# I want a manual transmission on my new (used) car! **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [May 19, 2005, 12:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-manual-transmission-on-my-new-used-car/304509 "2005-05-19T00:22:58Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![FilmGeek](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/b19c9b/32.png) [@FilmGeek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FilmGeek)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2005, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-manual-transmission-on-my-new-used-car/304509/21 "2005-05-19T17:20:36Z")
You can’t get someone to order you a manual? I had mine shipped in from a neighboring state because they had one with my options and manual trans. **Geobabe** you should check out the Mazda6 sport wagon. Sexy. 🙂 (i’m not really a shill for mazda, I just love my new car) ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2005, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-manual-transmission-on-my-new-used-car/304509/22 "2005-05-19T17:22:13Z")
Count me in as a manual dude. > [@cardsfan1975](#): > > The other “deal breaker” on my next car is body type. If it’s a sedan, I’m moving on. I wants me a coupe! Forgive my ignorance, but what’s the difference? ---
**Author:** ![E-Sabbath](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e19adc/32.png) [@E-Sabbath](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E-Sabbath)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2005, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-manual-transmission-on-my-new-used-car/304509/23 "2005-05-19T17:46:44Z")
Coupes have two doors, sedans have four. Some sedans are ‘coup styled’ these days, with a fuller rear and less trunk. I’ve discovered that insofar as driving in the city and parking in lots, sedan doors are favored as they’re shorter. Also, insurance is less. To hell with coupe versus Sedan. Get the best performance you can for the price you can afford. Sedans might just be cheaper. ---
**Author:** ![Trunk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/87869e/32.png) [@Trunk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trunk)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2005, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-manual-transmission-on-my-new-used-car/304509/24 "2005-05-19T18:06:11Z")
Subaru definitely makes a lot of models with a stick. I have an Impreza. Similar car to the Civic, the Mazda 3, and that little Mitsubishi. I also live in a city and drive through heavy traffic every day. I’m not so bothered in the city. I love having the choice to under-gear on the two lane city streets and be able to zip into openings. When I-95 is stop-and-go, though, that kills me. The pace starts picking up. . .if I upshift, traffic slams their brakes on. If I don’t upshift because I think the pace is staying the same, all of a sudden it takes off and I rev it up, then right when I shift. . .traffic stops again. :mad: ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2005, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-manual-transmission-on-my-new-used-car/304509/25 "2005-05-19T18:20:57Z")
> [@Geobabe](#): > > Oh lord, the lack of sticks makes me weep sometimes. Especially now that I’m pregnant with twins; just try finding a station wagon with a stick, they don’t exist. Subaru! We drove the Forester when we were car shopping. Nice car. The only problem was that the clutch on that sucker was loooong. I couldn’t push it all the way in without having the seat all the way up. Weird. May be adjustable, though. ---
**Author:** ![Misnomer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/misnomer/32/14897_2.png) [@Misnomer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Misnomer)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2005, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-manual-transmission-on-my-new-used-car/304509/26 "2005-05-19T18:55:54Z")
For the longest time, I had a homemade sign in the back window of my car that said “Real women know how to handle a stick.” 😃 > [@jsgoddess](#): > > I couldn’t push it all the way in without having the seat all the way up. At 5’3", I have that problem in most cars: people are forever asking me why I sit so close to the steering wheel. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2005, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-manual-transmission-on-my-new-used-car/304509/27 "2005-05-19T19:58:58Z")
The weird thing about reading this thread is, both my wife and I learned to drive stickshifts because we’d each found a great used car that we really wanted, only it was a standard! Back in early 1987, a friend of mine was selling an '82 Ram 50 pickup truck, in great shape with ~55K miles, for $3000. Couldn’t resist - but I’d never driven a standard. So I learned, on the spot. Never looked back. In late 1990, my wife (who was then my fiancee)'s car died, and we went shopping for a replacement. The '86 Accord was perfect - but it was a stick, and she’d never driven a stick. I told her I’d teach her, and I did. And she’d never dream of buying an automatic now. ---
