Can You Still Buy a Manual Transmission Car?
Yes, but it’s getting harder
The short answer is yes, you can still buy a manual transmission car. However, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find them new. In 2020, only about 2% of new cars sold in the United States were equipped with a manual transmission. This is down from 10% in 2010 and 20% in 2000.
There are a few reasons for this decline. First, automatic transmissions have become much more efficient and sophisticated in recent years. They can now shift gears as quickly and smoothly as a manual transmission, and they offer a number of other advantages, such as hill-start assist and adaptive cruise control.
Second, many drivers simply don’t know how to drive a manual transmission. This is especially true for younger drivers, who have grown up in an era of automatic cars.
What cars come with a manual transmission?
If you’re looking for a new car with a manual transmission, you’ll have a limited number of choices. Here are a few of the most popular models:
- Mazda MX-5 Miata
- Subaru WRX
- Ford Mustang
- Chevrolet Camaro
- Dodge Challenger
You may also be able to find a manual transmission car from other manufacturers, but it will likely be more difficult.
Is it worth it to buy a manual transmission car?
Whether or not it’s worth it to buy a manual transmission car is a personal decision. There are pros and cons to both manual and automatic transmissions.
Here are some of the advantages of a manual transmission:
- More engaging driving experience. Many drivers find that driving a manual transmission car is more engaging and enjoyable than driving an automatic.
- Better fuel economy. Manual transmission cars typically get better gas mileage than automatic transmission cars.
- Less expensive to repair. Manual transmissions are generally less expensive to repair than automatic transmissions.
Here are some of the disadvantages of a manual transmission:
- More difficult to learn to drive. Driving a manual transmission car requires more skill than driving an automatic.
- Less convenient in stop-and-go traffic. Shifting gears in stop-and-go traffic can be tiring.
- Not as common as automatic transmissions. It can be difficult to find a new car with a manual transmission, and they may be more expensive than automatic transmission cars.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy a manual transmission car is a personal one. If you enjoy driving and are willing to learn how to drive a manual, then it could be a good option for you. However, if you prefer convenience and ease of use, then an automatic transmission car may be a better choice.