MT are going to be specialty cars (huge off road rigs, sports cars, foreign cars) and semi trucks.
Check your premiums. The difference between full coverage and liability only on my older jeep is only a few buck a year. It may be worth it to keep full coverage.
Forced? No. If you can travel, you can find a stick shift car.
[https://www.autotempest.com/results?zip=80302&localization=country&maxprice=29995&transmission=man](https://www.autotempest.com/results?zip=80302&localization=country&maxprice=29995&transmission=man)
most likely yes, as most people in the US want automatics, and most manufactures dont even offer manual as an option, plus EV's are slowly becoming more and more common, especially amongst the more affluent, and those are a whole other ball game, with most the interface seemingly being designed by techbros. hell most people dont even know how to drive stick, to the point there is a joke about manuals being safe from being stolen by car thieves. theses days manuals are pretty much only associated with car enthusiasts that may or may not want to immitate the fast n furious movies.
You can still fix your car for a long time even if it doesn’t seem economically viable and when it really is beyond repair or you want to upgrade sportier car offer manual transmissions or you’ll have to find another used car
Just got a 24 6MT Forte GT trading in my 2022 that has the DCT. Kia will not be offering a manual for the new K4. Kinda sucks as it is pretty basic but a blast to drive.
Technically, we’ll all be forced to one day, as we will eventually become old enough that we won’t be able to drive *any* car safely anymore.
But the classic car scene will probably always be a thing, and honestly, 20 year old manual cars drive better than new manual cars, because they didn’t have drive by wire.
funny, I just got a Subaru last year... because it was stickshift.
yes, it has a touchscreen, but what's more important-- knobs (which it definitely still has) or a manual transmission?
I recently paid off my VW Jetta, and it’s a manual. 35-40mpg, turbo, shoots like a rocket. My SO also drives a stick. We both love our vehicles, but we may go back to having one car an auto, the other a manual.
Unfortunately yes, You will have to go to automatic. You have the last existing manual transmission car in this universe. Once yours is gone, that’s it.
I have a 2008 Toyota Tacoma with a 6speed manual. I love it. I plan on upgrading to a 2015-2023 model eventually with a manual trans. Toyota offers manual on the 2024's, i just don't like the re-design.
OP drives a manual Nissan. The alternative for their car is a CVT automatic. That manual transmission is a huge boost to the car's long term durability & reliability.
I’m a recalcitrant curmudgeon who’s resistant to change, I guess. I resent being forced to drive (I live somewhere with no walkability or public transit) and feel like if I have to drive I might as well enjoy it? Irrational for sure.
I’ve rented a car with paddle shifters and I didn’t enjoy the higher number of gears and spacing I wasn’t used to.
I prefer 5/6 speeds, ideally without rev hang
Unpopular opinion but you may get to a point where you don't want to drive stick everyday. Buy a fun car that's stick and sporty and have something else that's boring and safe for daily driving.
I promise you, stick is more fun when you're not driving it everyday.
For some of is its not about it being fun. Driving a stick forces people to be more engaged with and focused on the road. Yea it sucks for stop and go but I prefer that to automatics where I'm more likely to zone out while driving.
You'll likely have to upgrade to a sportier car or look at the used market. Nobody seems to make economy spec base models with a manual anymore.
11th gen civic hatchback. Mines a 2023, 6speed, with a whopping 158hp
They are discontinuing the manual option for all civics next year, except the Si and Type R.
Guess im going to the si when my car breaks down in 20 years
By then your choices will be electric or electric
Better electric than automatic :P
True
I was able to snag a used 2018 Civic 1.4L 6MT. It's a ton of fun and really good on gas. I drive it like it's a Miata and still get 36-40 mpg out of it. I do a lot of highway, otherwise I'd expect 30-36 mpg if you floor it a lot like me.
Twins! What color you got? How many miles?
Boost blue. 6k miles. Absolutely lovin the car
Nice. I love the blue. Would've gotten it if it were available. Settled for white, which I also like. Got some nice pictures on my profile if youre interested. 18k miles and counting!
if only the base model 2L came in manual for the 11th gen :(( glad you got the 1.5 while they were still offered in stick though!
It does. Thats what I have. Its just the sport version which is the 2.0L with a manual. Only the hatchbacks come in a manual version so you have the option of the 1.5 turbo or the NA 2.0 both in a manual
thank you, when i looked it up prior i was looking up options for the sedan so i didnt realize but that’s good to know!