**Author:** ![MacTech](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c0e974/32.png) [@MacTech](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacTech)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2005, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-manual-transmission-on-my-new-used-car/304509/28 "2005-05-19T20:20:52Z")
So i’m not the only manual-only fanatic out there, great! Manual divers of the world, unite, let the world know that not everyone likes sludgeboxes Manual-only’s also a dealbreaker for me, when i go car shopping, the first thing i tell the salesdrone is “don’t bother showing me anything with an automatic, i’m not interested in them, you’d be wasting your time and mine” if i was CEO of a car company, i would mandate that _ALL_ vehicles produced will have a manual tranny as standard equipment, sludgematics would be double-extra-cost option, and would be configured for slow, bloated performance (in other words, the _normal_ performance of a scudmatic 😉 ) ---
**Author:** ![bauble](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/f6c823/32.png) [@bauble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bauble)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2005, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-manual-transmission-on-my-new-used-car/304509/29 "2005-05-19T20:22:48Z")
Just wanted to say I’m in agreement with all of the pro-stick people here. I flew from KC to Sacramento so that I could get a 5-speed T-bird (not an expensive car, but hard to find) and wouldn’t dream of ever going back to an automatic. ---
**Author:** ![Necros](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/necros/32/11086_2.png) [@Necros](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Necros)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2005, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-manual-transmission-on-my-new-used-car/304509/30 "2005-05-19T20:37:42Z")
Yeah, well, you think buying a stick shift car is difficult, try SELLING a stick shift car. I have a 2003 Cadillac CTS that I have been trying to sell, but it’s almost impossible, short of giving it away. I have gotten few calls on it, and even one guy who said “I hoped the ‘manual transmission’ part was a typo.” :rolleyes: In the US, at least, people just don’t want sticks. It’s hard to talk on a cell phone, apply makeup and drink your Ultra Gulp when you have to shift too, so people aren’t interested. Crazyness. Anyone want to buy a beautiful used CTS in a manual tranny? 😉 ---
**Author:** ![flight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/bbce88/32.png) [@flight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flight)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2005, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-manual-transmission-on-my-new-used-car/304509/31 "2005-05-19T21:00:04Z")
> [@jsgoddess](#): > > Subaru! > > We drove the Forester when we were car shopping. Nice car. The only problem was that the clutch on that sucker was loooong. I couldn’t push it all the way in without having the seat all the way up. Weird. May be adjustable, though. My girlfriend’s last car was a station wagon (manual) and her current car is a Forester (manual). She loves it and it gives her everything she liked about the wagon. In fact, the best way to describe it is as a combination between a wagon and an SUV. ---
**Author:** ![MacTech](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c0e974/32.png) [@MacTech](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacTech)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2005, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-manual-transmission-on-my-new-used-car/304509/32 "2005-05-19T21:51:55Z")
> [@Necros](#): > > Yeah, well, you think buying a stick shift car is difficult, try SELLING a stick shift car. I have a 2003 Cadillac CTS that I have been trying to sell, but it’s almost impossible, short of giving it away. I have gotten few calls on it, and even one guy who said “I hoped the ‘manual transmission’ part was a typo.” :rolleyes: > > In the US, at least, people just don’t want sticks. It’s hard to talk on a cell phone, apply makeup and drink your Ultra Gulp when you have to shift too, so people aren’t interested. Crazyness. > > Anyone want to buy a beautiful used CTS in a manual tranny? 😉 not interested, but i also wasn’t aware that Cadillac (Motto; “Most of our cars double as boats”) even _MADE_ a car with a manual, \Fascinating!\ my ignorance about Cadillac cars has been fought, thanks 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Rick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9f8e36/32.png) [@Rick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2005, 11:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-manual-transmission-on-my-new-used-car/304509/33 "2005-05-19T23:32:16Z")
> [@Geobabe](#): > > Oh lord, the lack of sticks makes me weep sometimes. Especially now that I’m pregnant with twins; just try finding a station wagon with a stick, they don’t exist. We have a RAV4, which will do just fine, but we were hoping to replace my Ranger pickup with something that could also be used to transport the chilluns. Ain’t gonna happen. Le sigh. **Geobabe** a new mother need a wagon to haul all that baby formula home. So here is a [wagon](http://new.volvocars.com/r/us_index.asp) that really hauls. 300 HP and six different ways to go forward. 😃 Shifts like butter and goes like stink. ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2005, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-manual-transmission-on-my-new-used-car/304509/34 "2005-05-20T15:09:44Z")
