Standard transmission

[cornfieldj]

We might be looking at a car purchase in the next year or so. We always buy used - if this sounds super obvious please don't jump all over me - but our MO is to look for a fairly new used car with very low miles. So much cheaper than a new car.

The problem is, we'd like a standard transmission. We once had to dump a car because of the automatic trans because it was just so crazy expensive to fix or replace. I learned to drive standard, and it was great.

Here we are again, with auto transmission -- because we just could not find any used cars that were standard. And it looks like the transmission might be on its way out.

Any ideas? Any thoughts on whether it's even possible to get a car with a standard transmission?

About the only positive right now in having auto is that our 16-year-old son will most likely learn to drive soon. Not that excited about having him touch a standard transmission : )

Thanks for any advice or suggestions!

[msomnipotent]

I just read something about this recently. Automakers have to meet certain MPG requirements, and most are using CVT or similar transmissions to do it. But I have also read that gov is thinking of rolling back the requirements, so you may be in luck. If you ever buy a new car, you might be able to order a stick shift. I remember when you used to have to pay extra for automatic and sometimes had to order it, but now the opposite is true.

[kork13]

I absolutely detest automatic transmissions. I simply refuse to buy a car (for myself) without a standard transmission. You have far more control and capability to use the car with a standard. My wife got a Toyota Rav4 recently (automatic), and I hate driving it, almost exclusively due to the auto transmission.

The hardest part is finding models that actually offer standard as an option. Almost no SUVs do (base model Subaru Forester & Mazda CX-5 are the only ones I've found). Mazda 6 is a mid-size outlier with it as well. They're more common in compact/hatchback cars, such as the Civic, Carolla, Golf, Focus, Impreza, Mazda 3, Mini Cooper, etc. They're also more common in sport models, such as Civic Si, Impreza WRX, Chevy SS, Corvette, Mustang, BMW M3/M5, etc.

Once you know the make/model that you're after, then you can scour the area & internet to find one with manual. It's possible, just difficult. Car buying services like CarMax do make it easier, at a slight premium.

Good luck in your search!

[disneysteve]

Only about 5% of cars sold in the US are manuals. I'm sure that will make finding used ones a challenge when the supply is that small.

Here's a good article about why manuals are fading away.

https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/best-cars-blog/2016/09/Why_Are_Manual_Transmissions_Disappearing/

[Like2Plan]

When I was shopping for a car about 5 years ago, I believe it was the Subaru WRX that only came in a standard transmission.

DS, that article is interesting. My first 3 cars were standard transmission (due to cost considerations). But, it is weird that standard is even hard to find on a pickup truck. ( I'm glad to have an automatic in the area where we currently live ....too much stop and go traffic. )

[JBinKC]

I am indifferent I have had both. If you do your homework on avoiding problem models and perform the scheduled maintenance you shouldn't have an issue. Problem is most people totally neglect the transmission.

If you are still concerned replace the pan with one that has a drain plug and change the ATF more often.

[greenskeeper]

I just read something about this recently. Automakers have to meet certain MPG requirements, and most are using CVT or similar transmissions to do it. But I have also read that gov is thinking of rolling back the requirements, so you may be in luck.

Has nothing to do with MPG requirements and all to do with lazy drivers who don't order a manual transmission when purchasing new. It is cost prohibitive to build both an automatic and manual transmission version of the same car if you're going to be selling at a 90/10 ratio of auto/manual.

[greenskeeper]

I am indifferent I have had both. If you do your homework on avoiding problem models and perform the scheduled maintenance you shouldn't have an issue. Problem is most people totally neglect the transmission.

An automatic transmission is a "wear item" by the way it is constructed. It WILL wear out and most die between 100-150k miles even with good service intervals. The longest lasting automatic transmissions are the ones that do primarily highway miles where the TC is locked for miles on end.

A manual transmission has practically zero wear when in gear, and the clutch is the "wear item" which can relatively easily be replaced.

My 99 F250 has a manual transmission. Original clutch was replaced at 230k miles as it was used for towing. The manual transmission is original and still going strong, shifting fine with zero grinds at 246k miles and counting.

[annibe11e]

I know you want to buy used, but I bought my KIA Soul brand new off the lot with a manual transmission. It was cheaper than the automatic and I prefer it.

I just went to my local KIA website and searched their used inventory. A lot of the vehicles have this:

Transmission: automatic with manual mode and floor shifter

[AJSimon]

Has nothing to do with MPG requirements and all to do with lazy drivers who don't order a manual transmission when purchasing new. It is cost prohibitive to build both an automatic and manual transmission version of the same car if you're going to be selling at a 90/10 ratio of auto/manual.

So, do I understand this right? If you're willing to wait for the automaker to build it out, you can buy a car new and ask them to special order one that's a stick shift?

[greenskeeper]

So, do I understand this right? If you're willing to wait for the automaker to build it out, you can buy a car new and ask them to special order one that's a stick shift?

If the manufacturer has the as an option. Most don't even offer 3 pedals anymore.