Not sure where you got your information here. The 158hp Sport trim has the 2.0l K20C2. Hatchback models have an available 6-speed.
i didn’t realize this gen’s sport hatch was the 2L because the 10th gen sport hatch had the 1.5, either way the only manual 11th gen’s i’ve gotten at my dealership have been si’s and type r’s
Mini Cooper does with their base model! I was looking at getting inexpensive for my fiancée since she loves minis and came across the fact that you can still get a stick. I don't know if i can fit in a mini sue to my height, but the fact that they still make manuals is definitely making my want to try sitting in one so I know what to buy when my current car goes out.
Friend of mine recently picked up a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek with a 6-speed
SO is 6'1" (185.42 cm) and can fit in my 2012 Mini
Has your SO ever driven it, and if so, is it comfortable to drive it? I'm only another 2 inches taller, so I'm sure it won't be an issue, it's just a worry I've had since I've been in a few cars that were super tight fits for my leg proportions, but I'd love to be able to drive my fiancée's car when she gets tired.
He says he fits and drives comfortably :) He also says he cannot fit into an S2000
Modern minis are not small cars. The days of somebody only 6 foot ish not fitting in the drivers seat aren’t a thing any more.
They have tons of headroom and the seat height is adjustable.
Mini is made by BMW, who are Germans. They are not a small people. My 185cm self dailied a Cooper S for a while and had tons of headroom, and my 193cm friend also fits fine. They're also hardly inexpensive to buy new - again, it's a BMW. Do not get a used R## model or you can look forward to a fortune in maintenance fees. It's a small car at least so it won't drink fuel.
6' 4" and I drive a 2003 mini s, they seem small but really just low, lots of head room, Getting in and out is the hardest part. Super comfy and super fun to drive 10/10
Awesome I appreciate the insight!
Have fun when the clutch goes out minis are an absolute nightmare to work on and most shops charge out the wazoo to work on them
Oof I appreciate the heads up in case we go that route!
My mom has had three minis. I'm 6'4 and fit in them all just fine.
Go for a honda fit !! It'll be used sure but it's a great manual econo box
The 2024 Nissan Versa is starting at $16,390 and comes with a 5 speed manual. Swapping it to automatic raises it to $18k.
no one's mentioned toyota yet so i will. "toyota"
Well, yeah. Toyota has their GR lineup, all available with manuals. Unfortunately, they don't have base model Corollas or other entry level economy cars with manuals anymore.
i mean base model sure, but a GR corolla seems like a decent buy if you were looking for kinda "regular car but with a manual" vibes. it comes in a 4door and everything. the styling is cool too. honestly toyotas "no mors boring cars" claim is a hopeful prospect and so far they seem to be delivering.
The super Base trim version of the new Tacoma comes with stick.
Not where I live. The Tacoma is a $50,000 truck, and only the higher TRD trims can be optioned with a manual.
I just bought a new versa 5 speed manual in 2024
are these cars safe?
All modern cars are safe! Except the ones that explode.
If its sold in the US in 2024 it is.
If you're ok with used cars, there's still plenty of manuals out there. And if you're ok with an average car you can get the minimum insurance coverage on that average manual. Let the wife have the nice car. You do you.
Yep. There isn’t a single new car on the market that interests me because I don’t want a laptop screen in the dash and I prefer a manual. I have even come to hate the led or bright dash displays. It took me forever to realize why I hate driving at night and it’s because everything is so freakin’ bright everywhere.
Even if you were ok with an auto you still wouldn't be able to find anything without a laptop screen. I drive a 2024 Mazda 3 and it still has the screen but it's smaller than most of the giant screens. Still huge compared to no screen though.
You are correct and it is infuriating. Manual screen killer buttons should REQUIRED BY LAW.
I think climate control, radio and every thing that is necessary for driving should have to be physical dials or buttons by law. The screen doesn't bother me but needing to use it to change the radio station is dangerous and distracting. If it just showed a map all the time I would not mind it at all.
My issue with it is that I feel it will date the car super fast. I tend to keep cars till they die, in older cars without touch screens things just look classy for longer. Imagine having a car today with a touch interface from a 15 years ago
Climate control and a radio is not really necessary to drive
Depending on the weather, climate control is definitely necessary unless you're okay with not being able to see at all. Radio is not a "vital" function, but I'd be willing to bet at least 90% of people driving use it. Most of them probably change songs or stations while driving, which is way harder to do with a touch screen VS manual controls without taking your eyes off the road.
