HawthorneVillager.com

My current car is getting up there in age and kms (2.0T Jetta), and I find myself a bit low on options for buying a new car that has a manual transmission (real manual, not the tiptronic wannabe stuff). Looking around, I'm finding my options limited to VW/Audi, Hyundai, Honda. The kinds of cars I'm looking at would be Passat/Sonata/Accord, etc. Something that can seat 3 kids at the back and are a comfortable ride for a 1 hour commute. Lexus for example, has manual options but not in FWD(front wheel drive) or AWD options. I don't want a RWD (long commute that sometimes takes me on unplowed side streets, I don't want to worry about weather). The other annoying part is that most dealers don't keep manual transmissions as demo models to drive around, so I can't even get a feel for them before I buy. I heard Hyundai manual transmissions aren't so good (reverse is awkward). So my question is, are there other options that I'm not considering that would expand my choices? Does anybody know of dealers that stock manual transmissions for a test drive?

I would prefer to go with new, particularly because finding the right car with a manual transmission is rare unless I happen to get exactly what I want. Even then, I don't know how much abuse the clutch received.

How about the new Mazda 6? It looks amazing, has an updated 6 sp manual. The engine is similar to the competition, but a bit better - 2.5l, but max torque comes in early, around 3k, also really good mileage. Plus lots of goodies on the mid-range model (blind-spot monitoring, dual-zone climate, 5.8" screen, rear camera, push button).

I'm currently driving a manual Mazda 3 and I love it!

Subaru Legacy or Forester?
the base 2.5L engines on both are decent and come in 5spd.

I actually do like the new VW/Audi DSG transmissions though. They're not slushboxes, they're actual "automatic manuals". Nice and direct and you'll be amazed how fast it shifts. Even rev-matches on downshift!

Acura tl type s
I have an Si sedan its a bit tight in the back with 2 kids and a newborn
Nissan maxima
G37 s awd

_________________

We have the Audi A4 Sedan. It' is a really nice car. It is a "real standard" car, all wheel drive, and a beast in snow.

You should seriously look into the Audi's

G 37 is a nice car, great size, but the OP is looking for a "real standard". The G 37 doesn't come in a real standard, the coup does but I don't thing the Op wants to put all the kids in a coup. Mine you the G 37 is a good choice it was our last car, we did really enjoy it and had no probems with it.

The problem in North America is most people don't buy manuals, and the car companies have to work off the sales analytics and make business decisions accordingly. Sucks for people who like driving manual. If everyone had to drive a manual, they'd be forced to be more alert on the road.

The Nissan Maximas unfortunately do not come with a manual transmission after 2006. The new Honda Accord comes in a manual V6 which would be cool, as does the Acura TSX.
Don't rule out buying used, because you'll save on depreciation and you'll have more choice. You can tell if a clutch is crap by how much pedal uptake you need (or any shudders) on the test-drive. Look for a 2008 Acura TL Type S, some Subarus, previous-generation Nissan Altimas, Mazda 6, Mercedes-Benz C-Class (great manual transmission), BMW 3-Series, and the Cadillac CTS.

_________________
What is the difference between ignorance and apathy? I don't know and I don't care.

You are incorrect, the the G37 sedan does come in a "real" standard, a 6sp manual.

_________________
What is the difference between ignorance and apathy? I don't know and I don't care.

Ah, the A4. It's the car that has my heart, but the $10K jump in price above all other contenders makes it just out of my reach at the moment. The other problem is the premium fuel requirement. I have a very long commute and the increased cost of premium fuel is another barrier. Do you use premium? I've looked on-line for people driving it on regular to see if it's a good idea, and it doesn't appear to be..

Really maybe it didn't when we purchase ours, cause I can't see my husband picking manual over standard. Our g37 came with a manual that converts to standard... but they suck. We never once drove it like this always just kept it in manual.

Damn, that Mazda 6 is one sweet looking car, great interior, engine specs and some great reviews! Certainly up there on my list now, thanks.

Hi justagirl. The terms "manual" and "standard" mean the same thing in terms of shift gears yourself, with a clutch pedal. The fake manuals, the ones that you speak of, are usually called "Tip-tronic" or "manumatic," and those ones are the ones that do indeed suck, lol.

_________________
What is the difference between ignorance and apathy? I don't know and I don't care.

As great as the G37 is, at that price range I'd much rather get the A4

OP did not mention the budget.. but the A4/G37 is not in the "new Sonata/Accord" range! I'm biased towards Mazda, but I think it's one of the best "driver's car" in its price range. The $40k range is a different game (not mine...)!

Opps I meant automatic



My husband has traded his G37 in for the A4. He really likes the A4, feels it is a better car. But the infinity was nice, and it is a larger car. If you want to put 3 little ones in the back seat, the A4 does not have a lot of room back there.
I on the other hand drive a mini van We have 4 kids