> [@Necros](#): > > \Anyone want to buy a beautiful used CTS in a manual tranny? 😉 Um, yes. That’s a purdy car you got there. You know, Calgary is beautiful this time of year. You should consider driving your car up here, selling it to someone who lives here for a very reasonable price, and flying back to where you’re from. These are not the droids you’re looking for. ---
**Author:** ![Geobabe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/geobabe/32/3908_2.png) [@Geobabe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Geobabe)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2005, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-manual-transmission-on-my-new-used-car/304509/35 "2005-05-20T15:43:02Z")
> [@Rick](#): > > **Geobabe** a new mother need a wagon to haul all that baby formula home. So here is a [wagon](http://new.volvocars.com/r/us_index.asp) that really hauls. 300 HP and six different ways to go forward. 😃 > Shifts like butter and goes like stink. Nice! Just a teeeeeeeensy bit out of our price range, though. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![E-Sabbath](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e19adc/32.png) [@E-Sabbath](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E-Sabbath)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2005, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-manual-transmission-on-my-new-used-car/304509/36 "2005-05-20T15:58:53Z")
Once again, my Matrix XRS. Six speed, manual only, holds more than a WRX wagon. Good mileage, back seats fold flat, 190 horsepower and the world’s strangest power curve. 19k, 190 horsepower. Same engine they put in the Lotus Elise and the Celica GT-S. ---
**Author:** ![Big\_Norse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/big_norse/32/9954_2.png) [@Big\_Norse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Big_Norse)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2005, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-manual-transmission-on-my-new-used-car/304509/37 "2005-05-20T16:01:31Z")
Good luck trying to find a USED car with a manual transmission. With my current car I had to switch to automatic for the first time in my life because I couldn’t find a used manual at any price. I live near an “Automobile Row” with dozens of dealers and I found only ONE used car with a manual transmission, and the clutch was bad. Next time I’m buying new and custom ordering a car with manual. ---
**Author:** ![bouv](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bc8723/32.png) [@bouv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bouv)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2005, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-manual-transmission-on-my-new-used-car/304509/38 "2005-05-20T18:28:39Z")
**Geobabe** - Another poster will recomend you a Subaru. Check out the [WRX Wagon](http://www.subaru.com/shop/configurator/step2.jsp?year=2005&model=IMPREZA&trim=WRX_SPORT_WAGON). Subaru seems to be one of the few companies left that is not exclusively a luxery/sport manufactorer that still beleives in making manual versions of all their cars. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2005, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-manual-transmission-on-my-new-used-car/304509/39 "2005-05-20T18:47:49Z")
I like the one with the woman speaking with a very pronounced southern accent. Get it: wink, wink. Even red staters don’t like what the Pubs are doing. Very clever. Very devious. Divide and conquer! This is actually kind of fun, seeing both sides at their most self-righteous best. Chris Matthews has had some great debates on Hardball lately. And the funny thing is, this is all over a few circuit court judges. Just think what it’s going to be like when we get to the real thing. ---
**Author:** ![Necros](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/necros/32/11086_2.png) [@Necros](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Necros)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2005, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-manual-transmission-on-my-new-used-car/304509/40 "2005-05-20T18:51:56Z")
> [@featherlou](#): > > Um, yes. That’s a purdy car you got there. You know, Calgary is beautiful this time of year. You should consider driving your car up here, selling it to someone who lives here for a very reasonable price, and flying back to where you’re from. These are not the droids you’re looking for. Not sure if you’re joking or not. I’d absolutely be willing to drive it up there to you, though I’m not sure what the regulations are on bringing cars into Canada and leaving them there. I’d love to visit Calgary. 🙂 If you are serious, shoot me an email (it’s publicly available) and I’ll point you toward the AutoTrader ad, and you can see if it’s in your price range. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-manual-transmission-on-my-new-used-car/304509.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-manual-transmission-on-my-new-used-car/304509.md?page=3)