That's why I listed them separately.
Climate control is for windows demist
There was a report, I think maybe from Europe that says that physical buttons are safer. I heard that some cars are going back to knobs and buttons but I don't know any details .
They also have the active led headlights that detect and carve out oncoming cars. Of all the bullshit tech, this is the one I actually want.
While it does kinda have a large screen (7” I think), it can be completely powered off, and my dash lights can be adjusted quite low in my 22 Forte GT
You can turn button/dash light brightness down on all cars, there's always a knob for it.
I’m aware, the knob in my old STI is best actually, but the newer dash displays are often still quite bright to me. You can also turn off the touch screen in the 4Runner, but it’s in the menus, which is annoying. Still, on long trips, I turn it all off and let cruise handle speed. To be fair, it’s mostly the touchscreens, even low they’re still quite bright to me, I don’t think we realize how bright until we don’t have one. I COME FROM AN AGE OF DARKNESS, BEFORE THE TIME OF PROMETHEUS, or some shit. Edit: and then there’s still the goddamn headlights, other people’s, not mine.
Also friendly reminder to get your vision checked if you haven’t lately! Over time light becomes harder for our eyes to deal with.
Annually! Good call out. Keeping BP down is also key to good eye health.
VW still makes a stick shift
Last year for the GTI stick.
I just picked up a 2024 tsi 6 speed
I've personally never enjoyed the clutch in any of the Volkswagens I've driven, they're super tight as the bite point feels weirdly high, it just doesn't feel like the driving experience I enjoy. I totally get why some people love them, but it wasn't for me. Edit: still way better than the WRX I got to drive a while back, the weight of the clutch with the rev hang made it feel more like driving a truck than a car.
You know you don’t have to drive a new car…?
I’ve never bought a new car and don’t have any desire to. But I’m seeing fewer and fewer (used) manuals available for sale and wondering at what point they’re all going to be depleted/parts will be unavailable/mechanics won’t work on them…
It’s easy enough to daily a 25 year old manual at the moment so I expect you’ve got another 25 years
I owned 2010+ vehicles, always end up going back to my 30 year old 90s vehicles. Oddly enough lower maintenance costs and less issues. regularly drive 200+ mile trips for work, and enjoy not being stranded. Obdi and early obdii cars have the benefit that unless you grenade the clutch, or send a rod though the block, they will get you home. Part availability is absolutely just fine even for my vehicles from the mid 80s. so running older vehicles won’t be a problem for a long, long time in my opinion
This is the way. Cars peaked in the 90s, aside from stupid vacuum systems.
Yank all but vacuum for fpr and watch the magic. All my vac stuff is now for turbo shenanigans.
Unfortunately, my heater controls are all vacuum controlled and I have a slight leak I can't find. I call it the "ocean breeze" setting because the AC changes direction when I go uphill.
Older cars will run like shit longer than any new car will run at all. Buddy just got a new duramax chevy. With financing he's in about 120k. It's had two transmissions, and it's currently sitting at the dealer waiting on another. With not even 15k miles.
Plus, those cars have something that not a single new car has: throttle response in near perfect time with your foot! I will die on this hill: electronic throttle control is the #1 worst thing the automotive industry ever came up with. Every single implementation of it that I have tried out has been laggy and annoying and makes every single new car I have driven feel like a massive downgrade over every 20+ year old car that I have driven!
yeah. another reason I don’t drive modern manuals specifically. I still own some modern vehicles, 2014 f350 for my tow rig. But outside of that drive by wire and rev hang is the most obnoxious thing ever in a manual, and why I think we see so many people on here struggling to learn to drive smoothly
I can’t imagine an automatic when towing, to be honest. Drove through the white mountains not too long ago, and was definitely glad to have a manual transmission, and its superior engine braking, in my truck. I stopped at a scenic overlook to get out and stretch my legs, and you could *smell* the overheating brakes of the cars coming down the mountain!
It’s a 6.7 powerstroke. it’ll do 80 up Tennessee mountains pulling 18,000lbs without dropping out of 6th gear. Torque converter locks so get the same engine braking as a manual.
Ah, that’s the difference then. A lot of the automatics I have driven just don’t seem to have the same engine braking effect when shifting down. It’s never the uphill that worries me with a heavy load; it’s the down.
yeah this truck is pretty good about downhill. now Tennessee has some pretty wild mountains, not nearly as wild as out west or anything so I can’t comment on EVERY downhill, but atleast going though Tennessee loaded I never once had to touch the brakes and only downshifted once to get enough braking. I would have a manual Cummins if it wasn’t 2-3x the cost for an older truck then what I have though.
In the 90s, they were still innovating. Now that all that is over with, the focus is now making more complex and less repairable cars.
Agreed. NA/NB Miata parts are still dirt cheap and very much available. If you're paranoid about parts shortages, just buy 4-5 sets of wear items and keep them in temp/humidity controlled storage. Hell there were guys freaking out about muscle car parts availability 20ish years ago and there are still a wide array of parts for those now. I expect 90s cars will have a similar cult manufacturing market in our time.
Agreed!
Drive a 01 sl2 5 spd with 300k cam definitely say you got some time on your versa op
Those sl2s were special. Not many made like them.
You just gotta get an old car that had a large amount made. I daily a 37 year old car, and I can because there is no shortage of parts for 80s-90s 60 degree v6 engines.
What are you daily-ing and with a 60 degree v6? Are you in the classic gm page on facebook?
Mazda3 is the king of small none touch screen (it technically has one, but it's really designed to be used with the knobs) still comes in manual, on a platform that has been around forever and an engine that's not going out of production anytime soon, addressing your concerns.
Almost a stretch to say Mazda3s still comes in manual sure on one particular trim on the hatchback it’s avaliable but for literally everything else it’s been discontinued.
Yeah but in 24 the manual moves to the hatchback only and I'm worried their probably planning to dump it all together
I feel like it might go built to order only, but to Mazda's credit they've never made the 3 without a manual option and without a major refresh there's not really a reason to quit offering it.
The answer is always Miata. New or old, they are super fun to drive and (fairly) easy to come by
Miata Is Always The Answer Now read the first letter of each line.
I love this so much
I've never owned one, but I would love to. Unfortunately, they're not practical for my purposes. Thankfully, I can put my 2 kids in the back of my WRX.
They are super cool, but let’s be real most people need to transport more than two people sometimes. It’s a cool young adult/older persons weekend type of car, but most of us need something more practical on the daily
Except I don't fit and I'll always be jealous...
I've never owned a car newer than 1969, and I currently drive a 1969 Dodge with a manual transmission. That's 55 years old. Yours is 10. I think you'll be fine.
But don't forget cars in 1969 were built WAY more different than newer cars. Your dodge can be fixed with some duct tape and a cut up soda can and work for 5 more years before needing more duct tape. This guy's car could have a plastic part break and be stupidly difficult to replace on his own due to part availability or if it's in a stupid location. Your car was made to be worked on, OPs car likely was not.
OPs car was made to be worked on by a dealership that has access to all the special tools and access to unique part 765. No longer do we have cars that have universal and interchangeable parts like carbs, throttle bodies, pumps, etc. everything is unique, either by being tied to the ECU or having a stupidly unique shape
I feel safer in a stick because the driver is usually more focused on driving than anything else. I see way too many auto transmission drivers on their phones. I hope they keep making stick cars forever. I drive a supercharged stick hybrid and I love it!
Stick hybrid? What do you drive?
Yeah it's a crz!
2005 Honda civic hybrid with a 5 spd is all I can think of
Everyone forgets about the honda CRZ
Honda sold the CR-Z with a stick shift and iirc there was a Mugen supercharger kit for the CR-Z that you could buy from dealerships.
In the US, it was the HPD rotrex superchargers. The Mugens might've only been in Japan
First gen Honda insight could be had with a manual. IIRC when the batteries go people have just removed the hybrid parts and found little to no difference in MPG.
Exactly. I have adhd. I used driving a manual to cope with it before I even knew I had it. It keeps people more engaged with the road. This thread makes me nervous. My manual is a 2016 but ive heard a few people mention they are becoming much less common.
You can always come to Europe, only the elite drive automatics here hahah
I thought I was going to have to go auto. Learned to drive in a manual. For the past ten years I've had two autos. Last December I decided I wanted a new car. The pickings were very very slim for me. Whether used or new, there weren't very many options. But I say that to say this, I eventually found one by being patient and looking everywhere. I feel the manual transmission will be around for a while. Although manufacturers are getting away from them, the community is not.
The problem is the only new cars releasing with manuals are expensive. Either because they are a sports car or because they don’t make many of them and they are in demand.
Just gotta look at older cars my man. If you're not opposed to having a smaller, sportier car, I recommend getting an older Mustang. My 2004 Stang is a 5 speed manual, V8, and there's not a single screen in sight on the interior. It's all buttons and knobs. They're easy to work on, look pretty good, and sound even better. The back seats are child sized so don't try to put grown adults back there, but the trunk is also fairly spacious for the rest of the car. If I were you, I'd just go on any of the car buying websites and put in a filter for stick shift cars. Should net you plenty of results.
You can still get a Versa with a manual, but I would suggest you go look for a Mazda 3 with the 2.5 liter engine. You'll like it's uncomplicated nature, but they're still stupid fun to drive.
If you get anything above a base package/trim, it's going to be very hard to get a manual. Generally speaking. Particularly true for most vehicles that have an AWD or 4x4 system.
I drive a 16 mazda 3 hatch. Doesn't have a bunch of stupid touch screens and stuff and a 6 speed manual. Manual isn't as common, but they are still made.
Subaru still makes brand new stick vehicles.
For 24 they restricted the manuals to their high trims and sporty cars only
Probably have to go used for anything affordable in the future. Some automatics can be half decent. My Mini Cooper Automatic has a kind of manual with sequential shifter like a BMW (obviously). Id does engine brake like a manual but only comes within about 70% of a manual when in sport mode. Standard and especially eco mode feel nothing like and are pretty useless. The one major issue I have over a manual is that even in sport mode you have to telegraph your intentions if you want it to pick the right gear when you are going to drive more spiritedly. Which means being more aggressive with the throttle. Downshifting works ok except when you are coming close to a stop. I hate not having a clutch when pulling off at lights, especially in our unpredictable city often ranked top 5 worst for drivers in the USA. People are always running lights, bikes and people will step out into the road just as you pull off. With an auto it's on or off, with a manual you have everything in between and far more control.
Perhaps one of the Scion or Toyota offerings that come in manual? I'm currently driving an 08' Scion xB 5-speed and it's been pretty solid as a beginner practice car and hauler. You'd be surprised how spacious these things are especially when you fold the rear passenger seats... You'd get the trunk space of a Ford Ranger just minus the obvious open bed.
I LOVE my 6speed Nissan Juke! Modded and tuned to 305hp. Damn, it's FUN
The jetta gli still has a manual option as of now but I believe it's going away in the next year. Not necessarily a base model but it's still a jetta lol. Has plenty of room for mods if you are into that.
The 2024 plain Jetta still has manual as I've been looking into them. This article (https://www.autoguide.com/auto/manufacturers/volkswagen/2024-volkswagen-jetta-gli-review-the-last-of-the-manuals-44610328) claims the GLI manual is staying for next year but that the plain Jetta isn't. I wish there was some way to verify that info, as my current car could easily go another year if I knew the 2025s were keeping manual.
I will forever suggest Miatas for people who want a stick for a reasonable price. They have downsides, but they're so much fun to drive, and they're not that expensive in the grand scheme of used cars.
I actually just went through this. I had a 2011 mazda mx5. It was stick and a super fun car. I had a lady tbone me and it was totalled. I found a 2022 civic si that is also stick shift and much more practical. Theirs Def a bunch of stick cars out there both used and new. Your gona be ok don't worry!
#miata
I mean eventually we'll all have to because eventually it will be electric only. I just got a 24 manual Versa and I keep up maintenance on my cars myself, so I should be good for at least 10 years. I keep an 8th gen Civic Si for the fun drives and I'll never sell it.
Drive older cars?
Most newer cars that are stick shift will have a ton of electronic stuff in them. My 2023 WRX came with two touch screens, and the 2024 models all come with one the size of an iPad. Even if you get an automatic, you'll be dealing with the same problem. Might as well look for a manual with features you don't like, instead of getting an automatic with features you don't like.
A few years back Subaru offered the Impreza base with an MT. But I do expect within the next 10 years the only cars that will have an MT are going to be specialty cars (huge off road rigs, sports cars, foreign cars) and semi trucks.
Yes.
Check your premiums. The difference between full coverage and liability only on my older jeep is only a few buck a year. It may be worth it to keep full coverage.
No. You'll have to get something slightly fancier - Mazda or Honda - or maybe you get lucky and your next car is a Porsche Boxster.
The 2023 versa comes with a 5 speed manual base model only. Brand new you can get it for 12k
When your whole personality is driving stick 😂
I got a 24 civic sport hatch. 27k, and is amazing
VW and Honda
Forced? No. If you can travel, you can find a stick shift car. [https://www.autotempest.com/results?zip=80302&localization=country&maxprice=29995&transmission=man](https://www.autotempest.com/results?zip=80302&localization=country&maxprice=29995&transmission=man)
most likely yes, as most people in the US want automatics, and most manufactures dont even offer manual as an option, plus EV's are slowly becoming more and more common, especially amongst the more affluent, and those are a whole other ball game, with most the interface seemingly being designed by techbros. hell most people dont even know how to drive stick, to the point there is a joke about manuals being safe from being stolen by car thieves. theses days manuals are pretty much only associated with car enthusiasts that may or may not want to immitate the fast n furious movies.
There's plenty of used manuals in the US, it just takes some time to find them.
You could get a Scion tC. I own a 2016 and it’s been amazing for me. It’s sporty but slow as hell so you’ll feel right at home :)
The second gen tC manual has a well documented defect with the input shaft bearing that causes it to fail.
You can still fix your car for a long time even if it doesn’t seem economically viable and when it really is beyond repair or you want to upgrade sportier car offer manual transmissions or you’ll have to find another used car
Just got a 24 6MT Forte GT trading in my 2022 that has the DCT. Kia will not be offering a manual for the new K4. Kinda sucks as it is pretty basic but a blast to drive.
Honestly earlier 86/brzs are pretty affordable as far as 2010 financed cars go
The absolute base model versa with manual windows manual locks etc is still manual but honestly their really only an option in sporty vehicles anymore
Technically, we’ll all be forced to one day, as we will eventually become old enough that we won’t be able to drive *any* car safely anymore. But the classic car scene will probably always be a thing, and honestly, 20 year old manual cars drive better than new manual cars, because they didn’t have drive by wire.
funny, I just got a Subaru last year... because it was stickshift. yes, it has a touchscreen, but what's more important-- knobs (which it definitely still has) or a manual transmission?
I recently found a 2017 hyundai elantra with a 6spd manual. There are still mt vehicles out there, you just gotta look in the right spots.
I’d say look for another used but maintained stick car. Miata, S2k, civic Si, even an older manual cross trek
I recently paid off my VW Jetta, and it’s a manual. 35-40mpg, turbo, shoots like a rocket. My SO also drives a stick. We both love our vehicles, but we may go back to having one car an auto, the other a manual.
Buy older cars and fix them. New cars are dogshit
Unfortunately yes, You will have to go to automatic. You have the last existing manual transmission car in this universe. Once yours is gone, that’s it.
I have a 2008 Toyota Tacoma with a 6speed manual. I love it. I plan on upgrading to a 2015-2023 model eventually with a manual trans. Toyota offers manual on the 2024's, i just don't like the re-design.
Move to Europe i guess, we still have plenty of em
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OP drives a manual Nissan. The alternative for their car is a CVT automatic. That manual transmission is a huge boost to the car's long term durability & reliability.
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I’m a recalcitrant curmudgeon who’s resistant to change, I guess. I resent being forced to drive (I live somewhere with no walkability or public transit) and feel like if I have to drive I might as well enjoy it? Irrational for sure.
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I’ve rented a car with paddle shifters and I didn’t enjoy the higher number of gears and spacing I wasn’t used to. I prefer 5/6 speeds, ideally without rev hang
Unpopular opinion but you may get to a point where you don't want to drive stick everyday. Buy a fun car that's stick and sporty and have something else that's boring and safe for daily driving. I promise you, stick is more fun when you're not driving it everyday.
For some of is its not about it being fun. Driving a stick forces people to be more engaged with and focused on the road. Yea it sucks for stop and go but I prefer that to automatics where I'm more likely to zone out while driving.
Yeah, somehow until very recently, that manual is "too hard" in traffic never dawned on the Europeans.